Although most people are unaware of it or are too shy to talk about it, it is true that there are different types of vaginal discharge, as it can vary in smell, color, quantity, etc.
Vaginal discharge is, as its name suggests, a series of secretions produced by glands in the vagina. This fluid is absolutely normal and necessary, as it performs a multitude of functions necessary to maintain vaginal health.
One of them is that it allows the vagina to be “cleaned.” That is, it helps to eliminate dead cells and bacteria, which helps prevent infections . In addition, it is a great indicator of the health of the female reproductive system.
All the changes that this discharge experiences can help us recognize pathologies. Therefore, in this article we explain the types of vaginal discharge that exist and what each of them means.
Why do different types of vaginal discharge appear?
Vaginal discharge may be altered due to the presence of infections or sexually transmitted diseases.
First of all, before we start to mention the different types of vaginal discharge, we must know that, physiologically, discharge changes throughout the entire menstrual cycle. That is, there are different types of discharge for each moment of the cycle, and this is absolutely normal.
These secretions change depending on the female hormones, which also vary during the cycle. For example, around ovulation, the discharge is usually more abundant and thicker. This is because it also intervenes in reproduction and serves to prepare the woman for fertilization.
Similarly, when a woman becomes aroused, her discharge increases. Normally, it is clear or milky white. However, it can also be more watery, transparent, more or less abundant, etc.
It should be noted that all types of vaginal discharge have a characteristic odor, and this should not embarrass a woman. In fact, it is ideal to know the normal odor that it presents, since during an infection or pathology, the odor is one of the first things to change.
Types of vaginal discharge
The most important thing to distinguish between the types of vaginal discharge is the color. However, it is also necessary to pay attention to the smell, consistency and quantity. When there is an infection or pathology, any of these patterns can be altered.
First of all, as we have already mentioned, the discharge may be white, which is normal. However, when it becomes more greyish and abundant, it can be a bad sign. If the discharge is white but is associated with itching or burning, it may be a symptom of candidiasis .
Candidiasis is an infection caused by the Candida fungus, which is very common in women. Many studies claim that it is one of the most common vaginal disorders , and that it is related, among other things, to changes in the pH of the vagina.
On the other hand, the discharge may be yellowish. In these cases, it is usually accompanied by a strong odor and other discomforts such as itching or burning. It is a symptom of an infection, whether it is a sexually transmitted disease or not. The most common are trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
The discharge may even be brown, due to traces of blood in it . It often appears just before or after menstruation. It may also be due to a small wound caused by sexual intercourse.
However, the brown color, if it persists, can be indicative of more serious pathologies, such as cancer . Similarly, it can arise if there is a foreign body in the vagina that is causing some irritation.
In conclusion
The idea is that there are numerous types of vaginal discharge, since it is a secretion that, in itself, changes physiologically. It is important to pay attention to all its aspects , since a change in color or quantity may indicate that there is some pathology.
It is also essential to pay attention to the smell. It is one of the parameters that is most affected by an infection. However , it is advisable to always go to the gynecologist if any doubts or alterations appear, so that he can check whether it is normal or not.