Abnormal Vaginal Discharge – What do I do?
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge – What do I do?
What is Normal vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge is something women experience throughout the course of the menstrual cycle and even after menopause. Typically, the normal vaginal discharge is white or clear in small amounts without a strong odour.
What is abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
Any excessive (chunky consistency) or green or yellow in colour or smelly (fishy odour) may be abnormal usually associated with the infection of some kind. Abnormal vaginal discharge can result from certain STI infections such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea.
The following are common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge:
Yeast infection (Candida)
Commonly known as Thrush. Symptoms include burning and itching in the genital area, along with white discharge with a cottage cheese-like consistency. Thrush can be caused by the use of antibiotics, which can upset the vaginal flora resulting in Candida infection. Majority of cases are treatable, nevertheless more resistant ones such as Candida Glabarata are seen nowadays.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Also referred as BV infection makes up 50% of all vaginal infections caused by bacterial overgrowth. BV can cause vaginal discharge which may have a foul or fishy smell. Women may get recurrent infections with BV.
Trichomonas infection (Trichomoniasis)
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite and typically spreads through sexual contact. This usually causes green or yellow vaginal discharge along with pain and itching, however majority of the women have no symptoms.
Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
Both Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections. Gonorrhoea mimics yeast infection (Thrush) with the symptoms of creamy, watery or slightly greenish discharge.
Many women who have chlamydia are without any symptoms. Chlamydia can cause a mucousy or purulent vaginal discharge. If left untreated, this can cause serious complications including infertility and Chronic Pelvic pain.
With early diagnosis and treatment, both Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can usually be cured.
Menopause and Vaginal discharge
During menopause, due to lack of oestrogen there may be thinning and drying out of the walls of the vagina. This is called as vaginal atrophy. Symptoms may include burning during urination, vaginal irritation, pain during intercourse, itching and abnormal vaginal discharge.
When should I seek Medical Help?
If you have any abnormal discharge with symptoms, please contact the GP or Gynaecologist as soon as possible.
It may be tempting to treat yourself with over-the-counter medications but if any vaginal discharge which is persistent, copious or foul smelling should be evaluated by a GP or Gynaecologist.
We offer various types of treatment which include compounding medications, in menopausal women with symptoms not controlled with oestrogen treatment and also resistant vaginitis Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are offered.
If you’re ready to be free of abnormal vaginal discharge not controlled with conventional treatment , please contact Rockingham Women’s Health Centre on 0895918943 to book an appointment or www.rockinghamwomenshealth.com.au
