Vaginal Discharge Provides Clues to Your Health and Fertility. How can probiotics help fight them?

Discharge from the vagina is a usually clear, white or slightly off-white fluid. Vaginal discharge is made up of cells and germs and is produced by your uterus, cervix, and vagina. It aids in vaginal hygiene, provides lubrication, and prevents vaginal infections by killing off harmful germs. Vaginal discharge is a normal bodily function, but any change in the discharge's consistency or colour may indicate an infection or other health problem.

Discharge from the uterus varies greatly between women and those designated females at birth (AFAB). Although some people may experience a significant amount of discharge, others may not experience any at all. If your normal vaginal discharge suddenly changes in appearance, consistency, odour, or volume, you may have a health issue. A majority of women who experience abnormal vaginal discharge might find relief from their symptoms by taking medication1.

Can vaginal discharge change because of an infection1-3?

Several infections can alter or alter the fragrance of vaginal discharge. Sexual contact with a person who is infected is a major risk factor for spreading several of these diseases.

Yeast infection: When a certain fungus (candida) grows unchecked in the vagina, it causes a yeast infection. The result is a discharge that resembles cottage cheese and is very thick and white in colour. When this happens, you could experience vaginal swelling, itching, and pain during intercourse. Antifungal drugs are used to treat such types of infections.

Trichomoniasis infection: Trichomoniasis is a kind of syphilis that is spread through unprotected sexual contact. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. It causes frothy, bubbling, and possibly green, yellow, or grey vaginal discharge. Antibiotics are used to treat it.

Bacterial Vaginosis: When abnormally high levels of specific bacteria are found in the vagina, a condition known as bacterial vaginosis can develop. Sexual contact may or may not be the mode of transmission. White or grey discharge with a fishy odour is characteristic of BV. Antibiotics are used to treat it.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: The most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Both of these conditions respond well to antibiotic treatment from your doctor. There may be a hazy, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge in some patients with these illnesses. Painful pelvic inflammation and infection can spread if not managed.

Role of Probiotics4,5:

Vaginal health is only now being considered by health specialists who are aware of the possible benefits of probiotics. There is insufficient proof in the scientific literature. It has been suggested, however, that the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus may be useful in preventing and treating vaginal imbalance problems such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Having an insufficient number of lactobacilli or an excessive number of other types of bacteria might lead to vaginal imbalance. There are a number of situations in which women may experience this imbalance, including:

  • Unprotected sex
  • Changes in hormones
  • Delay in period
  • Improper hygiene

Initial symptoms of vaginal imbalance may result in discomfort along with fishy odour discharge and urinary tract infection.

According to the experts, there is no solid proof that probiotics are useful for preventing or treating BV or any other vaginal imbalance issues. At the present time, antibiotics continue to be the treatment of choice6.

Reference:

  1. Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Colors, What’s Normal & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic Learn more.
  2. Vaginal Discharge. Learn more.
  3. Vaginal Discharge (Causes, Investigations, Treatment) | Patient. Learn more.
  4. Buggio, L., Somigliana, E., Borghi, A. & Vercellini, P. Probiotics and vaginal microecology: fact or fancy? BMC Womens Health 19, 25 (2019).
  5. Lehtoranta, L., Latvala, S. & Lehtinen, M. J. Role of Probiotics in Stimulating the Immune System in Viral Respiratory Tract Infections: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 12, 3163 (2020).
  6. Probiotics for Vaginal Health: Safety, Efficacy, and Types. Healthline Learn more (2019).