If thick white discharge appears in women, then it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. The female body is designed in such a way that to maintain natural environment vaginas constantly secrete viscous stringy discharge. Thanks to this, microflora is preserved in the woman’s genital organs, self-cleansing of dead cells, bacteria, menstrual blood. Normally, the discharge is colorless and odorless. This symptom does not appear in girls until puberty.
Before you find out which discharge is considered normal (creamy, transparent, viscous), you need to find out its composition:
The quality of the discharge depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle (the beginning is counted from the 1st day of menstruation). From the end of menstruation until the 12-13th day of the cycle, weak discharge is observed. They are watery (mucoid), transparent, whitish or yellowish in color. The discharge has no odor or it is sour. Before menstruation, the volume of discharge increases. By days 14-16 of the cycle, discharge becomes abundant. This is due to the period of ovulation - the maturation of the egg. At this moment, the most favorable environment for fertilization of a mature egg is created. In a humid environment, it is easier for sperm to move. From the 16th day of the cycle, white creamy discharge appears. A white or yellowish tint of discharge (leukorrhea) appears as a result of exfoliation of dead cells from the walls of the epithelium of the vagina and uterus. Doctors identify natural factors that have a direct impact on the nature of the discharge: 
During pregnancy, thick, white, odorless discharge indicates increased secretion of the hormone progesterone. This is the body’s reaction to protect the embryo from infection. During sexual intercourse, the female body produces more mucus. It is transparent and more liquid. But after unprotected sex, you can see white clots - this is sperm.
The nature of the discharge indicates disorders occurring in the woman’s body. Excessive white, cheesy, thick discharge from the vagina, which is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the form of burning or itching, may be a sign of certain diseases. In 70% of cases, these symptoms indicate the appearance of thrush. Candidiasis is caused by a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. This microorganism is considered opportunistic and causes disease under certain conditions. It often lives on mucous membranes in 80% healthy women. The acidic environment of the vagina, which is created by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (90% of all bacteria), does not allow the pathogenic fungus to multiply. Thrush can be caused by: 
According to statistics, residents of cities and hot countries are more likely to suffer from thrush. The risk of the disease increases in pregnant women. With candidiasis, girls and women experience the following symptoms:
Thrush can appear in teenagers, adults and elderly woman. This is due to the fact that the fungus also lives on the mucous membranes oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract. The microorganism is easily transferred by hand from other mucous membranes to the genitals. Candidiasis is transmitted sexually, during pregnancy or childbirth. In the latter case, infection occurs in the mother's womb if she is a carrier of the fungus. The microorganism can enter the baby’s body through amniotic fluid or from the mucous membranes during childbirth birth canal. In this case, the child is born a carrier of Candida. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, they are tested for fungus.
If necessary, appropriate treatment is carried out. Candidiasis requires mandatory and immediate treatment. Otherwise, the disease will progress to chronic form, spreading to internal organs. Treatment is required for both sexual partners. Another reason for changes in discharge may be gardnerellosis, a condition of vaginal dysbiosis. In this case, a disturbance in the composition of the microflora is observed, the number of lactobacilli, which support acid-base balance. There is an increase in the number of gardnerella, which provoke inflammation of the vagina and cervix. During the period of such dysbacteriosis, white discharge with a grayish tint and an unpleasant odor appears rotten fish. Characterized by cutting pain in the vagina, itching, burning. This bacterium is detected in 20% of healthy women, but in small quantities it is harmless.
The causes of inflammation against the background of an increase in the number of gardnerella can be:
If symptoms of gardnerellosis are detected, you should consult a doctor.
Every woman should know her body in order to promptly notice disturbances in its functioning.
To reduce the risk of disease, preventive measures must be followed. Doctors recommend paying special attention to personal hygiene. A specialist will help you choose a remedy for intimate hygiene, taking into account the characteristics of the patient’s body. Water procedures carried out 2 times a day. It is recommended to wear underwear made from natural fabrics. Doctors advise against using sanitary pads daily. They prevent air penetration, creating a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. Otherwise, intimate hygiene products are changed frequently. For timely detection women's diseases It is recommended to be regularly examined by a gynecologist.
Throughout life, women have white discharge very often; normally, they are always present; accordingly, in medicine they are divided into physiological and pathological, the latter discharge being called leucorrhoea. Vaginal discharge depends on many physiological factors, but they can also be a signal of trouble in the body. How to figure this out, and what do you need to know? First of all, the amount of vaginal discharge is necessarily associated with age. IN different periods Women have different hormonal conditions.
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Even newborn girls have the first mucous discharge, their presence is explained by the remnants of maternal hormones, they disappear on their own after a month, and the next time they normally appear at the age of 8-11 years, at this time the girl’s body is just beginning to produce its own female hormones- estrogens. Usually this mucus has a pleasant lactic acid odor, resembles rice water or liquid protein, is secreted inconsistently, periodically, and is white, sometimes with a yellowish tint. In the prepubertal period, the first leucorrhoea occurs in girls aged 12-13 years in connection with the onset of sexual development, then they indicate the approach of menarche; In girls, puberty is forming, significant hormonal changes occur, all processes occur more actively than in women during the period of maturity and menopause. Depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle, on sexual arousal, after intimacy, during pregnancy, the consistency of the discharge may vary slightly.
When menstruation occurs during puberty, the discharge changes depending on the stage of the cycle: it may increase before menstruation, then in the first half there is less discharge, it is often watery, it can be mucous, with white lumps; from the 13-14th day of the menstrual cycle, i.e. in the second half, leucorrhoea becomes profuse, viscous, transparent, more mucous, sometimes whitish, similar to egg white, more sticky, they have a sour milk smell, because lactobacilli produce more lactic acid during this period. This is provided by nature, because the walls of the vagina loosen after ovulation, becoming more vulnerable to microbes, and increased amount In these cases, acid serves as a barrier against them; this usually lasts up to 3 days and is also the norm.
Before next menstruation the volume of secretions increases again. In girls, discharge occurs in large quantities, this is due to the formation hormonal balance, with age, and towards maturity, when there are no hormone disruptions, the body is stabilized, hormonal system functions differently, and the substance released from the vagina will be noticeably smaller in volume. When sexual activity occurs, the nature of vaginal discharge will change due to the addition of the contents of the male partner's urethra, it is different from vaginal mucus, and the vagina will adapt for some time. In this case, the volume of discharge may increase; the discharge not only increases, it becomes watery and pale yellow in color.
During unprotected sex and a few hours later, the volume of discharge increases several times, they become like white clots, and after a few hours everything goes away, normalizes, the secretion liquefies again, becomes abundant, there is no need to get rid of it by douching, because... this is the norm. If sex is protected, then the subsequent reaction will resemble white lubricant. If menstruation is delayed and a woman has white discharge instead, this will indicate pregnancy; in the first trimester of pregnancy, leucorrhoea also increases, it is liquid, whitish or transparent, stretchy, there is no smell, no pain, this is the result of hormonal changes.
In the last trimester of pregnancy, the discharge increases again, and this indicates that labor is approaching, usually a week before it. Before childbirth, the cervix dilates, a thick, large lump or clot of mucus comes out of it, this coincides with the onset of contractions. If the lump is large and liquid, the amniotic fluid may be leaking or starting to leak, then you need to urgently go to the doctor. If there are blood impurities in the leucorrhea, this may indicate the onset of a miscarriage, premature birth, or ectopic pregnancy, then you should urgently call an ambulance.
After completion labor activity, while breastfeeding, a woman can take contraceptives; in these cases, scanty, thick white discharge appears in women - leucorrhoea. There should always be vaginal discharge; this is normal. The inside of the vagina is covered with mucous, which produces this mucus. The vagina is constantly inhabited by lactic acid bacteria, which also produce their own secretion; they predominate in the microflora of the vagina and are beneficial in that they create a protective environment for the vagina and genitals. The vaginal reaction is normally always slightly acidic, pH does not exceed 4.5.
This vaginal reaction has a detrimental effect on pathogenic flora. In addition, the vagina constantly cleanses itself, dead cells of the uterus and vagina, bacteria, remnants of menstrual blood and mucus secreted by the cervix, waste secretion of the Bartholin glands from the vestibule of the vagina, dead leukocytes come out of it with mucus. At the same time normal discharge often white, can be transparent, odorless, never remain on the laundry and do not stain it, they are liquid, watery, do not cause inconvenience, their volume is no more than 1 tsp, then in this case we are talking about the norm, it should be so, bad smell absent, microflora is healthy. During menopause there are very few of them; gynecologists then talk about a dry vagina.
Any deviations from the specified parameters are pathology. According to experts, there are more than 100 factors due to which leucorrhoea can change its color, smell, consistency, so based on color alone, not a single gynecologist will tell you the exact reason for the changes. In any case it is necessary full examination. Normally, in addition to lactobacilli, the vagina also contains the so-called opportunistic flora. These are the pathogens that good immunity they cannot begin to multiply and cause various diseases, they cannot cause harm yet, but if for some reason the immunity has decreased, the body has weakened, then these hidden conductors appear on the stage and begin to lead the orchestra.
In addition to immunity, risk factors may include the following: douching, especially with antiseptics that contain chlorine and other aggressive elements; use of contraceptives in the form of suppositories, tablets, spermicidal lubricants and lubricants containing 9-nonoxynol; long-term uncontrolled use of various antibiotics; use of complex drugs Polizhinaks, Terzhinan; sedentary unhealthy image life and physical inactivity, which contribute to stagnation venous blood in the pelvis; variety of sexual partners; violations and non-compliance with hygiene rules intimate areas; synthetic low-quality underwear, chemically aggressive hygiene products for intimate areas; using latex condoms - for women they are often allergenic; too intense sex is fraught with microtrauma to the genitals.
First, it is necessary to say the classification of the discharge itself. According to the origin of the discharge there are:
You should know that in order to treat and raise the question of pathology, 3 points must be present:
Signs of pathology:
With staphylococcus, the discharge is always liquid and sticky; Gonorrhea is accompanied by yellowish or greenish, foamy discharge; with fungal etiology, leucorrhoea always looks like cottage cheese, flakes, lumps, and is accompanied by itching. If there are blood impurities, oncology is possible. No doctor will be satisfied with even the most characteristic discharge in a patient with just an examination; the fact is that many diseases have similar symptoms, so a detailed examination is always necessary.
Self-diagnosis is excluded. First, collect a detailed history, then the most common research methods: gynecological examination using mirrors, this will reveal the presence of inflammation and discharge on the walls of the vagina, cervix, and it is possible to study the nature of the discharge. Then a bimanual examination is performed - a digital examination of the vagina, uterus and ovaries, the second hand presses on abdominal wall- this is how the structure and size of palpated organs are determined.
A smear is taken on bacteriological examination, smear analysis using PCR for suspected STIs, colposcopy to exclude cervical dysplasia and erosion, smear for flora and its microscopic examination. Transvaginal ultrasound is prescribed for cervical erosion, inflammation of the uterine appendages and the uterus itself. Carrying out a cultural method of research (bacterial culture), although it takes a lot of time, is accurate, reliable, and moreover, it reveals the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics.
These include candidiasis, gardnerellosis, bacterial vaginitis. The causative agents of these pathologies are opportunistic microflora vagina (fungi and bacteria), which is activated and multiplies when immunity decreases, the body weakens, etc. These pathogens not only multiply, they also destroy beneficial microflora. The vaginal microflora is disrupted when hormonal disorders, poor nutrition with a predominance of sweet, spicy dishes, with endocrine disorders, insufficient intimate hygiene, stress.
The causes of thrush, or candidiasis, are: decreased immunity, taking antibiotics, frequent douching, and the use of chamomile, soda and potassium permanganate when douching during thrush is generally unacceptable, untimely change of tampons during menstruation, various diets, the predominance of sweet and starchy foods in the diet and sour sauces, stress, pregnancy, aggressive sexual intercourse, long-term use intrauterine device, use of colored flavored toilet paper, use of aggressive intimate hygiene products, taking oral contraceptives, hormone disruptions. Thrush can be caused by any disease that is accompanied by decreased immunity: HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes, STIs.
Men can also get thrush; their symptoms are mild, and children and teenagers can also get thrush. Thrush occurs regardless of whether a woman is sexually active.
Symptoms of thrush: abundant white mucous, but more often curdled discharge and itching, sometimes there may be white flakes and yellowish curdled lumps, burning in the vagina, especially when a woman sits with her legs crossed, often pain during sex, pain in the lower abdomen. There is a lactic acid smell. The genitals are hyperemic, swollen, there are cracks, and pain. Leucorrhoea usually intensifies before menstruation, the itching and burning do not go away even after a shower, on the contrary, they only intensify. This discharge lasts 4-5 days, then goes away if there are no provoking factors. But this does not mean recovery, the disease simply becomes chronic, its symptoms appear again and again at the slightest provoking factors, and it is difficult to treat.
If you try to treat candidiasis on your own and insert suppositories without first undergoing tests, such treatment is irrational; this will contribute to the transition of thrush to a chronic form. The fact is that thrush rarely occurs on its own; it is always combined with an STI, diabetes mellitus, HIV, tumors. To clarify the diagnosis, a smear is taken for microflora, there will be large number leukocytes and fungi. Used for treatment antifungal drugs, complex drugs are not effective.
Gardnerellosis is caused by Gardnerella vaginalis, which is activated when factors are favorable to it. Often in diagnoses, next to gardnerellosis, the diagnosis is made bacterial vaginosis, the fact is that vaginosis does not have an inflammatory component, with vaginosis there is simply a decrease in lactobacilli, they are replaced by polymicrobial groups - gardnerella, anaerobes, which in this case are diverse, but there are no leukocytes in vaginal secretions, so the term vaginitis is not used here. Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell of rotten fish, and this smell can be heard from a distance, the discharge is strong, at first white, grayish, then it can become greenish or orange as inflammation develops; there is always itching, burning, as you can see, the symptoms at first are similar to thrush; to clarify the diagnosis, a smear on the flora is required, especially since the treatment for these diseases is different: gardnerella is resistant to tetracyclines, sulfonamides, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, it works very well on them Metronidazole, Isoconazole, Clotrimazole, etc., slightly less Clindamycin and Ampicillin.
Bacterial vaginitis develops when there are disturbances in the vaginal microflora, more often after taking antibiotics, and develops with candidiasis and trichomoniasis. Nonspecific vaginitis has similar symptoms to the above pathologies: itching, burning, white discharge, pain when urinating. The treatment is complex, aimed at the infection, relieving inflammation and restorative therapy. Hexicon suppositories, made from tablet forms, are especially effective antimicrobial agents Tinidazole, Ornidazole, Metronidazole are used in recent years Ginalgin, Polygynax, Terzhinan. To restore beneficial microflora, suppositories with probiotics are prescribed.
Carrying out preventive treatment does not have an effect, relapses do not decrease from it. Both diseases are not considered purely STIs, but can be transmitted sexually, especially during exacerbations, and, moreover, given their appearance not as a mono-infection, but as a polyinfection, they must be examined. Prevention will consist of controlling your secretions, mandatory examination if you suspect the appearance of pathology, maintain proper intimate hygiene.
A regular menstrual cycle is the key to the health of every woman, but sometimes during absolutely normal periods unusual discharge is observed, which frightens many. These include the appearance of blood clots. They usually come out in chunks and are very disturbing to women. Usually, if it looks like meat, you should contact medical care. Sometimes the cause of such discharge is inflammatory process in the body or gynecological diseases.
Approximately one in three women experience discharge in the form of large pieces of blood during menstruation. They can be divided into two groups, the first of which is the norm and is not accompanied by others dangerous symptoms. The second type appears due to the presence of a gynecological disease in the body.
Throughout the menstrual cycle, the inner lining of the uterus gradually becomes thicker, thus preparing for possible fertilization. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrial layer, along with the blood, is torn off and comes out of the vagina, sometimes in the form of pieces of exfoliated endometrium, which is not a pathology.
Menstrual blood has a dark red color and a characteristic odor. Usually there are no clots present, but some women report the appearance of small pieces of blood as a monthly occurrence.
They appear when the enzymes responsible for its coagulation cannot cope with heavy discharge, so it can coagulate directly into the vagina. For this reason, pieces that look like meat come out, but in fact it is just coagulated blood. When a clot comes out of the vagina, like skin or tissue, it may just be separated endometrium.
Despite the fact that discharge in the form of clots is considered normal, in most cases you need to consult a gynecologist about this. You should urgently seek medical help in the following cases:
If during menstruation a clot comes out simultaneously with other symptoms, a pathological process may develop in the body.
When a woman's periods are usually long and heavy, there is no need to worry about this. But there are other reasons for the appearance of atypical discharge.
The enzymatic system is responsible for the normal process of blood clotting in women, failures in which lead to the appearance of small clots, which changes the nature of the discharge. They contain particles that did not have time to coagulate in time. If a woman's blood clots too quickly, a clot will certainly appear during her period.
A lack of enzymes most often leads to poor coagulation and the release of meat-like pieces. Such discharge also occurs with anemia in women. If at the same time as clots, weakness, high temperature, you can’t put off visiting a doctor.
An intrauterine device, which is used to protect against unwanted pregnancy, also often causes bleeding in the form of pieces. After its installation, menstruation changes slightly. Clots appear due to the fact that foreign body in the form of a spiral, does not always take root well in the female body, and also due to rejection of the fertilized egg.
Almost always, when installing an IUD, the color, nature and consistency of menstrual blood changes. A large piece also comes out due to the septum on the cervix, when the spiral does not allow the egg to attach to the walls of the uterus, and it comes out of the vagina in the form of bloody pieces. In this case, a large clot will appear every time during menstruation.
Changes in the structure of the uterine wall lead to the formation of adhesions. The uterine cavity is affected by the adhesive process and because of this, the normal menstrual cycle is disrupted. Menstruation can be quite scanty, but with the presence of clots, the size and number of which depend on the degree of development of adhesions.
Without treatment, adhesive formations often result in the absence of menstruation and infertility, so it is necessary to consult a specialist for any changes in menstrual blood.
When endometrial cells grow locally, polyps form. Because of them, a large clot may appear during menstruation. Endometrial polyposis is characterized by strong cutting pains. True, clots can come out at almost any time during the menstrual cycle. Discharge during polyposis increases, but its nature depends on the size of the polyps, which can separate and come out of the vagina as a clot.
Women who have just given birth have no reason to worry, for whom heavy periods with pieces of blood are the norm. Childbirth is complex process, why female body it takes a lot of effort to recover from them. After the birth of a child, excess epithelium comes out of the uterus simultaneously with bloody discharge to best clean its cavity.
During childbirth, the uterus participates in the process of the birth of a child. It contracts intensely, and after the newborn comes the placenta. But blood clots still remain in the cavity female organ and then come out with menstruation. Such discharge should not bother a woman unless it is accompanied by a rise in temperature and poor health.
Sometimes the discharge of pieces of blood or tissue can mean termination of pregnancy. Spontaneous abortion or medical intervention leads to discharge of this kind.
After an artificial termination of pregnancy, women will always have within ten days. In general, this is a normal phenomenon, because the body needs to cleanse itself of excess clots in the uterine cavity. Such discharge is not considered menstruation, but a kind of body response to stress after an abortion. Their duration depends on the individual health characteristics of the woman.
The color and size of bloody discharge plays an important role in this process. Very large pieces of blood, pain in the abdomen, and fever should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor. The type and amount of blood released depends on the type of abortion. At drug interruption pregnancy profuse bleeding observed only in the first days after taking the drugs, and then they acquire a spotting character.
Vacuum and surgical abortion characterized by copious discharge. Availability of any additional symptoms at the same time can be dangerous to a woman’s life.
A large blood clot in some cases means miscarriage in early pregnancy. One more characteristic feature miscarriage is the appearance of cerumen with yellow tint mucus. Conception is interrupted by various reasons when the fertilized egg is not accepted by the body.
Good afternoon Please help me understand the problem. The break from sex was 9 months. Then a permanent partner appeared. From the first days intimate life the following began - it was DURING and AFTER sexual intercourse that white lumps remained on the partner’s penis, and at first this did not cause much discomfort because there weren't many of them. (I note that sexual intercourse without a condom is interrupted). I didn’t pay much attention to this problem, because... V everyday life There was no discharge that particularly bothered me and there was no itching. After about six months, the number of white lumps increased. Eventually the moment came when there were a lot of them. This is already starting to bother me! Again, there was no itching, the discharge was small and whitish. On the advice of a friend (thinking it was thrush), I used neo-penotran suppositories for 7 days. - they helped right away! after the first days of use (course of 7 suppositories). Nothing bothered me for exactly 2 months! And then at one moment it’s on you! - during sexual intercourse, so much came out like never before! The next day I went to the gynecologist. She took a smear, and while still in the chair said that it was probably thrush, because... He can already see by the discharge (I note that the lumps appear only during sexual intercourse! - it feels like the partner is “scraping out” them from there, or something...). Gynecologist She said the tests will come later, but in the meantime, buy lomixin - 2 capsules, and lomixin cream. I inserted the capsules on the first day and three days later. I started using the cream only probably on the 5th day - and I used it according to the instructions, i.e. I inserted a piston with cream deep into the vagina. I used it for 6 days, and this is what alerted me! For the first 4 days, the cream I introduced at night and the next day came out of the vagina, also white. But on the 5th and 6th day - for some reason it was pinkish! Why?? Is this normal?? It’s clearly visible that this is a cream, but for some reason it turned pink...((I did everything according to the instructions, there was no pain when inserting the piston... I’m just worried why the cream inside me suddenly turned pink?? ((When I came for tests (this was when I had already administered 2 capsules but had just started using the cream), the doctor said the analysis did not show thrush fungus... And she said when you finish using the cream, come to reanalysis. Let's take a swab for... culture?? if I remember correctly. Well, as I understand it, a more accurate analysis. I'm going one of these days. Help me figure out what this is?? To be honest, I myself am more inclined towards bacterial vaginosis - because... the day before the relapse, I swam in the lake with a tampon (it was the last day of my period), maybe that’s why it all started suddenly and again? If this is vaginosis, then it should be treated with something else..? Or maybe I should take some more tests for hidden infections?? If so, which ones? I really hope for your help, thank you very much!
Vaginal discharge: causes of its occurrence, as well as effective methods therapyDoes vaginal discharge always indicate the presence of a disease? In what cases is vaginal discharge considered normal?
Vaginal discharge can occur even in completely healthy women, and this state is considered normal. Signs of healthy vaginal discharge include:
Vaginal discharge - what can it be?
Below, readers will be presented with information regarding the most common forms of vaginal discharge, as well as the reasons that provoke their development.
Vaginal discharge of varying colors, smells and consistency
We already said a little higher that all healthy representatives of the fairer sex experience watery, transparent and colorless vaginal discharge. If they acquire a different consistency, a specific smell or some color, then, most likely, some kind of disease has settled in the woman’s body:
Bloody (red) vaginal discharge is a signal that vaginal discharge there is blood. In most cases, this type of discharge occurs two to four days before the onset of menstruation, after which it turns into heavy discharge along with the onset of menstruation. It is worth noting that this type of discharge tends to occur several days after menstruation. If the discharge is not abundant, then it is better for the woman not to panic. This phenomenon is especially common in women who wear IUDs.
Quite often, spotting is blackish or brown in color, which indicates the fact of oxidation, as well as destruction of blood in the vagina.
There are also cases when a woman experiences spotting, which contains a small amount of blood. As a rule, perimenstrual bleeding does not have a specific odor.
Sometimes light spotting is observed at the time of ovulation, as well as in women who wear a spiral or use oral contraception. In case constant occurrence this phenomenon against the background of wearing an intrauterine device or using contraceptives, it is necessary to discuss this fact with a gynecologist, having previously made an appointment with him for a consultation.
If bloody vaginal discharge is in no way associated with menstrual cycle, then they can be considered a signal of the presence of some pathology.
In most cases, this type of discharge makes itself felt:
Purulent vaginal discharge are observed in such infectious pathologies as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, thrush, gonorrhea and others. As a rule, this type of discharge also causes a feeling of discomfort in the genital area and itching. Sometimes women also complain of pain in the lumbar region or lower abdomen. During pregnancy, whitish, viscous vaginal discharge is considered to be a normal condition if the expectant mother does not experience other symptoms of the disease.
Curdled, foamy, thick vaginal discharge
A change in the consistency of vaginal discharge is also considered to be one of the clear signs of the presence of a particular pathology. We already said a little higher that normal discharge must be liquid, similar to mucus. If the discharge is white, cheesy or foamy, then most likely the woman has some kind of infectious disease.
Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
The appearance of vaginal discharge with a specific odor indicates the presence of an infectious pathology. The smell in this case can be either sour or rotten or reminiscent of the smell of fish. It occurs against the background of the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, which tend to decompose nutritional components, while releasing gases with a very unpleasant odor.
Vaginal discharge before and after sexual intercourse
At the moment of sexual arousal, the vaginal glands of the fair sex tend to intensively synthesize vaginal lubrication, so that a large amount of liquid transparent discharge, which is noted before and during sexual intercourse, is considered to be the norm. Women should not be afraid of the appearance of thick heavy discharge and after sexual intercourse. The fact is that if sexual intercourse took place without using a condom, then it is quite possible that in this way the vagina is trying to cleanse itself of sperm. In most cases, this type of discharge disappears in a fairly short period of time.
If a woman experiences spotting during or after sex, then most likely she has cervical erosion.
The appearance of yellow, purulent, white, gray or greenish discharge A few days or weeks after sexual intercourse is considered to be a signal of the occurrence of some infectious disease.
Vaginal discharge as a symptom of infection
Vaginal discharge is considered to be a clear sign of the development of an infectious pathology of the genital tract in only a few cases. Largest quantity pathologies in which vaginal discharge is noted are infectious and transmitted during sexual intercourse.
To the very common reasons The development of vaginal discharge may include:
Diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis
Put accurate diagnosis urogenital trichomoniasis, taking into account only the presence of discharge and some other symptoms of this pathology, is impossible.
To identify this pathology, studies such as:
Therapy for urogenital trichomoniasis is possible only if the woman has been given a truly accurate diagnosis of this pathology. Among the most effective medicines, used in the fight against this pathology, can be considered: Nimorazole, Metronidazole , Ornidazole, Tinidazole and others. It is very important that the treatment of this disease is carried out under the vigilant supervision of a doctor. Self-treatment in this case it is not recommended to carry out this procedure, since this pathology with irrational treatment it can become chronic. As a rule, during therapy for urogenital trichomoniasis, vaginal discharge initially becomes weaker and then disappears completely. It is also important to draw the readers’ attention to the fact that the absence of discharge is not a fact. complete healing, so the course of treatment must be completed to the end. How long it will last will be determined by your attending physician.
Bacterial vaginosis as a reason contributing to the development of vaginal discharge
Bacterial vaginosis is a very common pathology accompanied by discharge that has an unpleasant odor. This disease occurs as a result of a very strong growth of bacteria directly on the vaginal mucosa. In a healthy state, these bacteria are also present in the vagina, but only in very small quantities. These can be counted as Peptococci, so Gerdenerella vaginalis
, Bacteroides and others. With the development of this pathology, a woman experiences white vaginal discharge with a fishy odor. To make a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, information about the presence of discharge alone is not enough.
Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis involves the use of such research methods as:
Therapy for bacterial vaginosis involves the use of local drugs, namely:
Urogenital candidiasis (thrush) as a cause contributing to the occurrence of vaginal discharge
Urogenital candidiasis is an inflammatory pathology of the genital organs in women and men, resulting from exposure to fungi of the genus Candida. In women with the development of this disease, white thick discharge is observed. In addition, they may experience discomfort and itching in the genital area. Quite often, this disease also causes pain and cramping during urination.
Diagnosis of thrush involves the use following methods research:
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Vaginal discharge is especially alarming to expectant mothers, since during this period they are responsible not only for themselves, but also for the child. In fact, every pregnant woman should special attention monitor the nature of vaginal discharge in order to “sound the alarm” at the right time.
Allocations to early stages pregnancy
A little higher we talked about the fact that abundant transparent discharge in the first months of pregnancy, which are not endowed with a specific odor, are normal.
If a woman experiences bloody discharge during this period, then this may serve as a signal of an unexpected miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Whitish or purulent vaginal discharge in the early stages of pregnancy is considered to be a sign of the development of one or another infectious pathology.
Allocations to later pregnancy
In the second trimester of pregnancy, in a healthy pregnant woman, vaginal discharge may acquire a thicker and more viscous consistency. This phenomenon is normal. If vaginal discharge is bloody, this may serve as a signal of the onset of premature labor or miscarriage, so in such cases, emergency hospitalization of the expectant mother is recommended. Vaginal discharge brown in late pregnancy quite often occur due to minor bleeding from the vessels of the cervix. In this case, a pregnant woman should also visit a doctor.
Normal discharge is small in volume, translucent, transparent or whitish in color, watery, creamy or jelly-like consistency, with a slight sour odor. Normal discharge does not irritate the genitals and does not cause discomfort, itching, redness or swelling. Also, normal discharge does not emit a strong or unpleasant odor (for example, the smell of fish, strong sour smell etc.).
In addition, slight bloody or brownish discharge 2 to 4 days before and after menstruation is considered normal. Light spotting for several days during ovulation is also considered normal.
Bloody discharge not before or after menstruation, and also not during ovulation, is considered pathological. In addition, discharge of a greenish, yellowish, grayish, earthy color, containing impurities of pus, blood, flakes, bubbles, having a cheesy or other heterogeneous consistency, producing an unpleasant pungent odor or causing itching, burning, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genital area.
If, within two weeks after sexual intercourse, the nature of the discharge changes, impurities of pus, mucus, flakes or bubbles appear in it, they turn greenish, yellowish, grayish or earthy in color, and begin to emit an unpleasant odor, then the woman can also consult a venereologist or a gynecologist, since such discharge indicates infection with an infectious disease.
First of all, for any type of discharge, the doctor prescribes a gynecological bimanual examination (by hand) and examination of the tissues of the vagina and cervix in the speculum. These studies are considered routine and are performed in mandatory when a woman goes to a medical facility regarding vaginal discharge of any nature.
Further, if there is quite heavy bleeding(blood discharge, as during menstruation, in the same or greater quantities), the doctor usually prescribes ultrasound examination(ultrasound) (endometrial hyperplasia. If the cervix is not damaged, then even with minor bleeding/bruising, hysteroscopy is prescribed, diagnostic curettage and ultrasound.
For pathological discharge inflammatory in nature(with a greenish, yellowish, grayish, earthy color, containing an admixture of pus, blood, flakes, bubbles, having a cheesy or other heterogeneous consistency, emitting an unpleasant pungent odor or leading to itching, burning, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genital area) The doctor always prescribes first flora smear (sign up), which allows us to identify a number of the following infectious diseases: candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis), gonorrhea (sign up). These sexually transmitted infections are the most common compared to others, and therefore at the first stage the doctor does not prescribe more expensive and complex tests, because a simple smear on the flora allows them to be detected.
If, based on the results of the smear, it was possible to identify candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis or gonorrhea, then the doctor can go in two ways - either immediately prescribe treatment, or take a smear from the vagina for bacteriological and mycological culture to determine which antibiotics and antifungal agents will be most destructive in relation to the infectious agent present in a particular case. If the immediately prescribed treatment turns out to be ineffective, the doctor prescribes bacteriological or mycological culture.
If, according to the results of the smear, no infectious agents were detected, but there is a picture of inflammation, then the doctor prescribes more complex tests to identify pathogenic microbes. Usually, first of all, an analysis of vaginal discharge is prescribed for the presence of Trichomonas and gonococci using the PCR method and blood test for syphilis (treponema pallidum) (sign up), since these are the pathogens that occur most often. If the results of the analysis reveal any, then treatment is prescribed.
If gonococci, Trichomonas or Treponema pallidum are not detected, then ureaplasma test (sign up), chlamydia (sign up), mycoplasma (sign up), gardnerella, bacteroides. Tests for these pathogens can be different - bacteriological culture, PCR, ELISA and various ways collecting and staining vaginal smears. The choice of analysis is made by the doctor and depends mainly on technical capabilities medical institution or on the financial capabilities of the patient, since the most accurate analyzes Most often you have to take it in private laboratories for a fee.
If the test results reveal the absence of trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, candidiasis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and gardnerellosis, but there is an inflammatory process in the genitals, then the doctor may prescribe tests for the presence of viruses - herpes virus types 1 and 2, human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, which can also provoke inflammation in the female genital organs.
Pregnant women who suspect leakage of amniotic fluid are usually prescribed a vaginal smear test for scales. In addition, there are pharmacy, ready-to-use tests for leakage of amniotic fluid, which are similar in principle to pregnancy tests. A pregnant woman can use such tests independently. Otherwise, when inflammatory vaginal discharge appears, pregnant women are prescribed the same tests as non-pregnant women. And if bleeding occurs during pregnancy, women are sent to the hospital for examination, since in such a situation they can be a sign of pregnancy complications.
