White discharge with a smell is the most common reason why the fair sex visits a gynecologist. Are such processes normal or is it a signal that not everything is as safe in a woman’s body as it seems at first glance?
Types of discharge
They can be physiological or pathological. In the first case, this phenomenon has been observed since the very first menstruation in girls and is associated with the normal functioning of the organs of the reproductive system. With the beginning of the production of female hormones, the ovaries and all other organs of internal secretion are activated. Mucus, sweat and fat begin to stand out quite actively from the cervix and its glands, as well as from the external genitalia. Constantly renewed mucous membrane of the vagina and used cells periodically die and separate. All of the above components in their mixture form a white discharge with a smell. They are characteristic even for absolutely healthy women.
Pathological discharge is a consequence of diseases of the genital organs, most often they are infectious and occur in the form of inflammation. In this case, it is necessary to begin their immediate treatment. White discharge with a smell can indicate genital neoplasms, endometriosis, dysbiosis, hormonal disruptions and many other ailments.
Pathological discharge is divided into two groups:
- Associated with sexually transmitted diseases.
- Not related to sexually transmitted diseases.
The first group is characterized by the following features:
- Moderate or scanty white discharge with a specific fish smell - gardnerellosis.
- A small amount of discharge, having a purulent character and not accompanied by pronounced symptoms - gonorrhea.
- Detachable substance is liquid, foamy, the smell is strong and unpleasant - acute trichomoniasis.
- The substance, which is a mucus and pus in a relatively small amount, is chlamydia.
The discharge characteristic of the second group is as follows:
- The compartments are thick, with a consistency and smell resembling cottage cheese, they are accompanied by irritations, and in some cases swelling of the skin around the genital organs - thrush (vaginal candidiasis).
- White discharge, itching, burning and fever in intimate places in combination with an unpleasant odor can be symptoms of nonspecific colpitis.
- Abundant white or yellow-green sticky branches, intensifying after intercourse - bacterial vaginosis.
- With bloody discharge from the vagina, we can talk about diseases of the female genital organs such as fibroids and cervical erosion, endometritis, and pregnancy pathology.
When should you not worry?
- Normal are jelly-like or creamy discharge in the second half of the cycle, on the days of its completion, the amount of substance separated may increase slightly.
- Do not worry about white (or transparent) discharge found after unprotected intercourse - this is sperm.
- White liquid sections in the morning after an intimate relationship without a condom are also not a pathology.
- As an option, a brown daub is considered in the first few months after the start of the use of hormonal preservatives.
The unpleasant smell of secretions in women is an occasion to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Only a specialist can accurately determine the cause of this unpleasant phenomenon, so you should not engage in self-healing. However, remember that white discharge with a smell is not always the result of a particular ailment. Do not worry ahead of time, because all diseases are from nerves.