Vaginal Discharge

Overview

It's difficult enough to deal with the different problems of bodily functions, but dealing with the issues that afflict the genital area can be extremely embarrassing for both sexes, especially for women. Vaginal discharge is one such issue that many women hesitate to discuss, even to their physicians. Because it is an enormously sensitive issue, many women tend to ignore the signs and symptoms, which may lead to more serious problems. Most women not only ignore this issue, but also do not take any steps to identify the cause and cure it.

While a certain amount of vaginal discharge is common in women of childbearing age, certain signs and symptoms may indicate potential problems or conditions. While in most cases, a vaginal discharge is clear or white, non-bloody, and odorless. If a woman finds a marked increase in this discharge or spot a change in color, consistency, or odor, it can be a sign of illness or disease.

The cervix in a woman's body produces mucosa in amounts that may be determined by the estrogen stimulation and the changes that occur during her normal monthly period cycle. However, in situations where a difference in vaginal discharge, as noted above is exhibited, such signs and symptoms may point to an infection, a sexually transmitted disease, or a reproductive tract disease in the woman. Usage of certain drugs may also result in this abnormal symptom.

Vaginal discharge may also be experienced due to prolonged presence of foreign bodies, including diaphragms and tampons in the vaginal area. Frequent douching, usage of feminine hygiene products, some bubble baths, as well as perfumed toilet papers may also produce an abnormal vaginal discharge in some people. If the vaginal discharge increases or worsens with the use of such products, suspend their use immediately until you are able to determine which product is causing the problem.

In addition to these mild symptoms, abnormal vaginal discharge may also indicate more severe problems in the body. In such cases, the discharge is accompanied by other symptoms such as burning, spotting, and changes in sexual habits and hygiene practices.

There are different types of vaginal discharges, caused due to a number of medical conditions: atrophic vaginitis, Chlamydia infections, endometriosis, genital herpes or warts, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and candidiasis. Other signs that accompany vaginal discharge are redness, swelling, and even open sores in the genital area.

Contraceptive jellies and creams may also increase vaginal secretions. Drugs that contain hormonal contraceptives, estrogens, and some antibiotics such as tetracycline also instigate this symptom.

Treatment

Women should avoid wearing extremely tight clothing, and should wear undergarments and pantyhose that are made out of cotton crotches. This facilitates ventilation. Since an increase or change in vaginal discharge may also be a sign of some sort of infection, it is a good idea to visit a physician or a gynecologist, if the symptoms persist for more than a week or two. While dealing with a vaginal discharge condition is certainly not something that many women wish to discuss even with their closest friends, it is important to not let such symptoms go without notice, because of unnecessary embarrassment.