Look Out For Your Vagina! It Might Be Telling You More Than What You Know

Vaginal discharge is a common and a normal occurrence in almost every woman. It is a result of a normal physiological process that occurs in the genital tract to help in maintaining health along the cervix and the vaginal tract. 

You might have at times noticed discoloration in your undergarments and this might have even led to a few alarming and embarrassing moments. The fact is it shouldn’t concern or alarm you; this is normal. 

Vagina is dominated by various microflora, especially the Lactobacillus species. The vaginal cells are rich in glycogen which is nothing but a complex storage form of sugars. These floras feed on it and produce lactic acid, peroxides and other potential free radicals which destroy yeast and other infection causing organisms. This explains the reason for the normal acidic pH in the vagina, which eventually leads to discoloration of your panties. 

The vaginal fluid helps functions by maintaining vaginal health by keeping the vagina clean and lubricated, as well as helping to prevent infections by creating the mucosal barrier. The appearance, consistency, and odor of vaginal discharge can vary throughout the menstrual cycle and can be influenced by factors such as hormonal changes, sexual activity, pregnancy, certain health conditions and even the type of food we consume.i.e our diet. 

 In a normally menstruating female, along most of her menstrual cycle she might notice wet, mucoid and thick discharge but when she nears ovulation it’s more of clear, stretchy (like a string) for a short period of time. While most types of vaginal discharge are considered normal, some changes in discharge can indicate an underlying issue and might require immediate medical attention. 

• White/Clear and Watery: This is the most common type of discharge and is usually clear or milky white in color. It is often thin and watery in consistency. This type of discharge is typically normal and indicates a healthy vaginal environment. 

• Sticky and Stretchy: Around the time of ovulation, the discharge may become thicker, stretchy, and more slippery. The consistency is more of like “egg white” and is associated with the period of fertility. 

• Thick and White: A thick, white, and clumpy discharge resembling cottage cheese can be a sign of a vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis. Other symptoms may include itching rashes resulting in redness, and swelling. It is also associated with fishy or a peculiar musty odour. Women, with immunocompromised states like diabetes, HIV need to always look out for this. 

• Gray and Fishy Odor: A grayish discharge with a strong fishy odor may be indicative of bacterial vaginosis/vaginitis, which is an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial Vaginosis may also be accompanied by itching, burning, and vaginal irritation. 
• Yellow or Green: Unusual yellow or green discharge may indicate an infection, such as trichomoniasis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea or chlamydia. These infections are often accompanied by other symptoms like itching, pain, and a foul odor. 

• Brown or Bloody: Brown or bloody discharge, especially outside of your menstrual period, may be a sign of various conditions such as irregular menstrual bleeding, implantation bleeding (in early pregnancy), termination of pregnancy / abortion, fibroid, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, cervical malignancy, like serious conditions that require medical attention. 

It’s very important to remember that everyone’s body is unique, and what may be considered normal for one person may not be for another. Any changes in your vaginal discharge, such as a sudden increase in amount, an unusual color, a foul odor, pelvic pain, pain while passing urine or accompanying symptoms like itching, or discomfort, its advised not to opt for over the counter medication/ pills , vaginal washes etc. … which eventually destroys the vaginal mucosal barrier and alters the optimum vaginal pH. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional / expert for an early, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if necessary.