Vaginal discharge is common among women especially during ovulation or when menstruation is nearing. It comes in different kinds. Vaginal discharge may be white in color while some may come in dark brown.
However, not all vaginal discharge is normal especially when it is accompanied by pain, itching or discomfort.
So why do women have this discharge? Vaginal discharge is actually nature’s own way of keeping the body clean.
Inside the cervix and the vagina are glands responsible in producing certain amounts of fluid.
The amount of discharge is usually about a teaspoon. It changes during ovulation and when a woman is breastfeeding and sexually excited.
There are cases when the disahcrage is few or more than the usual. Don’t worry though since the changes in the amount of vaginal discharge may be caused by certain factors like the following:
- Emotional stress: If a woman is always tired and worries too much, she’ll experience having vaginal dryness due to stress. The body can no longer produce enough hormones.
- Ovulation: Five days after her peirod, the woman experiences wetness in her vagina. This is only normal as the body prepares for ovulation and prospective fertilization to take place.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women have enough estrogen in their system allowing them to have thick vaginal discharge.
- Menopause: During menopause, irregularity in the menstrual period may cause an abnormal vaginal discharge. The ovaries can no longer produce estrogen which result to hormonal imbalance.
- Douching: The production of vaginal discharge can be disrutped by douching. Together with bubble baths and using female hygiene sprays, they can all strip off the vagina’s natural moisture.
Vaginal discharge is not always normal. As a woman, you have to be aware of the kind of discharges your body is producing. Here are the signs that your vaginal discharge is already abnormal:
- Having discharges with unpleasant smell
- Constant tchiness and burning feeling in the vagina
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Vaginal swelling is evident
Abnormal vaginal discharge must be taken seiriously. It may result to vaginitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea or vaginal yeast infection.
An excess in the amount of vaginal dischage may even result to vaginal or cervical cancer. In some cases where the abnormal vaginal discharge is acquired through sexual contact, the partner should also undergo treatment.
So how can you attain having normal vaginal discharge? Here are some helpful tips to consider:
- Always maintain cleanliness within the genital areas. Wash your vagina regualrly with soap and water. Use mild soap only since other bars contain too much chemicals that can cause itching and irritation.
- Avoid douching as this destroys the healthy lining found in the vaginal walls. It can also make the vagina dry and prone to bacteria.
- Avoid wearing tight fitting underwear and jeans as they will only cause irritation. Always wear comfortable clothes and underwear.
- Never scratch your vagina. The skin in this area is very sensitive that scratching can leave cuts and bruises.
- Don’t use petroleum jelly or lubricants. They will only cause for bacterial breeding grounds to develop.
Vaginal discharge is normal among women. Again, proper hygiene must be observed to avoid irritation and itchiness. If you experience any irregularities in your discharge, consult your doctor immediately.
