HOW DOES NORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE LOOK LIKE?
Vaginal discharge plays a vital role in the body of a woman though it is something that most women rarely discuss because of the embarrassment that may come along with it. It helps to keep the vagina moist, clean, remove dead cells, get rid of bacteria and prevention of infections. A normal vaginal discharge is clear and/or white, doesn't have a pungent smell and may thicken during ovulation.
HOW DO I KNOW VAGINAL DISCHARGE IS UNHEALTHY?
Usually, women are aware of how their vaginal discharge varies at different periods of their menstrual cycle and most of them are able to identify signs of abnormal vaginal discharge. They include:-
- Changes in the color of discharge- greenish, yellow, grey or white curd-like may be a sign of infection.
- Changes in the amount of discharge- frothy or profuse discharge.
- Changes in the smell of the discharge- foul-smelling.
- Associated symptoms like itching, lower abdominal pain, pain when passing urine and frequent urination.
WHAT CAUSES ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE?
It is healthy for a woman to produce clear or white discharge but the amount and color changes depending on the time of the menstrual cycle. Abnormal vaginal discharge is a sign that a disease-causing micro-organism has gained entry and multiplied in the reproductive system. Poor hygiene status, malnutrition, stress, sexual contact are some ways in which the micro-organisms gain entry into the reproductive system. Common vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and gonorrhea are common vaginal infections in women.
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