Secretions from tiny glands in the cervix and vagina at the opening of the uterus serve as a telltale indicator via vaginal discharge. Every day, the vagina expels this fluid, which removes old cells and debris and keeps the vagina healthy and clean. It protects the reproductive system from infections of various kinds, sort of like an antiseptic flush.
Every woman’s vagina contains millions of beneficial bacteria, and the type of odor that emanates from a vagina might vary based on the beneficial bacteria present. Each woman has a distinctive vaginal odor. If there are any illnesses that have gone unnoticed, this continuous odor may change.
The stage of the menstrual cycle affects the amount of white, typical vaginal discharge as well. It is at its highest shortly before your menstrual cycle and during ovulation. Its consistency fluctuates as well; before ovulation, it is thickest, and soon before your period, it becomes watery. The hormones in your body interact with these glands to determine the quantity and regularity of the discharge.
An Ordinary Discharge
The amount of white vaginal discharge is further increased by specific physiological occurrences in every woman’s life, such as pregnancy, sexual activity, and excitement. Increased blood flow to these glands during such situations is what causes the impact. These are all typical physiological occurrences in which women have profuse, typical white vaginal discharge. You will therefore see a healthy white vaginal discharge up until the point at which your body generates hormones like estrogen and progesterone in the proper proportion. It is entirely typical.
You may notice excessive vaginal discharge even if you are taking birth control pills that also include estrogen and progesterone.
An Abnormal Discharge
An unusual fragrance or itching, as well as changes in the substance and color of the discharge, are all signs of abnormal vaginal discharge. Additionally, one could feel back pain, lower abdomen pain, and recurring urinary tract infections.
When you have any of the following symptoms, vaginal discharge is abnormal:
- If your vaginal discharge is watery in color and consistency, extremely itchy, and has a fishy odor, it may be bacterial vaginosis, a bacterial infection.
- It may be a fungal infection if the discharge from the vagina is curd-like and accompanied by severe itching. This infection may have been brought on by long-term use of antibiotics, diabetes, stress, or oral contraceptive use. There may also be a sudden rise in the amount of spices you consume through your cuisine.
- The white vaginal discharge can also come in a variety of other odd colors that may indicate some pathology. For instance, a discharge that is green in hue may indicate trichomoniasis or a parasite infection.
- It may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease if you experience back pain, lower abdominal pain, and vaginal discharge. This is an infection and inflammation of the uterine mouth that affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
- Consider a possible sexually transmitted disease if you have several sexual partners and develop any of these symptoms (STD). They frequently result in unusual vaginal discharge. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most prevalent of them.
What Should be Done if Abnormal Vaginal Discharge is Discovered?
Leaving such symptoms neglected can lead to abnormal vaginal discharge and other symptoms. Make a consultation with your gynecologist to get checked out and begin treatment right away. The nice aspect is that these illnesses can be treated effectively and completely if they are caught early enough. It can result in infection of the entire reproductive system and spread to the rest of the body if neglected and not treated in a timely manner. Get biannual physicals and regular PAP smears so a gynecologist may check you and look for any abnormalities.
In conclusion, it’s critical to understand the difference between normal and pathological vaginal discharge. A healthy white discharge is typical since it acts as an antibacterial to remove any contaminants from the reproductive system. Recognize your own natural scent and spot anything that doesn’t smell right to you.