White Discharge From Vagina: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

White discharge from vagina is a common condition caused by changes in the number of certain types of bacteria or overgrowth of bad bacteria in your vagina. This is common, and any woman can get it, so don’t be embarrassed.

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Vaginal white discharge is easily treatable with home remedies and proper medicine. But remember, untreated Bacterial Vaginosis can raise your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cause problems during pregnancy.

What Is Normal Vaginal Dischrge?

Firstly, Vaginal discharge is normal and performs an important function in the female reproductive system. The fluid created by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. It keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection.

Secondly, The Colour of the vaginal discharge changes according to the period of the menstrual cycle. It can vary from clear to milky whitish, which is totally normal. But, what are the alarming symptoms of a vaginal infection?

Symptoms of White Discharge?

Many women have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Strong fishy odor from Vagina
• Unusual vaginal discharge. The discharge can be white (milky) or gray. It may also be foamy or watery.
• Burning urination
• Itching around the outside of the vagina
• Vaginal irritation

These symptoms may be similar to vaginal yeast infections and other health problems. Only your doctor or nurse can tell you for sure whether you have BV or Yeast Infection

Causes Of White Discharge From Vagina?

White discharge from vagina is a very common condition especially in women aged 15 to 44 with poor vaginal hygiene. It is caused by an imbalance of the naturally occurring bacterial flora, the normal bacteria found in a woman’s vagina. Why this happens is not clear.

Researchers are still studying whether women get BV or white discharge. How does it happen? You can get BV without having sex, but BV is more common in sexually active women. Having a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners as well as douching can upset the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina. This increases your risk of getting a BV.

Risk Factors For White Discharge or Bacterial Vaginosis?

You may be more at risk for white discharge or bacterial vaginosis if you have:

• Poor Hygiene
• Multiple sex partners
• Douching
• Do not use condoms or dental dams
• BV is common during pregnancy because of the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy.
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD), especially if you also have irregular bleeding.

Bacterial Vaginosis Vs Vaginal Yeast Infection

Bacterial Vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections are both common causes of vaginal discharge. They have similar symptoms, so it can be hard to know if you have BV or a yeast infection. Only your doctor or nurse can tell you for sure if you have BV.

With BV, your discharge may be white or grey but may also have a fishy smell. Discharge from a yeast infection may also be white or grey but may look like cottage cheese.

Prevention of Vaginal Infection or White Discharge

• Minimize vaginal irritaion by using pH balancing vaginal wash.
• Avoid douching as it imbalances ph levels.
• Use condoms while having sex.

Treatment for White Discharge?

This thick white discharge can be treated with home remedies, antibiotics and topical treatment. Treatment may not be needed if there are no symptoms. Sometimes BV can appear and disappear for no apparent reason.

Your male sex partner won’t require treatment if you get BV. But, if you are female and have a female sex partner, she might also need treatment.

It is also possible to get BV again. Learn how to lower your risk for BV.

BV and vaginal yeast infections are treated differently. BV is treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. But you cannot treat BV with over-the-counter yeast infection medicine.

I hope this small information must have guided you to better vaginal hygiene to prevent abnormal vaginal discharge. Do let me know if you have any queries about vaginal infection or white discharge. Be sure to sign up for my free newsletter to be the first to get my related posts! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.