What is Vaginal Discharge?
A major aspect of menstruation that many women believe is abnormal is vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a fluid, secreted by glands within the vagina and cervix. Over the course of the day, these fluids are released to remove old cells and debris, keeping the reproductive tract hygienic and healthy. In addition, emotional stress, use of birth control pills, and exercise also may result in vaginal discharge. Thus, this process is completely normal and occurs for every menstruator. However, the color, amount, and consistency varies for each person. Despite this variance, infections or hormonal imbalances can be responsible for unusual changes in vaginal discharge, requiring medical care and medication.
A rough draft of the discharge cycle follows:
- Days 1-5: This is the beginning of the cycle, where the discharge is usually bloody as the body shed the uterus lining
- Day 6-14: After a period, the discharge usually decreases in amount. However, the eggs begin to develop and mature making the discharge cloudy, white, or yellow. It may also feel sticky to touch.
- Days 14-25: Before ovulation, the discharge can be thin and slippery. Afterwards, it goes back to being cloudy, white, or yellow and sticky/tacky.
- Days 25-28: The discharge begins to decrease before the next period
Red discharge is most commonly the result of bleeding during a period. Anyone who experiences bleeding between menstrual periods should seek the care of a medical professional, as it can sometimes signal a serious condition.
White discharge varies from cream to light yellow. If a menstruator faces only white discharge with no other symptoms, it signals a sign of healthy lubrication. However, if the consistency is like cottage cheese or contains a strong odor, there is the possibility of an infection requiring possible medical attention. The infection is usually associated with yeast infections, which also causes itching or irritation.
Yellow discharge is usually a slight yellow hue, possibly indicating a change in diet or dietary supplements and may not indicate a problem. Discharge that is a dark yellow, yellow-green, or green indicates a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. Seek medical attention if the vaginal discharge is thick, clumpy, or has a foul odor.
Pink discharge can be light or a deep pink, meaning it contains traces of blood. This type of discharge occurs usually with spotting before a period or after ovulation, but can also be a sign of implantation bleeding, which is normal about 10-14 days after conception. Pink discharge can also occur after sexual intercourse due to small tears or irritation in the vagina or cervix.
Most ordinary vaginal discharge is clear or slightly white, and may be slippery or have the consistency of egg whites. It is common to experience clearer and slippery discharge just before ovulation, during sexual arousal, and during pregnancy.
Gray discharge is not healthy, and can be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis, which also causes irritation, itching, strong odors, and redness around the vulva or vaginal opening. This is not a type of sexually transmitted disease, but a change in sexual partners or use of contraceptives may increase the chances of getting bacterial vaginosis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience gray discharge, which will usually result in the prescription of antibiotics to treat bacterial vaginosis.
To remain hygienic with vaginal discharge, panty liners are usually utilized, especially with those that suffer from heavy discharges. To prevent vaginal infections, it is important to follow these aspects:
- Keep the vagina clean by washing with soap and warm water on the outside. There is no necessity of putting soap directly into the vagina, the inside is already cleaned with the discharge.
- Never use scented soaps, feminine products, or douche into the vagina
- Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina after using the bathroom
Combined with this information, seek a doctor if vaginal discharge has an unusual smell or appearance, or if you suffer through itching, pain/discomfort, frothy/cottage cheese consistency, bleeding between periods or after menopause, regular spotting after sex, grey/green/yellow discharge, strong odors, or burning sensations during urination. The most common route for doctors is to perform a pelvic exam and possibly take a sample of discharge for testing.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322232#what-is-vaginal-discharge
https://www.healthline.com/symptom/vaginal-discharge#causes
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-discharge-whats-abnormal