Vaginal discharge is a common complain in women. It may sometimes appear to be disproportionately distressing. Some women worry so much about it because of fear of possible implications on their fertility potentials.
Vaginal discharge could be Normal, or occur as a result of a Disease
Normal discharge commonly occurs around the period of ovulation and before menstrual flow, during sexual excitement or intercourse, in pregnancy, women on family planning such as oral pills or in pubertal girls
Normal discharge is often clear coloured or whitish. It usually has some mucous , it does not itch and does not smell so badly
Discharge caused by disease could be related to infection gotten through sexual intercourse (STDs), it could occur due to cancers, there may be foreign body within the genital track causing these discharge, it could be due to some growth in the womb or neck of the womb such as polyp or degenerating fibroid.
The discharge caused by diseases could be whitish, brownish, curdlike, mixed with blood, greenish or clear. Sometimes they may be foamy and look like pus. This may be associated with offensive smell and itching
You need not to worry when you have any of these. Normal discharges like I described above do not need special treatment. Just be reassured. However when you are in doubt; or having symptoms and signs relating to disease causing discharges; please consult your doctors for advise and treatment.
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Dr. Joseph Okoeguale is a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist practicing in Nigeria. See his profile here
