Are you considering the various things related to your vaginal discharge? If yes, then you might be able to find this article to be of help.
When it comes to women, there are a number of things that can indicate their health condition. Feminine health and hygiene form one of the most important factors that one needs to take into account.
Keep reading this article till the end to learn more about your health through vaginal discharge…
What Is Vaginal Discharge?
First things first, what is vaginal discharge? For that, you need to know a little about the female body. So, without further ado, let’s get this started.
Vaginal discharge is the white transparent fluid that comes out of the vaginal. Also known as white discharge by a lot of people, this fluid is produced by the vagina, the uterus, as well as the cervix.
While a lot of people might think that this fluid is not normal, on the contrary, it is. According to Medical News Today, the vaginal discharge or fluid “leaks from the vagina each day to remove old cells and debris, keeping the vagina and reproductive tract clean and healthy.”
Even though the amount of fluid that leaks from the vagina depends on one person to another, a lot can be said about the health of the woman from the discharge. The color, consistency, as well as amount of the fluid or discharge also depends on and changes on a day-to-day basis.
Depending on the menstrual cycle of the woman, the vaginal discharge can be different. For example, take a look at this:
| Days | Nature Of Discharge |
|---|---|
| 1-5 | Bloody or dark red discharge at the beginning of the period. Uterine wall ruptures. |
| 6-14 | Lesser vaginal discharge. With the egg developing, the color of the discharge changes from clear to cloudy and even yellowish. It is sticky. |
| 15-25 | The discharge becomes slippery and thinner. |
| 25-28 | Lesser discharge as the body prepares for the menstrual cycle |
Vaginal Discharge: What Is Considered Normal?
Discharge from the vagina is one of the normal processes through which the body fights off bacteria. This discharge is made up of bacteria and cells. Not only does this fluid help to clean the vagina, but it also acts as a lubricant.
And as I have said before, the color or the thickness of the discharge may be different, but that does not mean that it is not normal. In order to know whether you are healthy or not, it is important to learn about what is a healthy discharge.
If you want to know whether your vaginal discharge is normal, take a look at some of these characteristics of a natural and healthy vaginal discharge:
| Characteristic | What Is Normal? |
|---|---|
| Color | • ClearMilky • white • Off-white |
| Texture | • Watery • Sticky • Gooey • Pasty • Thick |
| Smell | • No smell • Slight fermented |
| Amount | • Depends from person to person. |
Now that you know about what is normal vaginal discharge, it is time for you to learn about what is not normal. Keep scrolling to learn more…
Vaginal Discharge Color Changes: When To Worry?
The normal color of the vaginal discharge should range from clear white to wheatish. However, if there are other colors associated with the discharge, it can be a sign of issues related to your health.
Take a look at the color of the discharge to learn about what it is related to:
1. Red
If the color of the discharge ranges from red to brown, it is indicative of the menstrual cycle. The color red is mostly because of menstrual bleeding and the rupture of the uterine wall. If you have had your menopause and are still experiencing red or brownish discharge, it can be a sign of endometrial cancer.
2. Pink
If your vaginal discharge is pink in color, it can be a sign of a lot of things. For example, it might be indicative of the small tears of the cervix or the vagina during rough intercourse. It can also be a symptom of early signs of pregnancy.
3. Yellow And Green
If the color of the discharge ranges from yellow to green or in that hue, it can indicate the effects of a change in the diet. It can also be indicative of the addition of a diet supplement. If, however, the hue is a bit darker, for example, a darker shade of yellow or a darker shade of green, it is indicative of several STIs or other bacterial infections.
4. Gray
There are various shades of gray that your vaginal discharge can be of. However, none of the grayish vaginal discharge is indicative of good health. Instead, this can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, which is a very common bacterial infection. If other symptoms like a strong odor or itchiness accompany it, it is best to visit your doctor.
5. White Or Clear
As I have mentioned before, white or clear vaginal discharge is indicative of a healthy body. This can range from completely clear to wheatish, light yellow, or off-white color. However, if the texture of the discharge is clumpy and like cottage cheese, it can be a sign of an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
As you have almost reached the end of this health blog, I would advise you to take a look at the questions that are most asked by the readers who search for vaginal discharge.
Ans. If your vaginal discharge is creamy and thick, it can be indicative of a yeast infection. This might be accompanied by a burning and tingling sensation along with itching.
Ans. If the color of the vaginal discharge is yellow, gray, or green, that is when you should be worried about your health. The texture of the discharge should also be kept in mind. A very strong odor of the vaginal discharge can also indicate infection.
Wrapping It Up!
Vaginal discharge is a natural mechanism of the vaginal and cervix to get rid of the impurities and bacteria in the vaginal. It also acts as a natural lubricant that helps in intercourse. It can be a major source of worry if the color and texture of the fluid are not normal.
In case you want to know about vaginal discharge, I hope that this health blog has been of help to you. If there is any other question related to the same, feel free to scroll down to the comment box at the bottom of the page.
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