THERE are times when ladies experience changes in their body and wonder why and how these occur.

They may see fluid and other kinds of discharge on their underwear that are different from what they regularly experience. 

These could have a different color and texture and sometimes, even a different smell.  

These could signify different things about their health. 

Dr. Zoraida Guevarra, an OB Gyn from Medical City, explained to republicasia what could be the meaning behind the vaginal discharge that some experience. 

What is vaginal discharge?

A vaginal discharge comes from a woman’s glands that produce a small amount of fluids. Some women experience it everyday, and some have it less frequently.

According to Guevarra, there are two types of vaginal discharge.

Normal discharge

A normal discharge is clear, thin, whitish and watery and normally comes out of a woman’s vulva, she said.

She also said it usually comes during the mid-cycle of the month and does not cause itchiness and foul odor.

Women who have not yet had any sexual intercourse normally experience this, she said.

It is also commonly known as white mens.

Abnormal discharge 

A woman’s discharge could be considered abnormal if the fluid is yellow-green or cheesy white and has a fishy smell, and if the outer part of the vagina is reddish.

Women who experience this should start consulting their health provider as this could be associated with a problem within the reproductive system or other health concerns, she said. 

She also added that it could be bothersome and considered alarming if the abnormality involves painful urination and painful sexual contact.

“Kapag umiihi ka, painful at may lumalabas sayo na yellow green, yun yung nakakabaog. Yun kasi yung naka-bara sa tube. It means that it is sexually transmitted,” she said. 

Itchiness could also indicate yeast infection or vaginal candidiasis. It could also be due to the blood sugar level of a woman or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Foul odor, on the other hand, could be due to bacterial vaginosis, she said. 

Guevarra also said that if the abnormal discharge is persistent, it is best to see a doctor already.

These cases should not be ignored as they could affect a woman’s ability to conceive, she added. 

“If the vaginal discharge is secondary to a sexually transmitted disease, then it could lead to infertility, inability to conceive because the fallopian tube could be affected, it can get blocked because of the sexually transmitted illness,” she said.

On the other hand, if a person who is still a virgin experiences an abnormal discharge, this could be because of congenital anomalies, she said. 

She said it is easy to treat discharges for ladies who are virgins.

Prevention

Guevarra said the best way to prevent abnormal discharge is sexual abstinence or the use of condoms.