Vaginal discharge is a fluid secreted from the female vagina. Normally, it appears as a white paste or egg-white-like substance and is odorless. A small number of women may experience discharge with blood. What causes abnormal bloody discharge? Some women may have slight spotting during ovulation, while others may have gynecological conditions. Causes of abnormal bloody discharge: 1. Bloody discharge indicates gynecological inflammation.Bloody discharge, where blood is mixed with vaginal fluid, may indicate potential malignancies such as cervical cancer or endometrial cancer. However, benign conditions like cervical polyps, cervical erosion, submucosal fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, urethral caruncle, or senile vaginitis can also cause bloody discharge. Bloody discharge is also commonly associated with intrauterine devices (IUDs).
2. Severe Cervical Erosion: Primary symptoms include increased vaginal discharge that is yellowish, thick, and malodorous, accompanied by vulvar itching, bleeding during intercourse, lumbosacral soreness, and dysmenorrhea.
3. Endometrial Cancer: Clinical manifestations include irregular bleeding with varying intensity. Premenopausal women may experience heavier or prolonged menstrual flow, while postmenopausal women may develop postmenopausal bleeding.
4. Acute Vaginitis: Primary symptoms include increased vaginal discharge that appears watery yellow or purulent with an odor. Severe infections may cause spotting.
Important Note: Blood-tinged vaginal discharge—where blood is mixed with discharge in varying amounts—may indicate the above conditions. Women should take this seriously and seek prompt medical evaluation.