Vaginal discharge is most often a normal incidence. Nevertheless, there are certain types of discharge that can indicate an infection. Is your vaginal discharge causing distress? Well, you should know that milky white discharge serves an important function in the female reproductive system. Read on to know more.

Types of vaginal discharge

There are different types of vaginal discharge that are categorized based on their color and consistency. Listed below are the most common types of vaginal discharge.

• White discharge: A bit of white discharge, particularly at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle, is usual. Nevertheless, if the discharge is accompanied by itching and has a thick appearance, it’s not usual and needs treatment. This type of discharge might be a sign of a yeast infection.
• Clear and watery discharge: A clear and watery discharge is perfectly usual. It can occur at any time of the month. It might be particularly heavy after exercise.
• Clear and stretchy discharge: When the discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating. This is a normal type of discharge.
• Brown or bloody 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 menstrual cycle can look brown instead of red. You might also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. This is called spotting.
• Yellow or green discharge: A yellow or green discharge, particularly when it’s thick, chunky, or accompanied by an unpleasant smell, isn’t usual. This type of discharge might be a sign of the infection. It’s commonly spread through sexual intercourse.

White discharge causes

The most common white discharge causes include the following.

• Antibiotic or steroid use.
• Birth control pills.
• Pregnancy, premenstrual or menstrual periods and congestion of the uterus.
• Infection of female genital organs.
• Irritation due to mechanical factors such as the use of chemical contraceptives, intrauterine devices, etc.
• Emotional reasons like constant worry, nervousness, and work pressure.
• Hormonal irregularities.
• Errors in diet, excessive use of stimulants such as tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking.
• Medical conditions such as anemia, tuberculosis, etc.
• Yeast infections

Symptoms of vaginal discharge

Listed below are the most common symptoms of vaginal discharge.

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Bleeding between periods
• Urinary incontinence
• Pain and itching while urinating
• Redness, swelling and pain around the vagina or vulva
• Itching or burning
• Painful sexual intercourse

Complications of vaginal discharge

Listed below are some of the complications of vaginal discharge.

• Spontaneous abortion – miscarriage
• Pre-term birth
• Endometriosis
• Cervical erosion
• Scarring of the fallopian tube increases the chances of ectopic pregnancy
• Difficulties in becoming pregnant
• Insistent and long-term pain in the lower abdomen

Diagnosis of vaginal discharge

A clinical diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical history of complaints such as:

• Duration of the complaint
• Type of fungal infections
• Frequency of sexual intercourse
• Consistency, color and odor of the discharge
• The time modality when it tends to increase

A physical examination is essential to identify the inflammation and help identify and confirm the type of infection.

Treatment for vaginal discharge

The conventional treatment options for vaginal discharge include vaginal tablets and cauterization. The possible side effects of conventional treatments include allergic reactions, chances of recurrence are high, and invasive treatment. The advantages of homeopathic vaginal discharge treatment include no side effects, easy to use, reduced recurrence, and non-invasive treatment.

Conclusion

If there are symptoms of vaginal discharge, it is highly recommended to visit your nearest homeopathy clinic and consult your homeopath. The expert homeopaths will be able to give you customized treatment plan.