Surely every woman noticed abundant white discharge (odorless and itchy) from her vagina. Many believe that this is the first bell of the appearance and development of the inflammatory process or infection. However, this is not always the case. White odorless, thick discharge can appear at different periods of the menstrual cycle and are considered the norm. But if their appearance is accompanied by additional symptoms (abdominal pain, discomfort in the perineum), then in this case you need to immediately go to the doctor. First things first.
The cause of odorless white discharge
White - the so-called discharge, which from time to time occurs in women and girls. The most common reason is self-cleaning, when dead cells and pathogenic microorganisms are removed from the vaginal cavity. By the way, the quantity and consistency may vary depending on the periods of the cycle. This is the norm.
The causes of odorless and itchy white discharge are natural processes that occur at the physiological level. Vaginal secretion is normally odorless. If you feel an unpleasant "aroma", then this is the first alarm signal that there are health problems.
Often itching, odorless white discharge in women can appear due to improper observance of genital hygiene. Irregular hygiene causes bacteria to multiply rapidly and can cause serious diseases of the genitals.
Flavourless leucorrhoea can appear for the following reasons:
- Vaginal discharge is usually of a liquid and watery consistency, they become more abundant during ovulation.
- Thick, odorless and itchy whites occur during sexual intercourse. A natural lubricant appears in the vagina so that the male genital organ easily enters. Thanks to this lubricant, both partners do not feel discomfort during intercourse.
- Leucorrhoea may increase during the period of gestation. This is necessary to protect the fetus and mother from the penetration of any infection.
- The provocation of leucorrhoea occurs when using intrauterine devices, creams with contraceptive function.
What happens in adolescents?
The odorless white discharge in adolescents is due to the onset of the menstrual cycle. It is during this period that the hormonal background is established, and the organs of the reproductive system come to the active stage, begin the production of hormones. As a result, white shades appear. The same reason is the “culprit” of the appearance of acne on the face. And girls become more irritable and emotional, there is a frequent change of mood.
In girls, abundant white discharge sometimes appears instead of menstrual blood for several months. And only after a while (2-3 months) blood begins to stand out. It is important to monitor such discharge in adolescence. So, if such a discharge of a whitish hue appears within 3-6 months, then you need to see a doctor. These secretions can be a reflection of serious hormonal disorders or an endocrine disorder.
Among women
Discharge in women with a white, odorless color can be triggered by various factors:
- the beginning of the menstrual cycle;
- ovulation;
- during pregnancy.
However, each factor is worth considering in more detail.
Types of discharge
Mucous discharge from the vagina without a pungent odor and color is considered the norm. The density of secretion may change depending on the period of the menstrual cycle. In some cases, discharge is a signal of the onset of the disease. There are several types of discharge.
Thick discharge
Such vaginal leucorrhoea has a dense creamy consistency. Most often, they indicate that the body of a woman has harmful microbes.
The source of atypical profuse leucorrhoea is fungal, viral or bacterial diseases. One of the most common is thrush, an infection of the urethra.
Liquid discharge
Such discharge is considered normal only during ovulation. Permanent watery white discharge with veins can act as signs of inflammation in the cervical canal or erosion.
If leucorrhoea has a yellowish tint with a pungent odor, then this is a signal for the appearance of diseases such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea with chlamydia.
Mucous discharge
Discharges of this nature are perceived in two versions: the norm and the signal about the disease. If leucorrhoea does not stop throughout the cycle and resembles a dense snot, it is urgently necessary to consult a doctor.
Often, mucous discharge with a sharp unpleasant odor is accompanied by itching. Such symptoms may reflect diseases such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, vaginosis, thrush, gonorrhea.
Cheesy discharge
Such whites have the smell of sour milk. This is a clear primary sign of candidiasis (thrush). This disease can occur as a result of inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, which causes the fungus. The cottage cheese of a yellowish tint is odorless - this is the first sign that the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the appendages are infected with a bacterial infection.
The inflammatory process in the uterine appendages (adnexitis, salpingitis, salpingoophoritis) is usually accompanied by copious discharge, and if the stage is already chronic, on the contrary, in a small amount. Greenish-colored cottage cheese whites are a sure sign of trichomoniasis, colpitis, inflammation of the urethra, urinary system, or bacterial vaginosis.
The beginning of the menstrual cycle
Many women believe that the onset of menstruation must be marked by abundant vaginal bleeding. However, this is not entirely true. For the uterus to clear its menstrual blood, its neck must open. However, in this case, there is a high risk of various infections entering the uterine cavity. To do this, the body protects itself, activating all the forces. As a result, the uterus secretes copious mucous secretions that pass through the cervix, thereby purifying it. This process can last from two to three days. Then comes the usual menstruation.
Usually at this time, you can notice abundant discharge, odorless and not irritating to the skin on the labia. Of course, if other symptoms occur, then this may indicate the development of an inflammatory process or infection. In this case, you should immediately consult a specialist.
Ovulation
A white discharge, odorless, but usually mucous and with a thick consistency, occurs during ovulation. This appears due to a hormonal jump, activating the activity of the glands.
It is the glands that are responsible for the production of this mucus, located on the mucous membrane of the cervix. This mucus is responsible for the process of purification from pathogenic microorganisms and prepares the uterus for the adoption of a fertilized egg.
During pregnancy
Liquid odorless white discharge is observed during pregnancy. By the way, a woman may not even suspect the appearance of an “interesting situation”, taking these allocations as a harbinger of the onset of menstruation. However, soon the discharge becomes abundant, and menstruation does not appear.
This phenomenon is due to the fact that there is an active production of hormones that are necessary to maintain pregnancy in the first trimester. This is the norm.
White mucous discharge of a viscous consistency may appear at the end of the third trimester a few weeks before birth. The reason is the cork is moving away from the cervix. Such odorless discharge does not cause any irritation, but it may contain streaks of blood.
After intercourse
Odorless white discharge may occur immediately after unprotected intercourse or after a few hours. The reason is the cleaning of the vagina from male sperm. Allocations can appear during the day.
However, if a woman notices a foamy discharge of white color with an unpleasant pungent odor, then this is the first sign of infection of the genital tract.
Violation of microflora in the vagina
If a woman has thick white discharge that resembles sour cream in consistency, then this is the first sign of a violation of the vaginal microflora. The vagina has its optimal acid-base balance. In the case of a predominance of an acid or alkaline environment, the body's defenses are activated, and gland hyperactivity occurs. The vaginal microflora is disturbed due to the influence of such factors:
- frequent douching;
- stress;
- the use of inappropriate cosmetic products for intimate hygiene;
- in violation of personal hygiene;
- when wearing synthetic underwear;
- with frequent changes in sexual partners;
- when taking certain types of medications, usually antibiotics or oral contraceptives.
If the acid-base balance in the vagina is disturbed, the risk of gynecological diseases increases.
Allocations considered normal
Odorless white discharge is normal if:
- secretions are not abundant;
- transparent
- have no smell (hardly perceptible, individual for each woman);
- discharge does not cause pain, burning sensations and discomfort.
In this case, all is well.
What diseases can be?
If there is itching, odorless white discharge in women of reproductive age, then this indicates that there are bacteria in the vagina. The causes of such troubles can be different.
With thick discharge.
Diseases such as thrush or urogenital candidiasis may develop. The culprit of these ailments is Candida. The main symptom is odorless white curdled discharge with characteristic itching and burning in the vaginal area. Leucorrhoea has a sour, pungent odor.
Thick foamy discharge of a greenish tint indicates a disease - Trichomonas colpitis. It is extremely dangerous for women's health, therefore urgent medical intervention is necessary.
With liquid secretions.
Itching in the vagina and leucorrhoea can cause genital dysbiosis (bacterial vaginosis). Such a disease is characterized by frothy, plentiful, white, odorless, grayish discharge. This disease can be recognized by the smell of leucorrhoea, reminiscent of the smell of fish.
With mucous secretions.
The mucous secretion of a whitish hue is secreted from the vagina due to the development of diseases such as endometritis and cervicitis. Typically, these diseases occur in women giving birth. So, with endometritis, inflammation of the uterine mucosa occurs. As a result, stretching mucus. It can have an unpleasant odor and irritate the skin of the labia. In this case, the disease is accompanied by periodic pains in the lower abdomen, which intensify upon sexual intercourse or intense physical exertion.
During cervicitis, the inflammatory process is localized in the cervix, which also has mucous membranes inside and out. So, with inflammation, the amount of physiological mucus increases several times. This is due to the fact that the work of the glands is disrupted. The course of this disease is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and the presence of blood veins after intercourse.
How to treat and to whom to contact?
Often women who find uncharacteristic vaginal discharge in themselves are lost and do not know which doctor should be consulted. You should not panic and remember that a timely detected disease is insurance against possible complications and the appearance of health problems. So, if the discharge smells bad, has a strange appearance and discomfort in the genitals is felt, then you should immediately contact a gynecologist. It is this doctor who will help with identifying the exact cause of atypical discharge and immediately prescribe a course of therapy. Usually, treatment occurs with the use of vaginal suppositories and tablets.
Usually the cause of copious discharge is bacterial vaginosis. With such a disease, the doctor recommends adding drugs to the medication that stimulate the normalization of the vaginal microflora. So, the Multi-Gin ActiGel gel is based on a bioactive complex obtained from a gel-like extract of aloe leaves. Thanks to its effect, blocking and neutralization of attached pathogens to the vaginal mucosa occurs. As a result, the healthy microflora of the female reproductive system is restored.
Remember that a timely visit to a specialist and competent therapy will help to effectively get rid of an existing disease, as well as prevent complications.