What Causes White Discharge in Women and How to Prevent it

 

What Causes White Discharge in Women and How to Prevent it ?

White discharge is a very common concern that a woman has to face due to a multiplicity of reasons. Sometimes, the white discharge is very normal and is considered healthy to happen for the body. 

To all the women who are reading this blog, need not worry about having a white discharge. I, being a female myself was suffering from it and I researched a lot medically and ended up writing about this topic to inform you all about the causes of white discharge, and the prevention of white discharge. 

INTRODUCTION TO WHITE DISCHARGE 

• White discharge, also known as vaginal discharge is a fluid that is secreted out from our body. 

• It is generally clear, white and sometimes white produced by the vagina, cervix, and uterus.

• The fluid is generally made up of multiple dead cells and bacteria.

• Do not worry if you see this, as this is a normal and natural way of excreating the waste out of the female vagina.

• This happens when your vagina is getting clean and lubricated, taking out all the bacteria and the infections. This may be one of the causes of white discharge.

• The discharge varies from person to person, some women can have discharge frequently and some might experience very little.

• There may be various changes in the odour, colour and texture of the fluid. You should identify the problem and accordingly move forward with the prevention of white discharge.

WORRY NOT IT CAN BE PREVENTED!

CAUSES OF WHITE DISCHARGE

As discussed above, white discharge is not something very serious to be worried about, as it is normal and occurs naturally. But if there is any kind of change which directly affects the balance of the vagina’s way to secrete out the bacterial cells and creates a varied colour, smell or texture, one needs to be highly attentive to the same.

Here are some of the causes of white discharge:

1. Yeast infections 

2. Diabetes

3. Pelvic infection caused after surgery

4. Antibiotic or steroid use

5. Birth control pills

6. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

7. Douches, bubble baths, and scented lotions or soaps

8. Cervical cancer

9. Bacterial vaginosis (mostly common in women having multiple sexual partners or women who are pregnant)

10. Gonorrhea or chlamydia (sexually transmitted diseases)

11. Trichomoniasis, caused by having an unprotected sexual activity

12. Vaginitis (irritation around as well as in the vagina)

13. Vaginal atrophy (thinning and shedding of the vaginal wall during the time of menopause)

S No.	Types of Discharge	Causes of White Discharge	Symptoms of White Discharge
1.	Yellow, frothy or possibly green with a bad smell	Trichomoniasis	Pain in urination
2.	White, cheezy and thick	Yeast formation	Pain and swelling around the vagina or rough sexual activity
3.	Yellow and cloudy	Gonorrhea	Bleeding between periods and pelvic pain
4.	White, yellow, jelly-like, with a fishy odour	Bacterial infections	Burning, itching, and redness of the vagina
5.	Blood-filled or brown	Menstrual cycles are uneven or irregular	Vaginal bleeding (abnormal) and pelvic pain

PREVENTION OF WHITE DISCHARGE

To keep you informed, there is no need for a woman to have a treatment for vaginal discharge as it is nothing but very common. However, if you experience an overall other type and texture of discharge, which is differently coloured, or bad in odour, it can be regarded as alarming for you.

Here are some tips and tricks for the prevention of white discharge.

• Be aware of wiping off using the towel from front to back. This will keep unnecessary exposure of the vagina, from the bacteria away.

• You need to wear underwear that has a pure cotton fabric throughout the day. This will allow your vagina to “breathe”, i.e., to allow air to pass through.

• Avoid wearing underwear during the nighttime.

• Avoid keeping your genitals tight by avoiding wearing swimming suits, pantyhose, tight-fitted pants, leotards, biking shorts, tight jeggings etc.

• Try to change the detergent you use to wash the clothes. 

• Fabric softener must also be used while the clothes are being washed, especially the undergarments.

• One of the most important prevention of white discharge that you should incorporate is to change the type of condom that your partner is using while having intercourse. Some condoms have intense latex which can create irritation and infection in women. Consult a doctor and then change the birth control measures.

• Hot tub baths should also be avoided.

• While you shower or bathe, gently wipe off the genital area and make it completely dry.

• Avoid Douching

• Feminine sprays are used for maintaining hygiene, perfumed or coloured toilet paper, tampons, deodorant pads and bubble baths should be avoided for the prevention of white discharge. 

List of some superfoods that can aid you in controlling your white discharge naturally:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Having antifungal properties and nature, apple cider vinegar aids to balance out the pH level of a woman's vagina. It also assists in the growth of bacteria that are healthy and not at all harmful, to keep a resistance to the ones causing a white discharge. 

2. Probiotic Foods

Food like yoghurt has some very healthy bacteria named Lactobacillus, which aid in fighting and retaliating yeast-causing infections. This can be a way to avoid white discharge. 

3. Aloe Vera

With its anti-fungal nature, Aloe Vera can aid in combating infections related to the vagina. Another interesting fact is that consumption of Aloe vera can aid in increasing the levels of white blood cells plus in getting rid of the causes of white discharge.

4. Green Tea

Rich in various antioxidants, green tea is the best way to provide great strength and improve the immune system making the body less prone to various bacterial infections. This will not let the bacteria attack the vagina and cause white discharge.  

5. Fenugreek Seeds

It is a way to maintain the pH as well as boost and maintain the immunity level to avoid white discharge.

6. Turmeric

Having both an antibacterial as well as antifungal nature, turmeric can assist in controlling the discharge and help in dealing with the white discharge.

7. Amla

Amla is a source of vitamin C and is excellent for the vaginal health. 

8. Garlic

Fungal infections can be fought with the intake of garlic in our bodies. It has ample antioxidants which can be a treatment and prevention of white discharge. 

9. Cranberries

Cranberries have antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant nature which are also a very rich source to cure vaginal infections, mainly vaginal infections. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What foods cause white discharge?

Several foods cause white discharge such as fried, oily, spicy and heavy food, tea, coffee, alcohol, etc.

 

Q2. Is white discharge good or bad?

A white discharge is normal when it is white and is clear, with no odour. If any other property is seen then it might not be normal.

Q3. Is it normal to have a lot of discharge every day?

Women in the premenopause phase of their life are normal to get almost half or one teaspoon of clear and white, jelly-like, thick and odourless white discharge. It can be either daily or very frequently. Now, it depends from individual to individual about the discharge texture and consistency.