VD - Vaginal Discharge

It's completely normal. All women have it, yet, most of us are all horrified by it. We even hate saying it out loud. Well, here it goes: vaginal discharge. It's hardly likely to come up during a brunch conversation, but it is important to understand.

Instead of being ashamed when we have to throw our undies in the laundry basket, we need to appreciate that the mucus on our favourite undies is actually natures way of cleaning and protecting the vagina from infection. It's also a significant indicator of our overall health. Looking out for colour change can help us spot any irregularities or issues within our bodies, but it is also important to be aware of our own signature scent, too. Odor changes can be triggered by diet or even a stressful lifestyle. If our natural scent becomes unpleasant there could be an issue with our vaginal ecosystem - an imbalance or infection that needs attention. Essentially, understanding the ins and outs of our body can help prevent problems before they arise. Here, we decode the messages our bodies are sending with a vaginal discharge color and door guide - please don't read while eating

 

Thin white or clear discharge

This is particularly normal throughout your cycle. Usually odourless, not clumpy nor itchy. This type of discharge helps keep the vagina clean.

 

Egg white discharge

We hope this doesn't put you off your morning boiled eggs. This type of discharge, which unfortunately resembles egg whites, is actually cervical fluid that usually occurs during ovulation. Some women have more discharge than others and it is completely normal. You are more likely to experience slippery discharge during sexual arousal and pregnancy.

 

Watery or bubbly with an unpleasant odor

If the discharge is yellow, green and comes with an itchy sensation, and pain when urinating then chances are its trichomoniasis - a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.

 

Grey discharge with fishy odor

If you get the combination of the two, and the door is particularly bad after sex, then you could have bacterial vaginosis - a type of vaginal inflammation caused by overgrowth of bacteria, or an STD. Either way, It is best to visit your gynae or try out our Vblend to heal naturally.

 

Yellow/green discharge

Is it also quite thick? it is highly likely you have a trichomoniasis infection, which is commonly spread through sexual intercourse. It can also be chlamydia or gonorrhoea, and you may experience a burning sensation during urinating. Both you and your partner should then be tested by a practitioner who can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. It is the best that you both will be able to treat it otherwise the infection will keep coming back randomly.

 

White, clumpy discharge

Some refer to it as the cottage cheese discharge due to its consistency, either way it is a very common sign of a yeast infection and is treatable using our steaming herbs.

 

Red or brown discharge

This is the most common after your period, with your vagina cleaning out the last bit of remaining blood. If this discharge colour is persistent throughout your cycle then seek professional advice as this may be an underlying health condition such as cervical or uterine cancer.

 

Dry - no discharge

No discharge is just as important to monitor. Dry with no cervical fluid usually occurs for a few days just after your period when levels of oestrogen rise. Estrogen is produced by follicles in your ovaries, preparing to release an egg.

 

Dry - but sticky

Usually, after the dryness stage, when ovulation is over, the cervical fluid will become fibrous again. This is all a normal process in your menstruation.

 

When to be concerned

As indicated above, certain colours - yellow, green, red or brown and doors are cause for concern, but if you also experience heavy discharge or notice the volume increasing it is also wise to seek advice from a practitioner. Also pay attention to any pain, itchiness, and darkening of the skin around the vagina. There is no need to panic, just seek advise from our certified practitioners or your gynae to be on the safe side!