What kind of “vaginal discharge” in women is abnormal?
The problem of “vaginal discharge” can be a cause of concern for many women, and they may be too embarrassed to consult a friend or a doctor. Health has information from Dr. Surachet Apininbongkot, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samitivej Hospital, to try to observe the characteristics of the vaginal discharge yourself first. If there is anything unusual, you can see a doctor immediately before the symptoms get worse.
What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a liquid mucus that is not menstrual blood. This mucus is released from the cervix into the vagina to moisten the vaginal area and help prevent vaginal infections.
What kind of vaginal discharge in women is abnormal?
Amount of vaginal discharge
The amount of vaginal discharge varies from person to person, so you should compare it to yourself. What was your vaginal discharge like before, in the middle of, and after your period? If the amount changes to something unusual, you should suspect that it is an abnormal discharge.
Characteristics of vaginal discharge
Normal vaginal discharge is cloudy and changes according to the menstrual cycle. The period before and after menstruation is cloudier than the โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที period in the middle of the cycle. However, if the vaginal discharge becomes cloudier, sometimes thick like wet flour or milk stains, this discharge may be caused by yeast.
Color of vaginal discharge
It should generally be milky white, with a slight yellowish or yellowish white tint. However, if it starts to turn yellowish-green, this is considered abnormal.
In addition, if the vaginal discharge starts to turn brown, it may be due to the uterine wall peeling slowly. This is often found after menstruation. During menstruation, the uterine wall has not fully peeled off, or sometimes it does not peel off during menstruation, causing the vaginal discharge to turn brown. This problem may simply be the uterus starting to sag. However, if the vaginal discharge is brown, bubbly, has a musty smell, and is itchy when urinating, this is considered abnormal vaginal discharge because the vagina is irritated. Sometimes it can be so severe that there is a burning sensation in the groin area. You should see a doctor immediately.
The smell of vaginal discharge
Each person’s vaginal discharge has a different smell. However, abnormal vaginal discharge is discharge that has an unusually foul smell, especially during or after intercourse. It may be caused by vaginal discharge infected by a group of bacteria or parasites in the vagina. When a man’s semen reacts with the alkaline substance, it will smell like rotten fish.
However, it does not mean that odorless vaginal discharge is not dangerous. If the vaginal discharge is odorless but there is a lot of it, looks like milk stains, sticks to the underwear, and is itchy, the main cause is the moisture of the underwear, which must be dried in the sun, not in the shade. Even if the underwear is dry, fungus can grow. In addition, allowing it to be moist during the day is another cause of vaginal fungus, which also results in abnormal vaginal discharge.
Summary of symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge
- There is a greater volume than usual.
- Thick like wet flour or milk stains
- The color starts to turn green or brown.
- Foamy vaginal discharge with a foul odor, along with a burning sensation while urinating.
- There is a fishy smell like rotten fish during or after sexual intercourse.
- There is vaginal discharge along with itching or burning sensation.
Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge
- There is vaginal yeast infection from wearing damp underwear.
- Delayed uterine wall shedding after menopause
- Vaginal irritation
- Taking certain medications or foods, such as some antibiotics, fermented foods, and seafood.
- There is a wound from an infection in the vagina.
- Pregnancy, especially pregnant women with diabetes
- Having sex with someone who has gonorrhea (the discharge is pus-like, may not be much and may have a slight odor. A doctor should examine you carefully.)
How to clean yourself when you have vaginal discharge
The best way to clean is to use plain water and pat dry. If you are menstruating, you should change your sanitary pads frequently. It is not recommended to use sanitary pads because they are more easily damp. Do not let them get damp. You should change your underwear when it is damp, wash it clean, and dry it completely before wearing it.