The body of a woman is unique in its structure and very complex. Even the most qualified doctor cannot understand him to the end. However, many, at first glance, strange phenomena can still be explained. For example, transparent discharge, which from time to time may appear on underwear or a sanitary pad. Is it worth it to worry about, or is this a natural thing?
When is the situation normal?
An active healthy woman never sits in place. She spends half a day at work. At lunch, he runs to the nearest cafe, where he intercepts coffee and a salad with crackers. In the evening, she can go on a date. Closer to night - a physical education session in your favorite gym or a “run” in heels from the bus stop to the house. And then there’s a watch at the stove and washstand. It would even be strange if, with such a way of life, a woman always remained clean and neat. It is absolutely normal that sweat and grease stains appear on clothes every day. And on the linen there may be transparent discharge from the vagina. However, their presence may cause the lady to ask, “Is everything all right with me?” Vaginal discharge is classified. They are divided into physiological, normal for a certain age and stage of the menstrual cycle, as well as pathological, which signal some diseases of the genital organs.
If we consider the best option, then the normal discharge consists of dead epithelium, microbial cells, Bartholin gland secretions, mucus, as well as glycogen and lactic acid. The last two “constituents” are a nutrient for beneficial microflora and a vital product of lactobacilli, respectively. The glycogen content, by the way, greatly increases on the day of ovulation, so that at this time the amount of secretions can vary. Normally, there should be no unpleasant odor.
Is there any reason to worry?
First of all, it is necessary to understand that transparent discharge in women is normal. The vagina has a mucous membrane, the structure of which is constantly updated. Excesses of this process occur daily, so they simply have to go outside. In this case, the discharge should not have a pungent smell or a clear color. Sometimes they may have pieces of the endometrium. Then the discharge becomes a little thicker than usual. During menstruation, the endometrium exfoliates and exits with blood and mucus particles. So is it even worth worrying about your discharge? Yes, you can’t completely relax. Any deviation from the norm - there is an alarming bell, after which it does not interfere with contacting a gynecologist. The smell can alert you, which is typical for the appearance of so-called whites. In medical slang, this phenomenon is called leukorrhea. In this case, clear discharge becomes abundant or, on the contrary, scarce, but causes inconvenience to the character or smell. Due to leucorrhoea in the perineum, a permanent feeling of moisture occurs. Itching appears. The causes may be inflammatory processes, infections of the urogenital organs, STDs, various tumors and injuries of the genitals, as well as a banal allergy to latex, lubrication and underwear.
Delve into the topic
In simple words, any deviation from the norm can and should alert a woman who takes care of her health. It must be remembered that any nuances can help determine the diagnosis of an acquired ailment. If leucorrhoea occurs with pus, then the symptoms of inflammation are obvious. But bloodyness indicates a possible development of the tumor. Curdled discharge with a sour smell characteristic of thrush. They can sometimes resemble white flakes. If the discharge has an orange or greenish color and a putrefactive odor, then it is worth checking for bacterial vaginosis. It happens that the discharge foams. This is typical for trichomoniasis.
By the way, one can understand the origin of the discharge purely externally. If they are watery and quite plentiful, then uterine and tubal. And if dense and meager, then cervical.
Action algorithm
Even clear discharge in women can be symptoms of malaise. It is important not to let everything drift and pay attention to any little things. First of all, pay attention to the appearance of liquids. Then - for the presence of smell and its character. Next, you should be attracted by color. Finally, other symptoms and pain. If everything is present at once, then the situation is actually unpleasant. There is probably an infection. White discharge definitely speaks of the fungus. All other colors suggest a variable outcome. If deviations from the norm last at least two days, then a visit to the doctor should not be postponed longer.
Walk for reasons
Without a complete picture with personal analyzes, it is difficult to say for sure, but still transparent mucous secretions are a sign of self-cleaning of the body. Other types of leucorrhoea have different reasons.
Worst of all, a woman feels in the process of a fungal disease, because she has an itch, genitals can become inflamed. And, of course, curdled discharge does not add joy. If they are still with pus, then it is worth checking for an STD. At the same time can occur with a whole bunch of symptoms. If you “grab” the situation at the very beginning, then you can get by with “little blood” and be treated promptly.
Is everything really so scary? Not at all. There are situations when abundant transparent discharge is caused only by an allergic reaction to improperly selected underwear or they were the result of dysbiosis after treatment with antibiotics without subsequent restoration of the microflora of the vaginal mucosa. Of the equally annoying, but innocent reasons can be called long courses of contraception, douching with antiseptics, constipation and a sedentary lifestyle that leads to stagnation of venous blood in the pelvis. Of course, genital injuries cause the formation of leucorrhoea.
Depending on age
The first transparent, odorless discharge appears in newborn girls. This is due to the residual amount of maternal hormones. After a few weeks, the discharge disappears to reappear in ten years, when the girl begins to develop her own estrogen. From time to time, the discharge looks like raw egg white or rice broth. They are sour in smell and white in color with a yellowish tint.
During puberty, cyclic vaginal discharge or menstruation begins. These selections can and should be tracked using a personal calendar. On average, the monthly cycle lasts 28-30 days, and the first is considered the day the menstruation begins. In the first half of the cycle, daily discharge is small. They are mucous or watery and mostly homogeneous. In the middle of the cycle, the discharge is more abundant and viscous in consistency. Change of color to beige or brownish is possible.
After ovulation, the discharge is jelly-like, reminiscent of jelly. This is due to the increased content of lactic acid producing lactobacilli. At this time, the vaginal mucosa is more loose and vulnerable to infections. Closer to menstruation, the volume of discharge will increase again.
In the best period
Most women are scared when odorless, clear discharge appears during pregnancy. Is this normal?
At this time, the female organs of the reproductive systems are built to provide comfort to the child. The process of global hormonal adjustment starts. And one of the frequent manifestations of such changes is odorless, clear discharge, like snot in appearance. When a fertilized egg is attached to the uterine wall, this process is accompanied by viscous discharge from the vagina. Leucorrhoea resembles raw egg white in appearance. They will accompany the expectant mother throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Over time, secretions form in the so-called mucous plug, which clogs the entrance to the uterine cavity and blocks it for infections. Toward the end of the term, the discharge becomes more and more and they acquire a yellowish color.
To be continued
The resulting mucous plug will exit at a time or gradually. And some time after pregnancy, clear discharge like a snot will come to naught. However, if the whites changed color and smell during pregnancy, then a woman should be examined for infections or inflammation. If the discharge has blood impurities, then the threat of premature detachment of the placenta is obvious, and this is bad for the woman herself and the fetus.
When without a doctor
If the discharge does not have a smell, impurities of blood and pus, but in general the woman does not have a fever, there is no pain and discomfort, then everything is within normal limits. But the reason for a visit to the doctors may be a malfunction of the menstrual cycle, frequent and painful urge to the toilet, redness and a rash on the genitals. Do not tolerate aching sensations in the perineum, discomfort during sex and pulling pain in the lower back. Each of these signs individually and all together are the reason for a medical examination by a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist. If an infection is detected, a woman is prescribed a course of antibacterial therapy.
During pregnancy, an abundance of vaginal secretion may be the reason for going to the doctor. Perhaps this is a sign of "leakage" of amniotic fluid. By the way, discharge with bloody clots may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, presentation of the fetus or the threat of miscarriage. All options can be fatal. So red blood from the vagina is a signal to immediately call an ambulance.
Summarize
In general, odorless transparent discharge in women most often does not indicate any pathologies. They accompany a healthy woman throughout life, changing only depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle. No need to strive by all means to get rid of secretions. After all, mucus in the vagina is a natural barrier to pathological microflora, infections and various pathogens. If you endlessly use napkins or vaginal sprays, you can aggravate the situation, come to dryness in the vagina and get a thrush. So on days of copious discharge, use a daily lining and do not forget about personal hygiene. There is a reason to consult a doctor if the volume of discharge from the vagina exceeds 5 ml daily.
In everyday life and not only
Do not be surprised at the fact that the nature and abundance of secretions can be influenced by various factors. In particular, sexual arousal contributes to an increase in natural lubrication and excretion, respectively. It is also worth mentioning the change in the regularity of sexual activity. If there is a lull on the personal front or you have changed your partner, then these are good reasons for transparent discharge. This may include the use of contraceptives and, of course, pregnancy.
Abundant secretions can appear with an allergy to powder and soap, when using poor-quality hygiene products and with banal non-compliance with hygiene. An unfortunate cause of discomfort is the presence of foreign bodies, such as toilet paper, inside the vagina. Finally, helminthic infestations stimulate the production of fluids, which make themselves felt with characteristic itching in the perineum. Excess moisture is added by fragments of cells, mucus of the cervical canal, sweat and sebaceous glands. All these components can give the discharge a specific smell, which, incidentally, is individual for every woman. This liquid has a protective function, as it cleans the walls of the vagina from pathogenic microorganisms.
In the home
In each specific case, the discharge in a woman signals something of her own, about malaise or stress. It would be a mistake to recommend common medications for all. But treatment with folk remedies is quite acceptable. Some of the grandmother’s medicines can calm and relieve unpleasant symptoms quickly and easily.
If the secretion is clear as water, but the smell makes you grimace, then go to the pharmacy for acacia flowers, chamomile, calendula or sage. These herbs are good to drink for prevention, but douching helps with inflammatory processes. Such herbs can also be used for sitting baths. You can enhance the effect with cocoa butter and propolis. On this basis, make candles. Since propolis is considered a natural antibacterial agent, it will protect and restore the mucous membrane. By the way, honey can also cope with this task, which is advised to be applied to gauze and put such a tampon overnight. But here be careful, because an allergic reaction can occur. With copious discharge, douching with a potassium permanganate solution will help.