When Should I Consult My Doctor for Vaginal Discharge?
A healthy vaginal discharge is a natural part of the process. A typical vaginal environment is acidic due to naturally present bacteria. Vaginas create fluids as part of their self-cleaning process, which ultimately travels down as regular discharge. Vaginal secretions are common in women during and after puberty. Vaginal mucus, in fact, plays a crucial function in assisting women in becoming pregnant. It also helps to protect a developing fetus.
It's natural to question if the color or consistency of vaginal discharge is normal or should be examined out. Vaginal discharge comes in a variety of hues, some of which signify a healthy body. A typical discharge is clear, hazy white, or light yellowish in appearance. White specks or thin, stringy discharge are common in normal discharge.
A dramatic spike in vaginal secretions, accompanied by smelly discharge and profuse or coloured discharge, may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate attention. Towards the middle of your menstrual cycle, discharge may become heavier. Menopause-related changes in the thickness of the vaginal walls might make discharge look heavier or more regular.
Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Normal monthly vaginal secretions are not the same as abnormal vaginal discharge. It may be accompanied by burning, itching, or both, as well as a pungent stench. This type of discharge should not be overlooked because it indicates a condition that requires attention.
An excess of typical vaginal bacteria can sometimes cause illness. Itching and discharge are also possible side effects. For example, a yeast infection is uncomfortable and unpleasant. In some situations, the virus is spread through sexual contact.
Colours of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
It is important to understand what the colours of the discharge mean, especially if they indicate an abnormality. While white vaginal discharge is largely a healthy sign, if the consistency is like cottage cheese, or associated with a strong odour, it can be a yeast infection. A slight yellow discharge may not be very concerning and may be a result of a change in diet, but a darker hue indicates a bacterial infection. Pink discharge maybe associated with spotting or after ovulation. Grey discharge is a symptom of bacterial infection that can be accompanied by itching, irritation, a strong odour and redness around the vulva.
Colour |
Indication |
|---|---|
| Clear |
|
| White |
|
| Grey |
|
| Yellow-Green |
|
| Pink |
|
| Red |
|
When to See a Doctor for Vaginal Discharge?
Consult a doctor if you have a watery discharge that is coloured with blood that does not develop around the time of menstruation (either before or after). If you have symptoms or concerns about abnormal vaginal discharge, you should consult a gynaecologist within one day. Especially if it has a foul odour or is an unusual colour, such as grey, green, or yellow, as mentioned above.
If you experience an abnormal vaginal discharge that is followed by any of the symptoms listed below, you should consult a doctor.
- Fatigued
- Vaginal discharge that is yellow or green in colour
- Abdominal pain that lasts longer than 2 hours is severe
- Any illness surrounding the vaginal area that can be seen
- Severe rash or vaginal pain
Your vaginal discharge may appear to fluctuate for a variety of reasons. Emotional trauma, nutritional changes, pregnancy, drugs (including birth control pills) are examples of these. While increased frequency can be irritating, it is common in many instances.
