Thick white discharge in women. Pathogenic microflora of the vagina. White, profuse, odorless discharge: what is the reason

The presence of a small amount of vaginal discharge in women is a normal physiological phenomenon. But their profusion, uncharacteristic color or bad smell may be a symptom of a gynecological disease. Many women do not immediately pay attention to such changes. And during this period, the disease begins its active development. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to white discharge in women in time. What changes in the normal secretion process signal should be considered in more detail.

The normal state of a woman

In healthy women, a certain amount of secretion from the vagina is secreted daily. The reasons for this process in the normal state are:

mucous discharge from the cervical canal;
dead epithelial cells;
lactobacilli.

It's important to know! If the discharge is not abundant, there is no pus in them, they appear odorless and without itching, then this is normal! A different consistency of the secret indicates the development of an inflammatory process in the woman's vagina.

Causes of the appearance of pathological discharge

A woman may experience profuse discharge with a sharp unpleasant odor. What could it be? There are many reasons for their development, depending on the nature:

Curd secretions. Most often accompanied by severe itching, have a yellowish color. This indicates the occurrence of thrush. A specialist can diagnose this disease with the help of a laboratory smear test.
A secret with a sour smell. It can also signal the appearance of thrush. It occurs as a result of infection with fungi of the genus Candida against the background of a hormonal imbalance, non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, and taking antibiotics.
Grayish discharge with a fishy odor. Over time, their abundance increases. It is a characteristic symptom of the development of bacterial vaginitis. Sometimes accompanied by external itching.
Thick white discharge can also accompany the development of the inflammatory process. Therefore, you need to consult a gynecologist. After all, this secret may not be pathological in nature, but be a consequence of the use of vaginal suppositories for prophylactic purposes or as a method of contraception.
Liquid secretions. If they are not accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching or an unpleasant odor, then during the period of ovulation or during pregnancy they are considered normal.
The secret during intercourse is a normal physiological state in a woman. At the time of sexual arousal, the white discharge should be slimy and odorless. If they are of a different nature, this may indicate the development of an infectious disease.
Creamy discharge is most often formed before menstruation, so they are not dangerous.
Foamy discharge most often begins to disturb a woman with trichomoniasis. Usually accompanied by redness and swelling of the labia, itching, pain in the vagina.

Important to remember! In a normal state, a woman should have white or slimy stretching odorless discharge! A secret of a different nature appears with the development of infectious, fungal, viral diseases in the vagina.

This unpleasant symptom overshadows the normal life of every woman, especially intimate relationships. In order to get rid of the sharp unpleasant odor of discharge, it is necessary to establish the cause of their appearance. The most typical prerequisites are:

Candidiasis. The fungi that cause this disease are not in themselves representatives of the pathogenic microflora of the vagina. They begin to bring harm during reproduction as a result of exposure to adverse conditions.
Vaginal dysbiosis, also called bacterial vaginosis. The cause of this disease is a violation of the composition of the normal microflora of the vagina and the active reproduction of opportunistic bacteria. The disease is accompanied by an unpleasant smell of rotten fish.
Purulent inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina. Occurs as a result of infection with pathogenic microflora.
Sexually transmitted diseases resulting from sexual contact with an affected partner. One of the signs of these pathologies is the pungent smell of secretions.
Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene. Every woman should shower daily and change underwear. If she neglects these procedures, then an unpleasant odor will soon appear.

Important to remember! If there is a sharp uncharacteristic odor for discharge, you need to contact a gynecologist!

Treatment of pathological white discharge

In order to get rid of this unpleasant symptom, you need to contact a specialist. He will conduct a thorough examination and send a smear for a laboratory study, the results of which will help to identify the cause of the discharge that is uncharacteristic for a healthy woman. After that, the gynecologist will prescribe the most effective treatment in each individual case. The most commonly used methods for this are:

Taking antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral or antifungal drugs. The drugs are used both topically and in the form of tablets. The type of drug depends on the cause of the disease.
Biological products containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, and helping to restore the normal microflora of the vagina.
Physiotherapy activities.

It's important to know! Diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment for such an unpleasant symptom in a woman should be carried out by both partners! This will help to avoid the recurrence of pathology.

Treatment with folk remedies

Alternative medicine offers many recipes for the preparation of drugs to eliminate pathological white discharge. They can be easily used on their own at home.

Soda

Treatment with soda in traditional medicine has several options, with the help of which local baths are required:

You should take 1 tbsp. l. baking soda and 1 tsp. iodine, add 1 liter of purified water. In this solution, you need to sit for about 20 minutes. This procedure is carried out before going to bed every day for a week.
Baking soda can be used as a douching solution. This will require 1 tsp. and 1 liter of purified water. Douche should be 3 times a day.

Baking soda has a devastating effect on the fungus that has appeared in the vagina.

Pine

To prepare the medicine, you will need pine buds in the amount of 20 g, which should be poured with 2 liters of boiling water. Put to simmer on a slow fire for about 30 minutes. After the time has elapsed, leave to infuse for 1 hour. Then, with the resulting solution, carry out the douching procedure 2 times a day.

Juniper

It will take 20 g of juniper fruit, which should be poured with 1 glass of hot water. Leave for approximately 4 hours. After the time has passed, use 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

Chamomile

Chamomile treatment has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. To prepare a medicine from this medicinal plant, 5 tbsp. l. dry flowers pour 3 liters of boiling water. Leave for about 1 hour. Then do a local bath for about 30 minutes. The procedure should be carried out once a day before going to bed.

Important to remember! Before treatment with folk remedies, you need to consult a gynecologist! He will help you choose the most effective medicine in each individual case.

Prevention of the appearance of pathological secretions

In order to avoid gynecological diseases, you should follow these rules:

use of condoms during intimacy;
get rid of bad habits, because smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol negatively affects women's health;
do not use other people's hygiene items;
eat more fermented milk products, which have a positive effect on the microflora of the vagina.

Also, one should not forget that the greatest protection against viral, infectious and fungal diseases during sexual intercourse is a condom.

Vaginal discharge, or leucorrhoea (also leucorrhea), occurs in healthy women, as well as in various diseases, especially infections. A common cause of excess fluid secretion is bacterial vaginosis, that is, an imbalance in the normal vaginal microflora, as well as thrush (candidiasis). The discharge of leucorrhoea may be accompanied by burning, itching, and an unpleasant odor. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

What is beli?

Should a healthy woman have leucorrhea? Yes, this process reflects the normal cleansing of the mucous membrane from dead cells. In most women, the amount of vaginal secretion secreted increases before ovulation and. This is due to changes in the hormonal background and an increase in secretion by the glands of the cervix and vagina, which helps possible fertilization. In a healthy woman of reproductive age, about 20 ml of leucorrhoea is formed per day, but this amount is individual.

A change in smell, color, or an increase in the amount of discharge, accompanied by irritation of the tissues of the vagina, may indicate the presence of an infection.

Causes of the appearance of pathological discharge

The walls of the vagina and cervix contain glands that secrete a small amount of fluid, which helps to cleanse the genital tract. Normal leucorrhoea is transparent or milky white in color, they do not have an unpleasant odor. Various infectious diseases can cause a change in their volume, consistency, color or smell.

Pathological causes of changes in the nature of the discharge:

Bacterial vaginosis

This is an imbalance in the number of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina. Its exact causes are unknown. Previously it was believed that vaginosis is caused by bacteria gardnerella, and was designated as gardnerellosis. However, an increase in the number of these microorganisms during the disease is not always observed.

Trichomoniasis

Gonorrhea

The infection is transmitted sexually. The causative agent is the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or gonococci.

Chlamydia

Another sexual infection caused by microorganisms from the genus Chlamydia. In infected women, symptoms are usually absent, and leucorrhoea becomes the only manifestation of the pathology. In the acute course of the disease, in addition to abundant discharge, there are signs of inflammation of the vagina, urethra, and bladder.

Candidiasis

The disease occurs when there is an overgrowth of fungi of the genus Candida in the vagina, often due to antibiotics or other factors that destroy the normal bacterial flora of the vagina.

Symptoms

Pathological leucorrhoea in women can have a different color - from transparent to gray, yellow, greenish or milky white, as well as an unpleasant odor of a different nature. Symptoms depend on their cause:

: not all women are accompanied by this symptom, but often under the influence of a provoking factor, an abundant discharge of a grayish-white color appears, with an unpleasant fishy smell.
causes frothy yellow-green leucorrhoea with a smell. Associated symptoms include discomfort during intercourse and urination, irritation and itching of the genitals.
accompanied by symptoms in only half of the infected women. The patient may be disturbed by burning during urination, an increase in its frequency, yellow discharge from the vagina, redness and swelling of the genitals, itching in the vagina.
is also often asymptomatic. In other patients, the amount of discharge increases and symptoms of cystitis, urethritis appear.
accompanied by thick, odorless leucorrhoea, reminiscent of cottage cheese in texture. Other symptoms include burning, pain during urination and intercourse.

Leucorrhea in healthy women

The nature of vaginal discharge can change at different times in a woman's life.

Beli before menstruation occurs 2-3 days before they begin. They are usually white or slightly yellowish. If a woman uses intrauterine contraception (), whites of a yellow or brownish color and a smearing character will be normal. By consistency, they are quite thick, mucous in nature, with a slight sour smell.

Pregnancy period

During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, a woman usually does not notice any changes in the nature of the vaginal secret. From the 13th week, the formation of a mucous plug that closes the cervical canal occurs, the metabolism and the death of the cells of the vaginal wall are accelerated. These processes are accompanied by an increase in the volume of secreted mucus, which normally has a light or white color, a liquid consistency, and no smell.

In the 3rd trimester, the discharge becomes quite abundant. This symptom is called "leukorrhea during pregnancy." If it is not accompanied by itching, burning, redness of the external genital organs or a change in the color and smell of the discharge, this phenomenon is physiological in nature and requires only hygiene. Any changes in the usual properties must be reported to the attending physician.

Climax

Beli with gradually become less intense. However, they retain their normal color and a slight odor. Abundant discharge of yellow, green, curdled consistency or mixed with blood should be the reason for contacting a gynecologist.

The function of the gonads in older women fades away, so the hormones no longer affect the condition of the vaginal wall. Its dryness develops, which should not cause concern. With discomfort, the gynecologist may prescribe an estrogen-containing cream that stimulates the mucous glands. At this age, abundant discharge, especially watery, becomes a sign of pathology, which can be a sign of endometrial cancer.

Vaginal Discharge Options

To find out if medical care is needed for whites, it is necessary to determine their nature:

milky white: a variant of the norm, usually occurs before menstruation or a few days after it;
transparent and watery: a variant of the norm, if not accompanied by itching and an unpleasant odor;
reminiscent of egg white: elastic, light, occur during the period, indicate the greatest ability of a woman to conceive;
yellow: a sign of an infectious process; with an accompanying fishy smell - a symptom of bacterial vaginosis;
green: symptom of infection; with an accompanying unpleasant odor, most likely trichomoniasis;
brown: hormonal imbalance, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and implantation bleeding after pregnancy; during childbearing may be a sign of a threat of interruption of gestation;
thick: occur in the second phase of the cycle, often indicate the end of a favorable time for conception;
white crumbs: a sign of thrush;
pink: a symptom of a tumor of the cervix or endometrium, vaginal infections,.

Other possible causes of abnormal discharge

A change in the nature of whites can occur under the influence of more rare causes:

Allergic reaction

May evolve into a new brand of laundry detergent, intimate care products, etc. Chemicals in detergents, fabric softeners, creams, sprays, topical contraceptives (creams, vaginal tablets), and condoms can irritate the genital area. The same reaction sometimes occurs with intolerance to antibiotics.

Systemic diseases

First of all, diabetes. Women with this pathology have an increased risk of vaginal candidiasis. Also, thrush occurs when local immunity is suppressed and the number of normal lactic acid bacteria decreases under the influence of antibiotic therapy. Sometimes candidiasis develops after the use of any one of the groups of antibacterial drugs (for example, ciprofloxacin), while others do not cause an exacerbation of the disease.

Non-observance of hygiene rules

The cause of discharge and an unpleasant odor can be a hygienic tampon forgotten in the vagina. You can try to remove it yourself, after washing your hands well. If parts of the tampon still remain inside, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, as they can cause purulent inflammation and septic shock.

Diagnostic Measures

When deviations from the norm appear, the following diagnostic methods are used:

clarification of the symptoms of the disease, the time of their appearance and other characteristics;
vaginal examination with examination of the walls of the vagina and cervix using mirrors;
a smear from the vagina and from the surface of the cervix for microscopic examination;
polymerase chain reaction to identify infectious agents.

Treatment

Medical therapy

Preparations for the treatment of leucorrhoea are prescribed by a gynecologist after establishing the causes of the pathology. Antibiotics are most commonly used in the form of tablets, injections, or topical preparations such as vaginal suppositories.

It is important to get the full course of antibiotics or antifungals prescribed, even if the symptoms are gone. If signs of the disease persist or recur, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist to rule out a malignant tumor of the genital organs.

To restore the vaginal microflora after antibiotic therapy is completed, it is recommended:

vaginal suppositories Lactobacterin, Atsilakt, Bifidumbacterin, Bifiliz, Femilex;
vaginal capsules Laktozhinal, Laktonorm, Ecofemin;
vaginal tablets Vaginorm-S.

Treatment of leukorrhea should include compliance with the rules of hygiene:

washing with soap twice a day;
refusal to use tampons;
change panty liners after each urination or bowel movement;
use of unscented condoms during sexual intercourse;
use only cotton underwear.

Possible consequences of diseases accompanied by leucorrhoea in women, in the absence of timely therapy:

inflammatory diseases of the small pelvis (salpingitis, oophoritis, endometritis, endocervicitis);
ectopic pregnancy;
infertility;

Treatment with home remedies

Any pathological discharge requires a visit to a doctor. Self-medication at home without accurate diagnosis can cause a temporary improvement in well-being, caused by the transition of the pathology to a chronic form. If at the same time there are sexual infections, the woman remains a source of pathogens, thinking that she is healthy.

Douching as a method of treatment is not recommended by doctors. The body cleans the walls of the vagina spontaneously. Douching can upset the normal balance of microflora, cause inflammation and increase symptoms. It is better to replace this popular method of therapy with sitz baths.

Folk remedies

Useful decoctions for oral administration:

wormwood roots (20 grams per glass), take a tablespoon three times a day;
peony roots, sweet clover grass, which are brewed and drunk instead of tea;
juice of viburnum berries; a quarter cup a day is enough to reduce the intensity of the discharge.

For washing and sitz baths, you can prepare the following products:

take 30 grams of crushed eucalyptus leaves, pour a glass of boiling water, cool, strain and dissolve the infusion in 1 liter of boiled water;
Dissolve 10 ml of pharmacy tincture of calendula in alcohol in a glass of water;
use St. John's wort, chamomile, oak bark, yarrow, sage to prepare decoctions;
with severe itching, concentrated soda baths at the rate of 5 tablespoons per liter of water will help to quickly eliminate it.

Forecast and prevention

In most cases, the conditions that caused the appearance of pathological leucorrhea respond well to therapy. When treating atrophic vaginitis in older women with hormonal drugs, the restoration of the mucous membrane will take several weeks.

In case of recurrence of a vaginal infection, the doctor prescribes more effective drugs, conducts a deeper examination to determine the causes of the protracted course of the disease.

To avoid diseases that can cause pathological discharge, it is necessary to observe the following preventive measures:

Compliance with sexual hygiene, use (of condoms), refusal of promiscuity.
Treatment with antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor.
Good nutrition, giving up bad habits, eliminating adverse factors that can adversely affect a woman's health.
Competent treatment of concomitant diseases, especially diabetes mellitus.

Vaginal discharge is a natural biological process. Thus, the vagina is self-purified from pathogenic microorganisms, dead cells, and mucus. Such secretions may be clear or whitish in color. Why are there white discharges, and should I be worried about this?

When discharge is the norm

Why is white discharge in girls more abundant than in women of middle and pre-climatic age? This is due to the formation of the hormonal background and is considered the norm. Do not worry if vaginal discharge:

transparent or have a slight whitish or yellowish tint;
have no smell;
have a watery texture;
their daily volume does not exceed 1 teaspoon.

An increase in secretions occurs during ovulation for 1-3 days (in the second half of the menstrual cycle). During this period, the discharge acquires a mucous consistency.

Increased production of secretions may be associated with sexual arousal. This happens during sex and for several hours after it.

White discharge in women: causes

It is impossible to self-diagnose the disease by vaginal discharge. Since they can be a sign of more than 100 gynecological diseases (thrush, vaginitis, colpitis, inflammation, etc.). In addition, white discharge can occur as a result of:

frequent douching, especially with chlorine-containing preparations;
regular use of contraceptives and lubricants, which include 9-nonoxynol;
a sedentary lifestyle and, as a result, congestion in the pelvic region;
treatment with broad-spectrum suppositories (Terzhinan, Polygynax);
non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene;
stress
constant wearing of underwear made of synthetic materials.

Classification of secretions by origin

Depending on in which part of the female reproductive system the formation of secretions occurs, the following whites are distinguished:

Pipe. They appear in the fallopian tubes when they become inflamed, from where they enter the uterus and through the cervix are excreted into the vagina.
Vaginal. The whites that form in the vagina can be caused by diseases such as trichomoniasis, thrush, etc.
Cervical. They can be caused by an inflammatory process in the cervix of various etiologies.
Royal. The discharge resulting from inflammation of the uterus enters the vagina and exits.

What discharge is considered pathological

Conditionally pathogenic microorganisms that inhabit the vagina, under adverse conditions (decreased immunity, hormonal disorders, antibiotics) multiply and lead to the development of an inflammatory process. You should immediately consult a doctor if:

thick white discharge in women is accompanied by itching and burning;
the amount of daily discharge exceeds 1 teaspoon;
discharge acquire a sharp unpleasant odor;
along with the discharge, there are pains in the lower abdomen or when urinating, discomfort during intercourse.

The presence of at least one of these symptoms indicates the presence of a disease or pathology and requires diagnosis and treatment.

White discharge in women can be the norm, or it can be a symptom of the disease. In some cases, they do not bring discomfort, in others they are accompanied by itching and really spoil life. Why do whites appear?

Ovulation, second half of the menstrual cycle

Surely, many of you have noticed that the discharge increases significantly from about 12-14 days of the cycle. And this is a normal, physiological phenomenon, it is associated with ovulation. An experienced gynecologist can diagnose her only by the nature of the vaginal discharge: they become stretchy, plentiful, the color is transparent, maybe a little whitish. The increased secretion of whites in women continues, usually 1-3 days.

sexual intercourse

During intercourse and for several hours after it, a woman's amount of discharge from the vagina increases significantly. As a rule, this is an odorless white discharge that does not cause discomfort in women, does not require treatment and goes away on its own. You should not try to get rid of these physiological secretions by douching with various decoctions or medicines. Douching for a healthy woman is not recommended at all, as they can lead to disruption of the vaginal microflora and provoke candidiasis or vaginosis, we will talk about them later in the article.

Pregnancy

White discharge in women increases in the first weeks of pregnancy. It often happens that a girl does not yet know about her pregnancy and is waiting for her period, instead of them, only this kind of discharge comes, very similar to those that occur during ovulation. And the reasons for their appearance are also associated with changes in the hormonal background.

Please note that the discharge should not be brown or bloody, have an unpleasant odor or cause itching. If any of the above is present, it is necessary to go to the doctor for an examination and pass a smear on the flora from the vagina.

Diseases

The 2 diseases described below are typical for most women. But they cannot be called absolutely independent diseases; rather, they are also symptoms of trouble in the body, signs of various latent sexually transmitted infections.

Candidiasis or as it is often called - thrush. This is perhaps the most common female ailment, which can manifest itself in women who do not live sexually, and even in virgins. Its main symptoms are: white discharge in women and itching, and the discharge from the vagina can have not only a mucous consistency, but also look like cottage cheese. The smell is usually not pronounced or sour. The vulva is hyperemic, cracked, painful. An accurate diagnosis is made on the basis of a smear on the flora, in which the number of leukocytes is increased and Candida fungi (causative agents of thrush) are found. Treatment is carried out with special preparations focused on the fight against this particular pathogen, complex ones are less effective. The doctor may prescribe both vaginal suppositories and tablets.

Various diseases leading to suppression of immunity can provoke thrush. First of all, these include HIV and various sexual infections, diabetes mellitus. In addition, women taking oral contraceptives and antibiotics are at risk. Often, thrush worsens after intercourse and menstruation. You should also know that men also suffer from thrush, though often without pronounced symptoms.

Another common disease when white discharge appears in women with an odor is gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis. Its symptoms are quite similar to those of thrush (with the exception of the "curdled nature" of the discharge, and the smell of gardnerellez discharge is rotten fish, not sour; in men, only burning during urination is usually the only symptom), but treatment differs. Therefore, the doctor must take a smear on the flora before appointments. With gardnerellosis, a large number of leukocytes (a sign of inflammation) and pathogens of the same name are found in the smear.

Risk factors in terms of the likely occurrence of the disease:

douching (especially with preparations containing chlorine);
the use of lubricants and contraceptives (candles, tablets) containing 9-nonoxynol;
change of sexual partner;
taking antibiotics;
treatment with broad-spectrum suppositories (for example, Polygynax, Terzhinan).

Once again, I would like to remind you that white discharge in women requires treatment only if all 3 signs are present:

there are symptoms of the disease;
in the smear a large number of leukocytes;
a microorganism pathogen was found in the smear.

It is ineffective to carry out preventive treatment, and in the case of men it is completely useless, the number of relapses in a woman will not decrease only thanks to the preventive treatment of her partner. Men are even recommended to be examined for thrush or gardnerellez only if they have the corresponding symptoms.

It should also be noted that neither the first nor the second disease is a sexually transmitted sexually transmitted disease, however, they serve as a reason for examination for more serious infections that can hide behind relatively harmless candidiasis and gardnerellosis.

Allocations in a woman depend on the period of the cycle. There are different colors and abundance. In the period before the start of menstruation, the amount of discharge usually increases - this is the norm. If the discharge turns white and becomes abundant, you need to see a doctor. In the article we will describe situations when such discharges may appear and what should be done?

Also, the cause of white discharge can be dysbacteriosis, which occurs after antibiotic treatment.

The defeat of the vagina by Candida fungi is called thrush. Symptoms of its manifestation are white curd discharge with a sharp sour smell. Thrush is not transmitted sexually.

Thus, there are two main reasons for the appearance of thrush - dysbacteriosis and a decline in the body's defense system.

What to do if white copious discharge appears?

The first thing to do if you find yourself with such symptoms is to consult a doctor. White discharge is a sign of many diseases of the female body, and only a doctor can determine it. After examining the patient on the chair, the doctor will ask some questions, clarify the sensations, determine which specific organs are involved in the inflammation process, and find out the signs of inflammation.

Quite often it turns out that a woman has several infections, and only a series of tests can determine which ones. Therefore, even with the standard symptoms of thrush, the result of its treatment may be short-term, since thrush can develop against the background of other infectious diseases. If you do not remove the main cause, then the treatment of thrush will be useless.

Non-standard causes of discharge

It may be that after checking all the tests, the doctor does not find in them the reason for the abundant discharge. Then more rare causes are considered:

hormonal disorders - in this case, ultrasound and hormonal examination are performed;
pathological changes in the cervix - in such a situation, a cytological and colcoscopic examination is prescribed. Most often, this situation can be normalized only by surgical intervention;
strong physical exertion, prolapse of the walls of the vagina and uterus after childbirth;
cessation of menstruation in older women - most often this situation is associated with hormonal disorders;
diabetes;
genital oncology.

Treatment for white discharge

Treatment of thrush is a rather lengthy process. And in chronic forms it can last up to six months.

For treatment with local therapy, suppositories, ointments, creams are used. Candles are prescribed for an average of 10-14 days. If there are external manifestations of the fungus, then the doctor prescribes creams and ointments.

Also use tablets that act systemically. Such tablets belong to the fluconazole group. They can also be used in antibiotic treatment to prevent dysbacteriosis.

But douching is not advised to do at all, or to do no more than five days in a row, since when using this method, the protective flora is also washed out.