Women having vulvodynia usually think if their vaginal discharge is caused by it. Vaginal discharge is a normal thing that occurs in women without or with vulvodynia. However, there can be unusual vulvovaginal discharges. Mostly, unhealthy release often occurs due to another cause and not because of vulvodynia. Although vulvodynia can result in an increased amount of secretion that might be bothering.
Symptoms of Vulvodynia
Women having vulvodynia experience particular symptoms, such as vulvar pain that varies from annoying to unbearable. Usually, women describe the pain as persistent burning. It leads to physical, and psychological stress. Major symptoms include:
- Burning
- Rawness
- Stinging
- Irritation
- Itching
- Pain
- Discharge
It’s natural for vulvodynia to grow intense by sexual intercourse, remaining seated for long periods, or through leisure exercises, like horseback riding. It is important for women to maintain the pH balance of vagina and now there are probiotics for women that can help them with this.
Vulvodynia and Discharge
The National Vulvodynia Association’s Guide to Vulvodynia describes that every woman’s body is unique and their vaginal discharge differs from each others’. The fundamental step is learning the vulvar anatomy along with the essential role every part plays. Basically, the vulva gives the necessary safeguard to a woman’s vagina, urinary opening, and vestibule. All of these are the core of a female’s sexual response.
The vulva comprises the female genitals mentioned below:
- Clitoris – above the vaginal opening
- Labia majora – outer lips
- Labia minora – inner lips
- Perineum – space between the vulva and anus
- Vestibule – the area around the vaginal opening
The vulva and vagina are made of distinct types of tissues that are able to stretch and extend for several reasons. For instance, to help a penis in penetration as a sexual response or opening while giving birth to a baby. Likewise, vaginal tissue produces various vaginal secretions and odors that depend on different circumstances.
Vaginal Secretions that are normal
The tissues of the vulva automatically release fluid to keep it moist and change through a woman’s menstrual cycle and also when she is sexually active. Discharges appear from various areas, like cells of the vaginal walls, some glands, and slimy mucus is secreted from the cervix.
Vaginal discharge happens naturally, and its amount changes with levels of hormones. For instance, during ovulation vaginal discharge increases. The appearance of the vaginal secretions varies during the menstrual cycle and might often be transparent and, sometimes faintly yellowish or opaque white.
Vaginal Discharge that is abnormal
As stated, vaginal discharge is often normal, but several types of vulvovaginal discharges can symbolize an infection. Abnormal discharge can be foul-smelling, greenish, or thick inconsistency.
The most basic cause of abnormal discharge is a yeast or bacterial infection. Yeast infections result in itching and cottage cheese-like discharge. Abnormal discharge result from the conditions mentioned below:
- Bacterial vaginosis – a bacterial infection
- Trichomoniasis – infection produced by a single-celled organism
- Lichen planus – vulvovaginal disorder
- Gonorrhea and chlamydia – sexually transmitted diseases
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) – an infection that occurs from sexual contact
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – a bacterial infection of the vagina
- Vulvodynia – burning or vaginal itching in the vulva
