Your loo is the chamber of secrets. There is something with the bathroom lights that brings to focus all the faults that are there with your body.
There are also things that go awry with the bodily fluids, only to come to focus in the loo. And one such sore topic that can freak one out are the vaginal fluids.
And considering the awkward nature of the topic, it is harder for people to talk to the best gynecologist in lahore about it. But worry not, we can have this awkward yet necessary conversation in this article!
What is vaginal fluid?
Your vagina and cervix secrete different types of fluids. These secretions help in keeping vagina healthy, as they aid in removing the dead cells out of vagina. Since it is self-cleaning entity, therefore, these secretions play an important role in maintaining vaginal health.
Generally, vaginal fluid is clear, or milky and does not include any smell or odor. There are different factors that influence the consistency and the volume of the fluids.
What factors influence vaginal discharge?
Menstrual cycle plays a part in the secretion; the frequency and volume increases around the time of ovulation and decreases again after periods. Similarly, fluids also increase in volume on account of arousal and sexual activity.
There are certain habits that can disrupt vaginal flora, that has an impact on your vaginal discharge as well. These include douching, having sex, using antibiotics, having an infection, using certain feminine hygiene products, etc. Moreover, some health conditions like diabetes and pregnancy also have an influence of the flora, and thus the discharge.
What are indicators of abnormal discharge and what do they mean?
There are certain signals that indicate there being issues with the vaginal discharge, and thus health. Some signs of abnormal vaginal discharge include:
Cloudy discharge
Vaginal fluid that is cloudy or with a yellowish tint is not normal, especially when accompanied by pelvic pain. It can be a sign of gonorrhea, which requires urgent treatment.
Grey, yellow, or white discharge
Having grey, yellow, or white discharge could signal bacterial vaginosis. While grey or yellow discharge are easy to identify, the white one is tricker, as milky or white discharge is normal.
However, a key indicator of such an abnormal discharge is the smell. If there is a fish-like odor alongside itching and swelling, you should consult your healthcare provider. Since it is a bacterial infection, it needs antibiotics to get better.
Reddish or brown-tinged discharge
If you are nearing your periods, then the reddish or brownish discharge can be a sign of your period. However, if your period date is nowhere close, then it may be a sign of irregular period or some serious health issue. In either case, you need to visit your healthcare provider.
Thick, ‘cottage cheese’ like discharge
A discharge that resembles cottage cheese, is thick and white can be a sign of vaginal yeast infection. Other symptoms that tend to accompany this condition include painful urination, itching and soreness in the nether region, pain during penetrative sex, swelling in and around the vagina, and presence of rash. If you observe these signs, you should consult your doctor.
Other signs
If there is a rapid increase in the volume of the discharge, or the color of the discharge changes to yellow or green, or if there are changes in the smell of the discharge, you should consult your doctor.
When to get professional help?
As everybody is different, therefore, your vaginal discharge is unique to you. It changes through the course of the cycle and can vary during pregnancy as well.
However, if you notice changes in your discharge, you should contact a gynecologist through oladoc.com immediately. Most conditions show a better prognosis when dealt with at the earliest. Furthermore, many bacterial infections require prescription medication for to improve.