Period Discharge

A woman should always pay close to attention to her vaginal discharge during her period. The period discharge can tell a woman if she is suffering from a vaginal infection such as a yeast infection.

The most important aspect of the period discharge will be the color of the discharge. A brown colored discharge can be a sign of an infection. So can a discharge that starts or ends abruptly. Yellow or green discharge can also be a sign of an infection.

Yeast infections are the most common cause of changes in period discharge color and texture. Some other infections including sexually transmitted diseases can affect the discharge as well.

Some serious health problems such as cancer may also cause unusual period discharge. Period discharge associated with pain or a sudden change in the timing of the period can be a sign of real trouble.

Young girls may also experience period discharge a year or so before they begin menstruation. This is a normal symptom that shouldn’t cause much trouble.

Period Discharge and Pregnancy

Vaginal discharge and period discharge changes are also associated with pregnancy. Thick white vaginal discharge will often occur at the beginning of a pregnancy. The sudden appearance of such discharge could be an indication that a woman is pregnant.

Spotting blood and brown discharge could also be an indication of pregnancy. This can occur after a missed period or at any time during pregnancy.

Later in the pregnancy clear and watery discharge may appear. This is usually a sign that a woman is ovulating.

Problems Related to Period Discharge

A wide variety of problems can be related to unusual period discharge including yeast infections.

Heavy amounts of blood seen during discharge can be a symptom of a problem called menorhaggia or heavy menstrual bleeding. Most women experience this at one time or another. Excessive bleeding can be a serious problem that will require treatment.

If a woman’s bleeding so heavy that she needs to change her tampon once every hour so she should definitely she her doctor. This can be a sign of menorhaggia. Menorhaggia can be a symptom of some very serious diseases and problems.

Effective treatments for most of the causes of menorhaggia are available. The sooner these treatments begin the sooner the problem can be dealt with.

Excessive amounts of discharge can also be a symptom of a vaginal tear or injury. This may require treatment or even surgery. An untreated vaginal injury can become infected and lead to real serious problems.

A good rule of thumb is to get a pelvic exam whenever you experience any sort of unusual period discharge or bleeding. Such changes are often symptoms of other health problems.

Thyroid conditions, hormonal problems, and side effects from birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can cause unusual discharge. Some of these problems can be dealt with by medicine.

Pay Attention

Every woman should pay attention to her period discharge because its appearance can be an important symptom.