Discharge from the vagina
Discharge from the vagina
It is normal for women to have some discharge (wetness)
from the vagina. This discharge is the way the vagina cleans
itself. The discharge changes during the days of the monthly
cycle and also during pregnancy.
But a major change in the amount, color, or smell of the
vaginal discharge can mean there is an infection of the
genitals. This infection could be an STI, or could be another
type of infection.
In this chapter, we organize the different infections a
woman can have by the symptoms the infection causes. Discharge from the vagina
can be a symptom of chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, or a vaginal infection
that is not sexually transmitted.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea (clap, the drip, gono, VD)
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are both serious illnesses. But they are easy to cure if
they are treated early. If they are not treated, they can lead to severe infection or
infertility in women and men.
Signs in a woman
Signs can start weeks or months after having sex with an infected person.
• yellow or green discharge from the vagina or anus
• pain or burning when urinating
• fever
• pain in the lower belly
• pain or bleeding during sex
• or no signs at all
Both men and women can have chlamydia or gonorrhea with no signs. And
even a person with no signs can pass chlamydia or gonorrhea to another person.
Signs in a man
Signs usually start 2 to 5 days after a man has sex with an infected person.
• discharge from the penis
• pain or burning while urinating
• pain or swelling in the testicles (balls)
• or no signs at all
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A Book for Midwives (2010)