What Causes Abnormally Sticky Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal fluids are secretions produced by the female productive system. These fluids are essential because they help protect the vagina by carrying away dead tissue, keeping the tissues lubricated and removing unwanted bacteria. Learn more Facts about vaginal discharge and the causes.

Vagina Secretions is healthy when it ranges from watery to sticky and milky white or clear.

 On the other hand, an abnormal secretion has an unusual colored appearance, texture, or odor. During an abnormal discharge, women experience itching and discomfort on their genitals.

What Leads toAbnormally Sticky Vaginal Secretions?

Abnormalities in vagina discharge could be caused by;

•    Menstruation

•    Implantation

•    Infection

Menstruation

The menstruation cycle is normal for every woman, as it helps them prepare for pregnancy every month.

During normal menstruation, mucus, blood, and tissue come out of the vagina; this is called menstrual discharge. It should be yellow with blood pigments.

If this color changes and produces an unpleasant odor, consult a specialist for a check-up.

Implantation of the Embryo

Women experience vaginal secretions during the implantation of the embryo to the uterine wall. Implantation takes place within a fortnight after sexual intercourse.

The color of vaginal sectretions during implantation should range within pink and orange.

If the discharge continues for long or is quite unpleasant to smell and look, please seek medical attention.

Infections That Cause Abnormal Vagina Secretions

Most of the sexually transmitted diseases cause abnormal vaginal secretions. STIs that lead to abnormal vaginal secretions include;

Bacterial vaginosis

The buildup of bacteria in huge masses lead to an infection called bacterial vaginosis, which is sexually transmitted.

Symptoms include;

•    Vagina odor resembles that of fish

•    Secreting white, green or gray discharge

•    Itching effect on the vagina

•    A burning effect accompanies urination

Vaginal Yeast Infection

It is also called Candidiasis. It’s a vaginal yeast infection caused by the extreme buildup of the fungus Candida.

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include;

•    Swelling and redness of the vagina

•    Itching and burning effects on the vagina and the vulva

•    Painful sexual intercourse

•    Thick, white vaginal secretions resembling a cottage cheese

•    Irritation when passing urine

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. The bacterium responsible for chlamydia is called Chlamydia trachomatis. This type of sexually transmitted disease is quite hard to notice as it exhibits mild symptoms, even weeks after the infection.

Chlamydia affects the genital tract. It has the following symptoms;

•    Painful urination

•    Painful sexual intercourse

•    Lower abdominal pain

•    Yellow and pus-like vaginal secretion

•    Bad smelling vaginal discharge

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a one-celled parasitic organism called Trichomonasvaginalis.

In men, it affects the urinary track while I women it infects the vagina. Its symptoms range from mild to severe with time. Symptoms include;

•    Itching or irritation in the vagina

•    Pain during sexual intercourse

•    Colored vaginal secretions which could turn green, gray, or white

•    Unpleasant smelly discharge

•    Painful urination experience

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an STD caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The disease does not only affect the genital tract. It also grows in the mouth, eyes, throat and the anus.

It’s tough to notice gonorrhea symptoms as they take time to appear. They include;

•    Thick cloudy discharge from the vagina

•    Pain in the abdomen

•    Painful sexual intercourse experience

•    Bleeding between periods

•    Bleeding from the vagina after sex

Cervicitis

Cervicitis is simply the inflammation of the cervix as a result of infections, poor hygiene, or other non-infectious factors.

Cervicitis exhibits minimal symptoms which include;

•    Painful sexual intercourse

•    Abnormal bleeding between periods

•    Urine breaks become frequent and painful

•    Abnormal yellow vaginal discharge

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID infection is quite common in women. It manifests with the following symptoms;

•   Discharge turns yellow or green

•   Discharge has a strong odor

•    Fever

•    Painful abdomen

•    One has nausea and vomits

•    Pain during sex and when urinating

When to Seek Medical Attention

Vaginal discharge makes life quite troublesome for many women. It can lead to breakups among partners, especially if it fails to treat quickly. It can be very annoying and traumatizing to have vaginal secretions with strong odors.

Women should visit a physician if the discharge gets intense. If symptoms do persist, talk to a doctor.

You should note the following changes when dealing with vaginal secretions problem;

•    Genital pain

•    Bad odor

•    Itching and irritation

•    Painful or burning urination experience

•    Vaginal bleeding other than monthly periods

Final Words

It is normal to experience vaginal secretions. But women should note the color, texture, and odor of the secretions to spot any change that may suggest an infection.

Always ensure you keep your genitals in good hygiene to avoid a buildup of infection. Also, engage in protected sexual intercourse to avoid contracting STIs. Lastly, see a doctor when you notice any unusual change in your genitals.

Contributor: admin