There are three basic causes of vaginal discharge: non-infective, sexually transmitted infections and non-sexually transmitted infections. In order to determine the cause of a discharge, it is essential to seek professional medical advice, since the symptoms can often vary and different infections and causes can be confused with one another. In some cases, vaginal discharge can be a symptom of a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
Non-infective causes of vaginal discharge include the presence of a foreign body in the vagina, cervical polyps, vulval dermatitis and cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers. Discharge is also commonly produced during the normal menstrual cycle and pregnancy. This healthy discharge is usually clear or white in color and does not cause any discomfort or odor. The exact nature of the discharge changes at different times of the menstrual cycle. There is no need to assume that any vaginal discharge is a symptom of a medical condition. If there is any pain or irritation associated with the discharge, or if it appears unlike the usual vaginal discharge, however, then it is important to seek medical help.
The discharge that is produced due to retention of a foreign body is likely to have a foul odor. Cervical polyps may be associated with an increase in vaginal discharge and intermenstrual bleeding. Cancers of the genital tract can cause different effects on vaginal discharge, but one of the earliest symptoms is an increase in the production of discharge.
A number of infections can cause vaginal discharge. The sexually transmitted infections that can produce this symptom are gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trichomoniasis. These are all very serious conditions that require immediate treatment. Gonorrhea does not always cause vaginal discharge, but it may result in changes in production of vaginal discharge. Chlamydia, in about twenty percent of infections, can cause an increase in vaginal discharge. The discharge produced due to Chlamydia and gonorrhea is purulent, meaning that is contains pus. Trichomoniasis may result in a yellow discharge that is often frothy and is associated with pain in the abdomen, soreness and itchiness.
Vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of an infection that has not been caused by sexual activity. Thrush or Candida infections and bacterial vaginosis can both cause an unusual discharge. Candidiasis usually causes a thick, white discharge that is associated with soreness and itchiness. Bacterial vaginosis, if it produces a discharge, generally causes a thin discharge that smells like fish, without any other symptoms.
To understand problems with yeast infection treatment and vaginal discharge .