Vaginal discharge is a general term used to describe fluids coming from the vagina. Vaginal discharge consists of shed cells, bacteria, mucus, and water from the vagina and cervix. Vaginal discharges are not always indicative of disease; Most of the women with normal menstruation may have a clear-white, odorless and itchy vaginal discharge that can be considered normal, and these discharges are called "physiological discharge". During pregnancy, the use of birth control pills and the two-week period before menstruation can be seen as normal increases in vaginal discharge.
If vaginal discharge is accompanied by other complaints, then it can be considered as abnormal vaginal discharge. These; complaints such as itching, redness, swelling or pain in or around the vagina, foul odor in the discharge, foamy, greenish yellow or bloody discharge, accompanying pain during urination or intercourse, presence of fever and pain in the lower abdomen (pelvic region).
These abnormal discharges can be caused by infections of the uterus (uterus), cervix or vagina, foreign objects left in the vagina for a long time (eg tampons, anti-sagging devices called pessaries, condoms, etc.). In the formation of abnormal vaginal discharge, the disappearance of the cells and beneficial bacteria in this region for various reasons creates a tendency, the most common of which are; hormonal changes after menopause, washing the inside of the vagina -especially with soap-
The most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge is a condition called "Bacterial vaginosis" – formerly known as gardneralla vaginitis. With the decrease of bacteria called protective lactobacilli, the acid environment that should be in the vagina is disturbed. In this case, some resident bacteria (anaerobic bacteria) increase in number and cause a condition called "bacterial vaginosis", which manifests itself with a foul-smelling discharge and groin pain.
It is a common situation in cases such as the decrease in hormones after menopause and the washing of the vagina. It is treated with regional (suppository, cream, etc.) and/or oral medications. Regional estrogen administration (suppository or cream) by physicians after menopause will also be beneficial for the acidity in this region to return to normal.
Another major cause of abnormal vaginal discharge is yeast infections. Fungus is an organism present in our body. In some cases (eg, synthetic underwear, keeping the vaginal area wet, diabetes, the use of some antibiotics) they increase in number and cause an odorless infection with itching and discharge. It is treated with topical medications (suppositories, creams) and/or some oral medications. The fungus is not sexually contagious.
The occurrence of abnormal vaginal discharge can be prevented by certain behavioral changes. Using warm water and odorless, non-soap cleansers to wash the external genital area (vulva, vaginal entrance), bathing in plain warm water, not using scented bath products, not applying spray or powder to the vaginal area, not washing the inside of the vagina with water, preventing the entrance to the vagina after toilet. Wiping from the side to the back (breech) in a single move are certain behaviors that can prevent vaginal discharge.
