Vaginal Discharge

By Dr Danusiah Teanapan (22.11.2024)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaginal discharge is a clear or whitish fluid that comes out of the vagina. Having a discharge could be normal, but any changes in the amount, consistency, colour or smell could indicate a problem.

The nature of the discharge may change throughout the menstrual cycle due to the hormones in the body. The discharge generally starts as dry or pasty before moving to a creamier texture. As ovulation nears, the discharge will become wet, stretchy and slippery feeling like raw egg whites. After ovulation, the discharge becomes thick and dry.

Normal VS Abnormal Vaginal dischargeWhat does an abnormal vaginal discharge indicate?

  • Infections could be either sexually transmitted or not sexually transmitted. 
  • Irritation/ Allergies. This could be from detergents, soaps, sexual lubricants or materials used in condoms or sex toys.
  • Presence of a foreign body inside the vagina such as a left tampon inside the vagina.
  • Hormonal changes as in ovulation and pregnancy.
  • Rarely, malignancy.

⁠STD VS non-STD vaginal infections

  • Non-STD: Candidiasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, Group B Streptococcus infection
  • STD: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, HPV

How to detect the cause of vaginal discharge?

After getting a thorough medical history on the nature of the discharge, vaginal care and sexual history, usually a pelvic examination is done. The pelvic examination comprises the external genitalia examination, per speculum examination and bimanual examination.

During the per speculum examination, a high vaginal swab is obtained for gram stain, culture and sensitivity to detect the causal organism. If history is suggestive, we can consider doing swab STD testing along with a Pap smear test. A routine 3 yearly Pap smear is recommended for all sexually active women in their reproductive age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaginal discharge treatment

The treatment of vaginal discharge depends on what’s causing the problem. For instance, abnormal vaginal discharge caused by a yeast infection is usually treated with antifungal medications. Whereas, vaginal discharge caused by a bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics. The treatment might be oral medication or a vaginal pessary that needs to be inserted in the vagina.

Use these tips to prevent vaginal infections and abnormal discharge:

  • Keep your vagina clean by washing with gentle, mild soap and warm water on the outside. There’s no need to put soap directly in your vagina.
  • Never douche or use scented soaps and feminine products in your vaginal area. Also, avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths.
  • After going to the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into your vagina and causing an infection.
  • Wear 100% cotton underwear, and avoid overly tight clothing.

     

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