ตกขาว เรื่องใกล้ตัวที่สาวๆควรรู้

Vaginal discharge is something natural that every woman experiences. But many still wonder what's normal and what needs attention. This article covers everything about vaginal discharge — from causes and color signals to treatment and prevention.

What is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is fluid produced by glands in the cervix and vaginal walls. It serves several important functions for vaginal health.

Why Does the Body Produce Discharge?

Discharge isn't dirty — it's a natural mechanism that helps maintain vaginal health. It cleanses by flushing out old cells and debris, maintains moisture to prevent dryness and irritation, and prevents infection by creating a mildly acidic environment that inhibits harmful germs.

What Does Normal Discharge Look Like?

Normal discharge is clear or slightly cloudy white with no foul odor. The amount may change throughout your cycle. Discharge before your period is often thicker and more abundant, which is completely normal.

What Causes Vaginal Discharge?

Discharge can result from various causes, both natural and abnormal.

Natural Causes

Hormonal changes are the main factor affecting discharge. Estrogen levels fluctuating throughout your cycle change the amount and consistency of discharge. During ovulation, discharge becomes clear and stretchy like egg whites. Before your period, it becomes thicker and cloudier.

Additionally, pregnancy increases discharge production, and sexual activity causes the vagina to produce more lubricating fluid.

Abnormal Causes

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) causes gray discharge with a fishy odor. Yeast infection causes thick, cottage cheese-like discharge with intense itching. Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea cause color changes and odor. Irritation from soaps or unsuitable cleansing products can also cause abnormal discharge.

What Does Discharge Color Tell You? What's Abnormal?

Discharge color is an important indicator of vaginal health. Check what your discharge looks like.

Abnormal Discharge Symptoms That Require Medical Attention

If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor for proper examination and treatment.

Warning Signs to Watch For

See a doctor immediately if you have gray, yellow, or green discharge or fishy or foul odor. Also seek medical attention for itching or burning in the vaginal area or pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Additionally, if you have blood in discharge outside your period, fever, or symptoms not improving after 2-3 days of self-care, you should see a doctor.

Causes of Abnormal Discharge

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause, resulting from an imbalance of vaginal bacteria. It causes gray discharge with a fishy odor, especially after sex. Treatment typically uses Metronidazole, which has a success rate of 65-95%.

Yeast Infection causes thick, cottage cheese-like discharge with intense itching. Usually caused by Candida overgrowth due to antibiotics, weakened immunity, or moisture buildup.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis cause yellow or green discharge with foul odor and other symptoms.

Irritation or allergies from soaps, feminine washes, sanitary products, or condoms containing chemicals.

How to Prevent Abnormal Discharge

Proper hygiene — Wash external genitals with plain water or mild soap. Avoid douching as it destroys good bacteria that prevent infection. Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.

Choose appropriate clothing — Wear breathable cotton underwear. Avoid tight pants or damp underwear. Change underwear daily.

Overall health care — Eat nutritious foods, especially yogurt with probiotics. Drink plenty of water and get adequate rest to maintain immunity.

Prevent infection — Use condoms during sex, avoid multiple sexual partners, and get regular gynecological check-ups.

How to Treat Vaginal Discharge

Treatment for abnormal discharge depends on the cause, which doctors diagnose based on symptoms and examination.

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis with Metronidazole

Metronidazole is the first-line antibiotic for treating Bacterial Vaginosis with a success rate of 65-95%. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria causing the infection.

How to take Metronidazole — Take 1 tablet (400 mg) twice daily after meals for 5-7 days. Swallow whole with water — do not crush or chew. Avoid alcohol throughout treatment and 48 hours after stopping. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve.

Self-Care During Treatment

During treatment, keep the genital area clean, wear breathable underwear, avoid sex until fully recovered, drink plenty of water, and get adequate rest.

When to Return to the Doctor?

Return to the doctor if symptoms don't improve after completing treatment, symptoms return, you experience severe side effects from medication, or new symptoms develop.