What Can Be Considered “Normal Vaginal Discharge” or “Leukorrhea”?

Vaginal infections will generally present with specific vaginal discharge and accompanying symptoms; however, although Health Care Providers can often diagnose based on symptoms and patient assessment alone, confirmatory testing may be required. If you are treated and the symptoms do not resolve in 2-3 days return to be seen for further testing. The 3 most common disorders related to irregular discharge are:

TYPE OF INFECTION SYMPTOMS TREATMENT VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS (YEAST INFECTION) GENERALLY, THIS IS A RESULT OF A CANDIDA ALBICANS INFECTION, ALTHOUGH SOME CASES CAN BE CAUSED BY OTHER TYPES OF INFECTION. FACTORS THAT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A FUNGAL INFECTION INCLUDE DIABETES, PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATION, ELEVATED ESTROGEN LEVELS OR AN INCREASE IN ESTROGEN LEVELS DUE TO EXTERNAL FACTORS (SUCH AS THE USE OF THE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL AND PREGNANCY), AND A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM (HIV INFECTION, OR PROLONGED USE OF STEROID MEDICATION). Discharge has a thick and lumpy consistency, with vaginal itching or burning sensation. Both are quite common. There may also be a stinging sensation when urinating and pain during intercourse. Redness is found with an internal examination of the vagina. Antifungal medication, which can come in the form of a cream, vaginal suppositories, or oral medication. Some of these include clotrimazole, miconazole, tioconazole and fluconazole. BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS RESULTING FROM POOR BACTERIUM THAT MULTIPLIES AT AN ABNORMALLY FAST PACE WHEN COMPARED TO THE USUAL HEALTHY BACTERIUM PRESENT IN THE VAGINA, THUS CAUSING AN INFECTION TO DEVELOP. IT IS ASSOCIATED WITH HAVING MULTIPLE OR A NEW SEXUAL PARTNER, WASHING THE INSIDE OF THE VAGINA TOO VIGOROUSLY, UNPROTECTED SEX, AND THE LOSS OF THE LACTOBACILLI. Many women may not have symptoms but those who do will experience irregular discharge, including gray coloration; a pungent, fishy odor; itchiness; a stinging sensation when urinating; and pain during intercourse. Vaginal inflammation or a burning sensation in the vagina are uncommon symptoms of this condition. Antibiotics, such as metronidazole, tinidazole, and clindamycin. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment. TRICHOMONIASIS CAUSED BY THE TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS (TV) PARASITE, WHICH IS GENERALLY CONTRACTED DURING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. The discharge will be a foamy green with a pungent odor. There will be a burning sensation and itching around the vaginal entrance and internally. As well, there will be a stinging sensation when urinating, pain or bleeding during intercourse, inflammation, and vaginal redness. Distinctive red spots also appear at the entrance to the vagina and cervix, which is known as strawberry cervix. Antibiotics, such as metronidazole and tinidazole. Any sexual partners should also receive treatment for the condition. At Which Point Should You Seek Medical Attention? Women should seek medical attention if their discharge takes on a different color, pungent odor, irregular texture, or if any of the following vaginal symptoms are present: Redness, itching, pain, or irritation of the vagina or cervix Discharge takes on a foamy texture or is lumpy Discharge is a yellow, green, or gray color There is bleeding from the vagina in between menstruation There is a pungent odor Generally, an infection or hormonal imbalance is the cause of discharge abnormalities, which sometimes requires medical treatment. If you observe vaginal discharge irregularities or any other symptoms that may signal an issue with the reproductive organ, be sure to seek medical attention.