When there is an excess amount of fluid discharge without blood from a woman’s vagina then it is called white discharge. White discharge can be normal or at times it could indicate some sort or abnormality like infection.
Normal White Discharge
When it is a normal white discharge then it consists of the vaginal gland secretion, cervical gland secretion, endocervical mucus or the presence of good bacteria in the vagina inducing the discharge. Normal vaginal secretion is natural and is used to clean up, lubricate and acts as a defense mechanism against various infections.
Menstrual cycle also increases the amount of fluid secreted that comes out of the vagina. During the period of egg maturation and ovulation there is normally an increase in white discharge, while the consistency thickens after the ovulation period.
How To Know It’s Normal?
Basically there are several indications to find out if the white discharge is normal.
- White discharge is in liquid (aqueous) form
- Clear or slightly white in colour
- Secretion in small quantities
- Discharge is odorless
- It does not cause any itching or pain
Causes for Abnormal White Discharge
Several conditions of a woman’s physical and psychological condition cause abnormal white discharge.
- Poor hygiene of the vaginal region
- Prolonged use of drugs like antibiotics
- Continuous stress
- Infections caused by bacteria, Trichomonas parasite,Candida fungi, viruses (HIV, Herpes) and sexual diseases like gonorrhea.
- Due to cervical cancer
Features of Abnormal White Discharge
- Will have a sticky consistency (viscous) form
- Colour will be milky white, yellow or light green
- Secretion in large quantities
- Contains blood spots
- Has a bad smell
- Causes genital itching and pain in the region
Complications Of Abnormal White Discharge
When you see the above changes in the white discharge you have to be alert and immediately approach a doctor. If not managed properly, the infection will spread to the upper reproductive systems resulting in inflammation, clogging of tubes and channels of the reproductive system, finally leading to health hazards, infertility and sterility.
How to treat Abnormal White Discharge?
The abnormal white discharge can be controlled by adopting certain steps like keeping the vaginal area clean and hygienic, avoiding common bathrooms and pools, using cotton underwear that fits instead of tight fitting ones and by generally avoiding stress.
If the above steps are not effective then approach a doctor who will prescribe medicines based on the cause of the white discharge. Even after that if the white discharge continues then it may be due to some serious condition like cervical cancer and requires immediate investigation.
