Most women experience a small amount of clear vaginal discharge as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge that is abnormally thick, heavy, discolored or odorous can be indicative of a vaginal infection. Abnormal vaginal discharge accompanied by vaginal irritation, known as vaginitis, can be caused by a number of different conditions. Speak with your gynecologist as soon as possible to determine the cause of your vaginitis symptoms.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by a bacterium called Gardnerella vaginalis. When the acidity (pH) of the vaginal environment changes, the number of these bacteria can increase and cause infection. Symptoms of BV include abnormally thin, cloudy or white vaginal discharge that has a fish-like odor and may be accompanied by vaginal irritation and itching.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis---also called a vaginal yeast infection---is an infection caused by the overgrowth of fungal yeast (Candida albicans). Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include thick, clumpy, white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese, vaginal irritation, itching, burning, redness or swelling.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (trich) is a sexually transmitted disease that affects an estimated 7 million people in the United States each year, based upon estimates provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This condition is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis and commonly causes vaginal infections in women. Approximately 5 to 28 days after being exposed to this infection, a woman can begin to exhibit signs of infection, including the production of thick, heavy, gray or yellow-green vaginal discharge. Additional symptoms of trichomoniasis include vaginal irritation, itching or odor; painful urination; pain during intercourse; lower abdominal pain.
Gonorrhea or Chlamydia
Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause a woman to develop abnormal vaginal irritation or discharge. Chlamydia (chlamydia trachomatis) is a bacterial infection transmitted through intimate sexual contact. It is often accompanied by gonorrhea (neisseria gonorrhoeae), a distinct bacterial infection. Symptoms of chlamydia and gonorrhea can include yellow or green vaginal discharge; abnormal vaginal bleeding; vaginal irritation or burning; urinary pain; pelvic pain.
Cancer
If you develop cancerous cells within your vagina, uterus or cervix, you can experience abnormal vaginal discharge and irritation. Symptoms of cancer within the female reproductive system can include the production of watery vaginal discharge that contains blood and may be accompanied by vaginal irritation or inflammation. Certain types of cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy, can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge in women who receive pelvic treatment.
