There are whitish and yellowish discharge on my panties? What is happening?

Leucorrhea or vaginal discharge is a normal occurrence for all women. The purpose of leucorrhea is to clean and moisture the vagina and prevent infection. A normal leucorrhea is usually clear or milky, while abnormal discharge might be yellow or greenish with a bad smell. So, what are the causes of abnormal leucorrhea?

Yeast infection

Having some amounts of yeast in the vagina is normal. However, if yeast blooms out of control, it can lead to yeast infection. A yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes vaginal burning and itching as well as a thick, white, cheesy discharge. The factors that cause yeast infection are stress, pregnancy, diabetes, take birth control pills or antibiotics.

Bacterial vaginosis

Abnormal leukorrhea may be caused by infection with bacteria or known as Bacterial Vaginosis. It is the most common vagina infection and can create a bad, fishy odour. Having multiple sex partners or new sex partner, smoking, substance use, and natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria are all factors that increase the risk of Bacterial Vaginosis.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis may also lead to leukorrhea abnormal. It is caused by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas. This infection produces a foul-smelling yellow or green discharge and is associated with symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and itching. Trichomoniasis is usually sexually transmitted, but it can sometimes be contracted by sharing damp clothing or towels.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia

Other sexually transmitted diseases such as Gonorrhea and chlamydia are also major causes of abnormal leucorrhea. This infection irritates the mucus glands of the cervix, causing them to discharge an excessive amount of mucous mixed with pus.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the infection of a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It mainly affects sexually active women. Women who have been infected with this disease will have symptoms such as painful urination, abdominal pain, and heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell.