You may have noticed some tiny drops of liquid pouring from your Vagina. It may not always have the same look, and at different times, it may be distinct in odour or colour.

 

The Vagina is a delicately balanced ecosystem with a particular balance of bacteria, moisture and pH. This balance is susceptible to changes within and outside of your body. It can be affected by diet, sleeping patterns, birth control, or other medication.

 

Normal vaginal discharge is necessary for maintaining a healthy environment. The fluid secreted by tiny glands in your Vagina and cervix helps to remove old cells and other debris.

 

Vaginal discharge can vary widely from one person to another. Color, consistency, and quantity may also change daily throughout your menstrual cycle. You should be familiar with the "normal" vaginal discharge to recognize whether it is benign or if something is wrong and you need to take proper treatment.

 

We have created a colour-coded cheat sheet to help you understand and decode the vaginal discharge colours and what they mean!

 

 

What is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is an important part of the female reproductive system function. The fluid made from the glands in the vaginal cervix removes dead cells and bacteria. This helps to keep the Vagina clean and prevents infection. Vaginal discharge is usually normal. Vaginal discharge will increase when you ovulate, breastfeed, or are sexually aroused. Certain types of discharge can be an indicator that there is an infection.

 

Vaginal discharge is a mixture of liquid, bacteria, and cells that protect and lubricate the Vagina. The cells of the cervix and vaginal tissues constantly produce this mixture, which exits through the vaginal opening. Individuals' discharge composition, quantity, and quality will vary depending on their sexual and reproductive development.

 

 

Ayurveda Perspective

The menstrual cycle functions optimally as long as the doshas function optimally and aren’t depleted or overshadowed by another dosha. Improper diet and stressful lifestyle aggravate Doshas, especially Vata and Pitta. These doshas get vitiated and settle in the Arava vaha  (the part of the female reproductive system responsible for forming menstrual blood and the passage that carries it during the menstrual cycle) and obstructing it. As this happens, changes in the hormonal level are seen as this progress. This vitiated Vata travels to the Arava vaha channels and dries it up. The vitiated Pitta affects the Rakta/Raja (blood). Vitiated Vata and Aam (toxins) restrict the flow. This result in scanty and infrequent menstrual flow. This causes abnormal Vaginal Discharge. 

 

 

Signs and Symptoms:

Abnormal vaginal discharge may show the following symptoms-

• Change in colour of vaginal discharge
• Foul smell
• Itching and burning in the vaginal area
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse

 

 

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

Many things can disturb the balance of a healthy vagina, including-

• Douching
• Feminine hygiene sprays
• Certain soaps or bubble baths
• Antibiotics
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Infections
• Certain medications like Birth Control Pill

 

 

Types of Vaginal Discharge

Normal Discharge:

• Normal vaginal discharge may have a thinner, watery or thick, sticky consistency and may be clear or white in colour.
• Normal vaginal discharge may be large in volume but typically does not have a strong odour, nor is it typically associated with itching or pain.
• While most discharge represents normal body functioning, some changes in discharge can reflect infection or other pathological processes.

 

 

Abnormal Discharge:

 

If your Discharge Is White, Milky Or Creamy 

A white discharge with no symptoms is normal. However, if your discharge is thick and opaque in colour and has a slight odour, it could be vaginal candidiasis. This is an overgrowth of bacteria called Candida that disrupts the vaginal pH.

Vaginal yeast infection is when your discharge becomes thick, curd-like and milky white and is associated with swelling, redness, or burning around the genitals and pain during sex and urination. If your symptoms do not improve, opt for a treatment.

 

 

If Your Discharge is Pink

Pink discharge is a sign of the start of your period. There's no reason to be concerned. Some people may experience slight bleeding following vaginal penetration. Allow your body to heal for several days before you have penetrative vaginal intercourse.

 

A pink discharge could also be a sign of implantation bleeding. Due to vata dosha aggravation, the pink discharge might be associated with pain. This is an early sign that you are pregnant. 

 

 

If your discharge is Red or Brown

It is normal to have red or brown blood during your period. This is an indication of reproductive tract bleeding. It could be as bright as cherry red at the start of your cycle or dark brownish-brown near the end.

Many people experience irregular periods and spotting due to hormonal changes, such as medication or birth control. An irregular red or brown discharge of clotted blood and mucous could indicate infection. This could be an indication of more serious conditions such as endometrial carcinoma.

 

 

If your Discharge is Gray

Gray discharge can be a sign that you have bacterial vaginosis. BV refers to an imbalance, not an infection. Your vaginal health is affected by both good and poor bacteria. Other symptoms include:

• Excessive discharge and unusual smells (many people report a fishy smell).
• Itching.
• Redness and pain during vaginal penetration and urination.

Reviewing your diet and including probiotic-rich foods throughout the day is a good idea. 

 

 

If your discharge is Yellow or Green

If pitta dosha is involved, discharge is yellow, dark, heavy and green, associated with itching, burning sensation and unusual odours or swelling. You may have a bacterial infection. Your body is trying to heal itself by fighting off infection with pus. This is why your urine's yellow or green colour is caused by pus mixed with mucous.

 

 

Treatment for Abnormal Vaginal Discharge in Ayurveda

Treatment Fundamental

• Apan Correction (Balance aggravated Vata)
• Balance Metabolic fire(Balance hormonal level)
• Detox (Clean toxins from the channel)
• Rasayana (Rejuvenation of the tissue)

 

Ayurvedic treatment consists of remedies, detox (panchakarma) treatment and herbal meditations to balance the doshas, cleanse the accumulated toxins from the root, and provide relief from the problem.

 

 

Detox (Panchkarma )Plan for Vaginal Discharge

Detox is the Ayurvedic cleansing process for body, mind and emotions that helps you to create holistic health and well-being in your life. Digestive impurities such as mucus and metabolic toxins pile up in the veins, intestine, liver and joints. They circulate throughout the entire body and block the system. Continuous build-up of these impurities can cause physical and mental disorders and diseases. A Detox helps to clean out toxins. Marma points help to remove blockages and improve circulation.

 

Ayushakti’s detoxification Panchkarma treatments are highly focused on relieving the root cause of any chronic problem by cleansing, repairing and rejuvenating the deeper tissues and cells in your body. Click here to check out our Panchkarma Detoxification Plan. 

   

 

Takeaway

If your symptoms are manageable and mild, consider changing your lifestyle and diet and try preventive care by maintaining hygiene.

 

Regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to determine what is normal in your body. If you experience persistent discomfort or irregular symptoms, then its the time for proper treatment.

 

Ayushakti Ayurved’s treatment is effective in naturally treating any health condition from its root cause.

 

Ayushakti's mission is to help people in every possible way. You can consult our experts by phone or video. We will suggest diet & home remedies for maintaining your well-being in these difficult times. Book your consultation here - BOOK NOW

 

For more information write to us at info@ayushakti.com

 

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Author of the Blog: Dr.Ronak Naik

 

Expert Review By: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram