Leucorrhoea
Vaginal discharge is a clear, white, or off-white fluid that comes out of the vagina. The uterus, cervix, and vagina produce vaginal discharge, which is mainly made up of cells and bacteria. It helps clean and lubricate your vagina, and helps fight off bad bacteria and infections. Discharge from your vagina is a natural and normal process, but changes to your discharge can be a sign of infection or disease.
- Texture: It’s normal to have vaginal discharge that ranges from watery
and sticky to gooey, thick, and pasty. Your body’s hormones cause this change
to happen, but factors like infection can also change the consistency of your
vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge that is chunky, foamy, or accompanied by
itching and changes in color may mean you have an infection.
- Color: Vaginal discharge is healthy if it’s clear, milky white, or
off-white. Dark yellow, brown, green, or grey discharge may indicate an
infection or other issue.
- Smell: Vaginal discharge may have an odor, but it shouldn’t be strong
and shouldn’t be unpleasant. If you notice a fishy or foul smell to your
discharge and it’s accompanied by changes in texture or color, you may have a
vaginal infection.
- Amount: Some people produce lots of vaginal discharge, while others
produce less. Certain factors like pregnancy, using birth control pills , or
ovulation can affect how much vaginal discharge you have. Sudden changes in the
amount of vaginal discharge you produce could mean something is wrong.
COLOUR OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE
- Yellow, grey, or green: Yellow, grey, or green discharge may suggest a
bacterial or sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Brown or red: Brown or red discharge is usually related to irregular
menstruation or pregnancy If you have
brown or red-tinged discharge and it’s not your period, it may indicate a
problem.
- Clear or white: Normal vaginal discharge is clear, white, or off-white.
If your discharge is white, but seems thicker than usual or causes itching, it
may be a yeast infection.
CAUSES
- Infections like Yeast infection,Trichomoniasis ,Bacterial
vaginosis,Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
- An object in or near the vagina that shouldn’t be there. For example,
you may leave a tampon inside your vagina.
- An irritation or rash from something that causes an allergic reaction.
This could be from detergents, soaps, sexual lubricants or materials used in
condoms or sex toys.
- A condition called atrophic vaginitis. This can happen after menopause
when there is a decrease in estrogen.
- Sex without protection or with many partners.
- Diabetes.
- Birth control pills.
- HIV infection
- Decreased immunity.
- Use certain soaps, sprays, or detergents.
SYMPTOMS
- Itching.
- Swelling.
- Bad or fishy-smelling odor.
- Green, yellow or gray discharge
- Discharge like cottage cheese or pus.
- Pelvic pain