Vaginal discharge is one of the most common complaints that women encounter throughout their lives. It constitutes the first order of the patient applications in gynecology outpatient clinics. While there is usually an underlying disease in the complaint of vaginal discharge, sometimes normal discharge, which we call physiological, may also cause women to consult a physician. That is, not every discharge may necessarily indicate a disease. During certain periods of the menstrual cycle, a transparent, odorless discharge that does not cause any complaints is natural and does not indicate a disease. Such discharges occur under the influence of hormones and disappear on their own. There is no need to consult a physician for such discharges.
The amount of vaginal discharge does not play a role in the importance of the discharge. Sometimes the amount of a completely normal discharge can be excessive and disturb the person. If the vaginal discharge is colored (yellow, green), smelly, in the form of white cheese pieces, and causes burning, itching and discomfort during sexual intercourse, there is an underlying pathogenic factor. If the discharge is bloody and broth-colored, cancers of female organs should come to mind.
The first factor that comes to mind in vaginal discharge is microbes that cause infection. To a lesser extent, cancers of the uterus, cervix and ovarian canals should be considered.
The characteristics of the discharge (color, odor and density) can give us approximate information about the cause of the disease. For example, in Trichomonas vaginalis infection, there is a green-grey, foamy discharge and severe burning itching, while in Gardnerella vaginalis infection, there is a foul-smelling (tainted fishy) smell and a gray-white discharge. In fungal infections, there is a discharge in the form of white cheese pieces, intense burning and itching. In ovarian cancer, broth-colored discharge and lower abdominal pain, in uterine cancer, post-menopausal bleeding or non-menstrual bleeding But it reveals itself in its form. In cervical cancer, there is bleeding or bloody discharge after intercourse, and in the advanced stages of the disease, this bloody discharge becomes foul-smelling. In other words, the bad smell in the discharge definitely indicates a pathology.
Not all discharges caused by bacteria and fungi require treatment of the woman and her husband. For example, while partner treatment is required for trichomonas vaginalis infection, partner treatment is generally not required for fungal infections.
The presence of groin pain and high fever along with discharge raises suspicion of infection in the internal genital organs. This is a health problem that requires serious treatment to be started immediately. Again, foul-smelling bloody discharge should bring to mind cervical cancer. The bad smell here is due to the destruction of tissues. The presence of lower abdominal pain along with bloody discharge should bring to mind female organ cancers and a specialist doctor should be consulted immediately.
As can be seen from the above information, discharge is actually a symptom that allows us to diagnose many diseases. For this reason, we must immediately consult a physician and apply the necessary treatments for all discharges other than white, transparent, odorless discharges.
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