Vaginal Discharge (VD) is natural lubrication produced by the vagina of females. VD or vaginal discharge is normal and should not cause worry unless it becomes excessive or bad-smelling. In this article, we are going to discuss what causes the vaginal discharge. We will also talk about normal and abnormal vaginal discharges including the colors of vaginal discharges.
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Yellow vaginal discharge with no odor may be normal or a sign of mild infection. |
The vaginal discharge comes out naturally throughout the menstrual cycle. It may become intense or lighter depending on the amount of blood present in the cervical canal. In some females, vaginal discharge may occur only after sexual intercourse.
What causes vaginal discharge?
Several reasons are responsible for vaginal discharges, some of them include:
1. Menopause.
Menopause represents the stoppage of menstruation due to reduced estrogen levels. Estrogen hormone helps maintain the lining of the vagina and uterus. As estrogen level decreases, the lining of the vagina and uterus begins to break down. This results in increased vaginal discharge.
2. Sexually transmitted disease (STD).
An STD is any infection that is passed between persons via sex. Common STDs include warts, syphilis, Herpes, HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea. You may experience heavy vaginal discharge due to such STDs.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
Normal urine contains small amounts of mucus. If the volume of vaginal discharge increases, it could signify a urinary tract infection.
4. Bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a white, thin, cheesy-looking vaginal discharge. In bacterial vaginosis, the prominent problems seen in the vagina include irritation, burning, and itching. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by the replacement of useful bacteria with harmful bacteria.
In patients with bacterial vaginosis, there is a strong fishy smell in a vaginal discharge after sex. Treatment includes oral antibiotics and/or topical treatments. Treatment includes oral antibiotics and/or topical treatments.
5. Yeast infection.
Yeast infection of the vagina is usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vagina. The candida fungus is a yeast-like fungus that lives naturally in our body. In some cases, it may cause no damage at all.
However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. These complications are known as thrush. Thrush is caused by the overgrowth of candida fungus in the vagina, throat, mouth, rectum, and urinary tract. Yeast infections are also responsible for heavy and abnormal vaginal discharge. Yeast infections are generally treated with antifungal medications.
6. Vulvovaginitis.
Vulvovaginitis is a medical condition where the vulva and vagina become swollen due to an infection. Symptoms include redness, inflammation, and irritation. Vulvovaginitis can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge.
7. Inflammation.
Inflammation occurs when the body's immune system responds to an infection or injury. In females, vaginal discharge may be accompanied by redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness.
8. Hormonal Changes.
Hormonal changes can cause vaginal discharge. These changes may be related to menopause, pregnancy, childbirth, puberty, or the use of birth control pills.
9. Pregnancy.
Pregnant females often experience vaginal discharge. Discharge may be clear, white, yellow, milky, gray, brown, black, bloody, bad smelling, or odorous.
10. Other Causes.
Other conditions that may cause vaginal discharge include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, and vaginitis.
Normal Vaginal Discharge
Normal vaginal discharge is a natural bodily function. Normal vaginal discharge occurs in females throughout their menstrual cycle. These discharges occur due to the proper balance between estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. Estrogen causes the cervix to become lubricated and swollen, while progesterone helps to thin out cervical mucus.
When these hormones are balanced properly, the vagina becomes slippery and moist, making it easier for sperm cells to swim through. However, if the hormone levels are not balanced properly, the cervix may become irritated and dry, causing panic intercourse.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge is a medical condition where there is an abnormal amount of fluid coming out of the vagina. Abnormal vaginal discharge can occur anytime but is most commonly seen after menopause. There are many causes of Abnormal vaginal discharge. These include hormonal changes, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and various medical complications. If you are suffering from abnormal vaginal discharge, it's best to consult your health expert.
Normal and Abnormal Colors Of Vaginal Discharges.
1. White
White discharge is normal and is caused by the mucus produced from the cervix. It is not harmful and should clear up on its own after a few days. If the white discharge continues for longer than 14 days, then it may indicate a problem. So white or clear color is considered normal in case of vaginal discharge and it should not smell bad.
2. Yellow Vaginal Discharge No Odor
Yellow vaginal discharge with no odor may be normal or a sign of mild infection. It's crucial to pay attention to any changes in color, texture, or odor. If concerned, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance to ensure reproductive health and well-being.
3. Greenish-yellow
Greenish-yellow discharge is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a medical condition where the vagina becomes infected with bacteria. Symptoms include abnormal smell, pain during sex, itching and sometimes bleeding between menstrual cycles.
4. Brown
Brown discharge is a sign of trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that causes irritation and burning sensations in the vagina.
5. Black
Black discharge is a sign of gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms include frequent urination, painful urination, and genital sores.
6. Red
Red discharge is a sign of chlamydia. Chlamydia is also a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms include swollen glands, sore throat, and pelvic pain.
7. Thick Clear
Thick clear discharge is a sign of yeast infections. Yeast infections occur when the balance of good bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, causing the overgrowth of yeast. Symptoms include burning, itching, and discomfort during sex.
8. Pink
The pink color of vaginal discharge shows infection of herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is a viral infection that causes blisters around the genital area.
9. Blue
Blue vaginal discharge may indicate herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to blisters on the rectum and genitals.
So this is all about what causes vaginal discharge and the colors of vaginal discharge. Hope you have learned something new from this article. Thanks.
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