Abnormal vaginal discharge can be a scary and embarrassing problem. Most women will experience abnormal vaginal discharge at least once in their lives. In most cases, an increase or decrease in vaginal secretions can be attributed to ovulation, emotional stress or even pregnancy. Women who experience a vaginal discharge with a change in color, a strong odor or a change in consistency should speak with a physician to determine the cause, however.
Atrophic Vaginitis
Atrophic vaginitis, or vaginal atrophy, is an inflammation of the vagina due to thinning tissue and a decrease in vaginal discharge. Atrophic vaginitis occurs because of a decrease in estrogen. Estrogen keeps the tissues of the vagina lubricated and healthy. When estrogen decreases, the lining of the vagina begins to dry and shrink causing inflammation. Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include burning on urination, light bleeding after intercourse, pain during sexual intercourse, a decrease in vaginal discharge and vaginal soreness that includes itching and burning. Physicians commonly treat atrophic vaginitis with prescription estrogen. Estrogen is available as a tablet, cream, suppository or ring that women place directly into the vagina, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
A yeast infection, or candidiasis, is a common occurrence. The Mayo Clinic estimates that as many as 3 out of 4 women experience a yeast infection at some point in their lives. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease. People commonly have yeast in their bodies that is prevented from growing out of control by healthy bacteria that also live in the body. Antibiotics, a compromised immune system or conditions such as diabetes can allow an overgrowth of the yeast fungus,which causes an infection.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching and irritation in the vagina and the surrounding tissues, a burning sensation during urination or intercourse, redness and swelling of the vaginal tissues and a thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese consistency. Women can usually effectively treat a vaginal yeast infection with an over-the-counter antifungal cream, ointment, tablet or suppository. Physicians may choose to treat recurrent or hard to treat yeast infections with prescription strength antifungals.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The Mayo Clinic explains that chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, affecting an estimated 4 million people in the United States. Symptoms of chlamydia in women include painful urination, lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge and painful sexual intercourse. Physicians commonly treat chlamydia with prescription antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline or erythromycin.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Gonorrhea bacteria can be found in the urethra, rectum and throat. In women, gonorrhea also affects the cervix. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 336,742 cases of gonorrhea were reported in the United States in 2008. Gonorrhea can cause increased vaginal discharge, painful urination and vaginal bleeding between periods as well as abdominal and pelvic pain. Physicians commonly treat gonorrhea with antibiotics.
