Vaginal Discharge Spotting Issues?

Overview of Vaginal Discharge Spotting Issues

When abnormal vaginal discharge spotting occurs, a variety of problems could be to blame. While a certain level of vaginal discharge is considered normal, discharge that suddenly acquires a funky smell, unusual color, or thick consistency is definitely not. Furthermore, when spotting occurs outside of your regular period, your body is telling you that something is off balance.

Among the different infections and conditions that cause these annoying and sometimes embarrassing symptoms are sexually transmitted diseases, especially gonorrhea. Many STDs are quickly, and fortunately, cured with antibiotics.

Possible Causes of Vaginal Discharge and Spotting

Many different conditions can cause vaginal discharge and spotting. Some possible causes include the following:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Trichomoniasis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Yeast infection
• Cervicitis
• Vaginitis
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Cancer, such as cervical or endometrial

Diagnosing Vaginal Discharge and Spotting

When experiencing unusual vaginal discharge and spotting, STD testing can help determine the cause. STD and gonorrhea testing can be performed through a simple urine or vaginal fluid sample at a local lab or through an at-home STD testing kit.

Abnormal spotting and vaginal discharge is sometimes brought on by STD complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or cervicitis. A doctor may perform a pelvic exam to diagnose these conditions. Yeast and bacterial infections can be diagnosed by simple testing.

Cancer can sometimes cause vaginal discharge and spotting, but don’t worry. Cancer is much less common than conditions such as STDs or yeast infections.

Treating Vaginal Discharge and Spotting

If positive for Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or gonorrhea, treatment should be administered as soon as possible. Left untreated, gonorrhea and other STDs can cause permanent reproductive damage, including infertility.

STDs, complications such as PID and cervicitis, and bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medication. Be sure to avoid any sexual activity until treatment is completed.

 In the rare case that abnormal vaginal discharge and spotting is diagnosed as cancer, doctors can develop a treatment regimen specific to your case.