Terms used to describe symptoms of the vagina and vulva
Vaginal Discharge
Related terms · Leukorrhea (naeng) · Discharge
Vaginal discharge is fluid produced by the vagina; clear or white discharge without a strong odor can change naturally according to the menstrual cycle.
Meaning and Distinctions
What is meant by vaginal discharge?
If the color, smell, amount, or viscosity is different from usual, or if it is accompanied by itching, burning, or pain, we check for causes of infection and irritation. Vaginal discharge is fluid that comes from the vagina; discharge that is clear or white and does not have a strong smell Menstrual cyclecan change naturally depending on the menstrual cycle.
- Easily confused terms
- Based on the amount of discharge alone, Vaginitisvaginitis is not diagnosed, and symptoms and tests may differ for Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- We connect the 'discharge' described by the patient with the normal discharge or vaginitis symptoms confirmed during the medical evaluation.
- What to record for your visit
- Rather than using vaginal cleansers or leftover medication first, please note the color, smell, itching, and any relationship with sexual intercourse or menstruation.
Women's Health Glossary
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You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideVaginitisThe cause of vaginitis cannot be confirmed by a single symptom such as discharge or itching. Candida vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas infections may have overlapping symptoms, but the required tests, treatments, and partner management differ. If this is your first occurrence, if you are pregnant, or if symptoms recur quickly after treatment, please seek a medical examination and testing rather than continuing self-treatment. If fever, chills, severe pelvic pain, or bleeding occur alongside a possibility of pregnancy, an evaluation for upper reproductive tract infection or pregnancy-related causes takes priority.→
- Condition GuideChronic VaginitisTreatment for chronic vaginitis does not involve repeating previous medications for the same symptoms, but begins by re-examining the cause of the discharge, smell, and itching. For recurrent Candida, we check the fungal strain and resistance to provide longer initial treatment followed by maintenance antifungal therapy; for recurrent bacterial vaginosis, we consider retreatment and suppressive therapy depending on the situation. As there are also non-infectious skin and mucosal diseases, do not self-diagnose based on symptoms alone.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I prepare before a consultation for women's health conditions?Please record the start date and bleeding dates of your last three cycles, the number of times you changed products on your heaviest day, the location of pain, and your response to painkillers. Regarding discharge and itching, please prepare your test results and previous treatment responses rather than self-diagnosing the odor and color. Please also provide full details on the possibility or planning of pregnancy, ultrasound or blood tests, and any hormone medications, contraceptives, infertility treatment medications, or supplements.→
- Women's Health ColumnCan Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas be distinguished by symptoms alone?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.