The vagina contains normally occurring bacteria known as normal floral which creates an acidic environment and produces fluid as part of its self-cleaning process, these fluids then leave the body as normal discharge.
A normal discharge is clear, cloudy white or a light yellowish color, it may appear heavier toward the middle of the menstrual cycle.
The vagina discharge may change due to the following reasons; emotional stress, dietary changes., pregnancy, medication, sexual arouses.
Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge includes;
Yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Other causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include postoperative pelvic infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and in some cases, cervical cancer.
When to see a doctor:
Whenever you notice major changes in your vaginal discharge, especially if it is accompanied by a foul odor or has a strange color such as gray, green, or yellow or if you experience a vaginal discharge during pregnancy,you should book an appointment with your doctor ASAP! because the symptoms could be a warning sign of an illness.
Other symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge includes:
- Pain during or immediately after sexual intercourse
- Vaginal pain or painful rash
- Any sores or blisters in the vaginal area
- Greenish, yellowish, thick or cheesy vaginal discharge
- Strong vaginal odor
- Redness, itching, burning or irritation of your vagina or the area of skin that surrounds the vagina and urethra (vulva)
- Severe abdominal pain or steady pain lasting more than 2 hours
- Any visible signs of infection around the vagina or labia
- Intermittent, mild, lower abdominal pain
- Bleeding or spotting unrelated to your period
- Feeling weak, fatigued, or under the weather
- Yellow or green vaginal discharge
- Fever
