Vaginal Discharge Specialist

What is vaginal discharge?

Normal changes in your estrogen levels can cause vaginal discharge. When estrogen levels rise, this triggers your cervix to create mucus, which may be discharged from your vagina. Normal discharge is usually odorless, milky white, or thin and clear.

Various circumstances raise estrogen levels and produce discharge, including:

• Pregnancy
• Taking medications that increase estrogen levels (such as fertility drugs)
• A few days before an egg is released during your menstrual cycle
• A few months before girls have their first period

Following menopause, your estrogen levels decline, often reducing the amount of normal discharge.

What is abnormal vaginal discharge?

Abnormal vaginal discharge is a sign of possible inflammation or infection. Abnormal discharge is typically:

• Thicker or heavier than usual
• White and clumpy (like cottage cheese)
• Grayish, greenish, yellowish, pus-like, or blood-tinged
• Fishy- or foul-smelling

The discharge may be accompanied by burning, itching, soreness, or a rash. You may have one or more of these symptoms:

• Pain in your pelvic region or abdomen lasting more than two hours
• Signs of infection, such as drainage of pus or a fever
• Feces in the discharge
• Bloody discharge after menopause

These symptoms are warning signs for other health conditions. You should call Osceola Gynecology right away if you have any of them.

How is abnormal vaginal discharge diagnosed?

Your practitioner at Osceola Gynecology takes a complete medical history, asks questions about your symptoms, and performs a medical exam, including a pelvic exam. Your practitioner will want to know when the discharge occurs. For example, is it related to sex or your period?

Your provider may take a swab from your vagina or cervix. This is to test for yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases, and other possible causes for your symptoms.

How is abnormal vaginal discharge treated?

Once your provider knows what’s causing the discharge, he’ll recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you. For example, you may need to take antibiotics if the cause is bacterial vaginosis, which is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. If the discharge is related to menopause, an estrogen cream may help your symptoms.

It’s also a good idea to avoid feminine hygiene sprays, douches, and chemicals in bath and cleaning products that may irritate your vaginal area.

If vaginal discharge has been troubling you, the practitioners at Osceola Gynecology can help clear up your symptoms and give you peace of mind. Call or book a consultation online today.