Lisa Tadiwa

On the list of things you never thought you’d have to think about at this stage of your life, vaginal discharge has gotta be near the top.

Different kinds of bacteria live inside the vagina, some—such as the lactobacillus strains—are good bacteria that “act as a defensive force by colonizing the vaginal tract, stopping pathogenic microorganisms from setting base.” This defensive force regulates what you commonly hear being referred to as your Ph balance. 

The other kind of bacteria found in the vagina are not so good as they do not provide anything of value other than offsetting the Ph balance. 

To help regulate the Ph balance the vagina secretes a certain amount of discharge from the uterine cavity and cervix to maintain a healthy vagina. This discharge, influenced by hormones released by the body during different phases of the menstrual cycle, flushes out this ‘bad’ bacteria—hence the vagina is called a self-cleaning organ. 

When it comes to menopause, a common side effect is vaginal atrophy. This is the breakdown and thinning of the tissue lining the vaginal wall caused by a decrease in the progesterone and estrogen produced by the body. 

Many people assume that because the body starts producing less of these hormones the vagina completely dries up. While a certain level of dryness is normal post menopause it is still possible to experience vaginal discharge.

Vaginal discharge post menopause can either be healthy or result from a medical problem that needs to be addressed. It is important to know the difference between the two and when to seek medical attention.

What Does a Healthy Vaginal Discharge Post-Menopause Look Like?

What a healthy discharge looks like differs from one person to the next but there are similar characteristics that people with a healthy discharge will share. A healthy discharge is characterized by a clear or near-white mucus-like substance that does not omit a bad or strong smell. The discharge is normally slippery or sticky and moist to the touch. 

It is also normal for the discharge to change from a sticky to a watery substance throughout the month depending on the levels of estrogen being produced by the body. It is also possible for there not to be any discharge at all especially when you factor in menopause. 

What is Not a Healthy Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal atrophy post-menopause has been known to cause a discharge. Discharge may occur as a result of the vaginal tissues being more prone to infections as well as microscopic tears as a result of the atrophying organ. 

This kind of discharge may be thin, blood-tinged, and have an unpleasant odour indicating an infection. Another form of discharge resulting from either an STI or allergies can either be a thin, watery-like substance that is yellow or white or a cottage cheese-like texture that has a foul smell. 

It is also important to note that while yeast infections post-menopause are rare, it is still possible to experience them. 

Available Treatments

Unhealthy vaginal discharge can be treated by over-the-counter antifungal ointments or creams and in cases where those are not working then antibiotics prescribed by a medical practitioner. 

Asides from that, if one is experiencing little to no discharge there are prescription medications that help treat vaginal dryness. These include:

  • Estrogen rings, which is a small ring that is inserted into the vagina, it slowly releases estrogen into the vagina and lasts for 3 months. 
  • Creams or gels. A pharmacist or your physician will advise you on which products to take.
  • Menopause hormone therapy.

It is always best to seek medical advice from your practitioner for the products best suited for you to use when factoring in your health and any allergies you might have. 

Keeping a record of the changes in your vaginal discharge instead of trying to recall the changes at the top of your head will help you keep track of your health as well as assist you when you visit your physician will also help reach a diagnosis quicker. 

Vaginal discharge may decrease post-menopause, but it is important to remember that it does not completely stop happening. The precautions used pre-menopause still apply even after menopause such as avoiding using any irritants to wash whether it be scented soaps or commercial products said to help clean the vagina. Warm water is always best. 

Lisa Tadiwa

Lisa Tadiwa is a fulltime law student and a freelance writer living in South Africa. Her work is mainly found on Medium.com with articles published in The Startup and Curious publications. She writes about anything from mental wellness, philosophy to sexual health. When she is not studying you can find her exploring different styles of writing, reaching out to fellow writers for advice or travelling with her friends and family across the countryside in Southern Africa.