Vaginal discharge indicates clear or white fluid secreted naturally by a woman’s vagina. It helps in cleaning and lubricating the vagina. The amount and nature of this discharge differs from one woman to another. The quantity of the discharge varies on different times according to the different phases of menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, post-exercise, post-coition, etc. Normal vaginal discharge has a mild odor. But an unusual increase in vaginal discharge and discharge with very strong and foul smell for a long time can be indicative of an infection that needs treatment. If not treated well in time, then complications can arise like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It refers to infection in the upper reproductive organs – uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge can arise from different causes. The first cause can be vaginitis. Vaginitis refers to inflammation in the vagina that can occur from infection or a non-infectious cause (like from use of perfumed soaps, vaginal sprays, etc).
Another important reason behind foul-smelling vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis. This condition appears when there is imbalance in the vaginal flora. This results when the amount of bad bacteria in the vagina increases and the number of good bacteria in the vagina declines. It produces grey-colored or greyish-white colored vaginal discharge along with a fishy smell. Another cause can be certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis and gonorrhea that can cause smelly vaginal discharge. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite trichomonas vaginalis. In this infection, there is bad-smelling vaginal discharge that varies in color and can be clear, yellow, green, white or gray. This is attended with itching, burning and redness in the genitals, painful urination, pain with intercourse and pain in the lower abdomen area. Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The symptoms of this infection include vaginal discharge with foul smell, pain/burning while urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, heavy menses, bleeding in between menses and bleeding after intercourse. A forgotten tampon (a menstrual product used by inserting in the vagina to absorb bleeding) in vagina can also be a reason behind foul smell from the vagina. Depending on the cause behind foul-smelling vaginal discharge, it could be attended with other signs and symptoms like itching, burning, irritation or pain in the vagina, eruptions in the vagina, pain when urinating and painful intercourse.
Homeopathic Management
Homeopathy offers a natural and a very effective treatment for cases of foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Homeopathic medicines being prepared from natural substances treat this complaint without any side effects. They help in reducing the discharge and its smell by treating the root cause behind it. Along with this, homeopathic medicines also relieve any attending symptoms present like itching, burning, pain, and eruptions, if present. Homeopathic medicines for treating these cases are selected based on the individual characteristic symptoms in every case. So, it is recommended to consult a homeopathic physician before taking any homeopathic medicines for treating these cases. Self–medication should be avoided in every case.
Homeopathic Medicines For Foul Smelling Vaginal Discharge
1. Kreosote – Topmost Medicine
Kreosote is a top-grade medicine to manage vaginal discharge having a very foul and pungent smell. The discharge can be white, yellowish or brownish that leave stains on the clothes. It is accompanied with excessive itching and burning in the vagina, with vaginal pain sometimes. This pain gets worse while urinating in most cases. There is an increase in discharge flow while standing and walking. It gets better when sitting. The discharge is attended with excessive general weakness. Along with the discharge, there may be a frequent urge to pass urine. Stitching pain in the back and lower abdomen can be felt. Pain and burning during intercourse is yet another accompanying complaint.
2. Sepia – With Marked Vaginal Itching
This medicine is very effective in managing cases of bad, fetid-smelling vaginal discharge with marked itching in the vagina. The discharge can be yellowish or greenish colored. A very important attending symptom is a bearing down sensation in the pelvis as if the pelvic organs will come out of the vagina. The discharge is more during the day which gets better at night. The amount of discharge increases after passing urine. Stitching pain can be felt in the uterus. Females needing this medicine also complain of pain during intercourse. They also complain of fullness and heaviness in the abdomen in addition to the above complaints.
3. Merc Sol – With Burning Sensation In Vagina
Merc Sol is a very beneficial medicine when there is foul-smelling vaginal discharge with a burning sensation in the vagina. The discharge can occur in a lumpy form. It is yellowish or greenish colored and is very sticky. The discharge gets worse at night. There is itching in the vagina. After scratching, burning in the vagina gets intense. The burning also gets worse while passing urine. The labia may be swollen along with vaginal itching. Eruptions may be present on the labia. Swelling in the lower abdomen can be felt along with these complaints.
4. Psorinum – For Cases Of Bad, Unbearable Smelling Vaginal Discharge
Psorinum is a chiefly indicated medicine when the vaginal discharge has a very bad and unbearable smell. The discharge passes in a lump form. It is attended with pain in the back. Weakness is also markedly present along with the above complaints. In some cases, there may be ulcers on the labia.
5. Medorrhinum – For Fishy Smelling Vaginal Discharge
This medicine is highly important for managing cases of vaginal discharges having a fishy odor. The discharge is thick. The vagina is inflamed. The discharge causes intense itching in the vagina. Itching gets better by rubbing and washing the vagina with slightly warm water.
6. Natrum Carb – Along With Frequent Urination
This medicine is well indicated when there is frequent urination along with offensive smelling vaginal discharge. The urine is profuse. The discharge is thick yellow colored. The discharge is ropy. The discharge causes vaginal irritation. The discharge lessens after passing urine.
7. Natrum Phos – For Sour Smelling Vaginal Discharge
Natrum Phos is a very useful medicine for treating cases of sour-smelling vaginal discharge. The discharge is watery in consistency. It is acidic in nature. Usually the discharge is honey-colored in most cases requiring this medicine.
8. Lilium Tigrinum – Along With Pain In The Ovary
Lilium Tigrinum is a prominently indicated medicine for managing cases of foul-smelling vaginal discharge attended with pain in the ovary. There is pain usually in the right ovary and sometimes it is felt in the left ovary. The discharge is thin and profuse, and stains the clothes brown.
- Nitric Acid – For Offensive Ropy Vaginal Discharge
This medicine helps manage offensive vaginal discharge with ropy mucus. The discharge can be brown, green, or flesh-colored. The vagina and vulva are itchy and swollen. Cracks and ulcers may be seen on the labia minora. Stitching pain may be felt in the vagina. This medicine is also indicated to manage vaginal discharge in cases of gonorrhea.