This document provides an outline and overview of female genital health and vaginal discharge. It discusses the female sex organs and what vaginal discharge is. It explains that most discharges are normal but some may indicate infection. The document outlines different types of normal and abnormal discharges, how to determine if a discharge is abnormal using the CCOTV formula, and potential causes and treatments for abnormal discharges. It aims to educate women about vaginal health and discharges in order to prevent infections and promote well-being.

1. FEMALE GENITAL HEALTH
TOPIC:
A PRESENTATION
BY
GODWIN EMEKA & HELEN IKHILLE

2. OUTLINE
O The Female Sex Organ
O Do You Have Vaginal Discharge?
O Nature of Discharge
O What is Vaginal Discharge?
O Women’s Concern About VDc
O What You Actually Need to Know About VDc
O Vaginal Health and Discharges
O CCOTV Formula
O Vaginal Discharge and Stages of Development
O Groups of Vaginal Discharge
O Normal vs. Abnormal Discharges 2

3. OUTLINE
O When Does Vaginal Discharge Become a Sign of an Infection
O Some Medical Cases Involving Vaginal Discharge
O What Your Discharge Might Mean
O Results of Abnormal VDc
O How to Prevent Abnormal VDc
O Cleaning the Vagina
O Treatment of Abnormal VDc
O What to do If You Have VDc
O Key Ways of Determining VDc Using the CCOTV Formula
O Discharge Chart
O Conclusion 3

4. THE FEMALE SEX ORGANS
O The sex organs of the female consist of the vulva, labium major and labium minor, vagina,
cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes (or oviducts), and ovaries.
O The Vagina is a flexible tube-shaped organ that is the passageway between the outer part
of the genital (vulva) and the inner reproductive organs. It is the organ that is receptive of
the male organ during copulation and serves as the channel for the discharge of menstrual
flow from the uterus. It is also referred to as the birth canal because at childbirth the baby
travels through it from the uterus. 4

5. DO YOU HAVE VAGINAL
DISCHARGE?
5
O NO!
........ OK, WATCH OUT FOR ONE.
O MAYBE!!
......... ALRIGHT, TRY TO BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR BODY AND YOUR HEALTH.
O YES!!!
.........O YEAH?!!
.........OK THEN, WHAT’S THE COLOUR?

6. WHAT’S THE NATURE OF YOUR
DISCHARGE?
6[Source:www.fastbleep.com]

7. NATUTRE OF DISCHARGE contd.
7

8. NATUTRE OF DISCHARGE contd.
8

9. WHAT IS VAGINAL DISCHARGE?
O VAGINAL DISCHARGE (VDc) is a secretion (other than the normal menstrual
flow) that is in semi-solid or liquid form and is contained within or released
from the vagina.
O A normal vaginal discharge is milky white or clear with a non-offensive
smell.
O While most discharges are normal and reflect the various stages of the
menstrual cycle or female gender development, some are as a result of
vaginal irritations from the use of objects/substances on the vagina or from
infections contacted as a result of poor hygiene or unprotected sex. 9

10. WOMENS’ CONCERN
ABOUT VAGINAL
DISCHARGE
O Females react in various ways to discharges from their genitals. Rather than
see vaginal discharges as a normal process associated with the female
gender in order to prevent infections, some see it as an attack from ‘evil
forces’, others see it as a sign of illness, some others take it to mean
uncleanliness, while to some its a sign of punishment from God. Some other
group see VDc as one of the signs of puberty.
O Some women have developed low self esteem and mental unrest as a result
of observing discharges from their genitals while others have plunged
themselves into depression and other forms of ailment/unhealthy practice.10

11. WOMENS’ CONCERN contd.
A survey of women’s’ concern about vaginal discharge
[Source:www.sofyclub.com]
11

12. WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT VAGINAL DISCHARGE
12
O Vaginal discharge is a physiological (normal) occurrence that cleanses and
lubricates the vagina, keeps it healthy by carrying away dead cells and
micro organisms as well as maintains its normal pH (level of acidity).
O Most women have vaginal discharge. Some women have discharge every
day, while others only have discharge once in a while.
O More than usual discharges could be experienced during ovulation,
pregnancy, lactation or breastfeeding, sexual arousal, emotional stress, use
of medications and exercises.
O Normal discharge also depends on nutritional status.

13. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWcontd.
O It is possible for very young females who have not begun menstruating to
have vaginal discharge.
O The smell may be different at pregnancy, but not awful.
O The smell and amount of discharge can vary from one woman to another.
O A woman’s "normal" or usual discharge might change many times
throughout her life span.
O In some cases vaginal discharge could be pathological i.e. associated with
an infection or disease.
O A change in one’s usual vaginal discharge (in terms of colour, consistency,
odour, texture/nature and volume or amount – CCOTV), especially if
accompanied by itching/irritation, burning sensation, swelling, redness,
bleeding, blood spotting at periods outside menstruation or other
uncomfortable symptoms, could be a sign of the presence of an infection.13

14. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWcontd.
O Vaginal infections can be contracted by women of all ages; whether sexually
active or not e.g. yeast infections. However, most infections are contracted
by the sexually active ones who engage in unsafe sex and/or unhygienic
habits.
O Most women have vaginal infection at least once in a lifetime. One of the
symptoms could be vaginal discharges. However, not all discharges are a
reflection of infection.
O Some infections that affect the female sexual and reproductive system are
asymptomatic and could silently cause severe long term damage to a
woman’s reproductive health and total well being.
O A woman may have two or more types of infection at a time.
14

15. VAGINAL HEALTH AND
DISCHARGES
O The area around the vagina has a low pH (i.e. it is acidic). This discourages
infections from occurring. This acidic environment is created by friendly
bacteria found in the vagina. The pH balance of the vagina fluctuates at
intervals during the menstrual cycle.
O A healthy vagina produces secretions to cleanse and regulate itself, similar
to how saliva cleanses and regulates the environment of the mouth. These
vaginal secretions are normal and harmless vaginal discharges. The
menstrual cycle causes increased wetness and production of clear
discharge around mid-cycle. 15

16. VAGINAL HEALTH AND DISCHARGES
contd.
O Any interference with the delicate balance of vaginal secretions and its pH
sets up an environment conducive for infections to thrive. Hence, infections
are more likely to occur immediately before and during the menstruation,
when the vaginal environment is at its least acidic state.
O It is common for some women to find wet or dried discharge on their
underwear. Self-check of vaginal discharge can be helpful.
O Familiarizing yourself with how your discharge looks, texture and smell could
help notify or identify when your scent, flavour etc. has changed. (Some
women detect changes in their discharge by its taste for varied reasons which includes
visual impairment).
O Some dietary changes and drugs may affect the natural balance of
chemicals in vaginal fluids.
16

17. VAGINAL HEALTH AND
DISCHARGES contd.
O Things that can make the flavor of a woman’s vaginal secretions strong or
even pungent are vitamins, asparagus, beets, coffee, cigarettes, a diet
high in red meats or garlic.
O Coffee in high doses (especially strong, like espresso) will make VDc
taste slightly bitter.
O Curries influence flavor as well, and so can diets of spice-rich foods with
little water intake.
O Over the counter and street drugs both make women’s genital secretions
taste sharp, bitter and even rank (anti-histamines are especially in this
category).
www.tinynibbles.com/cunnilingustaste

18. The CCOTV Formula
O The following properties should be observed in your discharge:
 change in colour (especially greenish, grayish, or anything looking
like pus)
 change in consistency/frequency (especially from periodical to
daily)
 change in odour (especially an unpleasant odour)
 change in texture or nature (such as foamy or looking like cottage
cheese)
 change in volume (especially from small or scanty to large). 18

19. CCOTV contd.
O The CCOTV of vaginal discharge depends on:
 the age of a woman,
 the stages of her menstrual cycle, and
 the use of contraception.
NORMAL DISCHARGE
19

20. VAGINAL DISCHARGE AND STAGES
OF DEVELOPMENT
20
Stages of development in women and their experiences of vaginal discharge.
[Source:www.fastbleep.com]

21. GROUPS OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE
O Vaginal discharge can be grouped into 2, viz:
• Physiological discharge
• Pathological discharge
O PHYSIOLOGICAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE
Physiological causes of vaginal discharges or its increase in volume include:
o pregnancy
o ovulation
o sexual arousal and intercourse
o foreign bodies (e.g. retained tampons, condoms) – causes foul smelling, dark coloured
discharge.
o hormonal birth control methods
o changing hormone levels
21

22. GROUPS OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE
contd.
O PATOLOGICAL VAGINAL DISCHARGES
Pathological causes of vaginal discharges include:
 Infective (non-sexually transmitted)
o Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – fishy smelling discharge without itchiness or soreness
o Candidal vaginitis (CV) – causes a white, thick and curdy discharge.
 Infective (sexually transmitted)
o Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) – may be asymptomatic or cause a purulent (pus-containing)
discharge. Patients may have dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and post-coital spotting.
o Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) – may be asymptomatic or cause purulent discharge. It can
also cause dyspareunia.
o Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) – frothy yellow vaginal discharge with itchiness and soreness.
o Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
22

23. GROUPS OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE
contd.
 Non-infective
o Vulva dermatitis/eczema (VD) – presents with abnormal discharge, itching and soreness.
o Cervical polyps (CP)
o Cervical ectopy (CE) – presents with a mucous discharge
o Genital tract malignancy (GTM) – (e.g. cancer of cervix, uterus, ovary) can present with
concurrent weight loss.
o Fistulae
o Allergic reactions (AR) or Irritations from douches, Spermicides, vaginal sprays or strong
soaps, Vaginal hygiene products, Detergents, Fabric softeners – presents with abnormal
discharge with odour and itching/soreness (symptoms of vaginitis).
o Congenital vaginal or uterus problem i.e. ailments from birth (very rare).
23

24. NORMAL vs. ABNORMAL
DISCHARGES
24
ATTENTION!

25. WHEN DOES VAGINAL DISCHARGE
BECOME A SIGN OF AN INFECTION?
Vaginal discharge might be a sign of an infection if it:
 Causes itching
 Causes swelling
 Has a bad odour
 Is green, yellow, or gray in colour
 Looks foamy or like cottage cheese
25

26. SOME MEDICAL CASES INVOLVING VAGINAL DISCHARGES
26
[Source:embarrasingsexquestions.wordpress.com]

27. WHAT CAUSES ABNORMAL DISCHARGE?
O Abnormal discharges are caused by a change in the balance of pH and
normal bacteria residing in the vagina. This also has a resultant effect on
the CCOTV of the discharge.
WHAT CAUSES A CHANGE IN BALANCE?
O Some of the causes of vaginal pH and normal bacterial imbalance are:
O Antibiotic or steroid use
O Douche
O Bacterial vaginosis (bacterial infection that’s not sexually transmitted, but
more common in women who have multiple sexual partners)
O Birth control pills
O Cervical cancer 27

28. CAUSES OF CHANGE IN BALANCE contd.
O Chlamydia or gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted infections)
O Diabetes
O Scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath
O Pelvic infection after surgery
O Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
O Trichomoniasis (a parasitic infection typically caused by having unprotected
sex).
O Vaginal atrophy (the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during and
after the menopause).
O Vaginitis (irritation around the vagina).
O Yeast infections 28

29. WHAT YOUR DISCHARGE MIGHT MEAN
29

30. RESULTS OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE
O Low self esteem
O Depression
O Psychological disorders
O Vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections and diseases
O Discomfort and irritations
O Infertility and miscarriages
O Stigmatisation
O Susceptibility to cancer and malignancies of the reproductive organs
30

31. HOW TO PREVENT ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGES
O Cleanliness of environment and practise of good feminine
hygiene.
O Wash your underwear and clothes properly with clean water.
O Go for regular clinical check-up.
O Eat healthy and nutritious foods.
O Avoid pre-marital and unsafe sex.
O Keep vaginal area clean and dry. Wash the outer vaginal area
every day with mild soap and warm water, and then rinse well. Be
sure to pat the area dry with a dry towel.
31

32. PREVENTION OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGES contd.
O Avoid douching. Douching can upset the normal balance of organisms in the
vagina, which can cause vaginal infection, make an infection worse, or
spread the infection further up into the reproductive organs (i.e. uterus,
fallopian tubes).
O Wipe genitals properly from front to back after urination or bowel
movement.
O Avoid using petroleum jelly or irritant oils as lubricants.
O Avoid other vulvo-vaginal irritants, including perfumed or deodorant soaps,
bubble bath or shower gel, scented tampons, vaginal powders, or vaginal
deodorant sprays. They can irritate the vagina and cause infection.
32

33. PREVENTION OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGES
contd.
O Avoid wearing damp clothes because they can keep moisture in
and irritate the vagina.
O Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially for long period of time.
O Wear cotton underwear. Cotton helps to absorb moisture and
allows air to get to your private part. Also remember to wear
cotton underwear when going on pantyhose.
O Avoid wearing nylon and lycra underwear always.
O Panty liners help to absorb excess moisture and vaginal
discharge thereby minimizing vaginal odour. 33

34. Cleaning the Vagina
O The vagina is self-cleansing, so there is no need to wash inside (i.e. douche).
Douching can upset the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in your vagina
as earlier stated and lead to thrush or bacterial vaginosis.
O Vaginal soreness and abnormal vaginal discharge can also be caused by
overusing perfumed soaps/body washes. Never clean your vagina with
anything strongly perfumed. Use a mild soap and warm water to gently wash
around your genitals.
O If vaginal area is already irritated, do not use scented toilet paper,
spermicides, or harsh soaps. Instead, just rinse with water and dry up
neatly. Also seek medical attention. 34

35. HOW IS ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE
TREATED?
O Treatment of abnormal discharge depends on the problem or cause of your
symptom. Seek medical attention from certified hospitals.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT TO THE CLINIC
O Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam
including a pelvic exam.
O Tests that may be performed include:
 Cultures of your cervix
 Examination of vaginal discharge under the microscope (wet prep)
 Pap smear
 Skin biopsies of the vulva area 35

36. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU HAVE ABNORMAL
VAGINAL DISCHARGES
O Visit a clinic to ascertain the nature of your symptoms or ailment.
O The discontinued use of vaginal sprays and highly strong soaps may cause
symptoms to disappear in women whose reasons are related to such.
O If the history suggests that the patient has a sexually transmitted infection,
the patient should be referred to the relevant clinic for proper attention and
counselling.
O Imbibe personal hygiene.
O Get enough sleep, drink enough fluids.
O Wear breathable cotton underwear.
O Use prescribed medication as directed.
O Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and you are symptom
free.
36

37. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO contd.
O Avoid scratching infected or inflamed areas; it can cause further irritation.
O During an infection, use pads rather than tampons if menstruation occurs.
O Always keep your genital area clean and dry if you have vaginitis.
O Avoid soap and just rinse with water to clean yourself.
O Soak in a warm bath may help your symptoms. Dry thoroughly afterward.
O Avoid douching. Many women feel cleaner when they douche, but it may
actually worsen symptoms because it removes healthy bacteria that line the
vagina. These bacteria help protect against infection.
O If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels in good control.
37

38. KEY WAYS OF DETERMINING YOUR VAGINAL
DISCHARGE USING THE CCOTV FROMULA
38

39. DISCHARGE CHART
39
[Source:www.picsfair.com]

40. CONCLUSION
O Are you a victim of abnormal vaginal discharge?
O Seek Medical attention IMMEDIATELY!!!
O Don’t be shy.
O Act now. In order to avoid these:
40

41. Thank You
41