What is your vaginal discharge telling you?
The vagina has self cleaning abilities, hence the production
of discharge. It’s a healthy way of your body to get rid of old cells. However,
vaginal discharge is not always normal. It could be trying to communicate
something about your body. All you need is to do is to pay more attention and
respond to the cues.
- Clear discharge- When your discharge is clear and sticky looks like a raw egg white; then you are on ovulation. The stickiness helps draw the sperm to fertilize the ovum. You are also likely to get increased libido with the clear discharge, also a sign of ovulation.
- Cloudy white discharge- When your discharge is cloudy white then it looks like everything is normal. The color is a result of progesterone release. This type of discharge increases when you are almost receiving your monthly period and does not have any awkward smell.
- Lumpy thick white discharge- This is a sign of yeast infection. This kind of discharge is normally accompanied by vaginal itching. If you are experiencing yeast infection it’s advisable to seek treatment. Going panty less is also a good way to enhance aeration and ease itching.
- Thin clear discharge (watery) - You could be having herpes. This is due to open sores of herpes. If it is accompanied by painful urination and itching then it increases chances that you could be having herpes.
- Excessive discharge- This could be caused by a number of factor that include;
·
Pregnancy- during the first trimester of pregnancy
the body secretes a lot of vaginal mucus. This is to ensure that the cervix is
sealed, moist and very healthy.
·
Sexual excitement- When you are sexually
aroused, the body secretes discharge to act as lubricant during intercourse.
·
Stress- Stress causes hormonal imbalance which
in turn leads to the secretion of excessive discharge. This discharge is
harmless, but you may consider avoiding stress to prevent its other effects.
- Thick yellow discharge- It is mostly accompanied by itching and foul smell. This
could be a sign of a sexually
transmitted disease (STD), mostly Chlamydia and gonorrhea. It is very important
to visit a gynecologist.
- Greenish-gray discharge- This type of discharge is mostly accompanied by foul fish like odor. This is a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV) which is a common infection though it’s not an STD. If you are prone to BV you are advised to avoid douching. BV can be treated by use of antibiotics.
8. Blood stained discharge-
Spotting when you are not on your periods could be a
Sign of
different issues like;
·
Your choice of family planning, especially
hormonal based family planning methods
·
Fibroids
·
Cervical inflammation
·
Cervical cancer
·
Emergency contraceptives
- Reduced discharge- Reduced discharge mostly causing vaginal dryness could could be as a result of family planning method being used or as a result of menopause. Other signs of menopause could be:
- Low libido
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Frequent urination
- Night sweats
Contact your
Doctor or medical specialist if you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge for laboratory tests and correct
medication.
