Vaginal secretions can provide valuable information about your body and overall health. From pH levels to the consistency of discharge, here are 5 things your vaginal secretions can tell you. Understanding these signals can help you maintain good health and identify potential issues early on.
- Odourless discharge is a sign of good health
Vaginal discharge is a very normal part of female biology. It is needed by the female body to fight off any possibilities of infections, as well as to keep bacteria balance in check.
In fact, vaginal discharge needs to be produced every day by the cervix, uterus, and vagina itself. The composition of the discharge itself? It is mainly composed of cells and bacteria.
That’s all. A healthy person should produce mostly odourless vaginal discharge that shows that her vaginal environment is healthy.
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that anytime there is a change in the aroma of your vaginal discharge you are sick.
It could well be the case, but most often, vaginal discharge can change is aroma and consistency due to hormonal changes. And as a female being, your hormones are always fluctuating, so it’s not really a big deal.
According to information from Medical News Today, typical vaginal discharge is transparent, varying in thickness and consistency, and typically lacks any noticeable scent. Throughout a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle, both the volume of discharge produced and its texture can undergo changes. The presence of dense white discharge within this cycle is considered normal. Generally, it signifies the natural self-cleansing mechanism of the vagina, which serves to protect against infections.
- A lot of vaginal discharge is normal, but not if it’s green
Your vaginal discharge essentially should be clear, white, of white but almost greyish. These are the common colours of vaginal discharge that indicates normalcy.
However, if your body is experiencing some changes, the colours might change. It is common to see your discharge in a colour that is a little bit yellowish.
If your discharge is a dark yellow colour, this could well mean bacterial infections. It should be treatable with some over-the-counter medicines. The same goes for discharge that appears grey or even green.
Green coming out of the human body is never good news as this is typically caused by severe bacterial infections. You need to go see your gyno quickly and get treatment after a proper diagnosis.
Vaginal discharge that appears green can also be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease and this would need immediate handling.
- Brown or reddish discharge could mean internal bleeding
When it comes to human fluid discharge, the colours brown and red are typically associated with the inclusion of blood in the discharge.
For women, this could very well happen during a time when the period is nearing; or when it has just ended, actually.
With that said, if you see your vaginal discharge has come out looking brown or reddish in colour, this may be a sign of irregular bleeding that happens internally.
Of course, it could very well be irregular menstruation, but this could also mean pregnancy. In severe cases, red or brown in your vaginal discharge could also be caused by infections that have caused bleeding in the uterus.
As per K-Health, brown discharge can be indicative of serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, malodorous discharge, and a burning sensation while urinating. PCOS can disrupt ovulation, resulting in brown spotting, pelvic pain, and other symptoms instead of a regular menstrual flow. This disruption can potentially lead to internal bleeding, which in turn contributes to the occurrence of brown discharge.
At any rate, if you feel discomfort or pain alongside your vaginal discharge appearing in these colours, you shouldn’t wait too long. Go see your gyno immediately to get a proper diagnosis and early treatment.
- Thick and strong-smelling vaginal discharge may be a sign of yeast infection
Every woman’s vaginal discharge differs in consistency. Some women’s vaginal discharge may be thicker than others and this is normal.
However, for you personally, if you sense that your vaginal discharge has become a lot thicker than usual, and on top of that, it is also accompanied by a really strong smell, this could well be a sign of yeast infection.
Yeast infections happen when bacteria growth has gone out of control, giving way for yeast to thrive rapidly and multiply fast. Yeast infections can also happen in women who consume a lot of sugary stuff.
Yeast thrives off sugar and when their growth is accompanied by a lack of regular cleaning of the vagina, an infection could happen. A yeast infection is easily cured with over-the-counter medicines.
According to Healthline Media, a vaginal yeast infection is caused by the Candida albicans fungus and primarily affects the vagina. This infection frequently results in thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor. Additionally, a creamy, whitish coating might be present in and around the vaginal area.
You could also get probiotic supplements to help reduce its occurrence.
- Bubbly or frothy vaginal discharge may be trich
There is a parasite that can cause trichomoniasis. It happens in men but they don’t show any symptoms. However, in females, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge and it can even appear frothy or bubbly.
This is not a good sign at all as trichomoniasis is a type of sexually transmitted infection. It is one of the most common STIs that typically afflict women who are actively having sex with multiple partners.
The lack of use of condoms could transfer the disease easily. Urination can be quite painful for women who are afflicted with trichomoniasis.
If you suspect that your vaginal discharge is showing symptoms of trichomoniasis, make a gyno appointment immediately. After getting a proper diagnosis, you will be given an antibiotic that can be consumed orally.
Although trichomoniasis is not life-threatening, this STI could cause premature delivery in pregnant women.
Finally, it can be concluded that the article discussed five basic things that vaginal secretion can tell about your overall health and well-being. Learning more about vaginal secretion can help ladies determine what they need to change with their bodies.
Why Am I Always Wet Down There And Smelly?
As a woman, it is common to experience changes in the vaginal discharge and smell. While these changes are often normal and can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, it can also be a sign of an underlying issue. It is important to understand the causes and possible remedies for this uncomfortable and often embarrassing issue. In this paper, we will explore the potential reasons for being constantly wet down there and having a foul odor, and what steps can be taken to address it.
First, let’s understand the natural functions of the vagina. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that produces discharge to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels. This discharge is usually clear or milky white in color and has a mild odor. However, various factors can alter the vaginal environment and lead to changes in discharge and smell.
One of the most common causes of excessive vaginal wetness and odor is an infection. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It can cause a fishy-smelling discharge, along with itching and burning sensations. Similarly, a yeast infection, caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus, can also result in a thick, white discharge with a strong odor. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can also cause abnormal discharge and odor. Infections can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medication, depending on the type of infection.
Another possible reason for being constantly wet down there and experiencing a strong odor is poor hygiene. The vaginal area is a warm and moist environment, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. Not washing the area regularly can lead to an accumulation of sweat and bacteria, resulting in a foul smell. It is important to wash the vaginal area with warm water and mild soap, and to wear cotton underwear to allow for proper air circulation. Additionally, using scented products, such as soaps, sprays, and douches, can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina, leading to an unpleasant odor.
Hormonal changes can also play a role in vaginal discharge and smell. During the menstrual cycle, the amount and consistency of discharge can vary due to changes in estrogen levels. Similarly, during pregnancy or menopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause an increase in discharge and changes in odor. It is important to keep track of any changes and consult with a healthcare provider if they seem abnormal.
In some cases, vaginal discharge and odor can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive organs and can cause an unpleasant vaginal odor, along with pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. Cervical or uterine cancer can also lead to changes in discharge and smell. It is essential to seek medical attention if the discharge is accompanied by other symptoms or persists for an extended period.
In conclusion, being constantly wet down there and experiencing a strong odor is not something to be ignored. It could be a sign of an infection, poor hygiene, hormonal changes, or an underlying health condition. It is essential to pay attention to any changes in discharge and odor and seek medical advice if necessary. Practicing good hygiene habits, wearing breathable underwear, and avoiding scented products can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment. Remember, a healthy vagina is a happy vagina.
