There is always a certain amount of cervical discharge within the vagina, which is normal. While it may seem like just another bodily fluid, there is a lot to be said about this discharge; not only does it help to keep the vagina clean, but it also changes consistency, color and odor at various times in a woman’s menstrual cycle to signal change within the vagina, cervix or uterus.

Different Facts About Cervix Discharge

Cervix Discharge – What It Does

This discharge plays a vital role in keeping the vagina clean by naturally flushing out bad bacteria from the vagina.

It also acts as a lubricant during sexual intercourse. During intercourse this discharge also helps sperm move upward, thereby indirectly helping in fertilization.

Normal Cervix Discharge

A normal discharge is usually clear, colorless and odorless. However, this can change during different stages of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

During her fertile period (the period of ovulation), a woman may notice that the discharge is thicker than during the rest of the month. Also, the color may vary from transparent to a white color. During sexual arousal, a woman may notice changes in the consistency.

Pregnancy And The Cervix Discharge

One of the first signs of pregnancy and one that is very commonly ignored is the increase of vaginal discharge. The reason for the excess discharge is that during pregnancy, there are increased levels of estrogen produced in the body that in turn cause the secretion of more fluid from the cervical glands.

During pregnancy, there is a distinct change in the color and consistency of the cervical discharge, with the discharge becoming thicker. Some women describe the discharge as ‘creamy’ and ‘sticky’.

Abnormal Cervix Discharge

Abnormal discharge from the cervix can be worrying and frustrating. Abnormality can be caused due to several factors; however, the symptoms are quite common and therefore require further testing before any diagnosis can be made. Some of the abnormalities one may detect in the cervical discharge are changes in color, odor and consistency.

Abnormal cervical discharge is a symptom that something is not right. Abnormalities in the discharge can be caused due to STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), infections and cancer. There are approximately 25 different types of STDs; depending on the type of STD one suffers from, cervical discharge can be yellowish, greenish, grayish or bloody. The consistency turns from a clear fluid to a curdy discharge. The odor is foul smelling or fishy.

Infections such as yeast infections that do not fall under the category of STDs also cause the discharge to turn abnormal. Cancer of the cervix and vagina are known to cause abnormalities in the discharge. The discharge turns bloody, dark and foul smelling.

Dealing With Abnormalities

Any abnormality in the cervical discharge should be treated only after consulting with a gynecologist. No attempt should be made to self treat any abnormality with over-the-counter medication or antibiotics.

In most cases, treatment is simple; however, further complications may arise if left untreated. Treatment may be in the form of ointments, creams, vaginal pessaries and antibiotics.