Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a normal physiological function that you do not need to worry about. This discharge helps keep your vaginal clean and free from infections. Normal vaginal discharge may occur when you are emotionally stressed, are sexually aroused, are breastfeeding, and other such instances.

However, then there is also an abnormal vaginal discharge which is of concern. The causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include:

Bacterial Vaginosis
This is a common form of bacterial infection usually found in women who engage in oral sex or are sexually active with multiple partners. The discharge has a foul smell to it and is somewhat thick.

Trichomoniasis
This infection generally develops in women via sexual contact or even sharing bathing suits or towels. The discharge of this particular kind has a yellowish-green color to it. Women who are experiencing vaginal discharge due to trichomoniasis may also report inflammation, pain, and itching in their vagina.

Yeast Infection
Stress1, diabetes, birth control pills, pregnancy, and excessive use of antibiotics can all cause the yeast levels in the vagina to increase. This increase then leads to the development of fungal or yeast infections. The discharge experienced by women who have a yeast infection is white, somewhat resembling the color of cottage cheese.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
These are diseases that women encounter via sexual means. The vaginal discharge, in this case, has a cloudy consistency and is usually yellow and green.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID is another sexually transmitted disease. This infection goes on and rests in the roots of a woman’s reproductive organs. The discharge experienced in this case has a heavy consistency and foul smell to it.

Human Papillomavirus
HPV, otherwise known as cervical cancer, is another type of disease encountered via sexual means. The vaginal discharge, in this case, has a bloody and brown consistency to it. Also, the discharge is more liquid; like water.

Types of vaginal discharge

Following are some common types of vaginal discharge that are experienced by women. These include:

Bloody and brown discharge
This generally indicates an irregular period cycle. However, at other times, this is also an indication of cervical cancer.

Cloudy and yellow discharge
This type of discharge usually occurs because of gonorrhea which is a sexually transmitted disease.

Frothy, yellow, and green discharge
This type of discharge is also a result of a sexually transmitted disease; trichomoniasis. This disease can also be developed if you share bathing suits or towels. This discharge not only has a sickly color to it but also smells foul.

Pink discharge
This particular discharge is normal as you experience it after giving birth. During this type of discharge, your uterus is shedding its lining.

Thick, white and cheese consistency discharge
This particular type of discharge is caused when a woman has developed a yeast infection. This fungal infection may also cause swelling, pain, and itching of the vagina.

White, grey, yellow discharge
This particular discharge is usually experienced by women who are sexually active with multiple partners or who often engage in oral sex.