It is clear in color or an opaque grayish white. Cervical discharge is usually an observation of the examining physician rather than a patient complaint. On occasion, patients may complain of excessive vaginal discharge and the source of that is actually from the cervix. Any cervical mucous that is yellowish in color, or not clear or opaque white, should have cultures taken. It may represent infection with sexually transmitted diseases.
Vaginal infections are quite common and many over the counter remedies exist.
Goals Most problems in this category should be specifically diagnosed in order to prescribe the most effective therapy. Most commonly diagnosis is performed by direct microscopic examination of the discharge suspended in saline. Occasionally cultures and other studies need to be performed. Chronic recurrent episodes of vaginal discharge are a much more difficult diagnostic category. Attention must be turned toward what is the cause of disruption of the normal vaginal flora which keeps vaginal infections from developing rather than what is the current infectious agent.