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Reena is in her teens and entering into adulthood. For a few days, she has been noticing some uncommon white discharge from her vagina, which made her curious and concerned. Her curiosity made her restless, and before seeking help, she wanted to do her research. She browsed through the web to find the reason behind this ‘unusual’ bodily phenomenon and found out that it is a natural occurrence and is linked to a female’s menstrual cycle. Reena was now relieved but determined to understand her body. She wanted to know more about this sudden change and if it was normal to have white discharge every day. Her confusion led her to dig deeper in this regard, and she found out more about the white discharge problem in females.
What is Vaginal Discharge?
Reena found that the white discharge she was embarrassed about is a natural and normal process in women. When a woman hits puberty and is about to get her first period, her body undergoes hormonal changes. The white discharge, or leukorrhea, is the result of these hormonal changes in a woman, and she can get the discharge six months to a year before her period.
White discharge keeps the vagina healthy and protects it from infections. This clear, white, or off-white fluid can be thin, slightly sticky, or gooey. It is produced by the glands inside the woman’s vagina, uterus, and cervix to flush out the dead cells and bacteria throughout the day to keep the vagina clean and free from bad bacteria. This white fluid also helps in lubricating the vaginal tissues.
White Discharge Before Periods
White discharge before periods is normal and is known as leukorrhea. It is generally caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and represents the good health of the reproductive system.
However, the excessive white discharge could be a symptom of a bacterial or yeast infection that could result in a foul odour, itching, or burning. The medical condition of bacterial vaginosis can cause a greyish-white discharge with a fishy smell.
Is it Normal to Have Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is completely normal to have vaginal discharge during pregnancy. In some situations, women also experience an increase in white discharge as the pregnancy progresses. Generally, a healthy discharge is thin, clear, or milky white and shouldn’t smell unpleasant.
However, you should always consult a healthcare profession, if you observe a foul odor, yellow or greenish color, and any change in amount.
Is it Normal for a Woman to Have White Discharge Every Day?
The white, milky discharge is a female’s way of cleansing out the vagina and keeping it healthy. Most women have discharge every day, while others may have less frequent discharges depending on their vaginal health. A normal everyday white discharge in women is approximately 2–5 mL, clear and white with a subtle odour; however, this discharge changes throughout the month or a woman’s menstrual cycle.
The changes are associated with ovulation in women and often result in changes in the consistency and colour of the fluid. A menopausal woman has minimal vaginal discharge due to low oestrogen levels. These changes in the vaginal discharge are natural and vary from woman to woman.
Every Woman Should Know: Reasons Behind Different Types of Discharge
White discharge in women indicates a healthy reproductive system. However, to keep vaginal health in check, a woman should learn about the female discharge types:
White or Thick Vaginal Discharge
Normally, women have clear, white fluid-like discharge, but post-ovulation, this milky-like fluid can change into a white, thick consistency. If the discharge is thicker than usual, has a foul odour, or causes itchiness, contact your healthcare professional immediately, as it can be a sign of a yeast infection.
Brown or Red Vaginal Discharge
A brown discharge in women can be a sign of irregular menstruation or an after-period discharge. Older women have a brown discharge because of menopause. Brown discharge can also indicate fibroids, cervical cancer, or a sign of implantation pregnancy.
Red discharge indicates the onset of menstruation in women or can be due to unprotected sex, a sign of early pregnancy, or miscarriage.
If you’re confused and the discharge seems unusual or alarming, consult your healthcare provider, as it can be a sign of an underlying condition.
Yellow or Green Vaginal Discharge
Yellow or green discharge in women, followed by an unpleasant odour, indicates bacterial infection or can be a sign of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, if you notice any unusual changes in your vaginal discharge, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
Certain factors can affect the amount and texture of your vaginal discharge, such as ovulation, breastfeeding, exercise, or sexual arousal. You can also consult your healthcare provider to understand the causes of your white discharge.
Causes of White Discharge in Women
Reena further finds that white discharge is a common occurrence in women; however, the reason for white discharge in women can be both physiological and pathological. Following are some of the common causes of white discharge in women:
Normal Discharge
A white discharge in women can change during these natural phases:
1. Menstrual Cycle: It has been observed that throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, her hormonal changes can affect the consistency of vaginal discharge. For instance, when a woman is ovulating, the consistency of the discharge is clear and stretchy. During this period, it is normal for a woman to observe a white, milky discharge every day due to an increase in oestrogen levels. However, this consistency changes after her ovulation and becomes thicker and whiter as progesterone levels rise.
2. Pregnancy: When a woman is pregnant, her oestrogen levels and blood flow increase in her vaginal area, which also increases the white discharge. This plays a vital role in protecting the vaginal canal from any infections or bacteria and maintaining a healthy environment for the baby.
Infections
The consistency and colour of the white discharge might also change due to some infections in the vagina, such as:
1. Candida (Yeast Infection): The growth of a yeast called ‘Candida’ leads to a fungal infection, which is common in women. It further leads to a thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese, which is often accompanied by redness, irritation, discomfort, and itching around the vaginal area.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis (Bacterial Infection): BV is an infection that occurs when there is an imbalance of the normal bacteria in a woman’s vagina. It can cause thin and greyish-white discharge with an unpleasant fishy odour. Some other symptoms may include a burning sensation during urination or itching in the private area.
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections(STI):-
STIs can also trigger a change in women’s vaginal discharge:
- Trichomoniasis: It is a kind of STI that can cause a creamy, yellow-green-like discharge with a strong unpleasant odor. Other symptoms can include irritation, itching, and discomfort during urination or intercourse.
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Such STIs can also cause unusual yellowish or greenish discharge along with discomfort and pain in the pelvic region.
- Human Papillomavirus: This infection is usually caused by sexual contact, and can lead to cervical cancer in women. A woman with HPV can have blood or brown-like discharge, which can often be dismissed as spotting. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor if you face any unusual discharge or spotting. Other symptoms may include a foul smell, bleeding between menstruation and after intercourse, pain while urinating, or a frequent urge to urinate.
Other Causes of White Discharge
Reena further read about other reasons why a white discharge in a woman can change:
1. Birth Control Pills (Hormonal Contraceptives): Contraceptive pills induce hormonal changes in a female's body and affect vaginal discharge, which further makes it thicker and more noticeable.
2. Menopause (Vaginal Atrophy): When a woman transitions to her menopause phase, she may experience changes in her vaginal discharge due to low oestrogen levels; this condition is known as vaginal atrophy. It can cause dryness, thinning, and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a lack of oestrogen.
3. Ovulation: During the ovulation period, or when a woman’s ovaries release an egg, the texture of the discharge is affected, which can look more watery and slippery than usual. It helps with lubrication during intercourse and helps the sperm reach the eggs during fertilisation.
4. Tampons or Contraceptive Devices (Foreign Bodies): If you forget and leave foreign objects such as tampons or contraceptive devices in your vagina longer than you should, it can lead to an unusual discharge with foul odour, discomfort, and bacterial growth in the vagina.
5. Poor Hygiene: It is vital to maintain proper vaginal hygiene. Change your undergarments every day, and wash your vagina with normal water. The use of any harsh chemical soaps or lotions with strong fragrances can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and lead to unusual discharge in women.
Many other factors can also cause unusual discharge in women, such as diabetes, the use of antibiotics and steroids, vaginitis, stress and anxiety, or having multiple partners.
>> Also Read: What is PCOD Problem in Women and How Does it Affect Fertility?
What to Eat to Stop or Control White Discharge?
Reena also found a few superfoods that have worked great for women to stop or control their white discharge naturally without any sort of medication:
- Cranberries: Cranberries help in maintaining vaginal health. Its antifungal and antioxidant properties help in controlling white discharge and any urinary tract infections.
- Fenugreek Seeds: Consuming fenugreek seeds in boiled water might help counter the white discharge problem. It is the most common method used to maintain the pH level of the vagina and boost immunity in women.
- Indian Gooseberry: Amla or Indian Gooseberry has many medicinal properties; it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and boosts the immune system. You can consume amla in any form, as this superfood can control unusual white discharge in women.
- Rich Starch: Consuming rice water regularly can help you prevent the everyday problem of white discharge. Take a handful of rice, boil it in water, and consume it on a regular basis for better and instant results.
- Guava Leaves: If you have an uncommon vaginal discharge with itching, try guava leaf water or guava tea. Pluck two leaves from the guava tree, boil them in water, and consume them daily to control the discharge and itchiness.
- Tulsi: A holy plant with a plethora of medicinal properties, Tulsi has been used regularly in Indian households. It is also beneficial for treating the problem of white discharge in women.
- Coriander Seeds: Consuming coriander seeds regularly is highly beneficial for controlling white discharge in women. Take a spoonful of coriander seeds, soak it in a glass of water, leave it overnight, filter it, and drink it on an empty stomach the next morning. Do this regularly for at least 10–15 days to see the results.
- Sweet Potatoes: These potatoes can keep your overall vaginal health in check. If you have deficiencies in vitamins A, C, D, E, folate, calcium, and beta-carotene, you are susceptible to bacterial vaginosis. Also, sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, so they can help you control your insulin levels if you have PCOS.
- Probiotic Foods: Fermented foods such as yoghurt contain beneficial and healthy bacteria that help fight any infections or bacteria and help control the white discharge.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar helps grow healthy bacteria that prevent and deal with white discharge issues. It also has antifungal properties, which help maintain the pH level.
- Turmeric: The antibacterial and antifungal properties of turmeric prevent any discomfort around the vaginal area. It also deals with the problem of excess white discharge in women.
- Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea fights any bad bacteria and controls the white discharge.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits, green leafy vegetables, and other vegetables like ladyfinger have vitamins and antioxidants that help in maintaining overall health, including vaginal health.
Home Remedies for the Vaginal Discharge
White discharge is normal in women; however, if there’s an unusual discharge with odour, discomfort, and itchiness, you can try these home remedies to maintain your vaginal health:
- Keep your intimate area clean and wash it regularly with water without any soap or vaginal wash, as they may disturb the pH level of your vagina.
- Avoid using scented products that can irritate your private area.
- Wash your vagina after urinating and pat it dry to avoid a foul smell and discomfort.
- Keep your genital area dry, and try wearing breathable cotton underwear to avoid sweat, rashes, and itching. Also, avoid wearing tight-fitted clothes to prevent bad odour and discomfort.
- During menstruation, keep a check on your pad or tampon and change them regularly to avoid any bacterial infections.
- Apply aloe vera or diluted apple cider vinegar to wash your genital area if you feel any discomfort or itching.
- Indigestion can also result in excess white discharge, so it is necessary to eat healthy, nutritious food.
- Avoid sugary, spicy, and processed food items, as they can cause disturbances in your vaginal discharge. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol can also impact your hormonal balance and immune system, which can potentially increase the white discharge.
- Hydrate yourself well to flush out toxins from your body and maintain overall health.
When Should I See a Doctor?
White discharge is different for every woman; therefore, it is important to pay attention to your vaginal discharge. Here are a few symptoms you should not overlook and seek medical advice for without delay:
- Sudden and incessant urge to urinate, or pain while urinating.
- Itching or burning sensation around the genital area.
- Uncommon changes in vaginal discharge include colour, odour, and texture.
- Pain in the pelvic or abdomen area.
- Bleeding after menopause, between periods, or after penetrative vaginal intercourse.
Reena also discovered that Care Health Insurance provides the benefit of four gynaecologist consultations per year under its Care Supreme Plan. (For further information, check the Care Supreme’s plan details.)
What to Expect During a Doctor's Appointment?
If you face any unusual vaginal discharge problems, it’s better to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and relief. Don’t be embarrassed, and feel free to ask any questions and share every detail regarding your vaginal discharge. During the appointment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, medical history, sexual activity, or any recent lifestyle changes. To examine any vaginal discharge changes and discomfort, they may perform a pelvic exam to check for any infections or abnormalities. A sample of the discharge might be taken for analysis to identify any infections or STIs. Based on the examination, the doctor will further discuss the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Wrapping Up!
Reena has now understood the cause of her white discharge and realised it’s a healthy sign of her vaginal health and overall body function. She now knows the patterns of her vaginal discharge, when it’s normal, and when to seek medical advice. Also, how to maintain a healthy reproductive system is empowering, as she decided to share this information with her friends and women in her family.
Care Health Insurance provides comprehensive health insurance plans that provide all-round protection for everyone in the family.
Disclaimer: Kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of your health concerns. Also, verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential.
https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-discharge
https://www.webmd.com/women/vaginal-discharge-whats-abnormal
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
