Dr Brigid Monda
A healthy vagina is never dry. It has natural secretions that keep it lubricated, clean and moist.
The cervix, the lower end of the uterus that opens into the vaginal cavity has mucus secreting glands which secrete a clear mucus that drains downward into the vagina and mixes with bacteria, discarded vaginal cells, and certain gland secretions to form the normal vaginal discharge.
Its volume and consistency will also vary depending on the time of the cycle.
During ovulation there is increased wetness and a clear discharge because Estrogen makes the cervical mucus thin and runny to allow the sperms to pass. Pregnancy, emotional stress, nutritional status, medications, the pill and sexual arousal also increase the amount.
Abnormal vaginal discharge is not always yeast or thrush.
Bacterial Vaginosis
This is the most common cause of an abnormal vaginal discharge in women during their childbearing years, more common than thrush. It is caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria that live as permanent non-paying guests in the vagina.
You get an abnormal amount of a thin greyish watery discharge with a foul fishy smell that is worse immediately after sex, during menstruation or when exposed to air. Recurrence of bacterial vaginosis is common.
Trichomoniasis
Also called "Trick", it is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted infection common in those with multiple sexual partners.
It is transmitted from penis to vagina or from vulva to vulva. Men harbour the infection in the urethra and prostate. It can also be transmitted when there is genital contact with damp or moist towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats because the parasite can live outside the body for up to 45 minutes.
You get a foul smelling profuse greenish yellow frothy discharge that causes intense itching and irritation of the genitals with discomfort or pain while urinating and pain during intercourse.
These symptoms are usually worse after menstruation, sexual intercourse and during pregnancy and appear five to 28 days after exposure.
Infection with Trichomoniasis increases your chances of getting HIV if you are exposed because of the inflammation the parasite causes in the genital area.
Chlamydia
Also known as the silent STI because it often causes no symptoms, it is also sexually transmitted and is common in women aged 15-24.
The few who have symptoms may get an abnormal vaginal discharge, burning when urinating, and spotting in-between periods or after intercourse about one to three weeks after being infected.
It’s transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and from mother to baby during vaginal birth.
It is easily cured with antibiotics but if untreated, spreads into the uterus and fallopian tubes causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, leading to infertility, and the potential of ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.
Gonorrhoea
It can cause yellowish, blood-stained or purulent and is often mistaken for a bladder infection because there may also be lower abdominal pain with burning when passing urine. It occurs together with Chlamydia and is passed to a sexual partner.
It may cause heavier periods and spotting in between but is most often a silent infection and many doctors only see it as a pelvic abscess (a collection of pus). It is responsible for infertility, and ectopic pregnancy because of the permanent damage it causes particularly to the fallopian tubes. Gonorrhea can damage joints and heart tissue as well and increases your risk of acquiring HIV.
