SATURDAY WOMAN TALKS VAGINAL DISCHARGE 001 (what’s normal and what’s of concern)

As a woman paying close attention to your vaginal discharge is of great importance as this helps to provide early signals that indicates the presence of an infection and also that of good health.

WHAT IS VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Vaginal discharge are mucosal secretions produced by glands in your cervix and walls of your vagina. These secretions flows out of the vagina each day and helps in cleansing old cells that have lined the vagina process. It is a natural process the body uses in keeping your vagina healthy and clean.

The rate of vaginal discharge varies amongst women, as some have discharge daily while others experience it less frequently.

RECOGNIZING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL DISCHARGE.

There are several signs that can help you identify the presence of an abnormal discharge and they include:

■ Unusual increase in the amount of discharge

■ Change in colour of discharge especially greenish, grayish, or anything looking like pus.

■ Change in odour of discharge especially an unpleasant odour.

■ Change in texture of your discharge .such as foamy or looking like cottage cheese.

■ vaginal itching, burning, swelling, or redness

■ vaginal bleeding or spotting that is not a menstrual period

Let’s go take a look at the several types of discharge and what they indicate:

● Milky or White Discharge with No Odour

INDICATION : NORMAL DISCHARGE

SYMPTOMS : NIL

● Clear and Strechy DISCHARGE

INDICATION: Fertile Mucous (Ovulation)

● Thick, White and Cheese-like DISCHARGE

INDICATION : Vaginal Yeast Infection (CANDIDIASIS)

SYMPTOMS : Vaginal Itching, burning, Soreness, pain, pain during urination, pain during sex, swelling, rash and redness.

● White, Yellow or Grey DISCHARGE

INDICATION : Bacterial Vaginosis

SYMPTOMS : Fishy Odour, Itching and Swelling.

● Brown or Bloody Discharge

INDICATION : Irregular Menstruation, Right after Periods and other Non-existent specific problems

SYMPTOMS : Pelvic pain or Vaginal Bleeding

● Cloudy, Yellow DISCHARGE

INDICATION: GONORRHEA

SYMPTOMS : PELVIC PAIN

● Yellow or green, thick or chunky DISCHARGE.

INDICATION: TRICHOMONIASIS

SYMPTOMS : Foul Odour

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU RECOGNISE AN ABNORMAL DISCHARGE

> Seek help immediately by talking to an healthcare professional

> Go for a vaginal Health Test.

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF VAGINAL

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF VAGINAL INFECTIONS
Always wear cotton panties
Always wipe from back to front after urination or bowel movement ( defecating)

Do not Douche or use vaginal douches. ( vaginal douching is the process of rinsing the vaginal by forcing soapy water or any other solution into your vaginal cavity).

Do not undergo self treatment when you notice any abnormality, seek medical help instead.

Never use petroleum jelly or oils for lubrication, they create breeding ground for bacterial.

Avoid multiple sexual partners.
    
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YOUR BEST NURSE
NURSE ABY
KNOWLEDGE FOR HEALTHY LIVING