Vaginal or menstrual discharge is normal for girls. White discharge starts 1-2 years before menstruation in most girls. It usually continues after a certain age until menstruation stops forever or until menopause.
A change in the normal amount, color and smell of the discharge can be cause for alarm. In that case, it is necessary to get proper treatment quickly. Many people have very little knowledge due to shyness in this matter. As a result, many people do not receive treatment on time even if they are sick. Many people worry about white discharge even after being healthy due to lack of proper understanding.
Why does white discharge occur?
White discharge does not harm the body, but by producing white discharge in the female body, the body performs two important functions—
- Helps keep the menstrual tract moist and clean
- Protects against infection in the menstrual tract
Without accurate information about the amount of discharge, many people fear that they are having excessive white discharge. Many people believe that excessive white discharge causes problems such as poor health and feeling weak. Want to know how to stop white discharge from such idea. These ideas are completely baseless.
How much white discharge is normal?
The amount of white discharge can vary from person to person. Excess white discharge for another may be normal for you. Again, the same person may discharge different amounts at different times of the month. This happens due to the variation in the amount of hormones in the body.
Usually 2 to 5 milliliters of white discharge per day is normal. But sometimes it can be more or less. Below is a comparison between 2 ml and 5 ml amounts in sanitary pads. Although there seems to be a lot of difference between the two quantities, both quantities are normal.
Image: Left pad shows 5 ml discharge and right pad shows 2 ml discharge. Orange juice has been used for ease of illustration.
Type of white discharge
There can be different changes in the density of the discharge at different times of the menstrual cycle. The discharge is usually thin, but can sometimes be thick and sticky. At one point in the month, the discharge may be as thick as egg whites. At that time the discharge does not break easily even if the discharge is enlarged by a few inches with the finger. Having intercourse during such a discharge increases the chances of conception. Normal discharge can be basically of two colors—clear and colorless or milky white. The clear and colorless discharge may turn white or yellow on exposure to air. Normal discharge has no foul smell. Read more: Period pain Excessive white dischargeAlmost everyone has a more or less idea of how much discharge is normal for themselves. It is important to consult a doctor if you start to have more white discharge than what is normal for you. The following five cases can naturally cause excess white discharge—
However, if the white discharge suddenly increases to an abnormal amount, it can be a sign of infection in the menstrual tract. If proper treatment is not taken in time, infection in other organs including the uterus may occur and various complications may arise due to pregnancy. Abnormal discharge Five types of discharge require immediate medical attention. This type of discharge can be a sign of an infection—even a serious disease like cancer. 1. White colored wheel wheel dischargeIn this case, the white discharge looks like curd or cheese and is white and round. However, there is usually no odor. Fungal infections in the vagina can cause this abnormal white discharge. It is also known as 'yeast infection' by many. |
This disease can occur when the number of beneficial bacteria in the vagina decreases and the number of a type of fungus increases. For example, taking antibiotics for an illness can kill the good bacteria in the menstrual tract. This disease can occur if the fungus multiplies on that occasion.
In this case the following symptoms are seen —
- Excessive white discharge
- Profuse itching and burning around the vagina
- Pain or discomfort during urination and intercourse
Fungal infection in the vagina is nothing to fear. It can be cured easily if you take prompt treatment as advised by the doctor.
In this case, the doctor can give oral or menstrual medicine. This type of fungal infection usually resolves within 1–2 weeks of starting treatment.
However, in some cases, this disease occurs repeatedly. For example, uncontrolled diabetes can recur. So if this problem occurs repeatedly, it is better to check whether diabetes is present or not. Repeated infections may require longer treatment—up to 6 months.
Follow the tips mentioned at the end of the article to prevent infection.
Read more: Answers to common questions about diabetes
Read more: Various health complications of diabetes and what to do
2. Gray discharge
A type of vaginal infection causes a gray or ash-colored discharge. This is called 'Bacterial Vaginosis'. In this case, the discharge has a strong odor. But there is no pain or itching.
If for any reason the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes, the normal environment of the vagina is destroyed. Then this disease can appear.
It is not a sexually transmitted disease, but having sex can increase the chance of contracting the disease.
In this case the following symptoms are seen –
- Discharge gray and watery
- Discharge that smells like rotten fish. This bad smell is especially after intercourse
It should be noted that in this disease there is no itching or pain around the vagina
Antibiotics are used to treat this disease. It may be prescribed as an oral tablet or as a cream or gel to be applied to the menstrual tract. Therefore, the most suitable medicine for the patient should be chosen with the doctor's advice.
It should be remembered that once this infection occurs, the disease may recur within 3-6 months. In that case, long-term treatment—up to six months—may be necessary.
Follow the tips mentioned at the end of the article to prevent infection.
3. Green discharge
Gonorrhea can cause thick green discharge. Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria cause this disease.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease. Sexual intercourse with an infected person without the protection of a condom can cause the disease.
In this case the following symptoms are seen –
- Pain and burning during urination
- Abdominal pain
- Pain or discomfort during urination and intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
Apart from these, sometimes fever may occur and bleeding during intercourse may occur.
In this case, if not treated in time, the infection can spread to the uterus. As a result, various complications may arise, including problems with pregnancy later on. Therefore, it is very important to get tested and start treatment quickly when symptoms of gonorrhea appear.
Also, since the disease is sexually transmitted, it is important to treat the partner if diagnosed. Otherwise, even after treatment, gonorrhea can spread again.
Gonorrhea can be completely cured by taking antibiotics in the right way. At the end of the course of antibiotics re-test to see if the disease is completely cured or not.
Special note: Another sexually transmitted infection called chlamydia can cause symptoms similar to gonorrhea, but the color of the discharge is slightly different. The mode of transmission, complications and treatment methods of these two diseases are almost the same. However, different types of antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia.
So it is very important to consult a doctor immediately if such symptoms occur. The doctor can diagnose the right disease through tests and give appropriate treatment.
Read more: 14 essential things to control diabetes
4. Greenish yellow discharge
A vaginal infection called 'trichomoniasis' can have a yellow color mixed with green. This disease is caused by a type of bacteria called 'Trichomonas vaginalis'
It is also a sexually transmitted disease. The disease can be spread by intercourse with an infected person without protection such as a condom. Also, since the disease is sexually transmitted, it is important to treat the partner if the disease is diagnosed. Otherwise, the infection may recur even after treatment.
Trichomoniasis causes the following symptoms —
- Thick or thin or frothy discharge
- Increased discharge. It can sometimes have a fishy smell
- Pain, itching and burning around the vagina. Sometimes the space between the two thighs may also itch
- Vaginal redness or swelling
- Pain or discomfort during urination and intercourse
It is possible to completely cure this disease with the help of antibiotic medicine. After a course of antibiotics, retesting should be done to see if the disease has fully resolved.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the disease is cured. Condom protection should be used to prevent such diseases in the future.
Many patients with trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and chlamydia may have no symptoms at all. Then they can unknowingly spread these infections to others. The way to prevent it is to use a condom during intercourse.
5. Red discharge
Red discharge can sometimes be normal. Sometimes it can be a sign of serious diseases like infection and cancer.
A little red discharge may occur naturally at the beginning of menstruation. White discharge mixed with menstrual blood is colored.
Black discharge may occur at the end of menstruation. What the color might look like is shown in the image below –
This type of red discharge before and after menstruation is usually considered normal. In that case, there is no need to go to the doctor. But in some other cases, physical complications may cause reddish discharge.
In the following three cases, red vaginal discharge or blood should be consulted urgently by a gynecologist-
1. Red discharge or bleeding without menstruation: This is one of the symptoms of cervical cancer. Sometimes this can happen for normal reasons. For example: taking birth control pills. However, it is important to be sure about the real cause and start treatment as soon as possible.
2. Bleeding after intercourse: Injuries to the menstrual tract during intercourse may cause some bleeding. It can also be due to various infections. Sometimes cervical cancer or vaginal cancer can cause these symptoms. So it should be taken by a doctor.
A simple test can detect signs of cervical cancer. This test is called VIA test. Women over the age of 30 should undergo this test every five years.
A red card is given to the patient if anything suspicious is found in the test. Further tests are also recommended to confirm whether cancer is present. On the other hand, if the test result is normal, an azure card is given. The cards are to be kept carefully and carried along to the next examination.
This exam is conducted free of charge by the government of Bangladesh . Various government and private health centers have good facilities for this test.
So inform women above 30 about this test and encourage them to go for regular checkups.
Read more: Vomiting or morning sickness during pregnancy
3. Red discharge or bleeding after cessation of menstruation : 'Menopause' means permanent cessation of menstruation. Women over the age of 45 are generally considered to be in menopause if they have stopped menstruating for a year.
Any type of vaginal bleeding after menopause is cause for concern. It can be a sign of uterine cancer. It may also be a sign of other problems (eg, cervical polyps).
A gynecologist should be consulted even if vaginal bleeding occurs only once or very little after menopause. Even if the discharge is pink, black, or brown and not completely blood-like, you should see a doctor.
The sooner cancer is detected, the better it can be treated.
If such symptoms appear, do not panic. These symptoms can occur for other reasons besides cancer. But since there is a possibility of cancer, in these cases it is necessary to see a doctor without delay.
Menstrual bleeding is often avoided by women, especially older women, out of shame. Not knowing about the risk of abnormal menstrual bleeding, many people ignore it. As a result, the disease is diagnosed too late and the cancer is more likely to spread throughout the body.
Menstrual bleeding is often avoided by women, especially older women, out of shame. Not knowing about the risk of abnormal menstrual bleeding, many people ignore it. As a result, the disease is diagnosed too late and the cancer is more likely to spread throughout the body.
So make all the women you know, especially older women aware of this information today.
other reasons
Apart from the above reasons, abnormal discharge can be seen in some other diseases. One such disease is genital herpes—a sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. But the main symptom of this disease is small blisters in the genitals.
In addition, there may be itching, burning and pain around the vagina and pain during urination. If such symptoms occur, it is important to get proper treatment as per the doctor's advice.
Ways to prevent vaginal diseases
The body has its own way of keeping the inside of the vagina clean. No outside help is needed in this case. Instead, if you clean with scented soap or something else, it can be reversed and cause vaginal infection.
So do not try to separate and clean the inside of the vagina by yourself. Avoid using special types of vaginal washes after watching advertisements on TV.
Follow the tips below to keep the vagina healthy and sterile-
- Keep the genitals clean and dry. After washing the outer part of the vagina with water and ordinary soap, dry it well
- Avoid using scented soaps, shower gels, special washes or douches on the vagina
- Avoid using scented wet tissues or perfume on the vagina
- Wearing loose cotton underwear
- Avoid wearing very tight underwear and pajamas
- Do not use any antibiotics and antifungals without doctor's advice
- Regular VIA testing
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