DEFINITION
Vaginal discharge may be defined as the secretion of fluid,
either whitish, greenish, yellowish etc. from the vagina, which may be due to
physiological or pathological causes.
Vaginal discharge is a common presenting symptom seen by all
medical practitioners, be it complementary or conventional.
As with urethral discharge, vaginal discharge may be either
physiological or pathological in origin.
Physiological causes: Vaginal discharge is a continuum and
as such the concept of normality does not exist. Some people (women) have a
copious discharge, others none or little. Only the woman therefore, determine
whether what is her own normal experience, it is good and important to remind
the patient that a normal vaginal discharge may increase and be noticed only
premenstrually, at the time of ovulation, or when using contraceptive pill.
Pathological (infective) Causes: The commonest organism
giving rise to an infective pathological vaginal discharge is Candida albicans,
Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobic organisms, Nasseria
gonorhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes, warts, syphilitic chancer etc.
Pathological (non-infective) Causes: It is suprising to say
that many women have something like Tampons, Condom, menstrual blood particles,
toilet roll particles, especially women that uses toilet roll when observing
menstrual period, retained in their vagina without their knowledge.
Symptoms: Irritation, soreness, abdominal pain, rashes,
altered menstruation.
Diagnosis & Treatment: As with urethral discharge a
careful history, physical or clinical examination and microbiological test are
essential to establish an accurate diagnosis and to exclude a sexually acquired
infection.
Treatment Tips:
1.
Hot water bath
2.
Fruits.
3.
Personal hygiene.
4.
Avoid exchange of wears.
5.
Avoid public toilets.
6.
Careful selection of sexual partners.
7.
Treatment is available at IDC.
