Normal vaginal discharge is an odorless, slightly acidic, viscous substance that moisturizes the vagina, expels waste, and inhibits pathogenic bacteria growth. An increase in discharge in healthy women correlates with elevated estrogen levels. Does abnormal discharge always indicate illness? Generally, yes—it often signals inflammation or another underlying condition.
Women can preliminarily identify disease types based on discharge color, odor, and texture:
1. Purulent discharge. Yellow or yellow-green in color, thick, with a fishy odor, often caused by vaginal inflammation. Common in trichomoniasis, chronic cervicitis, endometritis, pyometra, or vaginal foreign bodies.
2. Curd-like discharge. Appears as small, curd-like or curdled milk-like clumps, accompanied by severe vulvar itching. This is typically characteristic of candidal vaginitis.
3. Bloody discharge. Discharge mixed with blood, varying in amount. This type warrants vigilance for potential malignancies such as cervical cancer or endometrial cancer.Additionally, bloody discharge may occur with cervical polyps, submucosal fibroids, or senile vaginitis.
4. Yellow, watery discharge. Often caused by necrosis or degeneration of diseased tissue. Persistent, heavy discharge may indicate advanced cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, or infected submucosal fibroids. Intermittent discharge warrants consideration of tubal cancer.
5. Clear, sticky discharge. Resembling clear nasal mucus, this is common in physically weak women. It may increase with endometrial hyperplasia or estrogen therapy.
In summary, numerous factors cause abnormal discharge. Prompt medical evaluation is essential upon noticing any pathological discharge types described above.