Vaginal Discharge by Easter
Vaginal Discharge by Easter
Vaginal Discharge by Easter
Learning objectives
1. Leucorrhoea
This is the normal discharge and keeps on changing depending on the menstrual
cycle. It is produced by adult women in reproductive age by Doderlien bacilli.
Characteristics
It is a bloody mucoid discharge from the vagina which appears when a woman is in
her first stage of labour.
Characteristics
Should not be much in amount
Should not be offensive
Should not be irritating
3. Liquor amnii/ amniotic fluid
It is a clear straw coloured fluid found in the amniotic membrane in the uterus, in
which the foetus grows.
Characteristics
4. Lochia
Rubra (red). Present during the first 3 days. It consists of blood, sheds of
deciduas and pieces of chorion, liquor amniivernixcaseosa and meconeum
may be present. Appears red owing to the presence of erythrocytes
Serosa(pink). Present from 4th to9th day. The discharge becomes paler and
pinkish in colour, containing less blood and more serum, leucocytes(WBC)
and bacteria.
Alba(white or clear). Present from 10th to 15th day. The discharge becomes
paler, it is yellowish white in colour and contains cervical mucus, bacteria
and debris from the healing process of the uterus and the vagina.
5. Menstrual flow
It should be about 60-180mls of blood. This flow consists of blood from the
endometrium, endometrial tissue, +- unfertilized ovum and secretions from the
endometrium.
These are discharges which are caused by sexually transmitted infections of the
female reproductive system and require treatment.
These discharges are pathological other than physiological.
Colour
Increased amount that tint the nicker is abnormal and should be investigated
and treated.
Irritant
Any discharge that may cause irritation and results into inflammation is
abnormal and should be investigated and treated.
Assignment: explain any 8 causes of abnormal vaginal discharge