When you hear Vaginal Discharge, you probably don’t even
give it much thought and think of it as one of those things women have to deal
with, right? As long as it looks normal and you feel fine why even worry about
it?!
Vaginal discharges may not be something you take too seriously
but when it starts smelling funny, looks weird or is happening more often than
usual – that’s when you get a bit concerned.
Next time this happens (after reading this, of course), you
will be able to decode your discharge before running to the store to buy a slew
of creams, sprays and suppositories to “fix” it.
- Clear/White and Wet
OB-GYN and coauthor of V is for Vagina Alyssa Dweck,
explains that discharge at ovulation can be copious, but normal. This is why
many women prefer sex when they’re ovulating; it acts as an additional bit of
lubrication. “Many woman have a very wet discharge around the ovulation portion
of their period, it is completely normal and okay.”
- White, Clumpy and Itchy
Dr. Dweck says, “If there is a lot of odorless
cottage-cheese looking discharge, accompanied with a killer itch, more than
likely it’s a yeast infection.” This can be caused by a ton of things ranging
from antibiotics to hygiene. The good thing about this uncomfortable infection
is that there are plenty of over-the-counter meds you can use to quickly
alleviate this problem.
- Yellowish-Green and Stings
According to Dr. Dweck, it’s probably chlamydia or
gonorrhea, two very common bacterial STDs. You may also experience pelvic pain
and painful urination. Dweck says, “Make sure if you are diagnosed, you and
your partner get treated, or you’ll keep passing the infection back and forth
to each other.”
- Grayish, Thin and Smelly
Dr. Dweck explains that, “the odor is the defining trait of
bacterial vaginosis.” It has a foul, fish-like smell that lingers. Though this
issue is also very common and can be easily cured, it often reoccurs once you’ve
gotten it once. Generally, this happens with something has created a bacterial
imbalance in your vagina.
- Gray/Green and Frothy, Smelly
You may be dealing with trichomoniasis. According to the
CDC, it is the most common and curable STD in the country, and it doesn’t have
to come from you having intercourse. According to Dr. Dweck, “Trichomoniasis is
caused by an organism that can live on towels, vibrators, and other inanimate
objects.”
As a good practice, it is best to schedule an appointment
with your gynecologist before attempting to self treat.
A more detailed breakdown of the possible infections caused
by vaginal discharge:
- VAGINOSIS
Vaginal discharge that is yellow, green, or gray could
indicate vaginosis, which is a bacterial vaginal infection. Another clue that
you may have this type of infection: “Your vaginal discharge will have a fishy
smell,” says Livoti.
- YEAST INFECTION
A white discharge that looks like cottage cheese is the
cardinal sign of a yeast infection. You’ll probably also have intense itching
and may notice some swelling around the vulva.
- TRICHOMONIASIS
Vaginal discharge that gives off a strong, unpleasant odor
similar to that of rotten eggs is usually a sign of the sexually transmitted
disease (STD) trichomoniasis. The vaginal discharge may also be frothy.
- CHLAMYDIA OR GONORRHEA
If you’re not pregnant or in the middle of your menstrual
cycle, a sudden increase in the amount of vaginal discharge could be a symptom
of one of these STDs. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause a burning
sensation when you urinate.
Your doctor should evaluate any of these changes in your
vaginal discharge. Vaginal infections, including STDs, are usually treatable.
Source
Sugar Daily
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