Learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnostic tests for white discharge to maintain your vaginal health.
What is White fluid Discharge?
White discharge prior to periods is a frequently seen phenomenon in most women. White discharge observed prior to the period is known as Leukorrhea, this fluid is laden with epithelial cells shed from the vaginal wall. Discharge of this fluid is responsible for cleaning the genital portion, its texture and color vary throughout the menstrual cycle usually it appears a little whitish yellow but in the event of any infection or other abnormality of the female reproductive tract, it will reflect some variation. This fluid discharge is applied as a medium to monitor the possible fertility and planning for the family accordingly. Because this fluid is emitted when the eggs to be fertilized are emitted. In general, there is no need to be concerned every woman emits this vaginal discharge daily. This fluid is for a particular purpose to maintain the vaginal area moist and shields against infection.
Causes of White Fluid Discharge
There are several reasons for the white fluid discharge based on the condition and cause of the abnormality. Some of the causes are explained below:
Pregnancy
- Hormonal change is a cause of leucorrhea, in pregnancy levels of estrogen and progesterone rise. Women experience a lot of hormonal and emotional changes during pregnancy, thus making the body respond to these changes. White discharge is one of the problems experienced by pregnant women.
Ovulation
- Estrogen level is increased before ovulation which causes the release of this white sticky fluid. It is a normal situation and need not worry, This situation occurs in the females who are ovulating.
Hygiene
- In the absence of proper hygiene vaginal fluid discharge occurs. Poor conditions around the vaginal region can lead to yeast, fungal, bacterial or viral infection. It may result in white discharge and pungent odour. It is well to maintain dry and hygienic conditions for a healthy vagina.
Vaginosis
- Sometimes white discharge is normal, but sometimes there are some medical conditions behind it. So, always inspect the color and texture and if there is any alteration in the fluid to see your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Normal and Infectious White Discharge?
Normal symptoms for white fluid discharge (leukorrhea):
- Discharge is mild order
- The milky or white colour
- No irritation,
- Thin consistency
- No burning sensation etc.
- Infectious symptoms of white fluid discharge:
- Foul order,
- Yellowish or Green in colour,
- Thick,
- Cloudy and
- Pain or burning sensation
What tests are utilized for the diagnosis of abnormal White Fluid Discharge?
If there is some change in order or colour, consulting a healthcare professional can assist in the early detection of some diseases. For testing the vaginal infection doctor employs following tests:
- Pelvic examination: In this test physician visually examines genitals to look for any indication of infection, abnormality or redness. (Book Now)
- PH test: Normally vaginal discharge will have pH ranging from 4.0-4.5, but greater than 4.5 would indicate bacterial infection. (Book Now)
- Gram Stain: Vaginal discharge sample is stained to find out whether infection is bacterial in nature or other. (Book Now)
- Wet Mount Test (Vaginal smear): Vaginal discharge fluid is seen under a microscope. Bacterial cells indicate vaginitis, and yeast may be associated with candidiasis. (Book Now)
- Vaginal Culture: Collect a specimen from the vaginal area and culture it to determine bacterial infection, yeast or trichomoniasis. (Book Now)
Conclusion
In women's reproductive health, leucorrhea is usually present and is associated with hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles. In normal circumstances it is a non-threatening condition, but when there are some alterations in the white fluid discharge then it may be an indication of some infection of bacteria or yeast. Good personal hygiene and a study of the change may be useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is White Fluid Discharge?
White discharge prior to periods is a normally occurring situation in the majority of women.
White discharge observed prior to the period is referred to as Leukorrhea, this liquid is loaded with epithelial cells shed by the vaginal wall.
Q. What are the different symptoms associated with the White Fluid Discharge abnormality?
Different symptoms associated with White Fluid Discharge are pain, odour of discharge, painful micturition, irritation, chill, fever etc.
Q. What are the Reasons behind White Fluid Discharge?
Several reasons behind White Fluid Discharge include bladder infection, by sexual activity, bacterial infection, fungal infection, uncleanliness, weak immune system etc.
Q. What tests are applied in White Fluid Discharge Diagnosis?
Several kinds of tests are employed for White Fluid Discharge diagnosis such as pH tests, gram stain, urine culture, vaginal swap, pelvic examination, wet mount test etc.
Q. What is the ICD-10 code for White Fluid Discharge Unspecified?
ICD-10 code for unspecified White Fluid Discharge is R87.9.
Q. How to book an appointment for a White Fluid Discharge Test in Delhi?
Patients may visit Ganesh's diagnostic website or call us to make an appointment for any White Fluid Discharge test in Delhi.
Q. Which White Fluid Discharge Tests Diagnostic Centre is closest to me?
You may opt Ganesh Diagnostic Centres for White Fluid Discharge tests in Delhi and have various centres in Delhi such as Rohini, Nangloi, Model Town, Hari Nagar, Mangol Puri and Yamuna Vihar.
