Abnormal vaginal discharge which indicates a vaginal infection

Leucorrhoea is often seen as something bad and needs to be "removed". In fact, this fluid from the vagina is a normal part of the female reproductive system.

This discharge comes from glands in the cervix and vaginal walls, which carry dead cells and bacteria out of our bodies. Therefore, vaginal discharge actually helps keep the vagian clean and prevents infection.

Like what is considered normal vaginal discharge?

Some women experience vaginal discharge only occasionally, but there are also those who experience it quite often. There are women who only have a small amount of vaginal discharge, but there are also those whose volume is more.

The discharge usually tends to be more when you are ovulating, breastfeeding, sexually aroused, using birth control pills, or when you are stressed.

Apart from the volume of fluids, what also varies from woman to woman is the smell, color, and texture of vaginal discharge. Some are liquid, some are sticky, some are elastic, and some are thick. However, normal vaginal discharge is usually clear (transparent) or white.

What does abnormal vaginal discharge look like?

In general, if your vaginal discharge suddenly changes and the smell or texture is no longer what it used to be, this is a sign of a possible problem with your vaginal health.

Different diseases, different characteristics of vaginal discharge that become the symptoms. For details, please refer to the following explanation.

Leucorrhoea due to vaginal yeast infection

The following symptoms could indicate that your vaginal discharge is caused by a vaginal infection, for example due to yeast:

• Whitish texture becomes thicker, foamy, or lumpy like cheese cottages
• Light white discharge
• Discharge accompanied by itching or burning sensation in the vagina

Cottage cheese. (Source:

Leucorrhoea due to bacterial vaginosis (vaginal bacterial infection)

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common bacterial infection of the vagina, characterized by:

• The discharge smells fishy
• Whitish semi-gray white

Leucorrhoea due to trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease that is quite common in women, and can be characterized by the following characteristics of vaginal discharge:

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• The discharge can become thick or foamy
• Whitish color turns greenish yellow
• Accompanied by vaginal itching and painful urination

Leucorrhoea due to gonorrhea and chlamydia

These two venereal diseases can also cause discolored discharge, increased volume of vaginal discharge, or a whitish odor that smells bad. However, gonorrhea and chlamydia also often do not show any symptoms, so they will only be detected after you have been tested.

Leucorrhoea due to cancer

Most cancers have no effect on vaginal discharge. Even cancer that occurs in the vaginal area and the female reproductive system often will not show any symptoms in your vaginal discharge.

However, fallopian tube cancer, which is classified as rare, is usually characterized by an increase in the volume of vaginal discharge that has a watery texture.

Again, this type of cancer is very rare, but if you find changes in the vaginal discharge, it's a good idea to consult a doctor immediately to detect the cause.

Characteristics of vaginal discharge that must be examined by a doctor

You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms that could indicate an infection in the vagina:

• There are sudden changes in the volume, color, aroma, and texture of the vaginal discharge.
• Your vaginal discharge is accompanied by itching, or swelling, or redness in the vaginal area.
• Your vaginal discharge has changed since you took / used certain drugs.
• Your discharge occurs after you have had unprotected sex.
• Your vaginal discharge gets worse or doesn't go away after one week.
• Your vaginal discharge is accompanied by boils, blisters, or sores in the vaginal area.
• Your vaginal discharge is accompanied by a burning sensation or pain when urinating.
• Your vaginal discharge is accompanied by fever or pain in the abdominal area.

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