There are a variety of potential causes of vaginal discharge in women. Normal vaginal discharge ranges from clear to milky white in appearance and does not have a distinct odor. Some causes of vaginal discharge that indicate a need for medical evaluation include infection, sexually transmitted diseases, or cancer. Childbirth and menstrual irregularities are also potential causes of vaginal discharge abnormalities. Any questions or concerns about possible causes of vaginal discharge should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Bacterial or fungal infections are common causes of vaginal discharge, and the color of the discharge depends on the type of infection present. A yeast infection generally involves a thick, white discharge that may resemble cottage cheese and causes pain and itching. Bacterial vaginosis may cause a white, yellow, or green discharge that is often described as smelling fishy. A pink discharge may indicate a urinary tract infection, especially when accompanied by urinary urgency or pain when urinating.
Some sexually transmitted diseases are potential causes of vaginal discharge abnormalities. Trichomoniasis may cause a green or yellow discharge with a foul odor. Pain and itching when urinating is another possible symptom of this condition. Gonorrhea may involve a cloudy or yellow discharge and can cause bleeding between periods as well. Urinary incontinence is another potential symptom of gonorrhea.
Menstrual disorders are possible causes of vaginal discharge. Irregular menstrual periods may be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal disorders or menopause. This may lead to a pink discharge between periods or period-like bleeding. Endometriosis or certain forms of cancer affecting the reproductive organs may be responsible for this type of discharge as well.
Additional medical issues that have the potential to cause abnormal vaginal discharge include pelvic inflammatory disease, polyps on the cervix, or certain allergic reactions. Pregnancy and childbirth may cause a variety of discharge changes as well. It is important to consult a doctor any time that abnormal vaginal discharge is noticed in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Some causes of vaginal discharge may not require any specific medical treatment. Bacterial or fungal infections often require the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications. Sexually transmitted diseases require medical treatment and safe-sex practices. Certain contributing factors such as endometriosis or cancer may require surgical intervention or other forms of intensive treatment. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, the doctor can help the patient decide on the most appropriate treatment options for the individual situation.
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Kat919
Post 2 |
@ElizaBennett - I *love* that book! I was just recommending it to someone. Something it recommends that I do is to always try to schedule my gynecological exams for right in the middle of my cycle, when I have more cervical fluid (and thus more vaginal discharge). It just makes it a little more comfortable.
I just think it's important for every woman (who's not on hormonal birth control) to be familiar with her cycle for so many reasons, whether she is trying to get pregnant or trying not to. You know when to take a pregnancy test, for instance. And you know whether you're experiencing excessive vaginal discharge that should be checked out by a doctor, or just getting ready to ovulate. Every woman should be educated about FAM! |
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ElizaBennett
Post 1 |
Bleeding between periods can be a sign, certainly, that your menstrual cycle is all out of whack, but it can also be quite normal. In fact, the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) teaches that non-menstrual bleeding and spotting should always be considered a sign of potential fertility.
The reason is that *ovulation* is one of the possibles causes of pink or brown vaginal discharge (not usually red blood). It's easy to tell when you ovulate by taking your basal body temperature each morning. That will help you judge whether your cycle is regular or not.
If it's not, some women are able to get on track by making dietary changes, such as cutting down on meat and upping their whole milk dairy (sounds weird, I know). Sleeping in a totally dark room (possible with a nightlight on for a few days in the middle of your cycle) has also been shown to be helpful in at least one study - anyone who's interested can find more info in the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility, which is pretty much my Bible! |
