White discharge is usually a normal occurrence. Glands inside your cervix and vagina produce small amounts of fluids every day. This fluid carries out old cells that have lined the vagina. This is how your body keeps the vagina healthy and clean. There may be many white discharge reasons that should be understood clearly.
Glands inside your cervix and vagina produce small amounts of fluids every day. This fluid carries out old cells that have lined the vagina. This is the means by which your body keeps the vagina healthy and clean. There may be many white discharge reasons that should be understood clearly.
Vaginal discharge is typically milky and does not have a bad smell. The colour and thickness of white discharge changes with your menstruation cycle. The white discharge may indicate an infection like a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or bacterial overgrowth. In case the discharge is abnormal, symptoms such as irritation, itching, burning, redness may be visible. You may also experience pain during urination and sexual intercourse.
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. They diagnose and treat issues related to the female reproductive tract. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries and breasts.
Here are a few signs that indicate when the white discharge is absolutely normal and when not.
• Vaginal discharge might change its consistency during the menstrual cycle. A thick discharge indicates that your ovaries are releasing an egg. This process is called ovulation. If the discharge is thick and white, it is a sign of a healthy vagina and menstrual cycle. In fact, this acts as a barrier against infections. It thins out to a watery discharge as you near ovulation. This discharge is an indication of fertility as the sperms can swim easily through this type of discharge.
• The discharge is milky white in colour when your body is getting prepared for ovulation. When the body is preparing itself for ovulation, the discharge is thin in consistency and odourless. This watery discharge does not cause any discomfort. During pregnancy, thin and white milky discharge is quite common. This happens because your cervix produces more mucus at this time, the estrogen levels are hog hand and there is an increased blood flow to the walls of the vagina.
• If you see a clumpy white discharge, it may be a signal of yeast infection. The vaginal discharge has a cottage cheese like proportion and may cause a burning sensation and itchiness. There may be many reasons behind this infection, the most common being douching, antibiotic use or wearing a bathing suit for a long time. The infection can be easily treated with medication.
• A reddish or brownish discharge from the vagina generally appears after the menstruation cycle. This is the vagina’s way of cleaning out the last amount of blood and is normal.
• A yellow or green discharge indicates a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection. A person should immediately consult a doctor if this happens as the issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Can White discharge be prevented?
White discharge is a normal part of a healthy menstrual cycle. However, you should take care to avoid vaginal infection by keeping the following things in mind:
• Avoid douching
• Always wipe front to back
• Avoid wearing tight fitted pants
Watch out for changes in the white discharge and consult your doctor in case of any discomfort. The doctor will help identify the white discharge reasons and suggest medication if needed.
