Causes of purulent discharge in women. Mucus discharge in women is like snot: causes and methods of treatment

- This natural process genitourinary system, consistency and color may vary depending on the menstrual cycle. The main thing is that there is no foreign smell or discomfort. A radical change in the color of the secreted fluid, up to a black secretion, the appearance of a pungent odor and painful sensations indicate the development of serious diseases.

The uncharacteristic color and pungent odor of the discharge should alert you

Normal discharge in women

The constant presence of secretions from the vagina is physiological process, which is the norm. U healthy woman Discharge may change color, consistency and abundance depending on the menstrual cycle.

The following types of vaginal secretions are considered natural:

transparent, mucous consistency, moderate amount, profuseness appears before ovulation, and in the middle of the cycle, the vaginal fluid is yellowish and watery;
discharge similar to cream or jelly appears in large quantities at the beginning of the menstrual cycle;
minimal secretion of jelly-like or creamy secretion is a feature of the 2nd half of the menstrual period;
liquid white or transparent - may appear in a woman after sexual intercourse;
leucorrhoea with bloody streaks is observed before the onset of ovulation;
Brown vaginal secretions are possible when you start taking hormonal-based contraceptive medications.

Clear discharge appears before ovulation

During pregnancy, white or colorless discharge, odorless. During the entire period of gestation, their quantity can vary from scanty to abundant.

The main condition for white, transparent, pink or brown discharge is the absence of an extraneous foul odor. The consistency may change, thickness and abundance too, but normal vaginal secretions in healthy girls and women never smell rotten or fishy.

What types of discharge are there?

Unnatural secret from female organs– a symptom of inflammatory or infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. Vaginal discharge that has an uncharacteristic odor, color and consistency is considered pathological.

Highlights by color

The norm for discharge is white (uniform consistency, moderate amount) or transparent color. If the fluid from the vagina becomes cloudy and also contains impurities of pus or blood, we are talking about serious disorders in the reproductive system.

Table “Types of vaginal discharge by color”

View	Causes
Yellow	Inflammation in the genitals (andexide, salpingitis)
	Foci of inflammation in the mucous tissues of the vagina (vaginitis)
	Infections of sexually transmitted etiology – chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis.
Greens	Bacterial vaginosis. Depending on the degree of the disease, the secretion may change shade from light green to dark
	Trichomoniasis
	Gonorrhea
	Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs
White discharge (copious, with an unpleasant odor)	Vaginitis
	Inflammation of the internal genital organs
	Negative reaction to the products intimate hygiene
	Candidiasis (thrush)
	Long-term antibiotic therapy
	Washing out healthy vaginal flora - happens when douching
	Weakening of tone intimate muscles(prolapse of vaginal walls)
	Insufficient physical activity
Bloody	Seals in the uterus of a benign or oncological nature - fibroma, sarcoma, cancer
	Cervical nodes and mucosal lesions cervical canal– endometritis, adenomyosis, erosion. Depending on the severity of the disease, the discharge may be pink, orange, brown or dark, even black.
	Growths on the genitals - papillomas, warts - can provoke scarlet and even brown discharge
	Infection in intimate area
	Damage to the vaginal mucosa during sexual intercourse. The reason may be a very poor secret
	Incorrect selection of contraceptive medications
	The period after an abortion – brown or pink discharge is possible
	Fading reproductive function. When menopause occurs, small red discharge appears in the different time
Black (discharge with thick dark clots)	Problems in normal functioning endocrine system or metabolic disorders
	Advanced inflammation infectious nature in female organs
	Endometrial growth outside the uterus
	Unexpected jumps in weight ( sudden loss or weight gain)
	Stress experienced
	Hormonal imbalance
Gray	Dysbacteriosis, inflammation is absent. Possible itching and burning in the genitals

A change in the color of vaginal discharge is the first sign of inflammation and pathologies in the reproductive organs. If, in addition to the unnatural shade, the discharge has become much larger, the consistency has changed, and the woman feels pain, pain in the lower abdomen and itching in the intimate area, she should immediately go to the gynecologist.

By smell

Natural, healthy vaginal fluid is virtually odorless. The appearance of a stench is a sign of inflammation that arose as a result bacterial infection or diseases in the pelvic organs.

Pathology can be identified by a specific smell:

A sour odor from the vagina may appear after a change in sexual partner or be a consequence of changes in the microflora due to stress, hormonal disorders, decreased immunity. If the stench is accompanied by milky or curd discharge with white lumps, this is thrush. A greenish or yellowish tint of leucorrhoea with an odor is a symptom of sexually transmitted diseases.
Putrefactive - most often accompanies inflammation in the vaginal mucosa (colpitis) and in the genitourinary organs (gardnerellosis). Advanced pathologies in the uterus and cervical canal can also manifest as purulent and sanguineous discharge.
A rotten fishy smell is present when dysbacteriosis develops in the genitals. The stench is sharp and persistent, especially after sexual intercourse, and the discharge is thick, with a grayish tint. Development acute inflammation Due to the entry of anaerobic bacteria into the genitourinary system, the discharge is also characterized by a rotten odor.
The smell of iron from the vagina appears with erosions of the cervix. Vaginal secretions often contain streaks of blood after sexual intercourse. This occurs due to mechanical trauma to the endometrium.
The smell of acetone or vinegar is common in women suffering from diabetes mellitus. A stench may also indicate a lack of fluid in the body, disruptions in metabolic processes, a genitourinary infection or hormonal imbalance.

About fungal infections and presence pathogenic microorganisms in the microflora of the vagina there is a discharge whose stench resembles garlic, onions or yeast. But a sweetish smell is not a pathology and most often occurs due to overuse sweet fruits, chocolates, marshmallows.

By consistency and structure

In addition to smell and color, discharge changes its structure and consistency at different times of the menstrual cycle. In its normal state, it is a watery and liquid secretion. In the middle of the cycle, the consistency becomes mucous or jelly-like, sometimes like snot. If negative changes begin to occur in the genitourinary system, the discharge changes its character, based on the specific pathology.

Thick, curdled vaginal fluid with flaky or granular lumps is observed with thrush.
Copious foamy discharge occurs when venereal diseases(trichomoniasis). The mucus is viscous and stretchy.
Thin, cream-like liquid yellowish color characteristic of gonorrhea.
Sticky, dirty mucus, which has an adhesive and thread-like consistency, accompanies acute colpitis, advanced inflammation of the cervix, infection with staphylococcus, E. coli.
Severe gelatinous, mushy or stringy leucorrhoea from the female organs is a sign of endocervicitis. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix can occur with purulent secretion and bloody streaks.

Very scanty or dry discharge is observed during menopause. In this case, the secret may not contain a large number of blood. What normal and atypical discharge looks like is shown in the photo.

Thick white discharge indicates thrush

Normal female discharge

Which doctor should I contact?

In case of pathological changes in the structure and consistency of vaginal secretions or the appearance of an odor, you should consult a doctor. Problems of the genitourinary system in women.

After examination and thorough diagnosis, you may need to consult other highly specialized specialists:

(for venereal pathologies);
(if a cyst or tumor develops);
(when the abundance and smell of discharge are associated with allergic reactions of the body).

If bad discharge occurs in girls before adolescence, you should contact a pediatric gynecologist or.

Diagnostics

To determine the cause of discharge with an unpleasant odor and consistency, the gynecologist prescribes a comprehensive examination:

visual and internal gynecological examination;
a smear from the vagina, urethra and cervix;
Ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
colposcopy;
general blood analysis.

Colposcopy helps to identify the cause of abnormalities

Research methods make it possible to identify pathological microorganisms in the vaginal microflora, detect cysts, lumps and growths, and inflammatory foci. In addition, diagnosis makes it possible to select the most effective therapy.

Treatment

To normalize the discharge, it is necessary to eliminate the source of pathogenic manifestations.

Based on the disease that caused bad leucorrhoea, therapy consists of several groups of drugs:

antifungal agents (used for candidiasis) - suppositories and tablets Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Mikomax, Flucostat, Pimafucin;
antibacterial drugs (if bacterial vaginosis, various infections that cause inflammatory processes) – Metronidazole, Clindamycin, Orniside;
systemic antibiotics (for sexually transmitted diseases) – Ornidazole, Tinidazole, Metronidazole.

Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent

The drugs are selected by a specialist individually for each patient. All the characteristics of the body, the nuances of the disease and the degree of neglect are taken into account.

Prevention

Normal discharge largely depends on the hygiene and lifestyle of the woman. To prevent the appearance of atypical leucorrhoea, it is necessary to follow simple preventive measures.

Daily intimate hygiene in the morning and evening with moderate use of special products and minimizing douching.
Legibility in intimate life. The fewer sexual partners, the lower the risk of disruption of the vaginal microflora and infection.
Using contraception with an unfamiliar sexual partner.
Correct selection of hormonal contraceptives.
Active lifestyle, moderate physical exercise, minimizing stress and emotional exhaustion.
Timely treatment of inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.

Maintain intimate hygiene twice a day

Proper nutrition (fruits, vegetables, herbs, dairy products), drinking enough fluids, wearing natural underwear and minimizing bad habits– all this helps maintain healthy microflora in the vagina.

Leucorrhoea, a clear secretion or mucus, like snot in moderate quantities and odorless, secreted by women is a normal phenomenon. If the color changes from cloudy to dark, becomes thick, cheesy, foamy and is accompanied by a stench, we are talking about pathologies in the pelvic organs. Timely consultation with a doctor and high-quality diagnosis help prevent severe complications, and quickly eliminate the pathology.

Bacteriological study of microflora - simple and effective analysis, allowing you to detect pathogenic microflora in various systems. The microflora culture method is common in the gynecological, urological, oncological and surgical fields; it is also effectively used by dermatologists, gastroenterologists and otolaryngologists.

Bacterial culture helps identify pathogenic microflora

What does culture test for microflora show?

Back-sowing is laboratory analysis, which allows you to obtain accurate information about the microflora of a specific organ or system in the body.

This study makes it possible to detect pathogenic microorganisms:

E. coli;
Trichomonas;
chlamydia;
staphylococcus;
streptococcus;
Pneumococcus;
gonococcus;
salmonella;
listeria;
gardenella;
candida fungus.

Bacterial culture reveals pathogenic microorganisms, for example, chlamydia

Bakposev helps to detect nonspecific growth of microflora, helps to identify the exact number of pathogenic bacteria, and also to create an antibiogram. The test takes into account the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain antibiotics.

Indications for testing

Bacterial culture is required for the following indications:

Blood culture is used for fevers, chills, and suspected intravascular infections. Blood cultures for sterility are also common.
Stool examination is used to determine dysbiosis in cases where a simple stool analysis does not reveal the causative agent of the infection.
Bacterial examination of urine is carried out for infections of the genitourinary system and urinary tract: cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, etc.
Sputum donation is required when diagnosing diseases of the lower respiratory tract, as well as for tuberculosis.
A smear from the ENT organs is taken for inflammatory bacterial diseases of the ear, upper and lower respiratory tract.
Analysis of the urethra in men reveals sexually transmitted diseases, infectious diseases of the reproductive system and causes of infertility.
Vaginal analysis is done in gynecology for inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, for infertility, and also during pregnancy planning.

Culture test for cystitis

Preparing for bacterial sowing

In order for the results of a bacterial study to be accurate and informative, it is necessary to follow the rules for preparing for the analysis. These rules vary depending on the organ receiving the material.

1-2 days before taking a smear from the vagina or cervical canal, women should not:

have sex;
douche;
use gels and soaps for intimate hygiene;
use vaginal forms of drugs;
wash in the bathroom.

Do not use intimate hygiene gels before taking a vaginal smear

Before the procedure, you should not wash your face, and it is also advisable not to urinate in the last 2-3 hours before the procedure.

To take a smear from the urethra in men, the following preparation is required:

stop taking medications prohibited by your urologist within a week;
exclude sexual contacts for 2 days;
in the evening before the examination, thoroughly wash the genitals;
2-3 hours before the collection, try not to empty your bladder.

When sowing on flora from oral cavity follows:

do not use antibiotics for a week;
give up antimicrobial sprays and rinses in 2-3 days;
do not eat in the morning before the examination;
do not drink 2 hours before the test;
do not brush your teeth, do not gargle.

Before taking bacterial cultures from the oral cavity, you should not brush your teeth.

Sperm collection for analysis requires:

abstaining from sex for 5-7 days;
giving up alcoholic beverages for 3-4 days;
ban on antibiotics for 2 weeks;
careful hygiene of the genital organs before collecting material.

Submitting feces and urine for bacterial culture requires careful hygiene of the relevant organs and maximum sterility when collecting material. Women should not take tests during menstruation: the presence of blood impurities in the test material will distort the result.

When analyzing nasal microflora, the use of nasal sprays, drops and ointments should be avoided 3-4 hours before taking a smear.

Collecting sputum, blood and ear smears do not require special preparation: for these tests it is enough not to use antibiotics a week before the test.

How is bacteriological research carried out?

For bacterial culture they take various secretions from the human body:

sputum;
sperm;
blood;
urine;
mucus from the upper respiratory tract;
discharge from the cervical canal, vagina;
pus;
contents of wounds, ulcers and erosions.

Material is collected from the genital, urinary, digestive and ENT organs, as well as from the skin.

Method of implementation bacteriological research depends on the sampling organ: a smear from the ENT organs is obtained faster and easier than material from the urethra or vagina.

The female body has unique ability clearly show problems in the sexual sphere. This is necessary in order to notice the onset of the disease in time and cure it without consequences. After all, the continuation of the human race depends on this. All types of discharge in women and their causes are divided into physiological and pathological. The first are natural changes in the body, and the second are problems in the reproductive sphere.

In women, discharge is normally present in small quantities. They do not cause inconvenience and do not cause unpleasant symptoms. The types of discharge normally vary depending on the day of the cycle and hormonal levels. Therefore, their character is heterogeneous throughout the month and throughout their life. Physiological secretions There are several types:

Transparent, liquid or similar in consistency egg white(signal about normal operation ovaries).
White, liquid, in small quantities (occur due to the cleaning of the vaginal walls from dead epithelium and foreign particles).
Beige, liquid consistency.
Yellowish and yellow 1-2 days before the start of menstruation.
Red, brown or pink on days 1–7 of the cycle, clots may appear (the release of dead epithelium and an unfertilized egg).

Normal discharge in women should not have a strong odor. Their number can increase during arousal, after sexual intercourse (and persist for 24 hours) and before menstruation. Under normal conditions, the volume released should not exceed 1 tsp.

Abrupt change climate zone, prolonged emotional stress, treatment with hormone-containing drugs, allergic reactions or neglect of hygiene rules can affect the body such that the nature and quantity of discharge does not correspond to the norm, although there is no pathological process in the reproductive system.

An increase in the amount of secretion associated with ovulation and lasting 1–2 days is acceptable. It's connected with high level estrogen during this period. The discharge may change its consistency to be stickier and thicker than usual.

Functions of physiological secretions

The formation of natural vaginal secretion occurs for several purposes:

Nutrition of the cells of the genital organs and participation in metabolic processes(removal of waste substances with mucus).
Moisturizing vaginal tissue to prevent mechanical damage during friction when walking and sexual intercourse.
Protection of the internal genital organs from the penetration of microbes (based on the principle of nasal mucus - it envelops and washes away infectious agents).
Cleansing the vagina of dead cells of the upper layer of the glandular epithelium, which are washed away with mucus.

Without secreted secretions, the internal female genital organs will be subject to daily trauma, and without protective function the number of infectious diseases will increase.

Discharge during pregnancy

In women carrying a child, the nature of the secretion often changes. In the first weeks of pregnancy, the discharge becomes liquid and transparent, sometimes its quantity increases. The same changes occur when a medical pessary is installed at any time. The body perceives it as a foreign object and secretes large amounts of mucus to flush it out of the vagina. The doctor reports these changes during installation, so that patients do not worry about their health when this feature is discovered.

If red color or streaks of blood appear in the discharge, you should immediately consult a doctor. Spotting during pregnancy is not always associated with serious pathologies. Sometimes, especially on early stages, this is how a hematoma emerges from the fetus, which will not harm the woman or the unborn child in any way. But only a doctor can determine this using ultrasound.

The release of a large amount of mucus streaked with blood indicates the removal of the plug. This usually happens shortly before birth. If the time period is still too short, you should visit emergency department your maternity hospital or call an ambulance that will take you there. This is a sign of premature labor.

If there are other changes in the color or consistency of the discharge, or if there is an unpleasant odor, you should contact your gynecologist. He will order an examination and take a smear on the flora, which will show the presence or absence of an inflammatory process in the genitals. If excessively thin discharge appears, you need to do a test for leakage of amniotic fluid. Any of these conditions must be treated, otherwise there is a high risk of harming the fetus or not preventing premature birth.

Pathological

The types of discharge in the event of disturbances in the functioning of the reproductive system are varied. They differ in color, smell and consistency. It is quite difficult to confuse them with normal ones.

Bloody

The appearance of red color or blood streaks on days other than menstruation signals the occurrence of a serious pathology. If the patient starts taking oral contraceptives less than three months ago, then weak spotting is attributed to the normal process of restructuring the body. But if they continue beyond this period, you should consult a doctor. Most likely, the prescribed contraceptive is not suitable for the woman. The doctor will take this fact into account and prescribe another one, taking into account new tests and data.

If the color of the discharge is intensely red, this indicates the presence of a pathological process in the pelvic organs. There are several conditions that cause such changes:

erosion;
endometriosis;
myoma;
cervical cancer;
internal bleeding;
hormonal disbalance;
ectopic pregnancy.

Any of these pathologies requires immediate medical intervention to prevent serious complications.

White

Discharge in women of this color is considered normal if it has a uniform consistency and no unpleasant odor. A sour smell with cheesy discharge indicates candidiasis. This is an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. It is often called thrush. The discharge contains lumps and becomes thick and grainy.

The sour odor occurs due to changes in the vaginal environment under the influence of fungal activity. They also change the consistency of the secretion. Often candidiasis is accompanied by itching in the genital area.

Yellow

Color spectrum from light beige to bright yellow. Sometimes such coloring is considered a variant of the norm, but more often it indicates pathologies in the female reproductive system. There are several of them:

Bacterial vaginosis is a disorder of the vaginal microflora. Accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
Gonorrhea is a serious infectious disease caused by gonococci. If left untreated, it has serious consequences.
Salpingitis can cause infertility and provoke ectopic pregnancies.
Chlamydia is an infectious disease that is difficult to treat. In the absence of adequate therapy, it is prone to generalization.
Urogenital trichomoniasis - accompanied by the smell of rotten fish.

The yellow color of the discharge comes from the presence of pus in the mucus. This condition threatens the woman with infertility.

Greens

This includes all types of discharge with an admixture of green - from pale light green to an admixture of gray. Diseases that provoke them include:

bacterial vaginitis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa of an infectious nature, accompanied by redness of the vulva and a burning sensation;
inflammation of the ovaries - accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen;
Cervicitis is usually accompanied by an infectious process.

The green color of the discharge is associated with the leukocytes in its composition. They appear in response to inflammation. The presence of a sharp putrid odor indicates possible malignant neoplasms in the uterine cavity.

How to prevent

These types of discharge are considered pathological if a woman follows the rules of body care, especially during menstruation. In the absence of adequate hygiene procedures and daily change of underwear, odors are associated with the accumulation of secretions on the fabric of panties. Bacteria also multiply there. If you have a strong immune system, pathogenic microorganisms will not be able to provoke an infection, but will continue to grow on the laundry, waiting for the body’s defenses to drop.

To avoid health problems, you should perform hygiene procedures daily and change your underwear. Each woman should have her own personal towel for the body and intimate areas. It is not recommended to use soap for washing. Hypoallergenic gels for intimate areas are best suited. The presence of fragrance in such products can provoke unwanted reactions.

During sexual intercourse with a new untested partner, you must use a condom. This will protect against most types of diseases, and the discharge will remain normal.

To avoid pathological discharge, you need to pay attention to prevention:

Pay attention to your diet, it should be balanced.
Eating sweets in large quantities provokes candidiasis.
Include more probiotic foods in your diet that help normalize microflora.
Use special means for maintaining intimate hygiene.
Scented gels cause irritation, which leads to many diseases.

Forget about using pads and scented tampons. Give preference to cotton products, avoid synthetics.

Video: Types of discharge in women

Normally, a healthy woman produces a small amount of vaginal secretion every day. This is a mucous discharge that may vary in thickness.

It is formed due to the secretion of the glands of the vestibule of the vagina, cervix, and endometrium. Microorganisms that form the biocenosis of the vagina participate in the formation of fluid.

During certain periods of life, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase. Sometimes they change color, consistency and smell, and become pathological.

Show all

1. Why does the discharge change?

Vaginal discharge becomes more abundant under the influence of estrogen. This is clearly noticeable during the period of ovulation, when there is more fluid, but it resembles clear, light mucus or egg white. This is normal.

Sexual arousal dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow to the pelvic organs. Some of the plasma sweats from the capillaries into the vagina. At the same time, the discharge becomes larger and more liquid. Sometimes an increase in secretion is noticed before the onset of menstruation.

During pregnancy, under the influence of hormones, the amount of discharge also increases; it can be white, creamy, viscous, but does not cause irritation and is not accompanied by itching and burning. There should be no inflammatory changes in the smears.

Pathological leucorrhoea has other characteristics:

1 Color changes from transparent to white, sometimes with other shades.
2 The consistency becomes viscous, liquid, foamy.
3 The quantity increases in different proportions, sometimes there are a lot of them.
4 A foreign odor may appear (pronounced sour, rotten).
5 Po physical properties It is easier to guess which microorganism caused the disease.

White discharge in women is observed more often than others. The main reasons for their occurrence are changes in hormonal levels (early pregnancy, ovulation, etc.), infection (cervicitis), erosion and ectopia of the cervix.

2. Candidiasis

This fungal infection It is the most probable cause appearance of discharge white. Most often they resemble cottage cheese, thick and grainy, but can be slimy and viscous, odorless. Additional symptoms are itching and burning in the vagina and urethra.

3. Bacterial vaginosis

Grayish-white, viscous discharge, sometimes with a yellow tint, is observed with.

6. Ectopia and erosion of the cervix

These diseases are also often accompanied by copious light, transparent or white discharge; their amount naturally increases before menstruation, after sexual intercourse and during ovulation.

A woman often experiences intermenstrual bleeding and experiences slight bleeding after sex (additional trauma to the epithelium is accompanied by the appearance of brown and creamy discharge).

These pathologies require mandatory observation by a gynecologist, diagnosis and timely treatment(electrocoagulation, laser coagulation, cryodestruction or conization).

7. Additional signs

White discharge is not a single symptom of the disease. They are often accompanied by the following symptoms:

1 Itching in the intimate area of varying intensity. Sometimes it appears before copious discharge. With candidiasis and trichomoniasis, itching is observed more often than with bacterial vaginosis and mycoplasmosis.
2 Swelling and redness are signs of an inflammatory reaction.
3 Increased bleeding. In inflamed mucous membranes, vessels are easily damaged, slight bleeding appears after sexual intercourse, gynecological examination, and so on.
4 The smell may also change. Normal female discharge is odorless, less often slightly sour. With candidiasis, the sour smell becomes more pronounced and pungent. Gardnerellosis is accompanied by an unpleasant fishy odor. A sharp, heavy odor is observed when purulent inflammation(gonorrhea, trichomoniasis).

The appearance of white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by dyspareunia - painful sensations during sexual intercourse. They are also observed during examination. Pelvic pain occurs when the upper floor organs (the mucous membrane of the uterus, appendages) are involved in the inflammatory process.

Dysuric disorders mean involvement of the urethra and Bladder(urethritis and cystitis).

A change in the nature of discharge due to a delay in menstruation may be the first sign of pregnancy.

8. Diagnostic methods

The described symptoms are the main reason for visiting a gynecologist. Before the inspection, he must find out:

1 Time of appearance of leucorrhoea.
2 Was this preceded by unprotected sexual intercourse, a change of partner, and so on.
3 Intensity of discharge.
4 Additional complaints (itching and burning, pain, cycle disruption, frequent painful urination, etc.)
5 Presence of odor in intimate place and its intensification during hygiene procedures, after sex.
6 Intensity of pelvic pain.
7 Have you done any treatment yourself? This may impair diagnosis.

Then an examination is carried out on the chair. It is carried out even during menstruation. Girls with pathological discharge should be examined in the presence of their parents. Girls who didn't have sexual relations, examined bimanually through the rectum. Examination of the vagina is performed without mirrors, so as not to damage the hymen.

During the examination, attention is paid to the condition of the mucous membrane, its swelling and hyperemia. White plaque may be tightly attached to the walls of the vagina, and when you try to separate it with a spatula, bleeding occurs. Such symptoms are characteristic of candidiasis.

The main stage of diagnosis is. This technique allows you to identify fungi, gardnerella, trichomonas, gonococci and prescribe appropriate treatment. In some cases, bacterial culture and PCR diagnostics are required (complex real-time PCR, Femoflor test).

9. How can I treat it?

The correct treatment tactics depend on the causative agent of the infection:

1 Vulvovaginal candidiasis should be treated with antifungal agents. If the vaginal opening is very itchy, you can eliminate the itching using local remedies. To treat thrush, suppositories are most often used: Clotrimazole, Pimafucin, Miconazole, Butoconazole. Fluconazole (Difluzon, Diflucan, Flucostat) can be used internally.
2 Bacterial vaginosis must be treated with antibacterial drugs. Metronidazole (Trichopol), Tinidazole are effective. They are used in the form of tablets (orally, orally) or in vaginal form (gel, vaginal suppositories, capsules).
3 For trichomoniasis, Metronidazole, Ornidazole, Tinidazole are prescribed. Both sexual partners should undergo treatment. Trichomonas vaginitis often develops into chronic form, then recurs. Therefore, the effectiveness of treatment must be confirmed using PCR 30 days after the end of the course.
4 For chlamydia and mycoplasmosis, the most effective are macrolides (Josamycin, Azithromycin) and Doxycycline (Unidox Solutab, course - 1 week).
5 Vaginitis and cervicitis caused by opportunistic bacteria are treated with vaginal suppositories, gels containing antibiotics wide range(Poliginax, Terzhinan, Clindamycin) and antiseptics (Hexicon, Fluomizin, Betadine). Average duration course - 7-10 days.

After a course of antibiotics and antimycotics, it is recommended to restore the balance of the vaginal microflora. In case of recurrent candidiasis, it is necessary to isolate a culture of fungi, determine their sensitivity to drugs, look for the cause of decreased immunity and eliminate it.

Vaginal discharge normally does not cause any discomfort to a woman. However, many people try to get rid of any vaginal discharge completely, considering it a sign of illness or uncleanliness, not realizing that the discharge is as normal as saliva in the mouth.

Discharge is a kind of signal for a woman. If they suddenly change their color and smell, this is a sign of a possible disease.

Vaginal discharge: description, meaning and characteristics

Vaginal discharge is completely normal and does not indicate any pathology or disease. The vagina itself is lined from the inside with a mucous layer with many glands that secrete mucus. If you know what discharge is considered normal, you can suspect an inflammatory process in time and consult a doctor.

Like the intestines, the vagina has its own microflora. It is home to various bacteria and fungi that maintain the condition of the mucous membrane and protect the walls of the vagina and uterus from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms.Trying to get rid of discharge completely is not only pointless, but also dangerous. The absence of any mucus indicates that the mucous membrane does not have a protective layer, which means the path for infection is open.

Discharge is the process of cleansing and protecting a woman’s genital organs.

Normally, a woman, starting from the arrival of her first menstruation, regularly secretes mucus from the vagina, maintaining the microflora of the genital organs. The amount of mucus may increase during ovulation or before menstruation. There should be no vaginal discharge before your period begins. Regular secretion of mucus before puberty indicates pathological processes in the body, inflammation, etc.

The composition of vaginal discharge is determined by cells and various microorganisms. Normally, they may contain coccal bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but if they actively multiply, they will cause an inflammatory process.

Highlights include:

Slime from . In the area of the cervix there are glands that secrete mucus that protects the uterus from infection.
Epithelial cells from the uterus. Epithelial cells are constantly renewed, and old ones descend into the vaginal cavity and come out.
Various microorganisms. The vaginal flora is represented by various lactic acid bacteria, coccal bacteria, Dederlein bacilli, and also in small quantities. Conditionally pathogenic bacteria can also be contained in secretions, however, with the onset of the inflammatory process, their number increases, which leads to various.

Color: normal and possible diseases

Gynecologists say that normal discharge in a healthy woman they are scanty, transparent and odorless. However, given physiological characteristics body, the color of the discharge can vary to yellow.

As soon as the inflammatory process begins in the vaginal cavity, the color of the discharge changes. This is a signal to see a doctor and undergo it. It is not recommended to diagnose yourself based solely on the color of vaginal discharge. The same symptom can be a manifestation of different ones.

What the color says:

Yellow. Yellow vaginal discharge does not always indicate pathology. If they are light and not abundant, then this is the norm. Even brighter yellow discharge are considered normal if they appear a day or two before menstruation. In this case, there is no reason to worry. Severe vaginal discharge yellow color are a sign of an inflammatory process if they have a sharp bad smell, sharply increase in quantity, which was not observed before, and are also accompanied by irritation and redness of the genital organs.
Green. In any case, the green color of the discharge is not normal. Even if other signs of inflammation have not yet appeared, this is already a signal that should not be ignored. As a rule, green discharge indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the vagina. Discharges acquire green color when their quantity increases. Green discharge sometimes appears with vaginitis, inflammation, cervicitis (inflammation of the cervical canal).
White. White or milky discharge is considered normal if it appears in small quantities, do not have a pronounced odor and are not accompanied by pain, cutting, or itching. Thick and profuse white discharge may contain pus. As a rule, they are also accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
Red. Red discharge contains blood. They are completely normal during menstruation and the day before it (scanty bleeding). Breakthrough and bleeding in the periods between menstruation can be a symptom of cervical cancer, miscarriage in early pregnancy, etc.

Smell and consistency: types, norm and pathology

In the absence of diseases vaginal discharge have no odor. They are watery, not abundant, without inclusions, compactions, or clots. The consistency of the discharge may depend on the characteristics of the body. Even if the discharge has become somewhat thicker, this cannot be considered a pathology in the absence of other signs of inflammation.

A change in consistency is often indicated when other symptoms appear, for example, a change in color, the appearance of odor, blood, etc. The appearance of bloody, dense discharge with obvious clots and pain requires medical care and consultation with a gynecologist.

In the case of odors, any unpleasant odor that was not there before is taken into account. It is advisable to visit a gynecologist if any odor appears, but sometimes the cause of this condition is insufficient adherence to personal hygiene rules.

You need to take into account the smell that appears if a woman washes herself daily and changes her linen and towels:

Sour smell. Most often, the sour smell of discharge occurs when fungi actively multiply (with candidiasis). This disease is popularly called thrush. Yeast fungi begin to actively multiply when immunity decreases, causing an unpleasant sour odor, foamy or thick cheesy discharge, itching and irritation of the genitals. This disease occurs in many women and cannot be completely cured. In the presence of provoking factors, thrush may appear again.
The smell of fish. A strong fishy odor in the discharge often indicates vaginosis. The balance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, gray or greenish discharge appears with a strong unpleasant odor of stale fish.
Metallic smell. A metallic odor (smell, ) occurs with bloody discharge. If they appear in the middle of the cycle, they are accompanied severe pain, this may be a sign of an inflammatory disease or cervical cancer.
Putrid smell. The smell of rot, as well as copious yellow discharge, can also be signs of cancerous tumors.

What to do if the discharge is bad

The first thing to do if suspicious discharge appears is to consult a doctor and undergo testing. The gynecologist will listen to complaints, conduct an examination and take. A smear analysis will help identify the infection and clarify the pathogen.

It is not recommended to diagnose yourself and begin treatment by attributing any discharge to thrush. Taking various antifungal drugs in the absence of candidiasis can only worsen the situation.

If you consult a doctor in this moment there is no possibility, you can use universal anti-inflammatory drugs local means that will help relieve symptoms before seeing a doctor. Such drugs include Lactagel. This is a vaginal gel in the form of microtubes for one-time use. The drug promotes recovery normal microflora vagina, increased growth beneficial bacteria. However, this measure cannot be considered universal for any disease.

To cure the cause of unpleasant discharge, it is necessary to make a diagnosis and undergo a comprehensive full treatment.

After diagnosis, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the gynecologist. Many diseases can be recurrent, so interrupting the course of treatment at the first signs of improvement is not recommended.

No inflammatory or infectious diseases genital area should not be treated at home folk remedies. Only complete treatment and regular monitoring will help avoid serious complications such as cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, etc.

More information about vaginal discharge can be found in the video:

Most often, treatment for such conditions begins with drug therapy. The doctor prescribes antibacterial or antifungal drugs for oral administration, as well as local suppositories, ointments, gels, douching to eliminate infection. Often, for a full recovery, it is important to undergo treatment together with a partner.

In some cases, physiotherapy, diagnostic and curettage, as well as therapy to restore normal vaginal microflora.

Any vaginal discharge during pregnancy causes concern in a woman for fear of harming the child and causing infection. Most often, spotting during pregnancy is frightening.

They may not be abundant or quite abundant. In any case, bleeding during pregnancy is bad sign. You need to see a doctor immediately. Sometimes spotting is not serious, but it is better to be on the safe side.Besides bloody discharge a pregnant woman may have discharge with an unpleasant odor and a changed color, which indicates an inflammatory process and also requires immediate treatment.

Types of discharge:

White. During pregnancy, hormonal changes occur, which leads to an increase in the amount of discharge. This is completely normal if the discharge is clear, odorless and does not cause irritation, burning or redness. It is worth paying attention to the so-called mucus plug. This is a clot of mucus streaked with blood. It is formed in the area of the cervical canal and protects the uterus and baby from infection. The plug should come out before giving birth. If she comes out earlier, this indicates premature birth and the woman needs to be hospitalized.
Yellow discharge. If the discharge has a yellowish tint, this is not a pathology. Dark or rich yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor is a sign of an inflammatory process.
Brown. Brown discharge indicates the presence of coagulated blood in the discharge. Like scarlet blood, such discharge may not be normal during pregnancy. They can indicate both an ectopic pregnancy and a possible threat of miscarriage. In this case, pain may appear in the lower abdomen. If the gestation period is long enough, such discharge is attributed to the beginning of the birth process. They can appear simultaneously with contractions.

Any questions about discharge during pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor. The presence of an inflammatory process in the vagina is dangerous for.

Women and girls should always have discharge - this is a natural state of the vaginal mucosa. Moreover, thanks to the discharge, the vagina independently cleanses itself of various bacteria, dead cells, menstrual blood, mucus. More often natural discharge have no color, but sometimes the appearance of white discharge in girls and women can raise the question of whether this is normal or whether they are pathological, indicating some kind of disease.

When is white discharge considered normal?

Often, white discharge in girls is somewhat more abundant than in women of reproductive age, middle age, or women during menopause. This is explained by the fact that girls are just developing and beginning to stabilize. hormonal background, and in middle-aged women this process is already completed and is more permanent. Normally, both in girls and in women before menopause, the vagina has a slightly acidic environment due to the presence of lactobacilli, which form lactic acid. This environment is destructive for pathogenic microorganisms; it is unfavorable for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. So, what kind of discharge can be considered normal?

Why does the girl have white discharge with a sour smell?

White mucous discharge in girls and women is usually called leucorrhea. They are a natural product of the body’s vital activity, since the cells covering the walls of the vagina are constantly being renewed. Dead cells are constantly sloughed off and mixed with mucus. In addition, the leucorrhoea also contains discharge from the cervix, so physiologically during ovulation the amount of discharge from the cervix increases, it becomes more stretchy and mucous. Therefore, it is normal if the discharge is transparent or white, but nothing more woman Doesn't bother me, no burning sensation, no pain.

However, if white discharge appears with sour smell, while itching or discomfort are either significant or only bother you periodically; this may be a symptom of vaginal candidiasis. a lot - these include hormonal changes, disruptions, taking hormonal contraceptives, during pregnancy very often there is thrush, poor hygiene, abuse of flavored and antibacterial agents intimate hygiene, colored toilet paper, taking antibiotics, stressful situations, climate change, dietary errors - sugar abuse, diets, synthetic underwear, douching too often ()

What discharge may indicate a disease?

With a decrease in local or general immunity, with poor hygiene, taking antibiotics, with hormonal imbalances, opportunistic organisms that are normally found in the vagina without causing harm can begin to multiply and lead to an inflammatory process. If a girl experiences the following type of discharge, this is a symptom of any diseases or disorders and requires examination and thorough examination by a gynecologist:

Very abundant, white, thick, cheesy discharge in girls. If the discharge resembles cottage cheese, and the woman experiences itching and burning in the vagina, especially while sitting cross-legged, this is a bright sign for girls. Moreover, thrush or vaginal candidiasis does not depend on whether the girl is leading sex life or not.
Foamy, copious discharge- more than 1 teaspoon per day.
Discharge of any pronounced color - brown discharge, yellow, green or other noticeable shades.
Unpleasant odor - putrid odor, sour, onion odor and others.
Any suspicious discharge, especially in combination with itching, dryness or discomfort during sexual intercourse, redness of the external genitalia, pain in the lower abdomen (on one side or both sides just below the navel), increased body temperature or constant pain during and after sexual intercourse.

If leucorrhoea begins to change color, smell, quantity, and irritation and discomfort appear in the genital area, this is considered pathological changes and discharge, and the cause of their appearance should be determined. Also, the discharge can be different in origin, that is, it can come from different parts of the woman’s reproductive system. The classification of discharge by origin is as follows:

Pipe leucorrhoea- appear during inflammation fallopian tubes, while fluid accumulates in the tubes, which first enters the uterus, then exits through the cervix into the vagina.
Vaginal leucorrhoea- these are the most harmless discharges, when in case of inflammatory diseases of the vagina, various white, yellow discharges appear, most often with an unpleasant odor - this can be trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, thrush, etc.
Cervical leucorrhoea- appear with inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) of any etiology. The cause may be mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea, etc.
Uterine leucorrhoea- with endometritis of any etiology. In this case, the inflammatory exudate flows through the cervical canal into the vagina and mixes with vaginal secretions.

Is it possible to determine the disease by the color of the discharge?

Unfortunately, there can be over 100 reasons that cause a change in the color and nature of the discharge; based on the external description of the discharge, no gynecologist can establish a diagnosis without laboratory diagnostics. Theoretically, only abundant, strong white curd-like discharge in girls and women can be an unmistakable diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis. However, thrush is often combined with other sexually transmitted infections, so only smear tests and bacterial culture, as well as tests for STIs, can establish the real reason changes in a woman's discharge. The color of the discharge can only give a little hint in which direction the research should be carried out more thoroughly:

Transparent leucorrhoea, foaming may be .
Gray shade of whiter with a characteristic fishy odor, most often occurs with gardnerellosis,.
Greenish discharge - discharge with this shade indicates purulent process, since a large number of leukocytes give the discharge a green color. The stronger the inflammatory process, the more leukocytes, and, accordingly, the more green tint the discharge has.
Yellow discharge- this may be one of the symptoms of trichomoniasis, since inflammation in trichomoniasis is most often localized in the vagina, where the concentration of leukocytes is lower.
Discharge in girls white- can either be a symptom of thrush or be the norm. Since when mild degree vaginal candidiasis, there may not be significant itching and burning, only occasionally and insignificantly, therefore, when more abundant, too white, thick, cheesy discharge, you should visit a gynecologist and find out whether it is thrush or not.

However, the color of the leucorrhoea should not be unequivocally regarded as a diagnosis of the disease; only tests can establish an accurate diagnosis for pathological discharge.

When should you see a doctor if you have white discharge?

If the white discharge of a girl or woman is no more than a teaspoon per day, it is not accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, then there is no need to worry. However, if the discharge becomes very abundant, curdled, foamy, thick, appears, the color changes to yellow, green, gray, any unpleasant odor appears, especially if any of the above is supplemented by itching, burning, pain, even low-grade, low-grade pain fever is a reason to consult a doctor:

First, the gynecologist performs an examination on the chair. In the mirrors you can see the walls of the vagina and the cervix - what condition they are in, whether they are inflamed or not, whether there are pathological discharges from the cervix and what they are.
In some cases, the doctor may perform a colposcopy to exclude or confirm cervical dysplasia or erosion.
If an STI is suspected, in addition to the usual smear for flora and culture, the gynecologist may refer you for a smear test using the PCR method.
If the patient complains of pain, menstrual irregularities, etc., if inflammatory diseases of the uterine appendages or the uterus itself are suspected, a transvaginal ultrasound is indicated, which can help in establishing the full clinical picture.