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Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge Overview

Vaginal discharge is a fluid or semisolid substance that flows out of the vaginal opening. Most women have vaginal discharge to some extent, and a small amount of vaginal discharge is a reflection of the body's normal cleansing process. The amount and type of vaginal discharge also varies among women and with the woman's menstrual cycle. A change in vaginal discharge (such as an abnormal odor or color), or the presence of vaginal discharge associated with irritation or other uncomfortable symptoms, can signal that an infection is present.

Vaginal Discharge Causes

The vaginal walls and uterine cervix contain glands that produce a small amount of fluid that helps to keep the vagina clean. This normal vaginal discharge is typically clear or milky white in color and does not have an unpleasant odor.

A number of different infections can cause a change in the amount, consistency, color, or odor of vaginal discharge. These include:

  • Bacterial vaginosis is a condition is caused by an imbalance in the growth of the bacteria that are normally present in the vagina. It is not known exactly why this imbalance in bacterial growth occurs. This condition was formerly known as Gardnerella vaginitis after one type of bacteria that commonly cause the infection.

  • Trichomonas (trich, trichomoniasis) is infection by a single-celled parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. The infection is transmitted by sexual contact.

  • Gonorrhea is the sexually-transmitted disease (STD) resulting from infection by the bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

  • Chlamydia is another sexually-transmitted infection (STD) due to the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Although infected women may not have symptoms, a vaginal discharge may occur.

  • Yeast infection (candidiasis) occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, often due to antibiotic use or other factors that affect the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal area. Candida species are the type of yeast most commonly responsible.

While Trichomonas, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia are examples of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection are not considered to be STDs.

Vaginal bleeding is different from vaginal discharge. The infections listed above are causes of abnormal vaginal discharge without the presence of significant vaginal bleeding.



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Vaginal Discharge

Gonorrhea Overview

Gonorrhea is one of the most common diseases passed from one person to another during sexual activity.

  • The overall rate of gonorrhea is now increasing, after a steady decline for the past two decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported notifiable disease in the United States. The CDC estimates that approximately 700,000 new gonorrheal infections occur yearly in the U.S., only about half of which are reported to the CDC. . More than 5% of people between the ages of 18 and 35 have an infection with gonorrhea that they do not know about. New strains are more easily spread and are resisting treatment even with strong antibiotics.
  • Infection with gonorrhea is more common in certain groups of people. The highest reported infection rates occur in the following groups:

    • Adolescents and young adults

      ...

Read the Gonorrhea article »



Medical Dictionary