VAGINAL DISCHARGE – HOW IT AFFECTS FERTILITY

The Healthy Vagina

The vagina serves as a passageway between the outside of the body and the inner reproductive organs. The pH balance of the vagina is acidic, which discourages infections from occurring. This acidic environment is created by normally-occurring bacteria. A healthy vagina produces secretions to cleanse and regulate itself, similar to how saliva cleanses and regulates the environment of the mouth. These vaginal secretions are normal vaginal discharge. Any interference with the delicate balance of vaginal secretions sets up an environment conducive to infection.

Normal Vaginal Discharge

All women have some vaginal discharge. Normal discharge may appear clear, cloudy white, and/or yellowish when dry on clothing. It may also contain white flecks and at times may be thin and stringy. Changes in normal discharge can occur for many reasons, including menstrual cycle, emotional stressors, nutritional status, pregnancy, usage of medications – including birth control pills, and sexual arousal.

Effects of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle affects the vaginal environment. You may notice increased wetness and clear discharge around mid-cycle. The pH balance of the vagina fluctuates during the cycle and is the least acidic on the days just prior to and during menstruation. Infections, therefore, are most common at this time.

Signs of Abnormal Discharge

Any changes in color or amount of discharge may be a sign of a vaginal infection. Vaginal infections are very common; most women will experience some form of a vaginal infection in their lifetime. If you experience any of the symptoms below, this may be a sign of vaginal infection:

Discharge accompanied by itching, rash or soreness
Persistent, increased discharge
Burning on skin during urination
White, clumpy discharge (somewhat like cottage cheese)
Grey/white or yellow/green discharge with a foul odor

Outlined below is basic information on three common vaginal infections

Bacterial Vaginosis – The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis is unknown. Similar to a yeast infection, there is an overgrowth of bacteria, and the delicate balance of the vaginal environment is upset when these bacteria occur in increased amounts. Recurrence of bacterial vaginosis is common and bacterial vaginosis can coexist with other vaginal infections. Women that have multiple partners or receive oral intercourse are at an increased risk of acquiring bacterial vaginosis.

Signs and Symptoms

Increased amount of discharge
Grey/white, thin, watery discharge
Foul/fishy odor with discharge
Increased odor to discharge immediately after intercourse

Nearly half of the women with bacterial vaginosis don’t display any symptoms.

Trichomoniasis – This infection is caused by a one-celled protozoan organism. Trichomoniasis is almost always spread through sexual contact. However, the protozoan organism can survive for up to twenty-four hours in a moist environment, making wet towels or bathing suits possible instruments of transmission from someone with the infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Most men and some women don’t display any symptoms, which may include:

Yellow/green, frothy, discharge
Foul odor with discharge
Increased amount of discharge
Inflammation of vulva/vagina
Increased frequency of urination
Itching

Monilia (Yeast) Infection – There is normally a small amount of yeast (Candida albicans) present in the vagina. A yeast infection occurs when there is an - See more at: http://planbwellness.com/vaginal-discharge-affects-fertility/#sthash.9OaCZeY5.dpuf