All women experience some vaginal discharge. A healthy vagina produces these secretions to cleanse and regulate itself, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Normal discharge is usually cloudy white, clear or yellowish, and is thin in consistency. When the color or consistency changes, it can be a sign of infection. Some women experience frequent infections, and at times for no apparent reason. For others, it may be lack of treatment or failure to continue treatment.
Monilia Infection
Also known as a yeast infection, this infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, the McKinley Center says. Though a small amount of yeast is usually present, it can become problematic when a woman's pH is out of balance. Factors increasing the chances of developing a yeast infection include stress, diabetes, using antibiotics, taking birth control, having diabetes and being pregnant. The Cleveland Clinic says a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease. It describes the discharge as being thick and white, like cottage cheese. A redness or irritation of the vagina typically accompanies the discharge, and treatment consists of antifungal vaginal creams or pills.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis' culprit is a one-celled protozoan organism. This infection is spread through sexual contact but requires a wet, moist area to survive longer than 24 hours, its typical life span. For this reason, transmission is also possible via wet towels or bathing suits that are shared with an infected person. This infection can infect men and women, and many don't experience any symptoms. Discharge appears yellow or green and may be accompanied by an odor. Both genders may experience an increase in urination. Women may suffer from inflammation of the vulva or vagina. The only treatment is an antibiotic ordered by a doctor.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Known also as BV, no exact cause is known, the McKinley Center says. It's similar to a yeast infection in that an overgrowth of bacteria occurs. This upsets the balance of natural bacteria in the vagina. Women who have multiple sex partners or perform oral sex are at greater risk for this infection, and recurring infections are common. In addition, bacterial vaginosis can exist with other vaginal infections simultaneously.
Discharge from this infection appears gray or white. It may be thin or watery in consistency. The odor accompanying it is usually fishy or foul and tends to increase immediately following intercourse. Treatment includes antibiotic creams or pills the doctor prescribes.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Although some infections responsible for frequent vaginal discharge result from sexual intercourse, two specific sexually transmitted diseases are directly responsible for vaginal infections: gonorrhea and chlamydia. The Cleveland Clinic says both of these diseases often present no symptoms, and when not treated can spread through the pelvis. This results in pelvic inflammatory disease. FamilyDoctor.org says that in many cases, the only sign is an increase in vaginal discharge. Treatment consists of antibiotic pills or shots.
