Vaginal discharge is a sign of women’s healthy reproductive system. Normally, it is clear white or yellowish in colour with thin consistency. This discharge keeps the vagina clean and maintains its pH balance. If there is any abnormality in vaginal discharge then it indicates symptoms of a problem.
Bloody vaginal discharge may be caused due to several reasons like ovulation, menstruation, use of contraceptive pills, sexually transmitted disease and trauma.
Listed below are some of the common causes of abnormal discharge.
Irregular menstruation cycle: This is the most common cause of bloody vaginal discharge. Normally, bleeding continues for three to four days. However, the period and the flow may vary among women. If there is heavy bleeding or the bleeding continues for a long period then it could be due to a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If a woman is facing the problem of irregular menstruation period then this is the most likely cause for abnormal vaginal discharge.
Pregnancy: Some women experience bloody discharge as an early sign of pregnancy. This is called implantation bleeding, which occurs due to the implantation of the egg in the uterus. Implantation bleeding normally occurs between 6 to 12 days after conception. It is normal to have light spotting throughout the period of pregnancy, but if flow increases then it may be due to ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Gonorrhea: this is a sexually transmitted disease, which causes yellowish or bloody vaginal discharge. This quite common among adults and teenagers and can also affect sexually active person. If the disease is detected in early stage then it could be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated then it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can permanently damage reproductive organs and lead to infertility. Gonorrhea may also affect joints and become life threatening. Other symptoms of gonorrhea:
- Burning urination
- Heavy flow during menstruation
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Spotting between menstruation periods
Cancer: Cervical and endometrial cancers are common among women. It is a major cause of bloody vaginal discharge. The causative agents of this cancer are Human Papilloma virus (HPV). For diagnosis of this cancer, sexually active women should do a regular Pap test. A symptom of cervical cancer is that it causes bleeding after sex. However, if the person is suffering from endometrial cancer, the bleeding can occur any time.
Irregular hormone balance: Women experience irregular hormone balance, when they stop birth control pills, or due to hormone replacement therapy or hypothyroidism. This can also result in abnormal vaginal discharge. Painful sexual intercourse or cervical or vaginal trauma may also cause light bloody vaginal discharge. It is very common in rape victims and children subjected to sexual abuse after incidence.
Abnormal vaginal discharge is an indication of a problem, so it is important to consult the doctor. Proper diagnosis of this discharge is essential as it may be caused due to pregnancy, endometrial cancer or gonorrhea or any other sexually transmitted disease. Vaginitis and cervicitis can also cause these symptoms. The condition becomes life threatening in the absence of proper diagnosis and treatment.