Dr Dulcy gives health advice

VARIOUS CAUSES: NOT ALL EMISSIONS INDICATE ABNORMALITY

It is important to know your body and to see your doctor when you are unsure. Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe

Vaginal discharge can be a normal and regular occurrence. However, there are certain types of discharge that can indicate an infection. Abnormal discharge may be yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or have a foul smell.

Abnormal discharge is usually caused by fungal or bacterial infection. If you notice any discharge that looks unusual or is foul-smelling, or you have other symptoms like pelvic pain and burning when passing urine, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

There are several different types of vaginal discharge, categorised based on their colour and consistency.

A bit of white discharge, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle, is normal.

However, if the discharge is accompanied by itching and has a thick, cottage cheese-like consistency or appearance, it’s not normal and needs treatment.

This type of discharge may be a sign of a yeast infection. A clear and watery discharge is perfectly normal and can occur at any time of the month. It may be especially heavy after exercise. Ovulation can be accompanied by discharge as well, which is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery. This is a normal type of discharge.

Brown or bloody discharge is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or right after your menstrual cycle. A late discharge at the end of your period can look brown instead of red.

You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge in between periods, which is called spotting. If spotting occurs during the normal time of your period and you have recently had sex without protection, this could be a sign of pregnancy. Spotting during an early phase of pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage, so it should be discussed with your gynaecologist.

In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a sign of advanced cervical cancer. This is why it’s important to get a yearly pelvic exam and pap smear, during which your gynaecologist will check for cervical abnormalities.

A yellow or green discharge, especially when it’s thick, chunky, or accompanied by a bad smell, is not normal. This type of discharge may be a sign of the infection trichomoniasis, which is commonly a sexually-transmitted infection.

If you have unusual discharge with other symptoms such as a fever, pain in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or increased urination, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you have any concerns about the normality of a discharge, make an appointment to see your doctor. When you see your doctor for abnormal vaginal discharge, you will get a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Your doctor will also ask you several questions about your symptoms, your menstrual cycle, and your sexual activity. In many cases, an infection can be detected by the physical or pelvic exam.

If your doctor can’t diagnose the problem immediately, he or she may order some tests. Your doctor may want to take a scraping from your cervix to check for HPV or cervical cancer. Your discharge may also be examined under a microscope to pinpoint an infectious agent.

Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function, and it’s your body’s way of cleaning and protecting the vagina. It’s normal for discharge to increase with exercise, sexual arousal, ovulation, birth-control pill use and emotional stress. Abnormal vaginal discharge, however, is usually caused by an infection.