In their reproductive and post-reproductive years, women encounter numerous challenges related to their reproductive health. Among these challenges, one common issue that persists in various stages of life is the changes observed in the color, smell, and appearance of white discharge. White discharge is a normal secretion from the uterus, vagina, and cervix but alterations in its quantity, consistency or odor can raise concerns. Such changes may signal yeast, fungal, or bacterial infections, or may  indicate more serious underlying health issues.

What is Vaginal White Discharge?

Vaginal white discharge is a fluid secreted by the vaginal & cervical glands. It serves many important functions which includes the following:

• Helps to maintain healthy pH balance
• Flushes out the bacteria & dead cells
• Keeping Vagina clean & moist

Types of Vaginal Discharge 

Following are the types of vaginal discharges with their characteristics and associated conditions:

• Clear and watery: It's normal and is present throughout the menstrual cycle. Clear discharge is more noticeable during ovulation due to high estrogen levels.
• White & thick: It is the odorless thick white discharge at the beginning and ending of the cycle.
• Clear and stretchy: Associated with ovulation, it's an egg white like discharge which is typically thin, clear and stretchy, indicating a fertile window for conception.
• Yellow or green : Such types of discharge are indicators of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. They are often accompanied by itching, irritation or foul odor.
• Grayish or white with fishy odor:  It occurs after imbalance in vaginal flora, is  characterized by strong fishy odor and is also an indicator of bacterial vaginosis.
• Thick and cottage cheese like: A thick and cottage cheese-like discharge indicates yeast infection. The causative agent is candida fungus.
• Pink or brown: Pink and brown discharge may occur at the beginning or ending of menstruation. The color of the discharge is due to small amounts of blood mixed with normal vaginal secretions. Sometimes it can also be due to vaginal irritation.
• Foamy: It is suggestive of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomoniasis.

Vaginal Discharge Causes

Abnormal vaginal discharge can stem from various factors:

• Disruption of Vaginal Flora: Excessive or inadequate vaginal cleaning, along with the overuse of vaginal washes, can disturb the natural balance of the vaginal flora. This disruption may lead to symptoms like itching, dryness, burning sensations, and excessive discharge.
• Infections: Yeast infections, bacterial infections, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can alter the vaginal pH, disrupt the flora, and cause changes in the appearance, consistency and color of vaginal discharge.
• Irritation and Allergies: Products such as scented perfumes, soaps, douches, and laundry detergents can irritate the vagina or trigger allergic reactions, resulting in swelling and foul-smelling discharge.
• Medications: Certain medications, including contraceptive pills, antibiotics, and corticosteroids may disrupt the healthy vaginal flora leading to variations in vaginal discharge.
• Foreign Bodies: Tampons, condoms, and retained vaginal contraceptive devices are examples of foreign bodies that can cause vaginal discharge and irritation.
• Associated Diseases: Conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer can also contribute to changes in vaginal discharge.

Vaginal Discharge diagnosis

The first step of diagnosis is history taking. Following are the key points:

• A female is to be inquired about her balance menstrual cycle, sexual activity, hygiene practices, diet, and lifestyle.
• Patient's medication history should be taken as certain medications like contraceptives, antibiotics, and corticosteroids are known to cause potential issues.
• Ask about the appearance, color and smell of the discharge.

In cases of doubt, a doctor may recommend a pap smear test.

Treatment of Vaginal Discharge

For abnormal vaginal discharge following is the line of treatment:

• For Yeast infections: Antifungal medications and antifungal ointments are prescribed.
• For Bacterial infections like Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis: Antibiotics are prescribed in this case.
• Sexually transmitted diseases: They are both bacterial and viral. That’s why according to condition antibiotic or antiviral treatment is prescribed.

Managing Abnormal Vaginal White Discharge Naturally

Following are the tips one need to follow in case of Vaginal White Discharge:

• Lifestyle and diet modifications

Having too much spicy, pungent food can aggravate your symptoms, start exercising & eat a healthy balanced diet. Avoid use of scented perfumes, soaps, and vaginal washes down there. Also, try to avoid stress and sleep on time.

• Home Care for Vaginal Discharge

There are some Ayurveda home remedies which can be preferred to avoid abnormal white discharge, foul smelling and also repeated infections. These remedies are as following:

• Triphala Wash

Soak 1 tsp powder of triphala in 200 ml of water overnight and let it rest.In the morning wash your private area with this water.

• Alum Wash

Take alum and crush it into powder. Now, add this powder to 100-200 ml water and leave it overnight. Use this mixture to wash vagina in the morning.

Note: Both of these washes are helpful in viral, bacterial and fungal infections as well.

• Intake of greek Yogurt

It is to be taken in your diet as it helps to stabilize the healthy vaginal flora.

• Lemon Leaves wash

Take 2-3 leaves of lemon plant and boil them in 100-200 ml of water. Let it cool down to room temperature and it can be used to wash the vaginal area. It helps with foul smelling especially.

Maintaining optimal vaginal health involves avoiding excessive washing to preserve the balance of vaginal flora, while also prioritizing daily hygiene practices.

Summary

Abnormal vaginal discharge is a prevalent issue affecting many women in India, often influenced by lifestyle, hygiene practices, dietary choices, and medication usage. Maintaining vaginal health requires awareness of appropriate hygiene practices and avoiding potential disruptors of vaginal flora. Ignoring such issues can lead to internal infections, including those affecting the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, potentially causing pain, discomfort, and menstrual irregularities.

In case of any doubt or query regrading vaginal white discharge or any other gynecological health concerns contact on 7743002520 to consult with Life Aveda Expert Ayurveda Doctor.