Vaginal discharge - how not to miss the disease

As for women, vaginal discharge is normal. They moisturize the vaginal walls and protect the genitals from infection. As for 10-12 year old girls, they should not have vaginal discharge, because... their hormonal levels are too low, and their glands are not yet functioning.

Before the onset of menstruation in girls (about a year in advance), leucorrhoea begins to leak from the vagina, which indicates hormonal changes in their body. The discharge should be creamy and homogeneous, without an unpleasant odor (or a slightly sour odor).

It is clear that discharge in women should not be painful, cause itching, swelling of the skin or other unpleasant sensations. This can only indicate pathology:

Trichomoniasis. Copious white, greenish or purulent, yellowish-brown discharge with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching and/or burning, painful urination.

Thrush (candidiasis). Itching and thick, profuse discharge, similar to lumps of yellowish cottage cheese. Exhausting intense itching of the genitals and irritation (redness, swelling) of the external genitalia.

Bacterial vaginosis. The amount of discharge increases significantly, the color of the discharge is grayish-white or yellowish, and an unpleasant fishy odor appears. Symptoms worsen after sexual intercourse.

Chlamydia. Characteristic is yellow discharge, often accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and painful urination.

Goorean. Moderate foamy yellowish-white discharge, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, pain when urinating and, often, intermenstrual bleeding.

Colpitis. The discharge is varied: liquid, watery, sometimes thick, purulent, often foul-smelling, often mixed with blood.

Acute inflammation is accompanied by itching, burning or heat in the genital area.

Oncological diseases of the internal genital organs are often accompanied by thick, liquid-like discharge.

Types of discharge

Depending on the amount of mucus produced, discharge is divided into scanty, abundant and normal.

Scanty is a discharge that is not enough for the normal functioning of the vagina and external genitalia. The mucous membranes begin to dry out and crack. During sexual intercourse, friction and pain are felt. Scanty discharge is the result of hormonal changes due to age, endocrine disease, or taking hormonal medications.

Heavy discharge is a discharge that leads to a constant feeling of moisture in the vagina. They are noticeable on underwear. Heavy discharge can be diagnosed in young women during ovulation in the middle of the menstrual cycle; it is transparent and does not have an unpleasant odor. During pregnancy, especially before childbirth, the discharge also becomes more abundant. These are healthy discharges and should not be feared. If the consistency, volume, color or smell of the discharge changes, this indicates the beginning of a pathological process.

Discharge that sufficiently moisturizes the vagina and does not cause discomfort is considered natural. If there is normal discharge, additional moistening of the vagina before sexual intercourse is not required.

The consistency of the discharge varies from watery, mucous, curdled and foamy.

• Liquid discharge - watery and mucous - odorless and colorless is considered normal. Watery discharge occurs in the middle of the cycle during ovulation; mucous discharge appears during sexual intercourse and serves as a lubricant.
• Thick, cheesy discharge indicates the presence of a fungal infection. Doctors usually diagnose candidiasis. The discharge resembles liquid cottage cheese, it is not uniform in consistency.
• Foamy discharge indicates the presence of a bacterial infection. This is especially dangerous if they have an unpleasant odor or distinct color. Foamy discharge is a hallmark of trichomoniasis.

Based on the color of the discharge, there are clear (normal), white, bloody, yellow, green and brown.

• Clear discharge is normal. They are usually invisible on underwear and on the body.
• Thick white discharge indicates the presence of candidiasis (thrush). In a healthy state, white discharge may appear before childbirth.
• Bloody and brown discharge is the most dangerous, as it signals the presence of blood in the vagina. Normally, they occur only during menstruation. When taking hormonal contraception, especially in the first months, the appearance of intermenstrual bleeding is acceptable; this is considered normal and indicates the body’s adaptation to artificial hormones. In other cases, spotting indicates the presence of a serious pathology or the onset of bleeding.
• Yellow and green discharge indicates the presence of an infectious-inflammatory process.

Based on the smell, discharges are differentiated: odorless, sweetish, sour, and unpleasant.

• The phrase “odorless discharge” is conditional, since all human discharge is characterized by some odor. In a healthy state, this smell is pleasant and subtle. It is individual for each person. Since a person feels it constantly, he eventually stops feeling it. If a woman does not smell the discharge, it can be stated that it is odorless discharge.
• Discharge with a sweetish or sour odor most often indicates thrush. Candida fungi use sugar for nutrition, love it and live in an environment rich in sugar.
• Foul-smelling discharge is caused by a bacterial infection. They often smell like stale fish. The characteristic fishy smell is produced by anaerobic bacteria. The stronger the smell, the stronger the infection.

Characteristics of normal discharge in women

The release of a substance from the genital tract can be attributed to a cleansing mechanism that removes “waste materials” from the reproductive organs. The composition of leucorrhoea is:

1. Dead cells that are spontaneously rejected by the uterus and excreted through the fallopian tubes and vagina.
2. Non-inflammatory effusion that accumulates in the blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. Various microorganisms that form microflora, but have become obsolete.
4. Moisturizing, enveloping and protecting mucus produced by the cervix and “washing” the uterine cavities (cervical fluid).

Vaginal discharge like snot should not be a cause for concern if it:

• transparent (colorless);
• have whitish veins;
• leave a yellow mark on the panty liner after drying;
• odorless or slightly sour;
• do not cause discomfort (burning, itching, pain);
• viscous, lump-free and dense clots of pus;
• several hours or days are noted.

Based on the norm established by gynecologists, the volume of secretions of clear mucus without third-party aromas should not exceed 4 ml per day (one teaspoon). If the threshold is slightly exceeded, but no changes in other parameters are observed, then this phenomenon can be attributed to the peculiarities of the functioning of the reproductive organs.

The photo shows normal female mucus discharge:

White mucus discharge

Discharge like snot

Transparent selections

White mucous discharge

Reasons for appearance

Intimate secretions serve as a kind of indicator of the health of the female sphere.

With natural discharge that does not cause discomfort, we can conclude that the organs of the female reproductive system are healthy. However, regular examinations by a gynecologist at the beginning of the cycle are still necessary. Many pathological processes occur without symptoms; their presence can only be demonstrated by a gynecological examination and laboratory tests.

Several factors can influence the appearance of discharge in a healthy woman. These are stress, climate change, taking hormonal drugs, taking strong medications, allergic reactions. Personal hygiene can also affect the nature of the discharge.

A woman should be concerned when the discharge changes in consistency, acquires a strange color or smell, or changes in intensity. Often such discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, itching, pain in the perineum, irritation of the external genital organs, and discomfort when urinating.

There are some symptoms that can be used to preliminarily identify the disease. Of course, an accurate diagnosis is only possible with a doctor after examination and laboratory diagnostics, but the appearance of some can give a more or less accurate picture of the disease.

White curdled discharge with a sweet or sour odor indicates candidiasis. Other symptoms of candidiasis are:

• burning, itching in the vagina and external genitalia;
• swelling of the vagina after sexual intercourse;
• pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse.

Excessive yellow or bloody discharge with an unpleasant odor may indicate bacterial vaginitis. This is an inflammation of the vagina caused by a violation of the microflora. This means that local immunity cannot restrain the growth of pathogenic bacteria; they attack vaginal cells, and the inflammatory process begins. Characteristic symptoms of bacterial vaginitis:

• redness, itching and swelling of the genitals;
• nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
• painful intercourse;
• slight increase in body temperature;
• weakness and fatigue;
• frequent urination.

Excessive foamy leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor may indicate trichomoniasis. The causative agent of the disease is Trichomonas. The following symptoms are also observed:

• irritation of the genitals and inner thighs;
• erosion of the mucous membranes of the intimate area;
• pain when urinating;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sexual intercourse.

Homogeneous yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor may be a sign of gonorrhea. This is an acute infectious disease caused by gonococcus and sexually transmitted. Symptoms of gonorrhea are:

• itching and pain in the urethra and vagina;
• increased body temperature;
• separation of pus from the vagina;
• frequent painful urination;
• enlarged and painful lymph nodes;
• weakness;
• nausea;
• loss of appetite.

Serous-purulent discharge with blood often indicates the presence of a cyst in the uterus or its appendages. Symptoms of a cyst, in addition to bloody discharge, are:

• discomfort in the vagina;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• increased menstrual flow;
• menstrual irregularities;
• painful menstruation.

Bright yellow and green discharge in copious amounts with a very unpleasant odor signal endometritis. This is an inflammation of the uterus caused by bacteria or injury. Symptoms of endometritis:

• acute pain in the abdomen, in its lower part;
• fever with chills;
• increased heart rate;
• painful urination;
• weakness;
• enlargement of the uterus caused by tissue inflammation;
• heavy and painful periods;
• infertility.

Brown discharge during delayed menstruation can indicate a pathological course of pregnancy, for example, an ectopic pregnancy. The likelihood of this pathology can be judged by the following symptoms:

• absence of menstruation;
• sharp or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, usually on the side;
• toxicosis and other signs of pregnancy.

This is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Even if the pregnancy is intrauterine, but there is spotting, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this is a sign of a threat of miscarriage.

Classification

Vaginal discharge is divided into physiological, associated with the reaction of the epithelium of the reproductive organs to natural changes in hormonal levels, and pathological, caused by various diseases. In terms of thickness and consistency, vaginal discharge can be watery, thick and viscous, dense, cheesy, and sometimes foamy leucorrhoea is observed. To make a diagnosis and choose a medical tactic, it is important to classify discharge by color, according to which the following types of leucorrhoea are distinguished:

• Transparent.
  The discharge is mucous, thick or very thin, watery. Such odorless leucorrhoea appears when there are disturbances in the absorption of excess fluid into the vagina, which is caused by changes in the normal microflora and fluctuations in the level of sex hormones.
• White.
  Thick, curdled or viscous discharge is observed with an increase in the secretion of the glands of the cervix and the vestibule of the vagina, which occurs against the background of genital pathology. Pathogenic microorganisms contribute to the formation of white discharge.
• Bloody.
  Vaginal leucorrhoea can be ichorous, the color of “meat slop”, often with a smell. Sometimes scarlet or dark red blood may be discharged. Bleeding is associated with endometrial dysfunction, damage to the vaginal or cervical epithelium.
• Gray.
  Such leucorrhoea is the result of a disturbance in the vaginal microflora, which is accompanied by a decrease in the number of beneficial Doderlein bacilli and the colonization of the vagina by pathogenic bacteria. The discharge is thick, foul-smelling, or has a fishy odor.
• Yellow.
  Such discharge is typical for infectious lesions of the reproductive system. The symptom develops as a result of an intense inflammatory reaction in the vagina, disruption of the exocrine glands. Leucorrhoea can be either thick or watery and foamy.
• Purulent (yellow-green
  ). Thick, often creamy vaginal discharge indicates a bacterial infection. The characteristic color is due to dead leukocytes. Abundant leucorrhoea with a specific purulent odor occurs when the uterus, its appendages are damaged, abscesses and cysts are opened.

Vaginal discharge is also classified by smell - in a number of patients, leucorrhoea has a sour, putrid, fetid aroma. Quite often there is a discharge with the smell of fish, sometimes the stench of rotten meat is felt. Taking into account the localization of the pathological process that caused leucorrhoea, they are divided into vestibular, vaginal, and cervical (cervical). With discharge that forms in the uterus and appendages, they speak of corporal and tubal leucorrhoea.

Which doctor should I contact if I have abnormal vaginal discharge?

If you have discharge of an unnatural color, smell or consistency, you should visit a gynecologist. The doctor will ask about symptoms, conduct a visual examination, take a swab from the vagina and make a diagnosis based on the test results. Analysis of vaginal discharge will show whether there is a bacterial, viral or fungal infection, and what the degree of infection is. After this, an ultrasound examination of the organs of the reproductive system is prescribed. An ultrasound will show the size of the organs of the female system, their position, the presence of neoplasms, for example, cysts or tumors, and will help to specify the diagnosis. In addition, the doctor prescribes a general blood test, cytological examination and/or colposcopy.

In case of a cyst or tumor, additional consultation with an oncologist will be required. If heavy discharge occurs due to stress, it is useful to consult a psychologist. If sexually transmitted diseases are detected, a consultation with an immunologist will be required. For long-term illnesses, it is useful to consult an immunologist and assess your immune status. If there is heavy discharge due to allergies, it is recommended to consult an allergist. In children, unhealthy discharge is assessed by a pediatric gynecologist and pediatrician.

How to treat abnormal vaginal discharge

Treatment of problematic discharge should always be carried out with the participation of a doctor after a thorough diagnosis.

For bacterial infection and inflammation associated with it, antimicrobial drugs are prescribed. Antibiotics are prescribed orally and locally in the form of suppositories, creams, and ointments.

For fungal infections, antifungal drugs are prescribed. It is worth remembering that thrush is a local manifestation of extensive fungal damage to the body, and its treatment is not limited to suppositories and creams. The bulk of the fungus is located in the intestines, so it is worth treating the entire body as a whole, and not just the vagina.

For viral infections, antiviral drugs are prescribed. Viruses are dangerous organisms, and doctors have not yet learned how to effectively treat them. Increasing immunity plays a vital role here.

If tumors appear, they can be treated conservatively or removed. Here, the decisive role is played by the nature of the neoplasm - benign or malignant - and the speed of its development.

In case of intrauterine pregnancy with a threat of miscarriage, the patient is sent to the hospital, the condition of the uterus, placenta, and fetus is examined. In case of an ectopic pregnancy, immediate removal of the fertilized egg from the woman’s body is required.

In any case, when unhealthy discharge appears, very careful hygiene is required, since many pathological discharges corrode the skin of the genitals. Sometimes the doctor prescribes baths with medicinal solutions and douching.

There are many traditional methods for treating discharge. They sometimes help, but sometimes they can blur the clinical picture and complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Among the folk methods, washing with herbal decoctions is considered safe and useful. Chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort relieve inflammation, increase local immunity and soothe irritated skin. Under no circumstances should foreign objects be inserted into the vagina, as some folk recipes advise. This can harm the microflora and injure the already irritated vaginal mucosa.

How to prevent abnormal vaginal discharge

The first rule for preventing painful discharge is regular hygiene. You need to wash yourself every time after visiting the toilet and in the evening before going to bed. Washing is carried out with clean warm water and special products for intimate hygiene. Regular soap can destroy natural microflora and promote the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Hot water kills beneficial lactobacilli, and cold water can worsen a viral infection.

Underwear should be changed daily. Linen should allow air to pass through and absorb moisture, so it is recommended to use linen made from natural fabrics - cotton, linen. Synthetic underwear cannot be worn constantly. Tight underwear and thongs contribute to irritation of the genital skin and reduce local immunity. Gynecologists do not recommend using panty liners, as they interfere with air exchange. It's better to change your underwear more often.

Nutrition also influences the nature of discharge. Consuming large quantities of sweet foods increases blood sugar and promotes the rapid proliferation of Candida fungi.

Treatment

Help before diagnosis

Clear vaginal discharge that occurs during or before ovulation does not require specific treatment. Women are advised to maintain hygiene standards and use panty liners. It is advisable to reduce the amount of cosmetic products used for intimate hygiene so as not to cause irritation of the reproductive organs or allergies. If the color or consistency of the discharge changes, or an unpleasant odor appears in the discharge, you should contact a gynecologist to find out the cause of the disorder.

Conservative therapy

If the patient has an inflammatory process in the genitals or extragenital pathology, the treatment regimen is selected individually. Systemic drug therapy is complemented by local effects: baths with antiseptics and medicinal herbal decoctions are indicated; vaginal suppositories with lactobacilli are used to restore the vaginal microflora. The most commonly used medications are:

• Anthelmintic drugs
  . Selectively act on pathogens of helminthic infestations at different stages of the life cycle. Medicines are combined with vaginal antiseptics in the form of suppositories to quickly eliminate the cause of discharge.
• Antiviral drugs
  . Prescribed for confirmed viral etiology of clear discharge. Drugs with antiviral activity are used, both local (in the form of creams, ointments, vaginal suppositories) and systemic (tablets, injection solutions). The basic agents are acyclovir and interferon. For preventive purposes, before sexual debut, women are recommended to be vaccinated against herpes and against HPV.
• Antihistamines
  . Effectively relieve itching and discomfort in allergic vaginitis, reduce the amount of discharge. For severe systemic allergies, short-term use of corticosteroid tablets is indicated.
• Vitamins
  . Retinol (vitamin A) improves the condition of the epithelial layer of the genital tract, eliminates irritation and itching. Alpha tocopherol is prescribed to normalize hormonal levels and increase progesterone levels in the second phase of the cycle.
• Destruction of condylomas
  . Various methods are used to remove genital warts: cryosurgery, laser coagulation, chemical destruction, radio wave surgery, etc. Combination therapy, which involves a combination of a destructive method and antiviral therapy, significantly reduces the percentage of relapses of genital warts.

The key condition for complete recovery in diseases during which transparent leucorrhoea is released is taking the prescribed treatment under the supervision of a gynecologist until the symptoms completely disappear. Subsequently, a preventive examination by a specialist is recommended once every six months, sufficient rest, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits or taking vitamin complexes, avoiding contact with allergens, careful adherence to intimate hygiene, and the use of barrier contraception.