That Discharge is Not normal

When it comes to vaginal discharged,it is important for woman to know what is normal and what is not.Normal vaginal discharge is mucus produced naturally from the neck of the womb which is the cervix.It is clear or whitish.The amount of discharged varies throughout the menstrual cycle.Healthy discharged has no strong smell or colour.Women may feel an uncomfortable wetness,but there should be no itchiness or soreness around the vagina.

It is normal for pregnant women to have increased discharge than normal.But is is unusual for prepubescent young girls and menopausal women to have vaginal discharge.So,they should see a doctor if they experience it.

SIGNS OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE

• Change in colour or consistency.It can be grey,thivk and white,watery,green or yellow
• Fishy smell and cheese like discharge 
• A lot of discharge
• Itchy vulva
• Abdominal pain
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding

COMMON CAUSES OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Abnormal vaginal discharge is usually caused by infections due to

• upset of natural balance of bacteria or yeast in vagina
• sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Bacterial vaginosis causes white or grey fishy smelling discharged.It is the most common vaginal infection among women of childbearing age.It is usually a result of imbalance in the normal bacterial population in vagina.Bacterial vaginosis is treated either with metronidazole or clindamycin.Women on metronidazole or clindamycin should avoid taking alcoholic drinks.

Candidiasis also known as thrush is a common fungal infection usually caused by Candida albicans.Thrush causes thin and watery or thick and white discharge,which may smell slightly like cheese.There is intense itchiness and soreness around the vulva or vagina.Broad spectrum antibiotics,pregnancy,poorly controlled diabetes and weakened immune system increase the chances of candida.This infection is treated with anti fungal medications such as clotrimazole,econazole,miconazole,fluconazole and itraconazole.

Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by a Trichomonas vaginalis,which results in frothy,yellow or green vaginal discharge with fishy smell.There is vulval and vaginal soreness as well as swelling,itching and pain when passing urine.Men can also be affected if they have sex with infected partner.Men with the infection will have pain during urination or ejaculation,thin white discharged from penis,soreness,swelling and redness around the head of the penis or foreskin.They also will urinate frequently.Trichomoniasis is treated with metronidazole,so during the treatment,alcohol should be avoided until the treatment is complete and both partners are free of infection.

When there is pain in the pelvis,pain when passing urine and bleeding between periods or after sex,STI are usually the cause.Common STI including chlamydia and gonorrhea.Treatment is with the antibiotics.Herpes causes painful sores on the vulva and abnormal discharged and is treated with anti-viral medications and painkillers.

Women who experience abnormal vaginal discharge as well as the above mentioned symptoms of infections should seed the doctor immediately.

Source:
Dr Milton Lum Siew Wah
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist