Vaginal discharge: causes, treatment and consequences

Many women do not always understand what exactly vaginal discharge should be and they often try to get rid of them with excessive personal hygiene. But secretions are a completely natural secret of the mucous membranes, which has its own unique functions like many other biological fluids in the human body (saliva, blood, gastric juice). Their absence can also indicate the presence of pathology, as well as a change in the color of vaginal discharge or quantity. In this regard, it is very important to be able to distinguish pathological signs from normal. To understand exactly which discharge can be considered normal and which cannot, you need to have an idea of ​​the symptoms of their appearance.

Normal discharge

First, let's name a list of normal vaginal discharge in women:

• Mucous, and at the same time transparent discharge, which is sometimes even plentiful, usually appears before ovulation.
• Allocations of a creamy or jelly-like consistency and profuse are natural in the first half of the monthly cycle.
• A creamy or jelly-like consistency, but scarce typical of the second half of the cycle.
• Brown discharge from the vagina is considered the norm in the first weeks on the background of taking hormonal contraceptives.
• Transparent liquid consistency may appear within a short time after sexual intercourse.
• Spotting with reddish streaks may appear before ovulation.
• White discharge from the vagina without any smell during pregnancy can increase during the entire period of gestation.

Consistency Change

Most standard vaginal discharge can change in consistency, and in addition, in color, they become thick, whitish and fluid, but should not have an unpleasant odor. Their presence is a normal condition for adult women, but with the development of a number of diseases or certain conditions, deviations from the norm are possible along with manifestations of a different color and consistency.

The main causes of discharge

The cause of unwanted vaginal discharge is primarily infectious and gynecological pathologies along with inflammatory processes, injuries and tumors of different localization, which are often accompanied by the presence of pus with blood. The granularity and density of discharge with an unpleasant odor may also be observed.

These diseases include the following ailments:

• The development of adnexitis - inflammation of the appendages.
• The presence of colpitis, which is inflammation of the vaginal mucosa.
• The appearance of vulvovaginitis, that is, the process of genital inflammation.
• The presence of cervicitis, in which the cervix becomes inflamed.
• The development of vaginitis, in which the vagina becomes inflamed.
• The appearance of vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is a lesion of the lower parts of the genitals and is caused by pathogenic fungi. This disease is also called thrush.
• The presence of trichomoniasis, which is a disease of the genitourinary system.
• The appearance of bacterial vaginosis, acting as a vaginal dysbiosis.
• The presence of gonococci, mycoplasmas, chlamydia and the like.

Cervical erosion, along with polycystic and polyps, is also often a common cause of mild bloody discharge, especially immediately after intercourse.

Are copious vaginal discharge dangerous? Let's figure it out.

Transparent highlight

Transparent secretions are the most harmless and natural look. They can occur at any moment of the menstrual cycle and usually consist of dead cells, lactic acid bacteria, and, in addition, the microflora of the vagina and other waste products that are usual for this environment. The amount of such secretions rarely becomes large, while the smell is completely absent. But the appearance of a faint and sour smell should not scare a woman either, since lactic acid bacteria, which are found in absolutely any woman, as a rule, can give it. The presence of transparent discharge from the vagina with different variations is noted in the following cases:

• Puberty from the age of ten years. Usually already at this age, the female body begins to gradually launch the reproductive systems of organs, so the discharge can be plentiful. But at the same time they will not have any smell and do not cause any discomfort.
• Approaching ovulation. During this period, the number of secretions can increase to a maximum two days before the ovulation itself.
• In the first phase of the cycle, thick, and at the same time transparent mucus can be observed.
• In the second phase of the cycle, the discharge is sparse and dense.

When to worry

In some situations, even such secretions can cause some discomfort. This can happen if a woman has any disease with an inflammatory process. The vaginal discharge with a smell should be alert. When an unpleasant odor with itching in the genital area is added to them, and urination with sexual intercourse, in turn, is accompanied by a feeling of pain, then you should go to the gynecologist, since the presence of such symptoms can indicate the development of the disease. The most common pathologies with such signs include the following ailments:

• The development of endometritis. Against the background of this disease in women, the amount of vaginal mucus increases, which is accompanied by blood clots and a sharp, and at the same time unpleasant odor.
• The appearance of salpingoophoritis. Such inflammation is also characterized by increased secretion of mucus with the appearance of an extremely unpleasant odor.
• The presence of pathology of the cervix. Against the backdrop of such an ailment, bloody impurities are usually found in the discharge.
• The appearance of dysbiosis or bacterial vaginosis. In this case, a characteristic smell arises, reminiscent of rotten fish, the discharge will be liquid, watery, and sexual intercourse will cause soreness. In addition, hyperemia is observed on the external side of the genital organs.

Green highlight

The green color of the discharge is attributed to pathological types, since a similar phenomenon serves as a sign of a whole list of pathologies that are sexually transmitted. In addition, this can talk about inflammatory processes, against the background of the development of which leukocytes are trying to fight infections, getting in large quantities into the vaginal secretion. Among the most common causes of green discharge are the following factors:

• The development of bacterial vaginosis, which is a different type of inflammation that is caused by bacteria. The reason for their appearance may be infection from a sexual partner along with normal stress or the onset of pregnancy. Probably itching with burning in the genital area.
• Trichomoniasis is also accompanied by green secretions, which can be almost the only symptom of this disease, which is extremely difficult to diagnose. In order to confirm the presence of this pathology, you should pass a special test. Thus, the presence of green secretions should serve as an occasion to visit the clinic.
• The appearance of thrush or candidiasis is also sometimes accompanied by green secretions that have a jelly-like or curdled appearance.
• During pregnancy, green secretions also appear. This happens at the very beginning due to changes and restructuring of the hormonal balance. Despite the fact that this is a normal physiological process, the activation of latent infections is likely against its background, which necessarily requires a visit to a gynecologist.
• The presence of gonorrhea. This pathology is extremely dangerous and requires a mandatory visit to the gynecologist, and, in addition, the appointment of a treatment course.
• The presence of any inflammatory process. In this case, the discharge often takes on a green appearance.

The green color of the discharge is a signal that there is a deviation from the norm. The presence of secretions of this color always speaks of changes in the female body, which must be taken very seriously.

Yellow vaginal discharge

Yellow discharge can be considered a non-hazardous phenomenon provided that their quantity is limited and there is no odor. Many changes in the female body of a natural and pathological nature can provoke such discharge. Yellow discharge is considered normal in the following cases:

• The volume of yellow discharge does not exceed a teaspoon per day.
• Lack of any smell.
• The presence of a muted and soft shade.
• Watery character, without clots and uniform consistency.

In other cases, yellow discharge from the vagina can be considered a sign of the development of pathology.

Among the most common causes of such discharge, the following factors are noted:

• The development of adnexitis, which is an inflammatory process in the genitals.
• Recently transferred birth. Vaginal discharge after childbirth is yellow, which are not accompanied by discomfort, are considered normal. This is the norm for this period, but there is always a chance of infection, since at this time the body is especially sensitive to various infections. In this regard, if the discharge is disturbing or accompanied by a certain discomfort, it is necessary to consult a doctor to consult and establish the reasons for the presence of yellow discharge.
• The appearance of salpingitis, also an inflammation.
• The presence of vaginitis. This pathology occurs with inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. In addition, the process of inflammation is supplemented by painful sensations and a feeling of itching during sexual intercourse.

What do purulent vaginal discharge mean? The appearance of gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. All these pathologies are sexually transmitted diseases, which are often accompanied by purulent discharge, which clearly indicates inflammatory processes. Another important sign of these diseases is the presence of a sharp and unpleasant smell of rotting fish.

The presence of any of these causes requires a medical examination and appropriate treatment. In case of unusual yellow discharge, it is imperative to contact the clinic and take tests.

What does white vaginal discharge mean? Now we will talk about it.

White discharge

White discharge may be present in any woman. Often their number can increase before menstruation, and, in addition, after its completion or during pregnancy. Such secretions are also called "white." You should not worry about them until their number remains small and the consistency is uniform. It is also crucial that there is no unpleasant odor. In other situations, white discharge may be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease. It can also indicate the presence of a fungal infection or inflammation. Among the most common causes of white discharge are the following factors:

• The presence of vaginitis, which is inflammation passing in the vaginal mucosa.
• The development of adnexitis - inflammation of the genital organs.
• Improper personal care products.
• Vaginal wall prolapse with colpitis.
• The development of thrush or candidiasis.
• The use of hormones for a long time.
• Some douching options that flush the flora from the vagina.
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
• Neglect of personal hygiene.

The amount of white vaginal discharge in a woman can increase dramatically immediately before ovulation, in this regard, it is extremely difficult to judge by their presence the occurrence of the disease at this time. In the event that there are large amounts of leucorrhoea in another period of the cycle or are accompanied by an unusual condition and symptoms, you should visit a gynecologist to exclude possible infections with diseases of the reproductive system.

Spotting from the vagina

Bloody discharge is considered the most dangerous, since they can be a symptom of a number of diseases, which depends on their color, and, in addition, their abundance and smell. This type of discharge must necessarily alert the woman, especially if their quantity is large and they are accompanied by pain, itching or a burning sensation. A similar discharge may be a symptom of pathologies such as:

• The development of cervical erosion.
• The presence of fibroma or adenomyosis.
• Presence of endometritis or sarcoma.
• The development of gynecological oncology.

In all these cases, vaginal discharge comes. Given that the list of diseases includes extremely dangerous diagnoses for health and life, they should certainly become an occasion to visit the appropriate doctor. True, spotting does not always mean the presence of any serious illness. In some situations, they may indicate other deviations from a healthy state:

• The presence of polyps, small ulcers, warts and other growths in the genitals, which turn out to be a source of anxiety and, as a result, spotting.
• The appearance of infection in the genitals.
• Too much dryness of the vaginal mucosa can cause a similar nature of the discharge after sexual intercourse. Often this happens in women whose age is close to menopause.
• The period after the abortion.
• The use of hormonal contraceptives unsuitable for the body.
• The onset of menopause. At this time, spotting in small quantities at different times is considered the norm.

Anyway, any of these reasons necessarily requires examination by a gynecologist. Only if a specific disease is detected, the doctor can prescribe the correct treatment, which will certainly help get rid of pathological secretions. Next, find out what treatment is carried out in the presence of unhealthy discharge.

Are brown vaginal discharge dangerous?

At the beginning of the use of oral contraceptives or an intrauterine device, the body gradually adjusts to the contraceptive. The adaptation period can last about three months, accompanied by minor spotting between periods.

In this situation, it is necessary to pay attention to discomfort, as well as the specific period of the cycle, when one or another vaginal secretion occurs. A woman can cause dark vaginal discharge:

• skipping pills;
• violation of instructions;
• taking a large dose of the drug;
• incorrectly selected view OK.

If brownish discharge of any intensity is found, you should visit a gynecologist.

Excretion treatment

Treatment of any nature of the discharge should take into account factors such as the cause of their appearance, the type of disease or deviation, the cycle period and other features of the female body. In order for the treatment to be correct, a diagnosis is carried out to establish the causes of the discharge. As part of this diagnosis, you probably need to conduct a certain study of the body:

• Surrender by the patient of cytology.
• A smear on various diseases that are transmitted sexually.
• Blood test for the presence of various diseases. The type of analysis depends on the nature of the discharge.
• Conducting a cultural study.
• Carrying out a polymerase chain reaction.
• PH measurement As part of this procedure, the acidic environment of the vagina is studied.
• Conducting a mycological study of the taken tests.

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe other studies. But to determine most common diseases, it will be enough to pass just a few tests. Treatment begins only after the doctor makes an accurate diagnosis, since it will consist of a set of special-purpose medicinal drugs. For example, in relation to sexually transmitted pathologies, this is one set, and for the inflammatory process - completely different. In addition, when detecting diseases, additional tests may be necessary along with surgical intervention or conservative therapy. Therefore, the medications prescribed by the doctor can in no case be replaced by certain analogues without his permission. We will name the most common diseases and methods of their treatment:

• With trichomoniasis, doctors prescribe treatment with Ornidazole, Metrinidazole, Nimrazole and Tinidazole.
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