The reproductive system of a woman is a clearly streamlined mechanism. It is inherent in hormonal fluctuations throughout the child-bearing age. The full-fledged work of the body is always accompanied by secretion from the vagina. He can change his consistency, structure, volume and composition. Each lady should know and be able to distinguish when creamy white discharge is the norm, and in which cases indicate a pathological process.
The nature of the secret in different phases of the cycle
What are the discharge? This is a secret that is continuously produced in the genital tract. It consists of mucus, epithelial cells and bacteria living in the vagina. Normally, they are representatives of lactoflora, and with various disorders - pathogenic microbes. Violation of the existing balance is considered the main prerequisite for the development of inflammation.
The qualitative composition of the discharge may vary depending on the phase of the female cycle. Its beginning is considered the first day of the appeared menstruation. From the end of menstruation to the 12th day of the cycle, a woman can observe scanty discharge. Often they have a mucous consistency, and their color changes from almost transparent to pale yellow. The smell is either completely absent or slightly sour. Before menstruation, the volume of secretion always increases.
On the 14th day, the amount of discharge increases. Such changes are due to the period of ovulation - the time when the egg matures. On this and the next few days, favorable conditions for pregnancy are created in the woman’s body. In a humid environment, it is easier for sperm to achieve its ultimate goal. Around the 16th day, creamy white discharge appears. Light shade of the secret is given by dead elements of the vaginal epithelium.
What should be considered the norm?
White, creamy, odorless and itchy discharge is considered normal. Doctors distinguish other signs that help distinguish them from the pathological form:
- Slight turbidity.
- A yellowish tint that is clearly visible on a daily sanitary pad.
- Lack of burning and itching in the vaginal area.
Before ovulation, the secret acquires a mucous consistency. Such changes are due to an increase in estrogen levels. These hormones are responsible for increasing the secretion of vaginal mucus. Some time after the follicle leaves the egg, it changes again, becoming more dense. At the same time, its amount decreases. Closer to menstruation, the volume of secretion increases again. Such changes are characteristic of a healthy menstrual cycle.
White creamy discharge before menstruation
The secret before the onset of menstruation becomes quite plentiful. Gynecologists explain this phenomenon by a decrease in the amount of hormones in the body. Excessive secretion, on the other hand, often indicates health problems. Therefore, a woman should be able to distinguish pathology from the norm.
In the first case, creamy discharge is accompanied by a sour smell, itching and burning in the genital area. Sometimes pathology is signaled by streaks of blood in the mucus. If these symptoms appear, consult a gynecologist. It’s better not to delay the visit to the far box.
How do the discharge change after ovulation?
White creamy spots on the daily laying may differ from those that were before the follicle left the egg. The mucus after ovulation becomes thick and viscous, which indicates the active "work" of progesterone in the corpus luteum. Usually it forms on the site of a previously bursting follicle. The vaginal secretion is very similar to the discharge associated with pregnancy. After successful fertilization of the egg, they are produced under the influence of the same progesterone. However, in this case, its concentration is much higher than before the conception of the baby.
The amount of secretion gradually increases and reaches its critical level at about the 16th week of pregnancy. This symptom is often scary, but the results of the analyzes usually put everything in its place. If the woman is healthy, the white blood cell count should not exceed 20. Values from 20 to 40 are also normal. Exceeding these indicators indicates the onset of inflammation in the body.
Thick vaginal secretion - a harbinger of disease
White creamy discharge with a smell often indicates pathological processes in the body. The prevalence of this symptom is approximately 35%, and sometimes can reach 95%.
All reasons for changing the nature of the secret can be divided into several conditional categories:
- Inflammatory pathologies of the intimate sphere.
- Disruption of the hormonal background.
- The consequences of prolonged antibiotic therapy.
- Frequent douching.
- The use of intrauterine devices.
- The development of malignant neoplasms.
- Traumatic processes affecting the cervix.
Also, the reason for the change in the nature of the secret is the wearing of uncomfortable linen. Sometimes a similar symptom occurs against the background of the use of aggressive soap, which contains a large number of chemicals. That is why doctors recommend that women use special gels and products designed for intimate hygiene.
The causes of the appearance of creamy discharge strongly depend on the age of the woman. In the menopause, they can be due to atrophic vaginitis, and in childbearing age - inflammation of the intimate sphere.
Infectious processes in which creamy white discharge appears include diseases such as:
- bacterial vaginosis;
- trichomoniasis;
- thrush;
- gonococcal cervicitis.
It is wrong to focus solely on the clinical symptoms of the disease. In this case, you just can not do without the qualified help of a gynecologist.
Curd with the development of thrush
White creamy discharge, itching in the vaginal area - these are the symptoms in 70% of cases indicate thrush. This disease is caused by fungi of the genus Candidae. These microorganisms are considered conditionally pathogenic, since they constantly live on the mucous membranes of the genitals. The acidic environment, which lactobacilli and bifidobacteria create in the vagina, does not allow them to multiply. However, under the influence of certain factors, the balance is disturbed. Among them are:
- decreased immunity;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- colds;
- synthetic underwear;
- the presence in the diet of sweets and confectionery;
- stress
- avitaminosis;
- smoking.
In a short period of time, the discharge acquires a curdled consistency, becomes abundant. The woman begins to pursue an unpleasant sour smell in the intimate zone. Toward evening, the clinical picture is usually supplemented by aching pain in the lower abdomen.
If untreated, the disease takes on a chronic form. Sour smell and discomfort gradually recede. Creamy white discharge appears, which are distinguished by their ductility. It is during this period that the cervix becomes inflamed, which is confirmed by colposcopy.
When to go to the doctor?
For any changes in the consistency or color of the vaginal secretion, you should contact a gynecologist. A specialist after examination on a chair usually prescribes a series of tests. According to their results, it is worth judging the presence of diseases. Based on the bacterial inoculation, the gynecologist can determine the presence of pathogenic flora, estimate the number of white blood cells. In some cases, PCR, ultrasound, and colposcopy tests are additionally required.
Principles of therapy
Diseases affecting the reproductive system cannot be treated on their own. Each problem associated with the appearance of creamy white secretions must be addressed comprehensively and in stages. The treatment should be selected by the gynecologist, given the cause of the pathological disorders.
Therapy always begins with eliminating the source of the ailment. For these purposes, antibacterial drugs in the form of pills or suppositories are used. With their help, you can quickly suppress the activity of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms.
After conducting therapeutic procedures, it is extremely important to restore the immune system. Usually, for the purpose of prevention, vitamin complexes, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed.
Preventive measures
White creamy discharge in women is most often considered the norm. However, sometimes they are a symptom of a pathological process. Any gynecological disease
- Personal hygiene must be observed. Water procedures are recommended twice a day.
- When choosing underwear, preference should be given to options made from natural fabrics.
- Gynecologists do not recommend daily use of sanitary pads, since they practically do not allow air to pass through. The result is a favorable environment for the life of pathogenic microorganisms. If there is no possibility to refuse daily laying, it is necessary to change them more often.
For the timely detection of gynecological diseases, it is extremely important to regularly be examined by a female doctor.