Vaginal Discharge - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Vaginal discharge is a clear or whitish fluid that comes out of the vagina. The vagina serves as a passageway between the outside of the body and the inner reproductive organs. Vaginal infection (vaginitis) is a common problem-but vaginal discharge does not necessarily mean infection. A sman vaginal discharge is normaUy present in all women during the reproductive, menstruating years.The pH balance of the vagina is acidic, which discourages infections from occurring. The amount of mucus produced by the cervical glands varies throughout the menstrual cycle. This is normal and depends on the amount of estrogen circulating in your body. Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes: cleaning and moistening the vagina and helping to prevent and fight infections.

Other vaginal conditions include genital warts and herpes, which are caused by viruses, and Trichomonas, a type of organism called a 'protozoan'. The amount of discharge varies from woman to woman. If abnormal vaginal discharge is due to a sexually transmitted disease (STD), your sexual partner(s) will likely require treatment as well. Vaginitis, vulvitis, and vulvovaginitis are general terms that refer to the inflammation of the vagina and/or vulva . Although vaginal infections are not serious and do not spread elsewhere they are of course discomforting.

The three most common types of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis, candida vulvovaginitis, and trichomoniasis . The basic function of you vagina is to provide a route from the outside of your vagina to your uterus and the rest of your internal reproductive system. It is also more watery and elastic during that phase of your cycle. Occasionally, a vaginal infection may disappear on its own. A vinegar douche-made with two tablespoonsful of vinegar to a quart of warm water-may be helpful if used once or twice a week but may increase discomfort if tissues are inflamed.

This is a vaginal infection caused most commonly by the fungal organism Candida albicans . It may become stretchy and slippery during ovulation, about two weeks after your menstrual period. A normal, physiological, discharge is usually clear, creamy or very slightly yellow. The amount of discharge can also vary depending upon a girl's menstrual cycle. The amount of discharge is different for each woman. Some women have a little discharge now and then. Normal vaginal discharges are usually small in amount, whitish or clear, free of pus and, except at ovulation, free of blood. They are also unaccompanied by itching or irritation.Others have discharge every day.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

One of the most common causes of infectious vaginal discharge is Trichomonas, an organism a little larger than a red blood cell. The discharge is frothy or foamy, yellow-white or greenish, and associated with itching and burning or soreness. Trichomoniasis, as this infection is caIled, commonly occurs or recurs after sexual intercourse. A man may carry the infection without being aware of it, since he is free of all symptoms.The most comman causes of Vaginal Discharge include the following :

• Ovulation (when you produce and release an egg from your ovary in the middle of your menstrual cycle)
• Sexual excitement
• Thrush is caused by an organism called Candida, which is a type of yeast and is usually harmless.
• BV is caused by a mixture of bacteria that multiply in the vagina when the natural acidic vaginal secretions are disturbed, but the reason for this is unclear.
• Antibiotics, which disrupt the natural vaginal (and bowel) bacterial environment.
• Repeated sexual intercourse over a short period of time, which raises vaginal pH and results in growth of bacteria and infection-like symptoms.
• Vaginitis is most often caused by a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection as described above.

Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge

Some sign and symptoms related to Vaginal Discharge are as follows :

• White, cottage cheese-like discharge
• Yellow/green, frothy, discharge
• Foul odor with discharge
• Swelling and pain around the vulva
• Increased amount of discharge
• A white, curdlike discharge that looks like cottage cheese is a classic sign of yeast infection.
• A fishy odor that is strongest after sex or after washing with soap
• Itching or burning
• Most apparent after your period
• Increased odor to discharge immediately after intercourse
• Inflammation of the vulvar skin

Treatment of Vaginal Discharge

Prevention and treatment of Vaginal Discharge are as follows :

• If symptoms persist after completing the treatment, an exam is indicated. Call for an appointment,and please use nothing in the vagina for 48 hours prior to your exam.
• Wipe from front to back after urination or bowel movement.
• Medications for vaginal yeast infections are available in either vaginal cream/suppositories or oral preparations.
• Infections are treated with antibiotics.
• Try to reduce stress.
• Keep your blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.
• Avoid douching.
• Another option is to use antibiotics in vaginal cream or gel form, especially if you have significant side effects when you take antibiotics by mouth.
• Herbal remedies for yeast also include a variety of antifungal, antiseptic, or immune-strengthening agents such as tree oiltea , black walnut ( Juglans nigra ), pau d'arco, echinacea, and goldenseal .