Vaginal Discharge: What’s Normal?

Vaginal discharge is a clear or white fluid that comes out of the vagina. This fluid is mucus and bacteria. Its function is to keep the vagina clean and moist. The texture can be thick or thin.

Healthy vaginal discharge can dry out and is typically clear, white, and odorless. The amount of vaginal discharge can vary from person to person.

However, have you ever noticed your vaginal discharge changing in quantity, consistency, color, or smell? If this is the case, it may indicate an infection or other issue.

When this happens, we usually rush to act. For example, clean the vagina with feminine soap or an antiseptic. However, this action is not appropriate because it makes the infection worse.

You need to know, the vagina has acidity. This means that it can protect itself against infection by harmful bacteria. Using feminine soap or antiseptics might disrupt the pH balance in the vagina, killing beneficial microbes. So, rushing into action is bad, right?

If healthy microbes are eliminated, the vagina cannot defend itself against bad bacteria. Maintaining vaginal cleanliness is not a difficult thing to do.

Wash it with warm water on the outside. Avoid washing the inside of the vagina. When cleansing the vagina, wipe from the front to the back so that anal bacteria do not enter the vagina.

Check your vaginal discharge color

• Yellow, gray, or green: possible infection with a sexually transmitted disease (STI).
• Brown or red: usually indicates irregular menstruation or pregnancy (implantation bleeding). If the discharge is brown or red and not associated with menstruation, there may be a problem.
• Clear or white: vaginal discharge is white but thicker than usual or causes itching; it may be a yeast infection.

Signs of normal vs. normal vaginal discharge

1. Texture

Normal vaginal discharge might be fluid, sticky, thick, or pale. Hormonal changes cause this difference.

However, infectious factors can change the texture. Vaginal discharge that is thick, foamy, or accompanied by itching and discoloration may suggest an infection. Watch out for this sign!

2. Color

Normal vaginal discharge is clear, milky white, or pale white. If the color changes to dark yellow, brown, green, or gray, it signals an infection or another disease.

3. Smell

Vaginal discharge also has an odor, but it is not strong. If your vaginal discharge smells foul, fishy, or changes texture or color, you may have an infection.

4. Amount

The amount of vaginal discharge varies. Certain factors, such as the use of birth control pills, ovulation, and pregnancy, can influence it.

Some infections occur due to sexual contact with someone who is also infected. However, you are more at risk of infection if:

• changing sexual partners or having sexual relations without using protection;
• have untreated diabetes;
• taking birth control pills or antibiotics;
• infected with HIV;
• using soap or spray;
• vaginal douching

What causes an abnormal vaginal discharge?

Itching, burning, and a strong odor are all signs of abnormal vaginal discharge. Some of the causes include:

1. Fungal infection

Certain fungi can infect the vagina. Fungal infections cause thick, white vaginal discharge, like cheese.

As a result, the vagina feels swollen and itchy, having sex painful. Doctors usually treat it with antifungal drugs.

2. Trichomonasis, or "trich"

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that develops after having sex with an infected person. The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis is the cause.

Trichomoniasis is characterized by green, yellow, or gray vaginal discharge that is foamy or just frothy. Usually, doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the vagina contains a normal balance of bacteria. Sexual contact is a possible mode of transmission.

Usually characterized by a white or gray vaginal discharge that smells foul and fishy, This infection can be treated with antibiotics.

4. Gonorrhea and chlamydia

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two sexually transmitted diseases caused by having sex with an infected person. Both infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Women with an infection will find their vaginal discharge cloudy, yellow, or green. If they don't get treatment, the infection may spread and cause pelvic inflammation.

Apart from infection, there are other causes of vaginal discharge. Changes in hormonal balance and sexual desire can also cause vaginal discharge.

Other factors that can cause vaginal discharge, such as

• Tampon in the vagina.
• Irritation or rash from something, such as soap or antiseptic.
• Atrophic vaginitis, namely a decrease in estrogen. This case is more common in menopausal women.
• Pregnancy. Vaginal discharge is usually more abundant than normal because it functions to protect against infection.
• Ovulation. At this time, the vaginal discharge is very slippery and wet.

Tips for dealing with vaginal discharge

So, how do you deal with vaginal discharge? To prevent abnormal vaginal discharge, we must to maintain vaginal health.

Practicing these easy tips can lower the risk of developing a vaginal infection:

• Use cotton underwear. Cotton absorbs sweat more easily, which keeps the vagina dry.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing.
• Avoid vaginal douches.
• Avoid putting lubricating oil or jelly into the vagina. This makes it easier for bacteria to multiply.
• Do not have sexual intercourse during vaginal treatment.
• Do not scratch the itchy area because it will cause inflammation.
• Avoid sexual relations with multiple partners. Be loyal to your partner.

However, keeping the hygiene of the vaginal area, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet are good things to do to keep the vagina healthy.

Certain drugs can help treat vaginal infections. Ignoring the symptoms will make it worse. If you have vaginal discharge, visit the GWS Medika Clinic, a health clinic in Jakarta, to obtain treatment.