White discharge or Vaginal discharge is a common and natural phenomenon in women. The cervix and vagina produce a fluid to maintain the hygiene and health. The consistency, colour, and odour of vaginal discharge might differ based on the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations, sexual activity, and overall health.
There are a lot of possible causes of vaginal discharge. Here are some of them:
- Normal Vaginal Secretions: The vagina secretes a natural lubricant called mucus, which also helps in maintaining the pH balance of the area. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the colour and consistency of this discharge might change; clear or white discharge is frequently seen.
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): An excess of pathogenic bacteria in the vagina leads to an imbalance in the bacterial flora of the vagina, resulting in a common vaginal infection. The discharge in BV is often thin, white, or greyish, and it could smell fishy. Usually, it becomes more apparent after sexual intercourse or during menstruation.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Variations in hormone levels, especially those associated with oestrogen, might affect vaginal discharge. For instance, an increase in oestrogen levels after ovulation causes a thicker, more elastic discharge that resembles egg whites. Similarly, vaginal secretions may also be impacted by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
- Yeast infection: A type of yeast that naturally resides in the vagina, Candida albicans, can overgrow and cause yeast infections. Yeast infection-related discharge is usually thick, white, and has a cottage cheese-like look. Itching, redness, and irritation may also occur.
- Irritation or Allergic Reactions: Overproduction of vaginal discharge may occur due to the irritation in the vaginal area brought on by allergic reactions to particular products, such as scented soaps, detergents, or feminine hygiene items. The discharge maybe white and accompanied by redness or itching.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Variations in white discharge have been linked to a number of STIs, including gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis. While the discharge from gonorrhoea may be white or yellowish and accompanied by pelvic pain or burning when urinating, it may be frothy and greenish-yellow in cases of trichomoniasis.
- Anxiety or Stress: Psychological factors like anxiety or stress can change hormone levels and disturb the vaginal environment, which might alter discharge patterns. Changes in discharge brought on by stress are often temporary, but prolonged stress might worsen other problems, such as recurring vaginal infections.
It is important to understand the underlying causes of white discharge. Even though white vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy vagina, it is important to keep a track on the changes occurring in the vaginal discharge from time to time as it might be a sign of an underlying health issue. So, if you notice changes in vaginal discharge along with irritation, redness and itching you might need to consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide yourself with the required treatment.
