MATERNAL WEDNESDAY: VAGINAL DISCHARGE- Causes and effects

In today blog, we shall take a look at the following;

                  -Vaginal Discharge: What’s Abnormal?

                  -What causes abnormal discharge?

                  -How does the doctor diagnose abnormal discharge?

                  -How is abnormal discharge treated?

Vaginal discharge serves an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system. Fluid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection.

Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. The amount can vary, as can odor and hue (its color can range from clear to a milky white-ish), depending on the time in your menstrual cycle. For example, there will be more discharge if you are ovulating, breastfeeding, or are sexually aroused. The smell may be different if you are pregnant or you haven't been diligent about your personal hygiene.

None of those changes is cause for alarm. However, if the color, smell, or consistency seems significantly unusual, especially if it accompanied by vaginal itching or burning, you could be noticing an infection or other condition.

What causes abnormal discharge?

Any change in the vagina's balance of normal bacteria can affect the smell, color, or discharge texture. These are a few of the things that can upset that balance:

                             Antibiotic or steroid use

                             Bacterial vaginosis, a bacterial infection more common in pregnant women                 or women who have multiple sexual partners

                             Birth control pills

                             Cervical cancer

                             Chlamydia or gonorrhea (STDs), sexually transmitted infections

                             Diabetes

                             Douches, scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath

                             Pelvic infection after surgery

                             Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

                             Trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection typically contracted and caused by having unprotected sex

                             Vaginal atrophy, the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause

                             Vaginitis, irritation in or around the vagina

                             Yeast infections

See the chart below to learn more about what a particular type of discharge might mean.

Types of Abnormal Discharge and Their Possible Causes

Type of Discharge:- What It Might Mean: (Other Symptoms)

1. Bloody or brown- Irregular menstrual cycles, or less often, cervical or endometrial cancer (Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain)

2. Cloudy or yellow- Gonorrhea, (Bleeding between periods, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain)

3. Frothy, yellow or greenish with a bad smell- Trichomoniasis, (Pain and itching while urinating)

4. Pink- Shedding of the uterine lining after childbirth (lochia)

5. Thick, white, cheesy- Yeast infection (Swelling and pain around the vulva, itching, painful sexual intercourse)

6. White, gray, or yellow with fishy odor- Bacterial vaginosis (Itching or burning, redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva)

How is abnormal discharge treated?

How you are treated will depend on what’s causing the problem. For example, yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medications inserted into the vagina in cream or gel form. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic pills or creams. Trichomoniasis is usually treated with the drug metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax).

Tips for preventing vaginal infections that can lead to abnormal discharge:

1. Keep the vagina clean by washing regularly with a gentle, mild soap and warm water.

2. Never use scented soaps and feminine products or douche. Also avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths.

3. After going to the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection.

4. Wear 100% cotton underpants, and avoid overly tight clothing.

SOURCE: WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Trina Pagano, MD on September 28, 2014

BEAUTY TIPS OF THE DAY

Eye Care Tip:-  You can use cool cucumber slices to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.

                        -A slice of raw potato can be placed under your eyes to reduce dark circles.

                        -Avoid salty foods.  They can cause fluid retention and eye puffiness.

                        -Slightly elevate your head while sleeping to prevent extra fluid from settling around eyes and making them puffy.

                        -A thin line of eyeliner in black or brown can greatly define your eyes and make them appear brighter.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Your heart beats 100,000 times a day! 3,000,000 times in a month and 36,000,000 times a year!

- human thighs bones (femur) are stronger than concrete!

- camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand!

- the sentence "The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet! 

Oluwatimilehin OKE

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