Causes and Types of Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a secretion from the vagina that occurs because of stress, some illness, depression, hormonal changes and even pregnancy. Its primary cause is some bacteria or yeast, and may also stem from a sexually transmitted disease.

Another cause for this vaginal smelly discharge is pregnancy. Pregnancy discharge occurs when the amniotic fluid starts to leak outside the womb. At times, it may also suddenly gush out. This is not much of a worry, unless you are less than 37 weeks’ pregnant, when you should consult your doctor immediately.

Different types of discharge

• White discharge that is emitted from the vagina is thick, watery or pasty, and is most common before or after periods. If there is any accompanying itching and burning, the discharge may also be a yeast infection.
• Any clear and watery discharge you get occurs in different times of your period and is nothing to worry about, and is most common after a heavy workout or exercise.
• Any yellow or green discharge you notice from the vagina indicates an infection, and has a foul smelling, thick cottage cheese consistency.
• The discharge that occurs after periods is usually brown in color. This brown color is actually blood that turns brown when exposed to air, and is nothing to worry about as it is just a part of the vaginal cleaning process.
• At times, pregnant women may experience some spotting of blood or brown blood discharge during the normal time of their expected periods.

Causes

The different types of vaginal discharge have different causes. However the most common causes are hormonal imbalance, vaginal or bacterial infections, infections that are sexually transmitted, any vaginal injury or disorder, rough intercourse and even complications in pregnancy.

Treatment

While pregnant women and sexually active women who have multiple sex partners should preferably consult a doctor for treatment, home and natural remedies usually provide the best treatment for vaginal discharge.

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