Vaginal discharge is very normal. The glands inside the vagina and the cervix produce little amounts of fluid which the vagina then discharges everyday. These fluids carry out old cells that have been forming on the vaginal wall. Discharging these fluids is the body’s way of keeping a vagina clean and healthy. The discharge is commonly clear and doesn’t smell bad.

The color of the discharge may change with menstruation; the discharge will be thicker due to ovulation. The same thing happens when a woman is pregnant or when sexually stimulated.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

There are many factors that may be causing vaginal discharge apart from the daily fluids women discharges. Smelly vaginal discharge may be caused by severe vaginal infection and some other genital disease or sexually transmitted diseases.

A yellow discharge could be a sign of trichomoniasis. This condition is caused by an organism known as Trichomoniais vaginalis. Other signs that you may be suffering from this disorder are: smelly vaginal discharge, pain when urination, and vaginal itching especially during the menstrual period. Trichomoniasis can be transmitted through unprotected sex but it can be treated with antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis can also cause green discharge(yellowish-green in color).

Other causes of green discharge from the vagina are: bacterial vaginosis or the imbalance of the bacteria level in the vagina which often involves an overgrowth of the Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia which is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, and Gonorrhea which is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhea. The presence of foreign matters in the vagina and its surrounding areas may also cause green and smelly discharge.

Smelly vaginal discharges are changes that we should give rise to caution. Ignoring these signs will probably increase the risks of worsening any condition that is already forming in your body.

The normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky in color and does not smell bad. A change in the color and odor will mean a serious problem.

Vaginitis is a condition that commonly causes smelly vaginal discharge.

These upsetting changes in the discharge can happen if there is an imbalance of the healthy bacteria in the vagina. Douching, use of feminine sprays, antibiotics, pregnancy, and infections may cause the disturbance of a healthy vagina.

Prevention of Vaginal Discharge

To prevent experiencing these problems, it is always best to practice good feminine hygiene. After using the toilet, wipe your vagina from front to back and not the other way around. Doing this will prevent the bacteria from your rectum to reach your vagina.

Wear cotton underwear, especially during the day when it is likely to be warm. Cotton allows the genital areas to breathe. If you can, avoid wearing underpants at night.

Your laundry detergent may be causing the irritation that results in your vaginal discharge, so try using non-scented products for your laundry.

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Filed under: Vagina Health

Every female will go through menopause, as they approach old age and the reproductive system become redundant. The female reproductive system becomes active with the first menstruation and this occurs generally during the age range of 10-15 when a girl reaches puberty. Once the reproductive system is activated, a female will ovulate once a month. Before the egg reaches the uterus, oestrogen hormones will build up the uterus lining with blood and cushion it, in readiness for a fertilized egg. When this does not occur, the uterus sheds the tissue lining which was prepared for fertilization. The extricating of the blood, tissue and the unfertilised egg will cause menstruation. This continued every month as a part of the regular functioning of the female reproductive system. Menopause is the cessation of the menstrual period. The approximate age of a menopausal woman is over 50. However, this may differ from country to country and by the individual. Different types of psychological and physical changes go through a woman before and after menopause. These are referred to as menopause symptoms. Continue reading ›

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Filed under: General, Menopause

Vaginal discharge is a common problem for women of all ages. However, the severity and the type of discharge will depend on the different causes of the discharge. Discharge of normal vaginal fluid is common to all women as it is caused by the hormones in the body. This is most apparent before menstruation begins. The colour of the discharge, as well as the texture and the amount, will vary from person to person. Normal discharge has a slight odor and never causes an itching or burning sensation. However, if the discharge has a strong odor and is brown, gray or green in color, it could be caused by an infection or an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention.

Causes of Abnormal Discharge

There are several causes of abnormal discharge of vaginal fluid. Changes in bacteria levels in the vagina, use of antibiotics, sexually transmitted diseases such as Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, diabetes, infections, vaginitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease are some of these causes.

Depending on the cause, the color of the discharge may change. Therefore, a woman will be able to identify the cause of the discharge by knowing the different colors associated with the discharge. No matter what the reason, if the discharge of vaginal fluid is more than usual, it is always advisable to seek medical attention. Here are some different types of discharge that are caused by various types of vaginal infections and other diseases.

Brown Discharge of Vaginal Fluid

Brown or bloody vaginal discharge is often caused by the shedding of endometrial tissues and may not be a cause for concern. Usually, brown discharge is the sign of a late menstrual period. However, brown discharge should not simply be ignored as being a late period. Sometimes it can be the cause of a more serious medical condition. Brown discharge can be a result of cervical or pelvic cancer. Therefore, any woman experiencing brown discharge of vaginal fluid, continuously and not during their period, should obtain medical advice. Further symptoms such as pain, brown-yellow discharge, pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness etc. may be experienced with brown discharge. You should not delay in visiting a gynaecologist if such symptoms are experienced in conjunction with brown discharge. Treatment of the discharge will depend on the diagnosis of the cause. If it is simply due to delay in the shedding of the uterine lining after menstruation, doctors may prescribe lifestyle changes and recommend drinking plenty of water. However, if caused by other factors, prescription medication, chemotherapy and other treatment methods are other options available.

Green Discharge of Vaginal Fluid

Green discharge of vaginal fluid is most often caused by a sexually transmitted disease known as trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that is spread through sexual intercourse. Yellow-green discharge of vaginal fluid is the most common symptom of trichomoniasis. Women suffering with this infection will experience pain during intercourse, vaginal itching and lower abdominal pain. Trichomoniasis needs to be treated with antibiotics and should be done as soon as possible. If treatment is not obtained, those affected will pass on the parasite to others. Women with trichomoniasis are also more at risk of contracting HIV. Therefore, medical attention is strongly advised for those experiencing any of the abovementioned symptoms.

Yellow Discharge of Vaginal Fluid

Cloudy or greenish-yellow discharge of vaginal fluid with an offensive odor can be caused by Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia or vaginitis. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain, discomfort during sexual intercourse, itchiness, and watery discharge may also be experienced with any of these causes. As discharges with color indicate a cause for concern, you must not postpone seeking medical advice. These conditions, if left untreated, can lead to more serious conditions. They can permanently damage the internal reproductive organs and reduce the ability to conceive. It can also increase the risk of spreading the infection. Yellow or cloudy discharge of vaginal fluid can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes and should be brought to the attention of a doctor without delay.

White Discharge of Vaginal Fluid

Thick, cheesy, white vaginal discharge can be due to a yeast infection which is also called vulvovaginal candidiasis. Yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is present in body areas that have warm and moist conditions. Candida bacteria reside in the human skin, the mouth and the virginal area normally as well. However, certain factors can trigger an overgrowth, causing a yeast infection. If you have been on medication such as antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids, these can affect the natural balance in yeast growth, causing an outbreak. Similarly, those with high blood sugar levels are also susceptible to this sort of infection as the condition of diabetes promotes proliferation of yeast growth. Use of scented sanitary products is ill-advised as such chemical exposure can also alter the delicate balance in skin fungus levels. Irritation and itching in the vagina, swelling and redness of the vulva, pain during sex and when urinating are among the common symptoms of a yeast infection. You are advised to wear loose, cotton underwear, and to keep the vaginal area dry and clean, in order to avoid or alleviate a yeast outbreak. There are quick and easy to administer medications that can treat yeast infections effectively. Therefore, seeking advice from your gynaecologist can save you from a lot of discomfort and embarrassment.

Smelly Discharge

Women who experience unusually smelly, potent, unnatural discharge may be suffering with bacterial vaginosis. The most significant symptom of this condition is a strong “fishy” odor in the discharge and an itching and burning sensation. Grayish-white vaginal discharge is another symptom of vaginosis. Vaginosis can be treated using natural remedies as well as prescription medication. However, certain bacterial infections will need a strong course of antibiotics such as Tinidazole, Metronidazole, or Clindamycin. Preventive measures include wearing cotton underwear, ensuring cleanliness, avoiding the use of harsh chemical exposure through douches or scented sanitary products and adhering to safe sex practices.

Unusual amounts of vaginal discharge, especially caused by infections, can be embarrassing, uncomfortable as well as lead to unnecessary health complications. Paying close attention to cleanliness, as well as obtaining medical attention if any symptoms are experienced, is a must for any woman, no matter what age they are.

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Filed under: General, Vagina Health

To understand what a normal vagina is it is important to study everything related to it, from normal discharge to giving birth to a child. Any normal variations can be seen by changes in the vulva. This has been established after detailed discussions with many teenagers and older women. Most people, especially teenage girls, have said that this discussion is very useful, and they can find out a lot of useful information. Continue reading ›

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Filed under: General, Vagina Health

Causes of Vaginal Itching

Vaginal itching is a very uncomfortable condition; it can occur for many reasons such as wearing too many tight fitting clothes. This irritating condition is the main symptom of vaginal infections, so it is best to have it treated or prevented to lessen the risk of other diseases.

Infections incubate in warm and moist places places like the genitals. The most common vaginal infection, yeast infection, causes a lot of vaginal itching and burning.

Allergy to chemicals present in soaps and vaginal wash can also cause vaginal burning. Sometimes it is better to avoid fragrant products when washing your genital areas.

Women approaching menopause have thinning vaginal tissues which are very prone to vaginal itching; as the vaginal wall dries and thins up, itching is inevitable. Fluctuating estrogen levels in menopause can also cause this irritating condition.

Sexually Transmitted diseases are another cause of vaginal itching and burning.

Treatments of Vaginal Itching and Burning:

Since vaginal itching and burning is be caused mainly by infections resulting from bacterial invasion, this condition can be properly treated with anti-bacterial creams or pills. There are many over-the-counter medications available as well as some effective natural treatments you can use at home.

The treatment for vaginal itching will depend on the infection causing the condition. If you have been diagnosed with yeast infection then you may be recommended to take prescription antibiotic.

If you are in the menopausal stage, hormone replacement therapy may be an option and so is application of vaginal hormonal creams.

Increase you lactobacillus intake; a cup of yogurt a day will lessen the possibility of the occurrence of yeast infection. If you do not like consuming yogurt, you can try taking lactobacillus in other forms like capsule and powder.

Another effective home remedy for vaginal burning is the use of apple cider vinegar solution as your vaginal wash. Use this as a substitute for commercially available scented feminine wash that can only increase the irritating itching you are experiencing.

Tips to help with Vaginal itching and Burning

• Avoid douching when you are already experiencing vaginal itching; it may cause the infectious bacteria to spread and worsen the condition. Douching is also believed to be responsible for pelvic inflammatory disease because of the infectious material driving up trough the cervix.
• Do not use talcum powder or cornstarch; they warm up the skin, which will make the vagina a welcoming place for bacteria. The loose particles of talcum or cornstarch may also collect around the ovaries and this will increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Cut down your sugar intake because yeast feeds on sugar.
• Take Vitamin C at least twice a day. This Vitamin increases the vagina’s acidity and makes the vagina an unfriendly environment for yeast.
• Keep your vaginal area dry, especially after every bath. Cool blow drying is a very effective way of drying up your vagina without having to rub it with a towel or tissues.
• Using unscented laundry detergent will help prevent vaginal itching that may lead to vaginal infection.
• Wear loose clothing, cotton underwear, and no pantyhose. If you need to wear pantyhose, make sure it has a cotton lining.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until you are sure that your vaginal burning is not caused by vaginal yeast infection. It is easy to pass on the yeast to your partner through the intercourse.
• Take away yeast from your regular diet. Bread, bagels, doughnuts, pizza, beer, wine, pickles , grapes, brown sugar, sprouts, mushrooms, yeast extract, and many others are made from yeast and can cause mold.
• If your yeast infection recurs, it is better to keep on practicing these preventive measures.
• Avoid any chemical contact like those in perfumes, colored toilet paper, deodorants, and commercial sexual lubricants. If you need to use lubricants try using unscented mineral oil or vegetable oil; these are nonirritating lubricant alternative. But these oils are not recommended for use with diaphragms and condoms.

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Filed under: General, Vagina Health

Overview of Eye Stye

Eye Stye is the medical term used to describe a situation when the edge of your eyelid is infected by bacteria, and it affects the hair follicle of an eyelash. It takes the form of a pimple or a boil. As a result of this infection, the hair follicles will get blocked and inflamed, and then itching, pain and discomfort start to set in. The symptoms of itching and discomfort are fundamental to the spread of this infection. As patients – consciously or otherwise – rub against the affected area for immediate relief of their constant discomfort, bacteria spread from one hair shaft to another. Continue reading ›

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Filed under: General

Introduction – Uterine Fibroids

For a majority of female patients, uterine fibroids symptoms are not always apparent. Even when they do manifest, they tend to be mild and there is no strict requirement for treatment. According to one study commissioned on the subject, as much as 8 in 10 women with fibroids are observed to have undergone insignificant changes in their bleeding, pain, mental health, troubling symptoms, overall health, or general energy level after 1 year. When menopause begins, bleeding stops, enlarged uterus diminishes in size, while the likelihood of surgical intervention for fibroids decreases dramatically. Thus, it is only natural for some women with fibroids to have a tendency to bypass treatment, sometimes indefinitely. Continue reading ›

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Filed under: General, Uterine Health

You may question yourself countless times about why are my nipples sore? Or you could often puzzle with the timing of your sore boobs, but these are usually signs of the various phases of your reproductive cycle. Essentially what it means is that this is your body’s way of communicating to you on what is going on at different times of your body’s development.

At this stage, two common explanations are:

Post-ovulation

The 2 key hormones that are hard at work during your menstrual cycle are:

• estrogen prior to ovulation and
• progesterone, which gets into action about the time of ovulation.

Progesterone usually causes additional water retention inside the body. There is a reason for this: the uterus is being prepared for a possible pregnancy, and the addition of water and nutrients inside the uterus will make conditions ripe for the anticipated pregnancy. The flip side is that this phenomenon happens all through the body. As a result, water built up in the breast tissue will apply pressure on them and subsequently lead to breast pain and sore nipples.

However these are not the most uncomfortable things. Some women have trouble slipping themselves into those tight fit jeans during the second half of the cycle, yeah; you know what you have been through! If the anticipated pregnancy does not take place, the level of progesterone will fall about a week prior to your next period. The additional water will be passed out in your urine.

Pregnancy

When the released egg from the ovary is fertilized (during ovulation) and it settles and grows in the womb, both progesterone and estrogen will carry on being produced in order to sustain the pregnancy. What it means is that any breast tenderness will continue to manifest and is likely to become worse.

Even after your sore breasts and nipples continue to persist after ovulation, pregnancy may not be the natural assumption. A tell tale indicator is that this breast discomfort does not seem to go away and the breasts are not showing signs of subsiding (in fact they tend to increase in size over time) and your period is 7-10 days late. Again, this is no guarantee of pregnancy (even though a missed period would usually indicate pregnancy), there are other known factors such as perimenopausal changes and extreme stress.

Causes of sore nipples and painful breasts

Sore breasts and nipples could be linked to what is known as the climacteric syndrome. Such climacteric syndrome symptoms can be one (or more) of the following:

• hot flushes
• headaches
• irregular menstruation
• sleeplessness
• mood changes
• painful breasts
• weight gain and bloating.

It is believed that wildly fluctuating hormone levels inside the body are behind climacteric syndrome. It usually has nothing to do with the absence of estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives are widely employed to even out the hormone levels.

Sore Nipples and Breast Cancer

Sore nipples could also be a leading indicator of breast cancer. One such condition is known as Paget’s nipple disease; irritation happens to the nipple including pain, reddening and sometimes itchiness. It is a progressive disease and it will eventually wear down the nipple completely. Paget’s disease of the nipple is proof that the breast tissue has been affected by cancerous cells. If irritation continues, you are advised to seek a consultation with your doctor.

Some of the most dreadful experiences a women can face is to hear comments like “mammogram indicates suspicion of breast cancer” or “biopsy run shows it is breast cancer positive”. There is definitely inherent fear as this pronouncement usually means that death, surgery, loss of body image, and loss of sexuality, are to follow. One can only get on top of this fear by equipping oneself with information and knowledge so that affected women can deal with the consequences responsibly and effectively.

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Filed under: Breast Health, General

The vagina is a very sensitive organ, and because of its sensitivity, it is prone to many diseases; some can be mild and some can be very serious. It is common to get vaginal sores especially after having rough sex or if you have a vaginal yeast infection.

Though these bumps can be very painful and uncomfortable, there is no need to panic. They are not contagious, not life-threatening and, most of the time, not STDs.

Some good advice that should be followed is to never try to squeeze them on your own; this will only spread the infection.  Continue reading ›

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Filed under: General, Vagina Health

Implantation bleeding is a common occurrence in a woman who has conceived. Red or dark brown vaginal discharge marks the implantation during conceiving phase. This occurs naturally when a fertilized egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus and the burrowing into the blood-rich cell walls causes the slight bleeding. However, symptoms similar to implantation may occur in women who are not pregnant when they are close to their period. This can be considered their pre-menstrual spotting and is not a cause for worry. However, severe bleeding or increased spotting with a positive pregnancy test can be cause for concern. Therefore, any pregnant woman experiencing spotting should obtain immediate medical advice.

How to confirm whether the Bleeding is Implantation Bleeding or Period?

Many women do not know if they have implantation bleeding or period. When women who are trying to get pregnant experience implantation bleeding, most of them assume that they have not succeeded in conceiving during the current menstrual cycle. However, this can be an incorrect interpretation of the symptom. Being aware of how to differentiate between normal period spotting and implantation bleeding is useful for all women of conceiving age.

This type of bleeding usually occurs about four weeks after a period. The spotting due to implantation is less than a normal period bleeding and is darker. Cramps and bloating, which are common during this process, can occur, which is one of the main reasons pregnant women assume they are not pregnant. A woman with a regular menstrual cycle who experiences light bleeding or spotting instead of her normal menstrual flow should be alert to the possibility of having conceived. A home pregnancy test will be the next step in such a scenario where after 4-5 weeks of a regular period, only slight spotting was experienced instead of the regular period. This will help to establish whether you are actually pregnant or if it is an irregular period.

Why does Implantation Bleeding Occur?

There is no significant cause of implantation bleeding. It can occur from six to twelve days after ovulation. However, due to its timing it can be surmised that this occurs near the completion of the implantation process. The fertilized egg is surrounded by trophoblast tissue. This nourishes the embryo during the early stages of pregnancy and later develops into what is known as the placenta. The trophoblast tissue attaches itself into the endometrium lining. The trophoblast burrows into the endometrium lining and while doing so draws blood from the mother’s blood vessels so that it can nourish the embryo. The trophoblast tissue on the outer layer of the egg is thinner than the inner layer. It contains cavities that are connected to outer cavities that open into the uterine cavity. Any blood that accidently leaks from these cavities causes implantation bleeding or spotting. Small amounts of spotting without any cramping or backache can be considered bothersome but should not be something that causes excessive worry. However, heavy and unrestrained bleeding needs to be discussed with your gynaecologist.

Besides Implantation Bleeding, What’s the Other Causes of Spotting?

Implantation bleeding or period spotting is not the only cause of spotting. There are several other reasons that can cause this condition. For example, birth control pills can cause occasional spotting. Hormones in the Pill can cause an imbalance in the body that can lead to light spotting during the first few months of taking the Pill. Spotting can also continue the whole time the Pill is taken. The Pill is not the only other cause of hormonal imbalances that can lead to spotting. There are several other possible causes:

• It can be caused by an ongoing medical condition that needs medical attention.
• An ectopic pregnancy or early signs of miscarriage can also cause spotting. Premature labour is another cause of spotting.This usually occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• A vaginal infection is another common cause of spotting. Uterine polyps and ulcers can also cause bleeding.
• Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can also cause spotting. Certain blood thinning medications, too, can cause bleeding.
• A more serious condition of vaginal bleeding is a condition called dysplasia.
• Abnormal maturing of the tissue cells can cause menstrual bleeding and can be a warning sign of cervical cancer.

How to Testing for Pregnancy?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta. This hormone encourages the production of progesterone that is required for the development of the placenta. HCG increases rapidly during early pregnancy. A home pregnancy test will be able to detect the increased levels of HCG as early as 6 – 8 days after ovulation. However, to avoid disappointment, it is recommended to test for pregnancy 10 days after ovulation. A pregnant woman’s HCG levels will increase by approximately 25mIU after 10 days of ovulation. This will continue to increase as the pregnancy progresses. Therefore, if a pregnant woman was to obtain a pregnancy test two weeks after ovulation, her HCG levels will be approximately 100mIU.

What’s the Signs of Pregnancy?

Most women have no idea that they are pregnant until they are well into their first trimester. Some women are unable to keep track of their menstrual cycle and will not be able to tell how many cycles they have missed and how many months they may have been pregnant. This is especially true for those women who have just had a baby and assume that breastfeeding will act as a contraceptive. This is a misconception and as missed periods are considered normal during the first few months after a having a baby, women often find themselves pregnant with a second baby just a couple of months after their older child has been born. Here are some signs to look out for if suspecting pregnancy:

• Tender or swollen breasts
• Extreme fatigue and lethargy
• Implantation bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal bloating
• Extreme sensitivity to smells
• Frequent urination

Any of these signs can be an indication of pregnancy. A visit to a gynaecologist is recommended after a positive test from a pregnancy kit.

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Filed under: General, Implantation Bleeding, Periods