10 Types of Normal and Abnormal Vaginal Discharge as Indications of Health Problems

Kapanlagi.com - Vaginal discharge is something that women should be familiar with. This is because women usually experience vaginal discharge before or after menstruation every month. However, the types of vaginal discharge still need further research to determine their meanings.

The intended meaning is whether the vaginal discharge you experience is normal or not. It is important to pay attention to the indications of the vaginal discharge you experience. Therefore, it is understandable that vaginal discharge is considered a common problem for women.

Now, to help you recognize the organs and their indications, please read the information about normal and abnormal vaginal discharge below, along with various possibilities related to health.

1. Explanation About Types of Vaginal Discharge

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Whitish is one of the body's normal efforts to maintain a healthy vagina. Cervical mucus and vaginal fluid also have different conditions in each woman.

There are types of whitish that are considered normal and abnormal, indicating the presence of an infection. To find out more, please read the explanation about the following types of whitish.

Normal Whitish

The characteristics of normal whitish are usually clear or white in color, not having a strong or unpleasant odor, with a varied texture such as watery, thin, and fibrous. It depends on the time of examination.

The amount of fluid will also vary depending on your body condition. By paying attention to the consistency of color, texture, and aroma of your vaginal fluid, you will be able to determine if it is normal whitish.

Abnormal Whitish

Abnormal whitish occurs when there is an imbalance of bacteria, resulting in an unpleasant odor and a certain color (such as yellow or green).

Here are some conditions that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge:

- Use of antibiotics or steroids

- Having multiple sexual partners

- Bacterial infection commonly occurring during pregnancy (bacterial vaginosis)

- Pregnancy

- Birth control pills

- Vaginal douching

- Use of lotion or bubble bath products

- Parasitic infection occurring during unprotected sexual intercourse (trichomoniasis)

- Cervical cancer

- Chlamydia/gonorrhea

- Pelvic infection

- Vaginal dryness and thinning during menopause (Vaginal atrophy)

- Yeast infection

- Diabetes

If you experience abnormal whitish, do not immediately conclude the cause based on the above. It is better to consult a doctor immediately to determine the exact cause.

2. Vaginal Discharge During Ovulation

Illustration (Credit: Pixabay)

1. Dry Texture

This dry textured discharge mostly occurs when you are in an infertile phase or around seven days before and after your menstrual cycle. As the name suggests, it is completely dry and pale in color.

It is important to note that the chances of pregnancy during this phase tend to decrease, even if you have sexual intercourse without a condom.

2. Creamy Texture

This type of discharge occurs when estrogen levels start to rise, causing the cervix to produce more fluid. This makes your vagina feel sticky and moist.

You may also experience this discharge for several days, happening between ovulation and the infertile phase. The fluid is thin and capable of filtering low-quality or abnormal sperm before entering the uterus.

3. Egg White Texture

This slippery and egg white-like discharge occurs when approaching ovulation. During this type of discharge, you may often feel "wet" on the vulva, which is a good sign of ovulation.

This moment is the right time for those planning to conceive because this discharge can create an easy path for high-quality sperm to enter the uterus.

4. Slippery Discharge

Very slippery discharge, even resembling lubricant, occurs a few days before ovulation starts. If you are planning for pregnancy, the last day you see this normal discharge becomes the most fertile day.

Conduct fertilization on that day, before the egg is released because this discharge is also rich in potassium.

5. Thick Discharge

This type of discharge is usually a side effect of IUD, and the irritation can result in more discharge. The amount of this fluid will also vary from month to month. If accompanied by itching around the vagina, immediately consult a doctor as it may be a symptom of infection.

3. Types of Vaginal Discharge Based on Color

Illustration (Credit: Freepik)

6.Clear and Watery

This clear and watery discharge can occur at any time and is the most normal type of discharge. Usually, you will experience this type of discharge after engaging in heavy physical activity.

7.Brownish

If you notice brownish fluid after menstruation, it is normal as it is the body's way of cleaning the uterus after menstruation ends.

Not only that, if you see brownish discharge during unprotected sexual intercourse, it could indicate pregnancy. Furthermore, if the discharge is heavier, like spotting, it could possibly indicate a miscarriage.

In someone who has reached menopause, this type of discharge could be a sign of cervical cancer. If the spotting and spotting already indicate something abnormal, it is better to consult a doctor immediately. Perform routine pap smears and pelvic examinations as an effort to anticipate cervical cancer.

8. Yellowish

Yellowish discharge can indicate an infection. Especially if it has a thick texture and an unpleasant odor, this is a strong indication of a vaginal infection. If left untreated, it can potentially develop into trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection.

It is important to note that most women with gonorrhea or chlamydia do not show clear symptoms. However, by paying attention to yellowish discharge in the vagina, you can try to recognize the indications.

9.Greenish

If the discharge you experience is greenish, it indicates an internal infection that you should be cautious of. Especially if there is an unpleasant and pungent odor, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.

10.White

This type of discharge is normal if it occurs at the beginning or end of the monthly menstrual cycle. However, you need to be cautious if the vaginal discharge is accompanied by itching, thick mucus with a cottage cheese-like texture because there is a possibility that you have contracted a yeast infection.

You should be suspicious of this infection if the vaginal discharge is also accompanied by a foul odor, itching, and pelvic pain.

4. How to Maintain Vaginal Hygiene

Illustration (Credit: Freepik)

Knowing the information above sometimes creates a feeling of horror. To dismiss that, you can apply the proper way to clean the vagina to boost your self-confidence in staying healthy. Now, let's directly follow the steps below.

-Wash with warm water.

-Use underwear made of cotton.

-Avoid tight underwear.

-Regularly change underwear.

-No need to use scented soap, douches, or products claimed as "feminine soap".

-Wipe the vagina from front to back to prevent infection from dirt in the anus.

KLovers, that's the information about normal and abnormal types of vaginal discharge, as well as the explanations related to health.

(Source: Theasianparent.com, Liputan6.com)

(kpl/ans)