Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge.

Lactobacilli are common in the human body. They aid digestion in the gastrointestinal tract and help prevent infection in the vagina. The lactobacilli found in the vagina produce lactic acid which maintains a level of acidity that provides a good defense against infection. But when this level is disrupted infection can set in.

The causes of abnormal vaginal discharge can be either infectious or non-infectious:
Infectious causes include:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
• Cervico-vaginitis resulting from a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
  • Trichomonas
  • Gonorrhea and chlamydia

Non-infectious causes:

• Use of perfumes, soaps, or latex on or around the vagina
• Contact dermatitis - a skin reaction resulting from exposure to allergens or irritants
• Atrophic vaginitis - inflammation of the vagina due to the thinning and shrinking of the tissues, as well as decreased lubrication.
• Excessive vaginal secretions

Prevention

• Always practice safe sex. Wear a condom to protect yourself from HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and other STIs.
• Form good hygeine habits. Wipe from front to back, avoid vaginal douching. Avoid certain sexual activities that may also contribute to vaginal infections.
• If you suffer from vaginal irritation easily, try to avoid scented sanitary napkins and toilet paper, soap, shampoo, bubble bath, tight undergarments made of synthetic fibres or latex, etc. This may reduce your chances of infection.
• Good health habits, such as exercise, weight loss, not eating refined sugar, and better stress management, are helpful.