Doctor - White discharge refers to the discharge of clear or white fluid through the female genital tract (Vagina) which is produced by the uterus and glands inside the female body. This is a normal phenomenon. It cleans the body by excreting bad waste and dead cells. Depending on the menstrual cycle, personal hygiene, or pregnancy period, the color, odor, and amount of white discharge can vary. Normally, when the period is about to start, the discharge tends to be a little thick. On the days of ovulation, the discharge is thin and abundant. If the discharge changes in color (unlike normal discharge), odor, and if you feel itchy or if there is a burning sensation while urination, something is wrong and you have to be careful and take action.

 

Patient: Yes, Dr. What are the abnormal conditions for white discharge?

Doctor - The main thing is that if something changes in the normal commensal bacteria that normally exist in the uterus and female genital tract, the color of the discharge will no longer be normal white discharge and there will be a change in color, odor and viscosity of the discharge. These conditions can include the use of contraceptive medications, antibiotics, steroid-containing medications, and conditions where there is a bacterial infection in the female genital tract (such as those who have multiple sexual partners, who contract sexually transmitted infections like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, and parasitic or fungal infections). In addition, the change in vaginal discharge can be seen in those who have conditions like cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, or diabetes.

 

Patient: Some of the discharges often turn green or pink. Is that due to infection, Dr.?

Doctor: Yes, the type of infection and the symptoms caused by it may vary a little. For example, if the discharge is brown or bloody and painful, it may be due to an irregular period or due to endometrial or cervical cancer. The pale pink discharge can often be found as a regular discharge due to the shedding from the uterine wall at the beginning of childbirth.  If the discharge is caused by gonorrhea, it can be yellow or white discharge which usually occurs between periods, and is often associated with the urge to urinate and pelvic pain. 

 

Patient - What kind of disease is the fishy smell caused by?

Doctor: When a woman has a bacterial infection, the odor of the discharge can be fishy and the color can be yellowish or whitish-grey. Besides, there can be itching and burning sensation, redness, and soreness around the vagina. If the discharge is due to the Trichomonas parasites, it can be yellow or green and often have a foul odor. It is often accompanied by painful urination and itchiness. If it is caused by a fungus, a thick, whitish-yellow discharge will often occur, and the woman's labia will be swollen. It can be associated with a painful and burning sensation while urinating and may cause pain during sexual intercourse. We have to consider these symptoms and try to figure out what the underlying cause might be to proceed with necessary tests and treatments. If it is caused by bacteria or fungi, the appropriate antibiotics or antifungal medications should be taken with the doctor’s prescription. If cervical cancer is suspected, it is often necessary to take a pap smear test. Cervical cancer is also caused by a virus called HPV, so you should get the cervical cancer vaccine if you can.

 

Patient: Yes, Dr. Please tell me if there are other prevention methods.

Doctor -  Yes, it is “Personal hygiene”. When you go to the toilet and you wipe away the dirt, just clean from front to back and not the other way. This will prevent the contamination from entering through the female genital tract. Underwear should be cotton if possible, but not too tight. If a woman cleans herself, she should only wash the outside using clean water and soap. Do not rub it in and do not wash the interior with soap. You should also avoid taking a bath by soaking in the tub for a long time. Follow these facts carefully, and it is recommended to see a doctor immediately if you happen to have abnormal white discharge. I just want to warn you not to follow your own instincts.

Patient - Yes, thank you for explaining thoroughly, Dr.

Doctor – My pleasure.