Vaginal Discharge- Causes, Color Guide and Treatments

Vaginal discharge is a concern for all women, and many of us don’t even give it a second thought. But what exactly is discharged, and how can you distinguish between what is typical and what can be a sign of a problem? This article will explain how vaginal discharge contributes to overall health and how to spot discharge fluid that can indicate a need for medical attention.

What is Vaginal discharge?

The vagina and cervix have glands that produce vaginal discharge fluid. Small amounts of fluid from these glands are known as vaginal secretions. Every day, fluid exits the vagina, clearing the old cells that had lined the vagina. This is a normal phenomenon that your body uses to maintain the cleanliness and health of your vagina.

Vaginal discharge fluid may differ from woman to woman. While some women discharge daily, others do so less regularly. Normal vaginal discharge is often clear or milky and occasionally has a faint aroma that is not offensive or bad. It’s also crucial to understand that a woman’s menstrual cycle affects how her vaginal discharge behaves. These natural variations in colour and thickness are related to ovulation. 

Other changes, however, might not be typical and may not be related to your cycle. Your discharge can indicate that the good bacteria in your vagina are out of balance, which could mean something is wrong. 

Types of Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge varies in quantity and type, not only from person to person but also throughout the menstrual cycle. We then examine what those changes reveal about the type of vaginal discharge.

Creamy discharge

A creamier variant first happens before egg-white discharge, and this vaginal discharge colour is opaque. Before or after ovulation, this kind of discharge is typical. Cervical mucus might assist reveal information about the stage of your cycle while you’re trying to get pregnant. Keep an eye on these modifications throughout the month, making observations. There can be a clear pattern after a few rounds.

Egg-white dripping

A discharge resembling egg whites is a warning indication of impending ovulation. This is because it has the perfect viscosity to facilitate fertilisation by allowing sperm to pass through the cervix. Each month, the exact ovulation time can vary somewhat. The best vaginal discharge for fertilisation is the kind that, when stretched apart, spans between your fingertips. The body is getting closer to ovulation, the longer it can hold out.

Sticky discharge

Sticky vaginal discharge is another type that commonly appears a few days after or before your menstruation. Sometimes, some days after the end of your menstruation, the sticky cervical fluid appears.

How much vaginal discharge is normal?

Every 24 hours, a healthy female reproductive system produces 1 to 4 millilitres of vaginal discharge on average. If there is more than that, it might not necessarily be a problem because the amount varies from person to person. Additionally, it’s critical to remember that discharge greatly rises during ovulation, pregnancy, and oral contraceptive use. Consult an expert if you notice much more vaginal discharge than usual and if you experience pain, itching, or a bad odour when having sex.

Vaginal discharge causes

Vaginal discharge is a normal biological process brought on by natural fluctuations in oestrogen levels. Ovulation, sexual stimulation, birth control pills, and pregnancy, among other things, can all increase discharge.

Changes in the bacterial balance of the vagina can harm the colour, smell, and texture of vaginal discharge. This is because vaginal infections are more common when more dangerous germs are present.

Here are a few potential illnesses to be on the lookout for:

• Yeast infection
• Trichomoniasis
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhoea and chlamydia
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Why choose Dr Divyatha Jayaram for expert consultation

If you are struggling with troublesome vaginal symptoms and discharge, consult Dr Divyatha Jayaram for expert advice today. With 17 years of experience, Dr Divyatha is highly qualified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and guided several women toward the appropriate vaginal discharge treatment options.