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Is green vaginal discharge normal? I have just received a SOS message from a much concerned lady who is experiencing this. I would at this stage like to point out to her and other women alike, is not to worry and have the problem determined to get the answer why there is a show of a green vaginal discharge. Fretting does not cure, seeking treatment does. Having a vaginal discharge is normal so don`t panic. It also varies in each woman. Variations may include color, consistency and the look. One common cause for change in discharge is vaginal infections. Infections have more women come forward over a problem smelly vagina that may have derived after being infected. The biggest majority of these women who have been affected by BV seriously stress over the fishy odor mostly.
Discharge is produced from small glands in the lining of the vagina and the cervix. It can come heavy as opposed to less, and because of this we have the confusion among women as to what is a normal amount of discharge to lose. If you find yourself having to change underwear repeatedly or having to wear a type of nappy pad then these are signs that indicate your vaginal discharge is heavier than what is considered normal.
What color is normal discharge? Not wanting to alarm you but yellow or green discharge is not deemed as so.
Yellow green discharge is normally a symptom seen from a bacterial infection for which a colposcopy may be required. Women suffering from somatic diseases like HIV, diabetes and hormone imbalances are more susceptible for developing conditions resulting in the appearance of malodorous flows along with itching, burning, and a nasty vaginal odor. Vaginitis is another common cause of abnormal discharge. It is not a life threatening condition but one that requires immediate treatment. Bacterial infections, candidiasis, and Trich are primary vaginal problems women have to face regularly. Due to possible long-term effects, these diseases should be treated.
Greenish yellow discharge is normally a sign of bacterial infection for which a colposcopy and cervical examination may be required. No matter what color the discharge, if it is giving you reason for concern seek medical advice.
What is a colposcopy and what should I expect from having it done.
There is nothing more worrying and scary for a woman to be told her Pap smear results are abnormal. On hearing news of this nature gives just cause for panic, and you wouldn`t be human if you didn`t feel threatened health wise, however abnormal Pap smear results do not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. Abnormalities are usually the outcome of inflammation or a vaginal infection. The Pap smear is a screening tool and not a diagnostic one. Your doctor may need more evidence of it being just an inflammation or infection and may need to take a closer look at your cervix. This will be done with the use of a colposcope. Reasons for this suggested procedure include Pap smear results which:
- signify dysplasia or cancer
- slight evidence of HPV
- show a typical squamous cells of undetermined significance
Other reasons for a colposcopy are because the cervix showed abnormal during a pelvic exam and Pap smear, or if you have a history of prenatal DES exposure. It is a quick 10 to 15 minute process performed in the gynecologist's or doctors surgery. The procedure is very much akin to having a Pap smear, painless and simple. You will be asked to settle yourself onto the examination bed and acetic acid (vinegar) is applied on the cervix. This encourages the cervical cells to fill with water so light will not pass through them.
Stages of a colposcopy
A colposcope is a large, electric microscope that is positioned approximately 30 cm from the vagina. A bright light on the tip of the colposcope makes the cervix more visible. Whatever part of the cervix where light does not pass through is where the gynecologist will direct their attention. Abnormal cervical changes show up as white sites, the whiter the site, the more serious the cervical dysplasia. Abnormal blood vessel changes are also apparent through the colposcope. Abnormal vascular changes can happen in dysplasia. Typically, worse the vascular changes are the worse the dysplasia. A tissue sample or biopsy is taken from the whitest abnormal spot and sent for further tests. Whilst waiting for your test results you are not to work yourself up into a state of frenzy as this is unhealthy for you. More times than not most test results come back with no real seriousness involved. Yes it can be a long wait and a harrowing one too, however you need to be patient till the all clear is given or other.
Cryosurgery or a freezing of the abnormal cells may be performed next and, in some cases, can make this a diagnostic/ treatment procedure in one. If the GPs view is hampered preventing the abnormal area being seen fully, another procedure such as a Cone biopsy may have to be carried out. If you believe your green vaginal discharge is caused by a STD then you need to visit a GUM clinic or gynecologist/doctor.
Normal vaginal discharge has no real distinctive odor.Discharge is likely abnormal if:
- it has a fishy odor
- thick white and clotted
- green with an unpleasant odor
- shows blood
- causes itchiness
- stomach pain
Likely causes
- bacterial vaginosis
- thrush
- soiled tampons
- poor hygiene
- gonorrhea (STD)
- trichomoniasis
Gonorrhoea is an infectious STD caused by the Gonococcus bacterium which if it spreads can work its way up into the fallopian tubes causing infertility. It is an infection recognized by a greenish-yellow and unpleasant-smelly discharge. If vaginal discharge is not green but thick and white, and causing you to itch then thrush could be the problem. Treat thrush yourself with anti-thrush cream/tablets from the chemist. Nevertheless it is your best interest to see your doctor first.
Vaginal Infections of the serious type Thrush treatments - Rid Vaginal Odor solutions
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