Kacycarr

How to Tell if Vaginal Discharge is Normal - Is Smelly Bloody Thick & Watery Discharge Abnormal?



Posted: Friday, March 20, 2009

by Kacycarr
http://www.spotthepimple.com

Before addressing the matter on the difference between what is seen as a normal vaginal discharge and abnormal one is, that "vaginal discharge" is a natural occurrence of the female body and very much normal for women to have. It`s surprising the amount of young girls who think that because they have a discharge that there is something terribly wrong, so wrong they believe they could die. Well you`re not going to die. There is more chance of you dying if you never had a vaginal discharge. As with any natural function of the human body, if it doesn`t work properly and left untreated it can cause serious complications that could lead to death. Things we relate to here are if the heart don`t beat and maybe some particular STDs left without treatment.

Now we have established that vaginal discharge is every bit as normal like you breathing, let us look at some things that can cause your "normal" discharge to change to an abnormal one. If at any stage you become concerned over a vaginal issue whether it is connected to discharge or not have it checked out. Worrying is not good for your overall health and neither is making assumptions on what you believe your condition is. You need concrete proof of a particular illness, disorder or condition to be able to treat it appropriately. Every woman has discharge but it`s sort will vary in each one. Differences among women can be color, consistency and appearance. These are vital signs that a doctor will rely upon to help come to a conclusion on what the problem is. Your GP will look towards the appearance and smell of the discharge to make a diagnosis. Vaginal discharge happens due to secretions produced from small glands in the lining of the vagina/cervix.

If you have a smelly discharge and the odor is similar to being fishy smelling then there is a possibility that Bacterial vaginosis infection is responsible. While some women may see plenty of vaginal discharge between their menstrual cycles others may not. It is because discharge shows differently in women that we think that our own personal loss (discharge) is abnormal. Stop panicking because how do you know it`s not the other woman`s discharge that is not normal if it appears different to yours.

So what is normal, good question? The way to determine normality is by the changes you might see in your usual discharge to what you have been accustomed since it first showed which could have happened around the time of you reaching puberty. Also things like having to change your underwear frequently or having to wear sanitary padding is not normal. The amount of vaginal discharge a woman loses is often influenced by hormonal changes.

What color should normal vaginal discharge be? Let us use a more fitting word like customary because using the word normal can be damaging. A "customary," physiological, discharge that we expect to see is clear, creamy or pale yellow.

Seek help if changes are

With a customary discharge you wouldn't usually have smell or experience irritation or itching but if you suffer from these then it can denote that something isn`t right.

An abnormal discharge might include:

Listed vaginal infections below can be accountable for the above symptoms to rise.

Remember it is perfectly normal to have a discharge and you must not jump to conclusions that you have one of the above infections till you speak to your GP.

Thrush - Candida yeasts are already in the vagina, and if they are upset for whatever reason it can cause thrush symptoms.

If BV has been diagnosed then let us clear the mix up that Bacterial vaginosis is "not" a sexually transmitted infection. BV can strike without showing symptoms, but the primary one if it does is seeing an increase in discharge and it being thin and watery. It is BV discharge that smells fishy and not the actual vagina.

Other conditions and disorders that can have you see a change is

Gonorrhoea

Vaginal discharge usually turns greenish yellow with an unpleasant smell and may be showing a slight increase in loss

Trichomoniasis

Vaginal discharge is usually foamy and can also smell. The color is greenish yellow and loose.

Vaginitis - inflammation of the vagina does not normally see discharge changes that are too drastic unless there is another infection present. Vaginitis is more of an issue consisting of itchiness – vaginal burning and urination uneasiness.

BV treatment is simple and involves taking a course of antibiotic tablets.

Thrush treatment is also simple and easy. Creams and pessaries are the norm. Ointment is rubbed on or in and around the infected area, and pessaries are for vaginal insertion. Oral anti-thrush tablets are now available from some sexual health clinics, GPs or from the chemist. Ask your GP about this.

Gonorrhoea treatment usually involves immediate prescription of antibiotics. These may be tablets or an injection.

Trichomonas Vaginalis treatment consists of a course of antibiotics

A customary (normal) vaginal discharge keeps the vagina moist and rids any dead cells and bacteria from the vagina. Discharge come chiefly from glands in the cervix, and is slightly acidic, which is vital for protecting you from vaginal infections. The acidity is the outcome from the lactic acid, formed by 'harmless' bacteria as they break down sugars. Be aware that if discharge is exposed to the air it can change to a browny-yellow color .If you`re not sure that this change has come about because of this then make an appointment with your GP.

If you think the changes you see or are experiencing is caused by a sexually transmitted disease then you really need to talk someone. Visit the family planning clinic, GUM clinic or speak to a gynecologist. Remember that you are 100% normal if you have a discharge, and not so normal if you don`t.

Did you know when you treat your own vaginal infection you rid vaginal odour at the same time.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by LaTiya
from Topeka, Kansas 229 days 9 hours ago.
They are really good @ explaining things. :)
» left by jazmyn
 3 days 20 hours ago.
Hi I have frequently been having to change pads or panties because I have milky white discharge that is frequently leaking. I have never started my period because I'm only in middle school but I was just wondering if it was normal to have frequent discharge and am I going to start my period soon thanks please E-mail me and you provided me very helpful info
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