Vaginal discharge is mostly a normal and regular occurrence. However, there are certain types of abnormal vaginal discharge that are likely to indicate an infection. Abnormal vaginal discharge may be yellow or green, have a smelly odor and may cause other uncomfortable symptoms like itching or irritation.
Yeast or a bacterial infection are the most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. If you notice unusual or abnormal discharge which has a foul smell, visit the best gynecologist in Bangalore for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge is different from the normal discharge in color, amount or odor. A white colored vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese is a sign of a vaginal yeast infection. Yellow, green or gray colored discharge is often a sign of infections like trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis.
There are several types of vaginal discharge. Types of vaginal discharge are categorized based on the color and consistency. Some types of vaginal discharge are normal but others may indicate a serious underlying condition which may require medical treatment.
Clear and watery vaginal discharge
A clear and watery vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and can occur at any time of the month and between period cycles. This type of vaginal discharge may be heavy after workouts.
Clear and stretchy vaginal discharge
Clear, stretchy and mucus-like vaginal discharge is common during ovulation. This type of vaginal discharge is normal and indicates that the female is likely ovulating.
White vaginal discharge
White colored vaginal discharge, especially at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle, is mostly normal. But, thick white colored vaainal discharge which resembles cottage cheese-like consistency or appearance and is accompanied by itching is not normal and needs to be checked by a gynecologist. Thick white vaginal discharge is often a sign of a yeast infection.
Brown, pink or red vaginal discharge
Brown or red discharge is usually normal when it occurs during or right after the menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge at the end of the period may look brown in color, instead of red. A female may also experience a small amount of red colored vaginal discharge between periods, which is known as spotting.
If spotting occurs around the normal time of the expected period, especially after having unrpotected sex recently, it could be a sign of pregnancy, known as implantation bleeding. Pink vaginal discharge is often implantation bleeding. Spotting in an early pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage. So, it should be discussed with a gynecologist.
In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge might be a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer. However, other problems such as uterine fibroids or other abnormal growths can also cause red, pink or brown colored vaginal discharge. Getting yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear can help the gynecologist check for cervical abnormalities.
Yellow or green vaginal discharge
Thick, chunky, yellow or green colored vaginal discharge, especially if accompanied by an unpleasant odor, is not normal and should be reported to a gynecologist right away. GReen or yellow vaginal discharge is often a sign of the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is a common STI which can be prevented with practicing safe sex. A female should speak to her doctor right away if she notices green or yellow vaginakl discharge.
Gray vaginal discharge
Gray colored vaginal discharge is not normal, and can be a symptom of a common bacterial infection known as bacterial vaginosis (or BV). Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection which is usually accompanied by other vaginal symptoms as well, including-
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal irritation
- Foul smell
- Redness and soreness around the vulva or the vaginal opening
A female with gray discharge should promptly see a gynecologist in Bangalore for proper treatment. Following diagnosis, the gynecologist will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. But if the infection is not treated prompt in time, it may cause more complications.
When to visit a doctor for abnormal discharge in Bangalore?
If you have an abnormal discharge along with certain other symptoms, see your gynecologist as soon as possible. Warning symptoms that the female should visit her doctor without further delay are-
- fever
- pain in the abdomen region
- unexplained or sudden weight loss
- fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
- increased urination
If you have any doubts or concerns regarding whether a vaginal discharge is normal or not, clear your head and make an appointment to consult the best gynecologist in Bangalore.
Treatment for abnormal vaginal discharge in Bangalore
Treatment for abnormal vaginal discharge depends on the underlying cause. The gynecologist would diagnose the underlying condition behind abnormal vaginal discharge, Treatment for abnormal vaginal discharge is suggested by the gynecologist after a proper diagnosis and physical exam.
Vaginal Infections are mostly treated with antibiotics. If the female is diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, the gynecologist is likely to prescribe an antibiotic. If the gynecologist suspects the female has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) based on her medical history and a recent physical exam, treatment options may vary.
If the female has recurrent yeast infections and recognizes the symptoms, she may use over-the-counter creams with her gynecologist’s prescription. If the abnormal vaginal discharge and other accompanying symptoms get more severe or if they do not respond to the medications, see your gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis and change the treatment.
