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Causes Of Heavy Vaginal Discharge
Some vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy female reproductive system. Heavy vaginal discharge can occur due to arousal, ovulation, or infections.
Normal vaginal discharge contains a mixture of cervical mucus, vaginal fluid, dead cells, and bacteria. Females may experience heavy vaginal discharge from arousal or during ovulation.
This articles discusses why someone may have heavy vaginal discharge and what they can do about it.
Sexual arousal triggers several physical responses in the body. Arousal increases blood flow in the genitals. As a result, the blood vessels enlarge, which pushes fluid to the surface of the vaginal walls.
Arousal fluid is clear and watery with a slippery texture. This fluid helps lubricate the vagina during sex.
Other signs of female arousal include:
Cervical fluid is a gel-like liquid that contains proteins, carbohydrates, and amino acids. The texture and amount of cervical fluid both change throughout a female's menstrual cycle.
For example, after menstruation, cervical fluid has a thick, mucus-like texture. It can be cloudy, white, or yellow.
Estrogen levels increase closer to ovulation. This causes the cervical fluid to become clear and slippery, similar to that of raw egg whites.
Cervical fluid discharge increases during the days leading up to ovulation and decreases after ovulation. Females may have no discharge for a few days after their period.
Hormonal imbalances related to stress, diet, or underlying medical conditions can cause heavier vaginal discharge.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for example, refers to a set of symptoms that occur as a result of hormonal imbalances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PCOS affects up to 5 million females in the United States.
Those with PCOS have higher levels of male hormones called androgens. Increased androgen levels can:
Not everyone with PCOS will have increased vaginal discharge. Paying attention to other PCOS symptoms may help someone identify and seek treatment for the condition faster.
Some other symptoms of PCOS to look out for include:
Hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices, can also cause increased vaginal discharge, especially during the first few months of use.
Excess vaginal discharge and other symptoms, such as spotting and cramping, usually resolve once the body adjusts to the hormonal birth control.
Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina, which can occur from an infection or irritation due to factors such as douches, lubricants, and ill-fitting clothing.
Vaginitis can cause thick vaginal discharge that may be white, gray, yellow, or green.
Other symptoms of vaginitis include:
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This vaginal infection is the most common among females aged 15–44 years.
The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis remains unclear. Females can develop bacterial vaginosis after sexual intercourse. However, this condition is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
According to the Office on Women's Health, those who have bacterial vaginosis may notice a milky or gray-colored vaginal discharge. Some also report a strong, fishy vaginal odor, especially after sexual intercourse.
Bacterial vaginosis can also cause:
Vaginal yeast infections result from an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. Females of all ages can develop a vaginal yeast infection, and nearly 70% will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives.
The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is an intense itching in the vagina and vulva.
Vaginal yeast infections can also cause an odorless vaginal discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese.
Vaginal yeast infections are treatable at home using over-the-counter antifungal ointments. Symptoms should improve within a few days. However, severe infections can last longer and may require medical treatment.
Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a parasite. Females can develop trichomoniasis after having sex with someone who has the parasite.
Although most people who have trichomoniasis do not experience symptoms, some may have an itching or burning sensation in the genital area.
Trichomoniasis infections can also cause excess vaginal discharge that has a foul or fishy odor and a white, yellow, or green color. It may also be thinner than usual.
Healthy vaginal discharge varies from person to person. It also changes throughout their menstrual cycle.
In general, healthy vaginal discharge can appear thin and watery or thick and cloudy. Clear, white, or off-white vaginal discharge is also perfectly normal.
Some females may have brown, red, or black vaginal discharge at the end of their menstrual periods if their vaginal discharge still contains blood from the uterus.
Natural hormonal changes during ovulation can cause an increase in vaginal discharge, which should return to normal after ovulation.
It is not always necessary to see a doctor about excessive vaginal discharge. However, a female may want to consider seeing their doctor if their vaginal discharge has an abnormal appearance.
Yellow, green, gray, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge could indicate an infection. Other reasons to see a doctor include:
Treating excess vaginal discharge depends on the underlying cause.
People can reduce symptoms of vaginitis by avoiding the source of irritation. Doctors can treat bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections using antibiotics or antifungals.
Doctors can also treat trichomoniasis using antibiotics. The CDC recommend that females wait 7–10 days after receiving treatment before having sex.
Treatment for PCOS varies depending on the individual. A doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to help people manage their symptoms and regulate their hormone levels.
Maintaining a healthy body weight and eating a varied diet low in added sugars may also help improve some symptoms of PCOS. Birth control pills that contain estrogen or progestin can help balance out excess levels of androgens.
Even healthy vaginal discharge can cause discomfort at times. Here are some tips for managing heavy vaginal discharge:
Excess vaginal discharge can occur as a result of arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge ranges in color from clear or milky to white.
The consistency of vaginal discharge also varies from thin and watery to thick and sticky. Generally, healthy vaginal discharge should be relatively odorless.
A female can speak with a healthcare professional if they notice any symptoms of an infection. Some symptoms to look out for include:
Doctors can easily treat most vaginal infections using antimicrobial medications. Depending on the severity of the infection, people may see their symptoms improving within a few days to weeks.
What Is A Yeast Infection? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
There is normally a balance between Candida and other microorganisms in the vagina. When this balance is disrupted, Candida is able to overgrow.
There are several risk factors for developing a vaginal yeast infection. They include:
Hormones. High levels of sex hormones (such as during pregnancy, hormone-replacement therapy or oral contraceptive use) increase the likelihood that Candida will adhere to the vagina and overgrow. High levels of sex hormones also decrease vaginal immune responses.
Antibiotic use. Taking antibiotics kills the good bacteria in the vagina. Elimination of these beneficial microbes means there is less competition for resources, which allows Candida to overgrow.
Weakened immune system. If a person has a weakened immune system – (e.G., HIV), the body does not produce an immune response strong enough to prevent the overgrowth of Candida.
High blood sugars. Uncontrolled diabetes and glucocorticoid (a type of steroid medication) use can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can impair the ability of the body to prevent Candida overgrowth. It can also increase the likelihood that Candida will adhere to the vagina, allowing it to overgrow.
Genetics. Some people are genetically predisposed to getting vaginal yeast infections.
Intrauterine devices. Intrauterine devices (a form of birth control that is inserted into the uterus) act as a reservoir for Candida where they can adhere and form biofilms. Biofilms are a community of microorganisms held together and protected by glue-like materials. They are highly resistant to medications, immune responses and stress.
Spermicide use. Candida are able to feed off one of the compounds used in spermicides, which allows them to adhere to the vagina and overgrow.
Using douches or vaginal sprays. Douching or using vaginal sprays can introduce allergy-causing substances into the vagina. They also wash away the good bacteria in the vagina, which can lead to Candida overgrowth.
Vaginal Discharge: Everything You Need To Know
There are several different types of vaginal discharge that you should be aware of. If you're concerned about your discharge, pay attention to how much there is, the color, the consistency and the odor.
Clear DischargeClear discharge is the most common type of discharge, and according to Dr. Eilber, it's very normal. You'll likely notice it on a fairly regular basis, and it may increase during ovulation, sexual activity or pregnancy. Its consistency is usually very wet, slippery and liquidy.
White DischargeThick, white discharge that occurs on a fairly regular basis is also nothing to worry about, notes Dr. Eilber. This type of discharge is usually associated with hormonal changes, like pregnancy or your menstrual cycle, she continues.
Yellow DischargeYellow discharge is something to pay attention to. It can be a sign of something more serious, especially if it is accompanied by itching, vaginal soreness, pain during intercourse and vaginal burning, says Dr. Jacobson.
Green DischargeGreen discharge is another type you don't want to ignore. If the green discharge comes along with more discharge than usual and an unpleasant fishy smell, it could be a sign of an infection, explains Dr. Jacobson. Watch for "soreness, swelling and itching around the vagina," she explains, as this could be a sign of trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection. Green discharge may also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, which is a common condition created by too much of certain bacteria in the vagina, Dr. Eilber notes.
Red or Brown DischargeDischarge that appears red or brown may seem alarming, but in certain situations it's pretty typical. Brownish-red discharge is very common during the days right before or right after your period. However, if it's not happening around your period, it may be cause for concern. "Red discharge usually means new blood, so unless it's menstrual blood, an exam would be needed to investigate where the blood is coming from," says Dr. Eilber.
Pink DischargePink discharge usually indicates a small amount of blood. "As with brown discharge, in a premenopausal or perimenopausal woman with no symptoms, it's likely normal," explains Dr. Eilber. If it's happening at another time of the month, you may want to contact your doctor.
Gray DischargeGray discharge accompanied by a fishy odor can indicate infection and warrants an exam from your doctor.
Chunky White DischargeVery thick and chunky white discharge with an odor and itching can be a sign of a yeast infection, according to Dr. Eilber. This requires medical attention and medication to treat.
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