Vaginal Discharge

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), vaginal discharge is normal, so long as the discharge is clear or milky white, doesn't smell bad or cause itching or irritation.

If there is more discharge than normal, or if it changes in color or smell, however, there could be a problem. AAFP says problems can result when the normal balance of healthy bacteria (Read about "Microorganisms") in the vagina is disturbed. Among the things that can potentially lead to problems are:

• douching
• feminine hygiene sprays
• certain soaps or bubble baths
• antibiotics (Read about "Antibiotics")
• diabetes (Read about "Diabetes")
• pregnancy (Read about "Healthy Pregnancy")
• infections such as yeast infections (Read about "Vaginal Yeast Infections")
• colored or scented toilet paper

AAFP suggests that women avoid douching and sprays, and simply wash with gentle soap and water. If there is an unpleasant odor, a woman should contact her physician, as this could be a sign of vaginitis, like bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection or even an STD. (Read about "Bacterial Vaginosis" "Vaginal Yeast Infections" "STD's").

Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of cancers, including:

• uterine cancer (Read about "Uterine Cancer")
• vaginal cancer (Read about "Vaginal Cancer")
• cervical cancer (Read about "Cervical Cancer")

Because of the potenial dangers, abnormal vaginal discharge should not be ingnored. In addition, the presence of blood when a woman is not having a period is also a sign of problems, and a woman should see her doctor if this occurs.

Related Information:

    Interstitial Cystitis

    Urinary Tract Infections