Vaginal discharge is a normal occurrence. But if your discharge is white and clumpy, or heavier than usual, that could be a sign of inflammation or infection. Dr. Anthony Gyang and the caring team at Osceola Gynecology in Orlando, Kissimmee, and St. Cloud, Florida, specialize in gynecological conditions. You can trust them to diagnose the reason for your vaginal discharge and recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you. Call their office today or book a consultation online.
Normal changes in your estrogen levels can cause vaginal discharge. When estrogen levels rise, this triggers your cervix to create mucus, which may be discharged from your vagina. Normal discharge is usually odorless, milky white, or thin and clear.
Various circumstances raise estrogen levels and produce discharge, including:
Following menopause, your estrogen levels decline, often reducing the amount of normal discharge.
Abnormal vaginal discharge is a sign of possible inflammation or infection. Abnormal discharge is typically:
The discharge may be accompanied by burning, itching, soreness, or a rash. You may have one or more of these symptoms:
These symptoms are warning signs for other health conditions. You should call Osceola Gynecology right away if you have any of them.
Your practitioner at Osceola Gynecology takes a complete medical history, asks questions about your symptoms, and performs a medical exam, including a pelvic exam. Your practitioner will want to know when the discharge occurs. For example, is it related to sex or your period?
Your provider may take a swab from your vagina or cervix. This is to test for yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases, and other possible causes for your symptoms.
Once your provider knows what’s causing the discharge, he’ll recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you. For example, you may need to take antibiotics if the cause is bacterial vaginosis, which is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. If the discharge is related to menopause, an estrogen cream may help your symptoms.
It’s also a good idea to avoid feminine hygiene sprays, douches, and chemicals in bath and cleaning products that may irritate your vaginal area.
If vaginal discharge has been troubling you, the practitioners at Osceola Gynecology can help clear up your symptoms and give you peace of mind. Call or book a consultation online today.