Vaginal discharge is your body’s way of keeping the Vagina clean and healthy. It is a normal, healthy phenomenon that occurs when glands in your Vagina and Cervix release small amounts of fluids that flow out of your Vagina everyday. This clear, milky fluid that is discharged is not foul smelling and contains old Cells that may have stuck on to your vaginal lining. During breastfeeding and sexual stimulation, vaginal discharge is thicker. The thickness and color of the discharge may also vary depending on your Menstrual cycle.
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Vaginitis
Although vaginal discharge is healthy,on occasions you may have discharge with traces of blood, even when you are not having your periods. This is not normal, consult your doctor if this happens. Additionally excessive discharge, change in color of discharge, bad smelling discharge or discharge accompanied with a burning sensation, itchiness and irritation in or around your Vagina are all signs of a condition called vaginitis.
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Causes of vaginitis
Vaginitis is caused when there is an imbalance between the healthy and unhealthy bacteria in your Vagina. Many factors can contribute to this imbalance. When unhealthy bacteria take over, you develop an infection.
Some factors that may cause vaginitis are: - Certain feminine hygiene products, when used around the Vagina.
- Certain soaps.
- Douching (cleansing or rinsing of the Vagina with a medicinal liquid or water).
- Diabetes, pregnancy, etc.
- Antibiotic medications.
- Certain infections.
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Preventing vaginitis
With proper precautions, vaginitis can be prevented. Here are a few tips: |
- To prevent bacteria from your rectal area getting into your vagina, always wipe from front to back after you use the toilet.
- Use cotton panties. Avoid wearing panties at night—this will allow sufficient air to your genitals.
- Do not wear tight panties.
- Use mild detergents to wash your undergarments.
- Bathe everyday. After a bath gently wipe your Vagina dry.
- Do not douche—Douching may irritate your Vagina and change the normal balance of germs in your Vagina.
- Usually vaginal odor comes from the outer part of the Vagina (vulva). Keeping this area clean with gentle soap and water can prevent bad odor.
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Yeast infection
Although small quantities of yeast fungus are found in a healthy vagina, the presence of excessive yeast fungus can cause a yeast infection. The symptoms of yeast infection can cause a lot of discomfort. Yeast infections are usually treated with medicines that are administered into your Vagina and/or oral medicine.
Symptoms of yeast infection - Thick, white, cheese-like discharge.
- Inflammation and pain around the vulva.
- Severe itching.
- Pain during sex.
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Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a bacterium called Gardnerella vaginalis. The symptoms (see Box) of bacterial vaginosis can cause a lot of uneasiness. The infection is usually treated with antibiotic medications.
Trichomoniasis
You may get this infection if you have unprotected sex (without a condom) with a person who is infected. You may not notice the symptoms (see Box) of trichomoniasis in the earlier stages of the infection. However, in the later stages of the infection, the symptoms become more visible.
| | Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis | | A white, gray or yellowish vaginal discharge. | | Discharge has a strong fishy odor. | | Itching or burning sensation. | | Redness and swelling of the Vagina or vulva. |
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Other infections
Vaginal discharge can also occurdue to infections of the Cervix caused by the sexually transmittedinfections, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
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Finally
If you have any kind of vaginal discharge that is excessive, consult your doctor immediately. In addition, if you have been sexually active just before getting a vaginal infection, it may sometimes be necessary for your partner also to get checked. It is also advisable to avoid sex until you get treated and cured—both, for you and your partner.
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