Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Women’s Clinic in Singapore (Caring & Treating Since 2005)
Women’s Clinic in Singapore (Caring & Treating Since 2005)
Every female has normal vaginal discharge produced by glands in the vagina and cervix, which serves to cleanse the vaginal canal and maintain a healthy vaginal environment. This normal discharge may vary throughout one’s menstrual cycle.
Find out more about Abnormal Vaginal Discharge by speaking with our female doctors; make an appointment today.
Call our Women’s Clinic @ +65 6976 5023 or drop us an email at hello@dtapclinic.com
Our clinic offers a range of vaginal swab tests for evaluation of abnormal vaginal discharge.
These range from basic swabs for the most common non-sexually transmitted vaginal infections to comprehensive panels covering all sexually transmitted vaginal infections.
You can speak to our doctors to find out which test is most appropriate for you.
We provide a private and discreet environment for you to discuss your medical issues with our female doctors at our DUO Galleria Branch and Robertson Branch.
There are naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina (“vaginal flora”) which help maintain an acidic environment. Any disruption to the natural balance of the vaginal environment, often due to bacteria that should not be present, can result in abnormal vaginal discharge.
Abnormal vaginal discharge may be different in colour, consistency and volume and may at times be accompanied by an unpleasant odour from the vaginal. This usually indicates the presence of a vaginal infection.
Normal vaginal discharge is odourless and appears clear or slightly milky. It may change in consistency during the menstrual cycle, with some stringy, mucus-like discharge near ovulation, which occurs halfway through your cycle.
Abnormal coloured vaginal discharge may be yellowish, greenish or brownish. Changes in the consistency of discharge, such as the presence of thick, chalky, clumpy discharge, or copious amounts of thin, watery discharge are also abnormal.
Discharge that is accompanied by spotting (bleeding which occurs when you are not having your menses), may also be abnormal. Associated symptoms like vaginal itching, soreness or abdominal pain further indicate that something is amiss.
Abnormal vaginal discharge is usually due to an underlying vaginal infection, which can either be sexually transmitted or non-sexually transmitted.
Non-sexually transmitted infections | Sexually transmitted infections |
---|---|
Bacterial vaginosis | Chlamydia |
Yeast/candida | Gonorrhoea |
Trichomonas | |
Mycoplasma | |
Ureaplasma |
In rare cases, abnormal vaginal discharge may be due to non-infective causes such as cervical cancer.
Certain vaginal infections may give rise to characteristic abnormal vaginal discharge. However, it is important to remember that multiple infections can coexist and at times, diagnosis based solely on the characteristic of the discharge may not always be reliable. Whitish, thick, clumpy or cottage cheese like discharge associated with a burning or itching sensation and/or soreness likely indicates a yeast infection.
Bacterial vaginosis may be associated with a grey, thin, watery discharge with a fishy or foul-smelling odour. see vaginal odour
Abnormal discharge which is associated with abdominal pain or fever can be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection of the womb and fallopian tubes caused by chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If left untreated, one can become severely unwell. There is also a risk of scarring leading to infertility.
This is best done when you are not having your menses.
A speculum is inserted to open up the vaginal canal and a Q-tip like swab is used to collect a small sample of discharge from high up inside the vagina near the cervix (entrance to the womb). There may be some mild discomfort during the swab test.
The treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge is targeted at the underlying infection. Medications in the form of vaginal pessaries, oral tablets or topical gels/creams may be prescribed.
Avoiding triggers that may disrupt the natural vaginal pH and flora – these include feminine douche washes, petroleum jelly or oils for lubrication, perfumed feminine hygiene products.
Wearing cotton underwear and reducing wearing tight-fitting clothing for prolonged periods of time will allow the genital region to stay dry as well.
The correct and consistent use of condoms during intercourse will also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
We provide a private and discreet environment for you to discuss your medical issues with our female doctors at our DUO Galleria Branch and Robertson Branch.
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Teleconsultation is available with DTAP Clinic. Our teleconsult service allows both current and new patients to connect with our doctors during clinic operating hours for non-emergency consults.
After assessment and consultation, we will also deliver your medications straight to your doorstep!
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