Vaginal discharges are normal to keep healthy functions of the female reproductive system. These are the secretions produced by cervix and vagina glands which are commonly the bacteria and dead cells. This is how the vagina keeps itself clean while preventing infection. However, if you notice too much leakage with foul odor and abnormal color, that’s when you need to see your doctor. Medical professionals will also help you answer, “does bacterial vaginosis cause brown, white, clear, and yellow discharges? How to stop the leakage?”
Normal vs. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Usually, vaginal discharges are perfectly normal. They may differ in color or odor based on the menstrual cycle period. For instance, you will experience more leakage if you’re sexually aroused, breastfeeding, or ovulating. When it comes to the smell, it may vary if you’re pregnant or have simply missed good personal hygiene. All these signs should not make you worry. But when you notice unusual smell, color, or consistency, do not ignore it.
Vaginal discharge combined with burning or itching can be a sign of infection or a more serious condition. Generally, abnormal vaginal discharges are caused by imbalance of bacteria that leads to discharge texture, color, and smell.
The following are some of the common culprits that you need to take note of:
- Steroid or antibiotic use
- Pregnancy or multiple sexual partners
- Cervical cancer
- Birth control pills
- Diabetes
- Sexually transmitted disease, chlamydia, or gonorrhea
- Scented lotions soaps, bubble bath, and douches
- Yeast infections
- Vaginitis
- Vaginal atrophy during menopausal stage
- Trichomoniasis caused by unprotected sex
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic infection
Abnormal Discharge Types & Potential Causes
Brown or bloody discharge might mean irregular menstruation, endometrial or cervical cancer. The symptoms may include pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Yellow or cloudy discharge could mean gonorrhea. The symptoms are pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and bleeding between periods.
Greenish, yellow, or frothy discharge which usually have foul odor can be trichomoniasis. The signs are itching and pain while urinating.
Pink discharge may be caused by the shedding of uterine lining which usually happen after childbirth.
Thick and white cheesy discharge is commonly a result of yeast infection. It may involve pain and swelling of the vulva, painful sexual intercourse, and itching.
The yellow, gray, or white with fishy smell means bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms are burning, itching, swelling, and redness of the vulva or vagina.
How to Stop the Leakage
The treatment is usually done according to the color, smell, and consistency of the vaginal discharge. So, you need to see your doctor and run tests to ensure which type of discharge you’re having. Once the results are gathered, it’s easier for the doctor to recommend which method to use in treating the problem. There are medications like anti-fungal pills that might be advised by your doctor.
However, if you can detect the problem yourself, there are natural ways to eliminate vaginal discharge such as balancing the normal bacteria in your vagina by using yogurt, apple cider vinegar, or lemon. Now you know the answer to this pressing question: does bacterial vaginosis cause brown, white, clear, and yellow discharges? How to stop the leakage?
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