When the vaginal discharge has some colour, smell, a thicker consistency or it is different that usual, it may be a sign of vaginal infection such as candidiasis or trichomoniasis or te presence of a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhoea.
Therefore, when the vaginal discharge is not transparent in colour but has a white, yellow, green, pink or brown colour, it may be a sign of different conditions such as vaginal infections. It is therefore important to consult the gynaecologist to treat the problem.
For this reason, it is important to note each colour of vaginal discharge so as to understand when it is necessary to seek medical assistance from a gynaecologist. Here are some of the meanings of different colours of vaginal discharge.
1. White discharge
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White and thick discharge looks like curdled milk and is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness and a burning sensation in the region of the vulva and vagina.
- What can cause: White discharge can be due to vaginal candidiasis, an infection that is caused by the Candida albicans.
- How to treat : Treatment is usually done using antifungal remedies such as Fluconazole, which is taken in form of tablets or it is applied on the region to be treated in form of an ointment.
When the white discharge is similar to milk, homogenous and it has a fishy smell, it can be colpite or vaginosis caused by protozoa, fungi or bacteria.
2. Yellow or yellow-green runny
Yellowish, greyish or greenish-yellow discharge has a strong fishy-like smell and is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as pain and a burning sensation during sexual intercourse or when urinating.
- What can cause :can be caused by Trichomoniasis, a vaginal infection that is sexually transmitted
- How to treat : Treatment is usally done using antimicrobial remedies such as Metronidazole, Thioconazole or Secnidazole. They can be taken in form of tablets as a single dose for 5 to 7 days of treatment.
In addition, pus-like yellow discharge may be a signof Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease that does not usually have any symotoms. In this case, treatment is usally done using Azithromycin, that is taken as a single dose or for 7 to 15 days of treatment. When the discharge is greenish in clour, it can be a sign of Trichomoniasis or Vulvovaginitis.
3. Brown or bloody discharge
Brown discharge or the presence of blood in discharge is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as pain and vaginal odour when urinating.
- What it can cause: It can be caused by Gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease that brought about by a bacterium.
- How to treat : Treatment can be done using antibiotics such as Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin, taken as a single dose or for 7 to 10 days of treatment.
Moreover, in more severe cases, this type of discharge can also be a sign of cancer in the vagina, cervix or endometrium. It is therefore important to consult the gynaecologist when the symptoms arose so that examinations can be done.
However, if you recently finished your menses, brown or pink discharge with blood is common a few days afterwards. It is therefore not a cause for alarm.
4. Pink discharge
Pink discharge may be a sign of early pregnancy as it is caused by fertilization of the egg. It often occurs up to 3 days after sexual intercourse. Aside from having this discharge, it is also common to experience mild abdominal cramps that are not necessary t be treated.
5. Transparent discharge
Liquid and transparent discharge, similar to egg white may be a sign that one is in their fertile period of the menstrual cycle. This is the ideal time that the woman should become pregnant if she is not under the prescription of contraceptives. This type of discharge lasts approximately 6 days and it disappears afterwards.
Is it possible to have discharge during pregnancy?
Discharge during pregnancy should be treated as soon as possible when it arises, so as to prevent complications and avoid causing harm to the baby.
- What can cause it: This type of discharge can be caused by disease condition such as Trichomoniasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, Gonorrhea or even Candidiasis.
- How to treat : Treatment is done using medicines such as antifungals or antibiotics, as prescribed by the doctor.
Therefore during pregnancy, as soon as the first symptoms arise, it is advisable to consult the gynaecologist that the right diagnosis can be made to find out the underlying cause and to prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
What to do to not have discharge
To avoid infections such as vaginal diseases that can cause discharge, it advisable to maintain good sexual hygiene, taking a bath at least 2 times a day. For this region, the vagina should be washed with plenty of water with rubbing the region with force. After washing it, careful dry using a towel and wear clean cotton panties.
It is therefore important to:
- Wear cotton panties
- Do not use daily protector such as Carefree
- Avoid the use of wet tissues or toilet paper with perfume
- Avoid rubbing the vagina or using soap while cleaning it.
This care helps in prevention of the emergence of vaginal infections and it also protects the vaginal mucosa, hence preventing the development of fungi or bacteria that will cause any type of discharge.
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