VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Vaginal discharge is the fluid that comes out of a woman's vagina. Vaginal discharge is the fluid made by  the glands inside the vagina. Vaginal discharge is the whitish fluid produced  by the uterus, cervix or vagina which comes out  of the  vagina.

The vagina, like the uterus is part of the genital tract and the tissues which make up the tract are very strongly influenced   by the female sex hormones oestrogen and  progesterone. Oestrogen stimulates the tissue to mature and progesterone further develops them. Changes  occur in the lining tissues of the  vagina and the cervix as well as the uterus during each menstrual cycle. The changes caused by oestrogen  make the cells lining the cervix to secrete a thin, slightly sticky mucus.
The  cells that make up the lining of the vagina are arranged like bricks  making up a wall. The top  cells are thin and  large. These top cells are constantly shed into the vagina.  The vaginal cells and the   cervical mucus are both part of  the fluid   that is secreted from the vagina. This discharge is quiet normal and helpful because they prevent dangerous bacteria from growing in the vagina, keeps the  vagina moist which is desirable and  also cleanses it.
There are two types of vaginal discharge;

NORMAL  VAGINAL DISCHARGE
1. A vaginal discharge that is normal keeps the vagina clean and helps  prevent infection.
2. The  fluid may be clear,  cloudy, white or off-white.
3. Normal vaginal charge may have  a mild  smell or none at all.
4. The texture may be  sticky or stretchy  depending on the time of the  monthly circle.
5. A normal  vaginal discharge does not have  an  unpleasant smell.
6. It carries away  dead cells and bacteria.
7. It serves an important reproductive function in the female body.
8. It keeps the vagina moist.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY VAGINAL DISCHARGE IS  ABNORMAL?
1. Abnormal vaginal discharge comes on suddenly.
2. It has an unpleasant odour.
3. It may be greenish, grayish or pus-like in  colour.
4. The  texture may be foamy  or look like pottage cheese.
5. It  causes vaginal itching or burning.
6. It is heavier than normal vaginal discharge.
7. It is  thicker than a normal discharge.
8. It  causes pain around the vagina.
9. Painful intercourse.
10. Burning feeling during urination.

CAUSES OF NORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE
1. The glands in the  cervix produce  mucus.
2. The  walls of the vagina releases secretions.
3. The menstrual cycle.
4. Emotional stress.
5. Pregnancy
6. Birth control pills
7. Sexual arousal
8. Ovulation
9. Breastfeeding
10. Exercise

CAUSES OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE
1. An infection of the vagina
2. Douching
3. Atrophic vaginitis- this is a condition where the estrogen level is low as seen in  women who  are already experiencing menopause.
4. Cervical or vaginal cancer.
5. Sexually transmitted diseases  like gonorrhea
6. Yeast infection
7. Use of antibiotics or steroid.
8. Pelvic inflammatory disease.
9. Candidiasis
10. Thrush.

TREATMENT FOR VAGINAL DISCHARGE
A normal vaginal  discharge  is normal as the name indicates and needs  no treatment. For  abnormal vaginal discharge, the following are recommended;
1. Improve on your personal hygiene- the vagina should be kept clean at all times.
2. Avoid douching.
3. Avoid unprotected sex.
4. Do not wear  tight  fitting underpants.
5. Pads are preferable to tampons.
6. Wipe from front to back after  urination or bowel movement.
7.Avoid use  of  scented soaps and sprays in the vaginal area.
8. Wear cotton under pants.


The  type of treatment  required for abnormal vaginal discharge depends on the cause of the discharge. See your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.