SEX-RELATED DISEASES: VAGINAL DISCHARGE-FOREIGN BODY IN THE VAGINA AND DISORDERS OF THE CERVIX
Let us now look at the sexually transmitted diseases in turn. But before doing so let us consider vaginal discharges because they can cause such confusion and worry.
Vaginal discharge-The normal, healthy vagina produces a whitish secretion with a characteristic odour. The amount of this fluid produced varies considerably from day to day and with the stage of the menstrual cycle. This discharge is different from the lubrication which occurs during sexual arousal, when all healthy women produce clear fluid. Normal vaginal secretions have a very characteristic smell which turns many men on sexually. Unfortunately, the advertising industry has done its best to portray the vagina as needing frequent cleaning and many women believe they should wash out their vagina with a douche, on a bidet, or mask their natural odour with deodorants. None of these is necessary. Simply wash the outside regularly and leave the inside to take care of itself. If you think you have too much of the normal secretions, or if the secretion smells unpleasant or makes you itch.
Two common diseases produce a vaginal discharge. One is thrush (moniliasis or candidiasis) and the other trichomoniasis.
Foreign body in the vagina-This is the third commonest cause of an abnormal vaginal discharge. Usually it is a forgotten tampon. Other things put into the vagina can also be forgotten and cause a discharge. Such discharges are usually yellow and smelly and need to be sorted out by a doctor if you cannot easily get the foreign body out yourself.
Disorders of the cervix-These are a fairly common cause of vaginal discharge and there are many of them. The fluid tends to be brown or blood-stained, and slimy. Any such discharge must be seen by a doctor at once. Many a simple condition can be diagnosed and dealt with by out-patient treatment.
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