What kinds of vaginal fluids are normal and what are the problems?

Vaginal fluid is one of the most important elements in the health of the female sex organs. However, many women are still embarrassed or reluctant to learn more about the various types of fluids that the vagina produces and what they mean. In fact, only from vaginal fluids can you detect the possibility of certain diseases. Come on, find out the types below!

What is normal vaginal discharge like?

The normal discharge is often referred to as vaginal discharge. Its function is to clean the genitals from various types of bacteria and dead skin cells. This discharge means that your vagina is still healthy and functioning properly.

The characteristics of normal vaginal discharge are clear or white in color, odorless, thick and sticky in texture, and the volume is not too much. Usually these characteristics change according to a woman's menstrual cycle. For example, the volume of fluid increases when you enter the fertile period.

This whitish discharge is still normal as long as the color, texture, and volume do not change. If there are changes, this may indicate a certain disease.

Cloudy vaginal discharge

If the vaginal discharge is more cloudy than usual and is accompanied by a fishy or pungent odor, you may have a vaginal bacterial infection. This fluid will usually be more after sex or before and after menstruation. This infection can be treated with special ointments and antibiotics from a doctor.

Apart from a bacterial infection, cloudy discharge that is so thick that it looks like a lump may be a sign of a vaginal yeast infection. Infection caused by this fungus usually causes the vagina to feel itchy and sore. This disease can be cured with special vaginal antifungal ointments and oral medications.

Yellowish cloudy vaginal discharge

If the discharge is yellowish in color, followed by pain in the vaginal area and difficulty holding urine, you may have gonorrhea. Usually this disease is also characterized by vaginal bleeding when you are not menstruating. Doctors generally will prescribe antibiotics or other oral medications to treat gonorrhea.

Another disease that may strike you is chlamydia. Much like gonorrhea, you may feel pain when you urinate or have sex. This yellowish cloudy liquid also increases. To treat chlamydia, you also need antibiotics.

Greenish yellow vaginal discharge

A foamy liquid that is greenish yellow in color and has an unpleasant odor is a sign of trichomoniasis. Other symptoms that may appear are vaginal itching and burning. To overcome this, you need treatment with antibiotics.

In addition to trichomoniasis, yellowish vaginal discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor can be a symptom of genital herpes. The disease caused by this viral infection is usually marked by the appearance of sores or pus around the vagina. To relieve the symptoms, the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs.

Reddish or brownish vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge that is reddish or brown in color is usually caused by the shedding of the uterine wall. This can happen during the puerperium for mothers who have just given birth. This condition is also known as lochia.

However, if you often experience vaginal discharge mixed with blood or bleeding when you are not menstruating or outside the puerperium, consult a doctor immediately. You may just show symptoms of endometrial (uterine) cancer.