Every female should have knowledge of sexual and reproductive health understanding what is normal in her body is essential for identifying health issues that require medical attention.
One such female health topic that requires proper discussion and understanding is vaginal discharge.
It is prevalent for a female to wonder if the consistency and color of her vaginal discharge is normal. Many females ask me whether White Discharge before periods is normal. Our article will guide you with all your related queries on this topic.
What Is Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge may be defined as whitish or clear mucus or fluid that comes out of the vagina. It is released by the glands inside the cervix and vagina to carry away bacteria and dead cells.
Is Vaginal Discharge Or White Discharge Normal?
Vaginal discharge is very normal and serves to clean the female reproductive system and prevent infections. The amount of vaginal discharge is different for every female and might change many times throughout her life.
The color, odor, and amount of vaginal discharge may also vary depending upon the time of the menstrual cycle. A female experiences more White Discharge Before Periods, when breastfeeding, or when sexually aroused.
In addition, heavy exercise, emotional stress, and pregnancy may lead to changes in discharge, but none of the changes are alarming.
However, vaginal discharge may be due to infection if smell, color, and consistency are different from usual, along with Vaginal Burning and Itching. To get more clarity, let us learn about types of vagina discharge.
White discharge: Little bit of White Discharge Before Periods is normal. However, white discharge with cottage cheese-like consistency accompanied by itching and burning in the vaginal area may signify yeast infection and need treatment.
Watery and clear – Watery and clear vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and may occur any time of the month. It is heavy after exercise and after being sexually aroused.
Stretchy and clear – Stretchy and clear discharge is an indication that you are likely ovulating, and that’s very normal.
Green or yellow – If you experience green or yellow chunky or thick Vaginal Discharge with an unpleasant smell, it may be a sign of infection, particularly trichomoniasis. Trichomonas spreads through intercourse.
Bloody or Brown – In sporadic cases, bloody or brown discharge can be seen between the periods and can signify cervical cancer or endometrial cancer. It may also be due to the abnormal growth of fibroids. Therefore, it is very important to get an early Pap smear and pelvic exam.
What Causes Abnormal Discharge
Changes in vaginal PH Balance and normal vaginal flora can affect the white discharge’s color, smell, or texture. Below are a few causes that upset vaginal balance:
- Use of steroids or antibiotics
- Birth control pills
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
- Diabetes
- Bacterial infection or bacterial vaginosis, which is common in expecting females or females having multiple sexual partners
- Using scented lotion or soaps
- Douches and bubble bath
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases
- Yeast infections
- Trichomoniasis: A parasitic infection spreading via intercourse
- Vaginal atrophy during menopause
When To Seek For Medical help?
- If you experience unusual discharge from your vagina along with other symptoms, better see your doctor. The signs you should watch out for includes:
- pain in abdomen
- unexplained weight loss
- increased frequency and urgency to urinate
- fatigue
- fever
- burning in vagina
- itching in intimate parts
- unexplained weight loss
- If you have any of the above concerns, make an appointment with your doctor.
How A Healthcare Provider Diagnose Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
When you visit your doctor complaining of abnormal vaginal discharge, your doctor will first take your health history and ask you few questions such as:
- What is the color of discharge?
- What is the texture of discharge?
- Is there any smell?
- Do you experience pain in the abdomen or burning itching, and pain in or around vagina?
- Do you practice sex with multiple partners
- Do you use scented soaps
- Do you douche
Your doctor may ask you to get a Pap test for which a sample of your discharge may be collected from your cervix to diagnose abnormal discharge.
How To Treat Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
The treatment of White Discharge or abnormal vaginal discharge depends on the cause of the problem.
For example, treatment of yeast infection includes antifungal medications in the form of gel or cream. For treating bacterial vaginosis, antibiotic cream or pills are given.
How To Prevent Abnormal Discharge?
To prevent abnormal discharge, you need to Avoid Vaginal Infection and take measures to keep vaginal flora in balance.
Tips to prevent abnormal discharge:
- Clean the outside of the vagina with warm water and with mild soap. Avoid the use of scented soap
- Never use any scented feminine products
- Avoid bubble bath or douche
- After using the bathroom, always wipe front to back. This will prevent the bacteria from getting into your vagina and will prevent infection.
- Wear loose and 100% cotton under clothes
- Change your underclothes after activities that causes heavy sweating for example after exercise.
We hope our article has helped you to figure out the basics of Vaginal Health. If you have any questions related to White Discharge, do add them to the comment section below. We will answer your query as soon as possible.
