Vaginal discharge Health Dictionary

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Vaginal Discharge: From 1 Different Sources

The emission of secretions from the vagina. Some mucous secretion from the vaginal walls and from the cervix is normal in the reproductive years; its amount and nature vary from woman to woman and at different times in the menstrual cycle (see menstruation). Oral contraceptives can increase or decrease the discharge. Secretions tend to be greater during pregnancy. Sexual stimulation also produces increased vaginal discharge.

Discharge may be abnormal if it is excessive, offensive-smelling, yellow or green, or if it causes itching. Abnormal discharge often accompanies vaginitis, and may be the result of infection, as in

candidiasis or trichomoniasis, or may be due to a foreign body, such as a forgotten tampon, in the vagina.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Discharge

The release of a patient from a provider’s care, usually referring to the date at which a patient checks out of a hospital.... discharge

Delayed Discharge

A prolonged hospital stay due to non-medical conditions, such as a lack of, or delayed start of, community care arrangements.... delayed discharge

Discharge Planning

A process by which an admitted inpatient’s needs on discharge are anticipated, planned for or arranged.... discharge planning

Ducha Vaginal

Vaginal douche; see ducha.... ducha vaginal

Hospital Discharge Scheme

A scheme which ensures a smooth transition from hospital to home.... hospital discharge scheme

Lavado Vaginal

Vaginal wash; see ducha.... lavado vaginal

Breasts, Nipples, Discharge

Due to a number of causes. Unlike colostrum secreted during breast-feeding after delivery. A pathological nipple discharge is non-milky, recurs from time to time, and is usually only from one nipple. It may be watery or a sticky yellow, staining being detected on bra or pyjamas. When blood-flecked it should be promptly investigated by a competent authority.

When the discharge is yellow, indicating pus, an infection is suspected which may develop into an abscess. Herbal treatment can be effective but if, after a week, the condition has not improved surgical exploration may be necessary to remove the affected duct.

Alternatives. Clivers, Goldenseal, Fenugreek, Marigold, Poke root, Queen’s Delight, Wild Indigo. Taken as tea, powder, liquid extract or decoction.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Red Clover, Clivers, Gotu Kola. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Powders. Formula. Wild Indigo 1; Echinacea 2; Poke root 1. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Echinacea 2; Goldenseal 1; Poke root 1. Dose: 30-60 drops thrice daily.

Topical – for sore nipples. Wheatgerm oil, Evening Primrose oil. Lotions: Goldenseal, Marigold, distilled extract of Witch Hazel. Nipples to be washed before a child is again put to the breast. Cracked nipples: Comfrey – pulp from fresh plant, or equal parts powder and milk as a paste.

Minerals: magnesium, zinc. ... breasts, nipples, discharge

Ear Discharge – Otorrhoea

May be due to a perforated eardrum or to inflammation of the external ear (otitis externa). Whatever cause, antibacterials and alteratives would be required. See: OTITIS EXTERNA. OTITIS MEDIA. ... ear discharge – otorrhoea

Anal Discharge

The loss of mucus, pus, or blood from the anus. Haemorrhoids, anal fissures, and proctitis (inflammation of the rectum) can all cause anal discharge.... anal discharge

Nasal Discharge

The emission of fluid from the nose. Nasal discharge is commonly caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose and is often accompanied by nasal congestion. A discharge of mucus may indicate allergic rhinitis, a cold, or an infection that has spread from the sinuses (see sinusitis). A persistent runny discharge may be an early indication of a tumour (see nasopharynx, cancer of).

Bleeding from the nose (see nosebleed) is usually caused by injury or a foreign body in the nose.

A discharge of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose may follow a fracture at the base of the skull.... nasal discharge

Urethral Discharge

A fluid that flows from the urethra in some cases of urethritis caused by infection.... urethral discharge

Vaginal Itching

Irritation in the vagina, often associated with vulval itching. In many cases, it is a symptom of vaginitis, which may be caused by infection or an allergic reaction to hygiene or spermicidal products. Vaginal itching is common after the menopause, when it is caused by low oestrogen levels. Depending on the cause, treatment may be with antibiotic drugs or hormones.... vaginal itching

Vaginal Repair

An operation to correct prolapse of the vaginal wall. This may be accompanied by a vaginal hysterectomy if the uterus is also prolapsed (see uterus, prolapse of).... vaginal repair

Vaginal Adenosis

the presence of glandular tissue in or under the vaginal epithelium that undergoes squamous *metaplasia. It may be associated with intrauterine *diethylstilbestrol exposure. See also clear-cell carcinoma.... vaginal adenosis

Vaginal Agenesis

congenital absence of part or all of the vagina. See Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome.... vaginal agenesis

Candida, Vaginal

 Fungus infection by Candida albicans and other organisms including Torilopsis glabrala. Causes: oral contraceptives, broad spectrum antibiotics, iron deficiency anaemia, diabetes, steroid therapy, pregnancy, high sugar diet, alcohol. When sexually transmitted may appear together with mixed organisms which prove difficult to eliminate.

Greater incidence of the condition is found in women. By interfering with the hormone balance The Pill raises the female body to a constant state of false pregnancy. This affects the character of vaginal secretions and favours growth of fungi. Oestrogens in contraceptive pills create a tissue climate conducive to Candida. Vaginal deodorants and scented soaps irritate. Because of its effect upon the Fallopian tubes it is a common cause of infertility.

Symptoms. Vulva itching, soreness, white discharge of watery to cheesy consistency. Urination painful, recurring cystitis, irritability, premenstrual and menstrual problems, anxiety, heartburn and dyspepsia. Alternatives. Teas. Agnus Castus, Balm, Barberry bark, Chamomile, La Pacho (Pau d’arco), Sage, Thyme.

Tablets/capsules. Agnus Castus, Goldenseal, Pulsatilla, Poke root, Thuja, Garlic, La Pacho.

Tincture Thuja. 15-30 drops in water, once daily.

Tinctures. Combination for the average case. Echinacea 30ml; Calendula 15ml; Goldenseal 15ml; Ladysmantle 15ml. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon thrice daily. (Brenda Cooke MNIMH, Mansfield, Notts) Topical. Tea Tree oil pessaries/cream. Alternative:– (1) Impregnate tampon with plain yoghurt and insert into vagina. Or: inject with spermicidal cream applicator or cardboard tampon applicator 2-3 teaspoons yoghurt into vagina 2-3 times daily. The theory is that the lacto-bacilli in the yoghurt competes with the candida and finally reduces it to normal levels.

(2) 2-3 teaspoons Distilled Extract Witch Hazel to cup of water for cooling antiseptic lotion.

(3) 1-2 drops Eucalyptus oil well-shaken in 4oz (120ml) Distilled Extract Witch Hazel. Reputed to kill colonies of candida albicans and allay irritation.

(4) Aloe Vera gel.

(5) Capricin.

(6) Cloves are anti-fungal and may be chewed.

(7) Calendula and Hydrastis pessaries.

Avoid surgical spirit antiseptics. A smear of Olive oil or yoghurt or No 3 above to allay irritation. Frequent washing, hot baths and use of soap at first soothe, but later exacerbate. Use water only. When washing, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading spores from bowel. No smoking.

Diet. Gluten-free, low fat, high fibre.

Acidophilus. A large mixed salad once daily. Cooked vegetables, seafood, Vitamin A foods. Replace salt with Celery, Garlic or Kelp powders. All meats, game and chicken to be from animals raised on steroid-free fodder. Replace alcohol with fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Eggs.

Reject: Dairy products (butter, cheese, milk). Brewer’s yeast. Foods and drinks with which yeast has been associated: bread, beer, homemade wines. Dried fruit, mushrooms, monosodium glutamate, pickles and preserves, smoked fish and meats, foods known to be allergic to the patient, sugar, syrup, sweeteners, chocolate, puddings, pastry, white flour products.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin C 200mg. Zinc. ... candida, vaginal

Tension-free Vaginal Tape

(transvaginal tape, TVT) a surgical sling procedure for treating stress incontinence in women that uses a tape made of polypropylene mesh. The tape is inserted under the mid-urethra (rather than the bladder neck, as in a *pubovaginal sling), passing through the retropubic space on either side, and is fixed to the abdominal wall just internal to the pubic symphysis. The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure is similar, but in this technique a tunnel is created out to the *obturator foramen on either side, lessening the risk of vascular and bladder injuries. Tape procedures have lower morbidity rates than *colposuspension and have gradually replaced the latter as the surgical procedure of choice for treating female stress incontinence, but there may be complications associated with nonabsorbable mesh.... tension-free vaginal tape

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