Vaginal discharge is secretions produce by the glands in the cervix and vagina which helps to clean the vagina. Normal secretions are often clear, milky white and odourless.
Every woman, after the onset of puberty, will experience vaginal discharge and the amount and type experienced by each woman can vary greatly. Discharge can also be affected by where you are in your menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy.
Usually during the middle of your menstrual cycle, around day 14-16, you may notice an increase in your vaginal discharge, which looks and feels like egg white consistency. This is associated with ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovary).
Occasionally, this can be accompanied by slight bleeding/spotting (mid-cycle bleeding), which is harmless. This phase is also known as the ‘fertility window’ where you can get pregnant. Hence, keeping track of your vaginal discharge can be one useful way of tracking when you ovulate.
So when should you worry?
In general, when there is a change in the colour, consistency or smell of your normal vaginal discharge, it usually indicates the presence of an infection; such as candidiasis (yeast/vaginal thrush), bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, etc.
Also Read:
- Trichomoniasis in men & women
- Chlamydia Symptoms
- STD Symptoms
- STD Symptoms in Women
- Genital Blister, Wart & Ulcers
It is important to note that not all vaginal infections are sexually transmitted. Examples of non-sexually transmitted infections include candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis, which can manifest in any women regardless of whether you are sexually active.
On the other hand, infections like trichomoniasis, Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are considered sexually transmitted infections.
Our Healthcare Partner’s Clinics provide Rapid Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea PCR STD Testing (Next Day Results) in all their clinics.
Why is it important to get it treated or checked?
Besides causing other symptoms such as vaginal itch, pain, bleeding after sex or bleeding between your periods, it is crucial to have any abnormal vaginal discharge checked and treated. This is important because an untreated infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can further progress on to other issues such as long-term pelvic pain and infertility.
If you have any concerns about abnormal vaginal discharge, are worried it isn’t normal or has noticed a change in your normal discharge patterns then see your doctor for further advice and assessment. The doctor will decide whether tests such as blood tests or swab tests are necessary. If an infection is detected, don’t panic. The majority are easily treatable!
Need a Female Doctor?
Having Women’s Health concerns?
Please visit our Partner Clinics or contact them at their GP Plus Clinics in Singapore. They are open on weekends too.
For more information, please visit DTAP Clinic website, www.dtapclinic.com or email them at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
