The first thing you need to know is that vaginal discharge is normal and is actually good for your vagina's health.
Vaginal discharge is a fluid that helps keep our vagina clean and infection-free. It is the clear or yellowish 'liquid' that you see on your panties, especially when your period is near. But the colour of discharge & texture may change as you grow older.
When it comes to vaginal discharge, it is vital that you pay close attention to it and keep track of its colour, texture and how it smells, as some changes could be a sign of an underlying health condition that you simply cannot ignore. Those signs can include- heavy and thick discharge, darker discharge with a strong, pungent smell, etc. But before you go checking your panties, as you should, let's know more about the causes and types of discharges.
01Causes Of Vaginal Discharge
As mentioned above, vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function resulting from a change in our estrogen (a hormone that helps develop and maintain a woman's reproductive system) levels. The amount of discharge usually increases during ovulation, pregnancy, sexual arousal, periods, etc.
The colour, smell or even the texture of vaginal discharge can be adversely affected by the changes in the vagina's bacterial balance. So, you must keep your intimate area clean at all times. Use VWash Plus Expert Intimate Hygiene Liquid Wash that is specially formulated to keep your intimate area clean while delivering an ideal vaginal pH of 3. 5. Seriously, your vagina needs this product as you must be cautious about your area down under. Otherwise, you can also contract UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and nobody wants that.
Here are some of the reasons for vaginal discharge: what's abnormal about it, check out below.
Bacterial Vaginosis
It is a common type of bacterial infection that increases an odd-smelling, almost-fishy discharge. Its colour and texture may also change; thin/watery and grey looking.
This infection isn't transmitted via sexual contact but it may increase if you're sexually active or recently started getting physical with somebody new (you go, girl!).
It can also be due to pH imbalance in your area down under. Make sure you use the VWash Plus Expert Intimate Hygiene Liquid Wash daily as it's really gentle on the skin and maintains the right pH as well!
If you notice a change in your discharge after sex, then you should take precautions as it can also put you at a higher risk of contracting STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection).
Trichomoniasis
Also known as trich is a commonly known STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) caused by this tiny parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. It's mostly spread via sexual contact but can also be spread by something as basic as sharing bathing suits or towels.
The symptoms include- yellow/green vaginal discharge and frothy discharge with an unpleasant, long-lasting smell. You may also experience some pain, and itching around your vagina when urinating or having sex.
The good (or bad) news is that about half of the people who have trichomoniasis have no symptoms. But still, you have to look out for the signs and consult a doctor accordingly.
Yeast Infection
Probably one of the most known infections there is! When the yeast growth in the vagina starts to increase, it results in a yeast infection. The symptoms include thick & white vaginal discharge that may look similar to cheese or even paneer (sorry for the mental picture, guys).
Other common symptoms to look out for are- burning, severe itching, inflammation around the vagina and also soreness when urinating or having sex.
Here are some other factors that can also contribute to yeast infection:
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Being on birth control pills
- Antibiotics
- Diabetes (due to the weak immune system)
STIs
Gonorrhoea and chlamydia are common STIs that can result in abnormal vaginal discharge due to bacterial properties. The discharge is often greenish, and yellow in colour. You may also experience:
- Stomach pain
- Pain while urinating
- Bleeding while having penetrative sex
- Abnormal bleeding between periods You must pee right after you have sex as it can help avoid UTIs and even STIs. Also, make sure you use the VWash Plus Expert Intimate Hygiene Liquid Wash once a day to avoid such situations.
Herpes
Genital herpes is another STI that leads to the vagina producing a thick vaginal discharge that smells pretty strong. This discharge is more prominent post-sex and can also lead to vaginal sores and a burning sensation while urinating.
But some people may have mild or no symptoms but if you do, it's highly recommended that you visit your gynecologist as you may experience repeated outbreaks throughout your life.
It can be easily spread through unprotected sex, so ensure your partner gets tested and always use a condom.
Now that we have a fair idea of vaginal discharge causes let's dive in more on the types of vaginal discharge.
02Types Of Vaginal Discharge by Colour
White Discharge
White discharge is a common sight when you're on your periods or at the end of the cycle. It is usually thicker & sticky in consistency and doesn't have a strong odour. Reasons for white discharge are just healthy lubrication and a healthy vagina.
So, this is what healthy discharge looks like, and to keep it that way, make sure you use the VWash Plus Expert Intimate Hygiene Liquid Wash, as it maintains the natural pH of the vagina and keeps it clean.
Clear Discharge
You may notice spots of clear vaginal discharge on your panty during ovulation that have clear discharge. It also has a slight smell that isn't bothersome. You may also notice a similar type of discharge when you're pregnant or sexually aroused. Yup, it is totally normal and nothing to feel ashamed about.
Sometimes your vagina may feel extra wet or dirty due to clear discharge, wash it with the VWash Plus Expert Intimate Hygiene Liquid Wash and you're good to go.
Thicker Clear Discharge
Sometimes your clear discharge may be thicker in consistency than usual. It indicates that you're ovulating. You're good if it isn't dark or grey or feels like clumps of cubes!
Spotting/Brown Discharge
You may notice brown, almost bloody vaginal discharge right after your periods or before your menstrual cycle starts. It is known as spotting. It may result in a strong, pungent, iron-type smell that might make you uneasy. Just keep washing it with cold water throughout the day.
Spotting can also signify pregnancy, especially if you notice it a few weeks before you have sexual intercourse. And if spotting occurs during the early signs of pregnancy, then consult a doctor immediately as it might be a sign of miscarriage.
Yellowish/Green Discharge
A pale yellow discharge is usually a white discharge that has changed color after exposure to air. And no, it isn't alarming as it happens to the best of us. But if your discharge is thick, chunky and a darker shade of yellow, that's when you need to see a doctor immediately.
Now that we've spoken about vaginal discharge and what different types could mean excessively, let's talk about the common practice you need to maintain- to keep your vagina clean. Vaginal discharge happens every day and together with pee, it can make your vagina smell really strong and can also lead to vaginal itching in some cases.
You must keep your intimate area clean by washing it with an expert product once a day. We highly recommend the VWash Plus Expert Intimate Hygiene Liquid Wash as it:
- Cleans the vagina thoroughly
- Doesn't irritate the inner walls of our vagina
- Keeps irritation and itching at bay
- It also takes care of vaginal dryness, especially during menopause
- Maintains the right vaginal pH of 3. 5 We aren't the only ones to swear by it – 99% females say they will recommend Vwash to a friend, family member or relative. Seriously what are you waiting for? Add this baby to your cart already.
