Global Reproductive Health

As we are in the breast cancer awareness month, below are the basic steps for self screening

Vaginal Discharge

What is va**nal discharge?

Glands inside your va**na and cervix make small amounts of fluid. This fluid flows out of the va**na each day, carrying out old cells that have lined the va**na. Vaginal discharge is completely normal. This is your body’s way of keeping your va**na healthy and clean.

Symptoms of va**nal discharge

Vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and doesn’t smell bad. The color and thickness of the discharge change with your monthly cycle. The discharge is thicker when you ovulate (when one of your ovaries releases an egg), when you breastfeed, or when you’re s*xually excited.

What changes may be a sign of a problem?

Changes that may signal a problem include an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in the color or smell of the discharge, and irritation, itchiness, or burning in or around your va**na. This is called vaginitis. A discharge that’s stained with blood when you’re not having your period could also be a sign of a problem. If you have any of these signs, you should talk to your doctor.

You should also be on the lookout for symptoms of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. These are 3 different infections that can cause changes in your va**nal discharge.

Signs of yeast infections

White, cottage cheese-like discharge

Swelling and pain around the v***a

Intense itching

Painful s*xual in*******se

Signs of bacterial vaginosis

A white, gray, or yellowish va**nal discharge

A fishy odor that is strongest after s*x or after washing with soap

Itching or burning

Slight redness and

swelling of the va**na or v***a