Body fluids secreted from the woman’s genital area is commonly called vaginal discharge. It is a general term and the excreted bodily fluids may vary in appearance, quantity, color and smell.
The fluid that normally is called vaginal discharge is produced in the glands of the cervix. It has a natural acidity that counteracts the harmful bacteria and prevents the explosive growth of fungus. It increases the resistance of the mucous membranes of the genitals against fungi, bacteria and other potential problems. So in conclusion, vaginal fluids are an important part of the body’s defense. It is a common occurrence that these fluids are excreted from your body, and are usually called vaginal discharge.
How do they look?
How vaginal discharge look, how it smells and lastly what quantity can vary quite a lot. A common appearance is a translucent liquid with no particular odor. There is considerable individual variation how often or how abundant discharges become. Some women have naturally abundant vaginal discharge even when she is not affected by any infection or ailments. Other women have very scanty secretions.
Discharges can also be a symptom of infections and other ailments that may require medical treatment. A typical sign of this are foul smelling discharges or discharges that changes colour.
Discharges are more frequent and be far more abundant than normal during pregnancy. They are also relatively frequent and abundant during puberty. It is also quite common with changing vaginal discharge during menopause. They may thicken or become purulent when the mucous membranes become dry and brittle.
When they change appearance
When your discharges changes or starts to look different than normal, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Some diseases and infections can among other symptoms cause abnormal vaginal discharge that changes how excretions look or smell. Altered smell or appearance may indicate infection and disease if they change colour or become smelly. It may also be a symptom infections and ailments if vaginal discharges become significantly more abundant than normal.
Pay particular attention if any of the above phenomena occurs in connection with swelling, itching or burning sensations.
Infections and diseases
White and grainy discharges is a common symptom of vaginal thrush. Other frequent symptoms include itching or burning sensations in the vaginal area. Thrush is a harmless condition that is easily treated or heal by itself.
Vaginal discharges that changes colour to green or gray may indicate a condition called bacterial vaginosis or other conditions such as bacterial infections. Another symptom which usually follow any of the before mentioned conditions are foamy or smelly discharges. The scent can be similar to rotten fish and the smell is most noticeable after intercourse or during menstruation. These conditions can be cured with antibiotics such as Metronidazole (Flagyl) and the smell can be remedied with acidifying gels and ointments. Vaginosis can heal by itself.
Infection in the fallopian tube or uterus infection can display a wide range of symptoms, among them abnormal vaginal discharge. Common symtoms are smelly discharge(rotten smell) and discharges become usually become thicker and more syrupy. Any discharges also tend to become more abundant. Other symptoms include stomach ache and fever. The most common treatment is antibiotics.