Strong white discharge without itching. Yellowish and greenish. White curdled discharge in women

The functioning of a woman's reproductive system is impossible without vaginal secretion. According to its qualitative and quantitative characteristics, the state of sexual and even general health is determined. Often, heavy vaginal discharge raises many questions among the fairer sex, which this article will try to answer.

Why does female discharge appear?

Puberty in a girl indicates readiness for reproductive function and is indicated by the beginning of menstruation. A year before her first period, the young lady discovers mucous discharge, which will accompany the reproductive period until menopause. It consists of regularly renewed epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of the female genital organs.

These tissues contain glands that produce vaginal secretions. To it are added the waste products of microorganisms present in the vaginal microflora (lactobacteria and opportunistic bacteria). It also contains cervical fluid from the cervix. This substance performs a protective function, maintains the water balance of the mucous membranes, promotes fertilization during a certain period of the cycle and cleanses the body of dead cells and foreign microorganisms.

This secretion can be of a different nature: white, yellowish, colorless, moderate and very strong discharge, watery and thick (see photo).

Their quality depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle, health status, age, lifestyle and nutrition. Such characteristics are acceptable if they are not accompanied by discomfort, unpleasant odor or suspicious consistency.

The appearance of intense secretion is most often due to the normal physiological state of the woman, but there are cases when the symptom indicates pathological processes and requires treatment.

Is heavy, clear, odorless discharge considered normal?

Hormones

Such secretion is most often associated with a certain stage in the menstrual cycle. The fact is that in different periods the level of hormonal substances changes, which affects the functioning of the glandular system and the amount of sexual secretion. The appearance of liquid mucous discharge is typical in the middle of the cycle. At the time of ovulation, they are especially strong and may be streaked with blood, pink or brown. After this, the secretion becomes thicker, and before menstruation its volume increases and may acquire a yellowish tint.

The periodic appearance of copious, odorless and itchy, transparent discharge is typical for girls within three years after the first menstruation. A year before menstruation, white or colorless mucous discharge begins to appear, which is explained by hormonal changes and puberty. That is, the change in the volume of fluid produced is directly related to the hormonal level, which fluctuates throughout this period.

Hormonal contraceptives and HRT drugs often cause such discharge, which is also true for the menopause.

Sexual relations

During and after intimate contact, secretion increases due to stimulation of the glands and increased blood circulation. After completed sexual intercourse, the production of whitish or yellowish mucus is observed. This is how the female secretion with the male sperm that gets inside is removed. This is a completely natural process if it is not accompanied by an unpleasant odor, itching, burning, pain or other discomfort.

Allergy

This symptom is often explained by an allergic reaction of the female body to contraceptives, lubricants, synthetic underwear and intimate hygiene products.

Pregnancy

In the early stages, the functioning of the reproductive system and the process of bearing a child is regulated by the hormone progesterone. During this period, copious discharge without color or odor is characteristic of the moment of conception, and this is the first sign of pregnancy. Vaginal secretion during gestation may also be white, yellow, or greenish. This is acceptable if there is no unpleasant odor, burning or itching, and there is no pulling in the lower abdomen. Spotting or mucous streaked with the blood of pregnancy may appear at the moment when the onset of menstruation was expected.

From the second trimester, the concentration of the hormone estrogen increases, which increases its quantity. Normally, it is transparent or slightly white in color and has a uniform consistency.

If the discharge has acquired an unpleasant odor, a strange composition mixed with pus or blood, you feel a nagging pain in the lower abdomen, weakness and dizziness, then you should immediately consult a doctor, since we are talking about fetal death or an ectopic pregnancy. An excessively sweet smell indicates leaking water, which causes miscarriage or premature birth.

In the first days after IVF (in vitro fertilization), there is a strong production of mucous secretion, sometimes even of a sanguineous nature. This is how the uterus and the body react to the implantation of a foreign body.

Abundant mucous discharge of a transparent, white, yellow and green color, smelling of cottage cheese, rotten fish, sourness, onions, is a symptom of inflammation due to infectious and fungal diseases, such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, adnexitis. With these ailments, itching in the vagina may be bothersome.

Strong transparent discharge may be the result of inflammatory processes in the bladder or kidneys. This includes the development of ureaplasma, cystitis, and nephritis. In addition to copious fluid and mucus on the pad, it can be painful or difficult to go to the toilet, a burning sensation in the intimate area and a rise in body temperature.

Sexually transmitted diseases are most often manifested by copious liquid discharge, an unpleasant odor, heterogeneous consistency and various impurities, often purulent. Their color can be off-white, yellow, green, brown.

Cause discomfort in the perineal area. There is often pain in the lower peritoneum, radiating to the side and lower back.

How to prevent illnesses associated with this symptom?

• If this phenomenon occurs due to fluctuations in hormone levels, you should consult a specialist to balance the hormonal levels.
• When the reason lies in the sensitive microflora of the vagina, the gynecologist can prescribe you special vaginal suppositories that equalize the pH and water balance and normalize the biocenosis.
• During menopause, anti-menopausal drugs, both hormonal and natural, help relieve symptoms.
• For cervical erosion or polyps, cauterization and physiotherapy are used. But endometriosis and various neoplasms are eliminated by cleaning the uterine cavity.
• Some inflammatory processes and infections are eliminated with topical medications, but their advanced stage and STDs require more serious treatment with general medications and even antibiotics.
• When the appearance of periodic strong vaginal discharge in women is associated solely with the course of the menstrual cycle, we can limit ourselves to only a few preventive measures:
  1. For intimate hygiene, use only special products that maintain the pH balance of the microflora and do not dry out the mucous membranes.
  2. Eat right and avoid bad habits.
  3. Avoid exposure to stress and excessive physical activity.
  4. If you do not have a regular partner, opt for protected sex.
  5. Wash yourself often and change panty liners regularly.

The appearance of mucous discharge (leucorrhoea), which looks like snot, is part of the normal physiology of the female body. A variant of the norm is vaginal discharge of a mucous nature, which is transparent or white in color and does not have an unpleasant odor.

The secreted secretion takes part in the prevention of drying out of the mucous membrane of the vaginal walls, as well as protection against the penetration of pathogens, while helping the female body. The reasons why these symptoms may develop are very varied.

Causes of mucus secretion in women

What does this mean? Natural mucous discharge from the vagina occurs for various reasons:

1. The secretion of mucus is provoked when excited.
2. Experiencing any stress.
3. Abrupt climate change.
4. Treatment with hormone-containing medications.
5. Allergy of local or general manifestation.
6. Improper intimate hygiene.
7. . Before and after menstruation, the amount and structure of mucus changes significantly.
8. , increasing the amount of estrogens in the body, which affects the quantitative and qualitative composition of secretions.

Clear vaginal discharge

If the mucus has a transparent structure, without emitting a pungent odor or causing discomfort, then this is simply proof of the proper functioning of the reproductive system, i.e. ovaries. Up to 2 ml of such secretion can be released per day, while a slightly whitish tint does not indicate pathology. This is simply the process of cleansing the vagina.

The volume and structure of discharge changes according to the phases of the menstrual cycle:

• From 1 to 5-7 days – the period of menstruation. First, spotting pink or brown secretions appear; on days 2-4 they include the maximum volume of blood in the form of lumps or clots; on days 5-7 they again decrease to spotting.
• From 5-7 to 13-14 days is the period of egg maturation. Copious mucus is not secreted at this time - only about 2 ml of watery, mucous or thick particles with lumps. Don't worry if the color changes from clear white to yellowish.
• Day 14-15 is the time of ovulation. Estrogen reaches its maximum level, so mucus comes out up to 4 ml. Its structure is stretchy, but sometimes it can be watery, and often even sticky. The hue during this period is the most saturated.
• Days 16-28 – the period before menstruation. The reproductive system calms down a little - there is less discharge, but just before the end of the cycle a sudden surge is possible due to an increase in the amount of hormones.

Sign of the disease

The smell and color of the discharge, similar to snot, changes when inflammatory processes occur in the body after surgery, as a result of decreased immunity, hypothermia, disruption of the vaginal microflora due to taking antibiotics. The peculiarity of pathological discharge is that it appears without any connection with the processes of the cycle and continues after menstruation, when the mucus should be the thickest and produced in an insignificant volume.

Also, discharge in the form of snot, which has an unpleasant odor, is colored yellow, green or gray, is foamy, abundant, and cheesy, indicates diseases of the genitourinary system, including those transmitted through sexual contact.

These include:

1. or mycoplasmosis;
2. Genital herpes is a snot-like, watery discharge accompanied by the formation of painful blisters on the surface of the external genitalia;
3. – clear or white discharge in the form of snot in large quantities with accompanying symptoms of the disease;
4. Gardnerellosis - copious, mucous, gray discharge with an unpleasant fishy odor;
5. – thick mucous discharge in large quantities in the form of curd flakes with a characteristic sour odor;
6. – discharge is abundant, mucous, green or yellow in color, due to the admixture of pus;
7. – copious mucous discharge in the form of foamy snot, colored yellow or green.
8. Vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingoophoritis - all these are inflammatory diseases of the internal and external genital organs, the manifestation of which is the presence of copious foul mucous discharge of yellow or green color.

If any signs of pathology appear in the discharge, you must visit a gynecologist. Here an examination will be carried out to determine the cause, and adequate treatment will be prescribed.

Bloody discharge

Discharge in women, like snot with blood, indicates the appearance of a source of bleeding in the genitals. Most often, this is minor damage to the vasculature of the uterus and its cervix, localized in the mucous layer. It does not yet lead to the development of full-fledged bleeding not associated with menstruation.

The causes of discharge of this nature can be either cancer of the cervix, tumor processes of the uterus (fibroids), etc. In any case, the development of just such a symptom is a good reason for an urgent visit to a gynecologist. In a pregnant woman in the early stages, the appearance of vaginal discharge of this nature usually indicates a potential threat of spontaneous abortion.

In the period after 22-25 weeks of pregnancy and later, an admixture of blood in the mucous secretion may lead the doctor to think about the threat of premature placental abruption or its possible previa (placental tissue is connected to the internal cervical os - a variant of pathology).

When is it considered normal?

Discharge that occurs after sexual intercourse does not belong to deviations from the norm. For example, the normal function of the reproductive system may have the following features:

1. Clear or slightly white clots appear within 1-4 hours after sexual intercourse without using a condom.
2. Liquid, abundant white sputum is released in the morning and is evidence of evening or nighttime contact without the use of barrier contraception.
3. Scanty white creamy discharge that occurs as a response to sexual intercourse with a condom is also normal.

Quite often, women experience discharge with a brownish tint, similar in consistency to snot. This is a sign of the presence, in addition to mucus, of bloody impurities. They may appear after taking hormonal contraceptives. If they are not accompanied by pain, discomfort, unpleasant odor and itching, then this should not cause concern to a woman, as it is considered normal.

If the discharge is mucous and has a brown tint, in addition, there is an unpleasant, pungent odor, then you should consult a doctor, who can pronounce a verdict of chronic endometritis.

When is a doctor needed?

If vaginal discharge in the form of clear mucus is not accompanied by pathological symptoms such as an unpleasant odor, impurities of pus or blood, increased body temperature, pain and discomfort, then this is considered a variant of the physiological norm.

The following signs are reasons to contact a medical specialist:

1. Increased body temperature;
2. Aching and cutting sensations in the perineum;
3. Discomfort and pain during intimacy;
4. Menstrual dysfunction;
5. Redness, rash and itching on the mucous membrane of the external genitalia;
6. Drawing pain in the lumbar region.

If one sign or a combination of them appears, the woman is recommended to immediately undergo a medical examination. The choice of diagnostic and treatment tactics is carried out by a specialist gynecologist or dermatovenerologist. If an infectious disease of a bacterial nature is detected, the patient is prescribed a course of antibacterial therapy with broad-spectrum drugs. If pathological discharge is caused by the genital herpes virus, then this problem can be solved with the help of antiviral agents. A striking example is the drug Acyclovir.

How to treat?

Normal healthy discharge should not be a concern, you just need to maintain the required level of personal hygiene. You should wash it twice a day with plain water, change your underwear every day, preferably it should be made from natural fabrics. If you have to use panty liners, it is advisable to choose ones without various flavors and fragrances, as they can provoke microflora disturbances.

If the discharge increases in volume or acquires an unhealthy hue or smell, you should consult a gynecologist as soon as possible. Treatment will depend on the disease that provoked the changes in the secretion. The main thing is not to delay contacting a specialist; some diseases can be extremely dangerous, they lead to infertility and can even threaten a woman’s health.

Prevention

Pathological mucous clear discharge in women is treated depending on what is causing the problem. For example, yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medications, which are injected into the vagina in the form of a gel or cream. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic tablets or ointments.

Most vaginal infections and other diseases of the internal genital organs can be prevented with simple preventive measures:

1. Practice good personal hygiene and regularly wash your outer labia with mild soap and warm water.
2. Whenever possible, limit the use of scented soaps and intimate hygiene gels.
3. Wear 100% cotton underwear and avoid overly tight clothing.
4. Always use a condom during sexual intercourse, and be sure to wash yourself after sex.

The female body is designed in such a way that, in addition to monthly menstruation, clear vaginal discharge is also observed. Often, such leucorrhoea is the absolute norm and should not be a cause for concern, especially if all preventive measures are followed. But any changes should force the woman to consult a doctor at least for a consultation. Be healthy!

Vaginal discharge- this is the result of the secretory activity of glandular structures, mainly located in the vagina. To a lesser extent, the glands of the overlying genital organs participate in the formation of vaginal secretions. Physiological vaginal discharge is present in all women and girls after puberty, and in postmenopause their amount is minimal.

In the mucous membranes lining the walls of the vestibule of the vagina, as well as the cervix, there are glands that constantly produce a small amount of secretion for irrigation, protection and cleansing of the vagina. The presence of such discharge in the vagina is necessary and is not a pathology. A change in the nature of the usual discharge occurs due to harmless reasons or signals serious problems.

Physiological vaginal discharge is not too abundant, does not cause discomfort to the woman and does not affect the condition of surrounding tissues. Vaginal discharge is considered normal if it meets several criteria:

- they are liquid or mucous, transparent or slightly cloudy, less often jelly-like;

- the amount of discharge does not exceed their usual norm for a particular woman;

- do not have a pronounced unpleasant odor;

- do not cause irritation and inflammation of the surrounding mucous membranes, accompanied by itching, pain or discomfort.

We can say that the “normality” of the amount and consistency of vaginal discharge is primarily determined by the woman herself, since the concept of “normal” can vary significantly. For some women, increased or scanty amounts of vaginal discharge are considered normal if their character does not change throughout life and if they are not accompanied by pathological symptoms.

The external characteristics of the discharge are also not always interpreted correctly by patients. Sometimes the discharge changes its appearance when interacting with air and leaves marks on the underwear of a “not its” color. If the discharge comes into contact with chemicals found in hygiene products, it can also change its appearance. During a gynecological examination, the nature of the vaginal contents is assessed more reliably.

As a rule, in most healthy women the daily amount of fluid in the vagina does not exceed 2 ml, and its composition is dominated by lactobacilli and squamous epithelial cells. Representatives of conditionally pathogenic microflora are present in the vagina in minimal quantities (about 2%): gardnerella, mycoplasma, anaerobic bacteria, staphylococci, streptococci and fungi. To prevent unwanted microflora from multiplying, a constant acidic environment with a pH of 3.8 - 4.5 is maintained in the vagina with the help of lactobacilli.

The nature of vaginal contents can be affected by:

— Natural cyclical hormonal fluctuations affect vaginal discharge, changing not only its quantity, but also its consistency. On the eve of menstruation, the amount of vaginal discharge increases and it becomes more viscous.

The most popular reason for visiting a gynecologist is heavy and unpleasant vaginal discharge of an unusual type. Leucorrhoea can have a wide variety of colors (from white to red), consistency (jelly, “cottage cheese” or foam) and be accompanied by unpleasant sensations and pain. In some cases, leucorrhoea is the only symptom of the disease.

The amount of discharge is an important indicator in the diagnosis of diseases. Complaints about strong vaginal discharge do not quite correctly characterize the nature of leucorrhoea. Discharge does not have “strength”, it only has quantity, so it is more correct to replace strong vaginal discharge in the formulation of complaints with heavy vaginal discharge.

As a leading symptom, pathological vaginal discharge accompanies a huge number of gynecological diseases, but most often (60-70%) they appear with inflammatory diseases of the genitals.

Diagnosis of the causes of leucorrhoea most often does not cause difficulties; a simple laboratory study of quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of vaginal secretions (“flora smears”) helps to determine the source of the disease.

Therapy for pathological vaginal discharge involves eliminating the source of the disease and restoring normal parameters of the vaginal environment.

Causes of vaginal discharge

When they say “vaginal discharge,” they mean pathological discharge - leucorrhoea, and not normal vaginal contents, because, as a rule, a woman does not notice the usual vaginal discharge.

At the heart of the pathological process in the vagina, leading to the appearance of discharge (or leucorrhoea), there is a single trigger mechanism - a change in the quantitative composition of the microflora and the acidity of the vaginal environment. The vaginal mucosa is in a state of constant self-renewal due to the desquamation of “old” cells and the proliferation of new cells. Lactobacilli interact with the surface cells of the vaginal epithelium, they break down the glycogen they contain into lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, resulting in an acidic environment in the vagina. Unwanted microflora cannot multiply in an acidic environment, so its amount in the vagina remains minimal.

The vaginal epithelium is hormonally dependent, therefore the state of the vaginal environment is affected by cyclic hormonal changes in the body: estrogens provide the mucosal cells with glycogen, and gestagens help the surface layer of cells to be rejected in time. Thus, a biphasic ovulatory cycle helps maintain a constant vaginal environment. Dyshormonal disorders in the body can provoke pathological vaginal discharge.

However, leucorrhoea does not always mean that the disease is localized specifically in the vagina. Based on the place of origin, they are distinguished:

- Vaginal leucorrhoea. They appear more often than others and accompany inflammatory, infectious diseases or.

- Pipe leucorrhoea. Appear against the background of inflammation in the fallopian tubes. The walls of the inflamed fallopian tube become swollen, their lumen narrows, the inflammatory secretion accumulates in the tube, and then pours into the uterus in portions and enters the vagina through the cervical canal. If the contents of the tube enter the ovary, symptoms of adnexitis appear.

- Uterine leucorrhoea. They occur predominantly during inflammatory processes in the endometrium.

— Cervical (cervical) leucorrhoea is the result of increased secretion of the cervical glands during inflammation.

— Vestibular leucorrhoea is produced by the glands of the vestibule of the vagina.

In girls, in 55% of cases, the appearance of leucorrhoea is not associated with gynecological pathology and is caused by metabolic, allergic or endocrine disorders in the body. During active puberty, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase, but it is physiological. Only 30% of girls and adolescents have pathological vaginal discharge, and most of it is infectious in nature.

During pre- and postmenopausal periods, leucorrhoea is associated with atrophic processes in the mucous membranes or cancer. Sometimes the appearance of leucorrhoea in elderly patients is associated with prolapse of the genital organs.

Leucorrhoea against the background of foreign bodies in the vaginal cavity can be profuse, purulent and have an unpleasant odor. Staying hygienic tampons, a vaginal ring (pessary) in the vagina for too long, as well as foreign objects introduced from outside can cause leucorrhoea.

There is probably not a single woman who has not experienced changes in the nature of vaginal discharge, but not every one of them required medical help. The presence of provoking factors does not always lead to the appearance of leucorrhoea. In healthy women with a good immune system and normal hormonal status, deviations from the normal parameters of the vaginal environment are compensated by the body’s internal resources. However, sexually transmitted infections in even the healthiest patients require therapy.

White vaginal discharge

The appearance of vaginal discharge may not always reliably indicate the true cause of its appearance. Physiological vaginal discharge sometimes has a whitish tint, but due to its small amount, a woman may not know what it looks like and begins to pay attention to it only when its amount increases due to natural causes: in the middle of the menstrual cycle, after stress or intimacy and so on. As a rule, in such cases, in addition to the discharge, the patient is not bothered by any other subjective sensations, and after examination it is not possible to establish the presence of a pathological process.

In pregnant women, physiological discharge before childbirth becomes whitish, abundant and thicker. Unlike leucorrhoea, they are not accompanied by discomfort and do not require treatment.

A pathological process can be suspected if the patient complains of atypically thick and unpleasant white vaginal discharge accompanied by itching, burning or a feeling of discomfort. Such discharge most often indicates excessive proliferation of fungal microflora, that is, the appearance of vaginal candidiasis. The source of the disease is Candida fungi. They may be present in small quantities in the vagina, and their growth is inhibited by lactobacilli. If the normal composition of the vaginal microflora is disrupted, the fungi begin to actively vegetate, displacing beneficial microorganisms.

Vaginal candidiasis is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. Patients complain of abundant and thick white vaginal discharge. Characteristic white inclusions in the form of crumbs or flakes give the whites of candidiasis a resemblance to cottage cheese or sour milk (hence the second name of the disease - “thrush”). The discharge is always accompanied by severe itching, which intensifies in the evening and often does not subside throughout the night, not allowing the woman to rest.

Upon examination, the vaginal mucosa always shows signs of severe inflammation (swelling and redness) with characteristic white “films”. Attempts to remove such plaque are accompanied by severe trauma to the mucous membrane and the appearance of blood. Heavy discharge irritates the inflamed mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva, causing a burning sensation. If the inflammatory process spreads to the urethra, the patient may experience complaints associated with urinary disorders.

Often, patients with vaginal candidiasis can clearly indicate the cause of leucorrhoea. The most common of these is the incorrect use of antibiotics.

Vaginal candidiasis can also have a chronic form, then all the symptoms are mild, and the first place is taken by complaints of cheesy white leucorrhoea (sometimes even without itching).

The diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis is usually not difficult. The presence of cheesy discharge, characteristic signs of fungal inflammation in the vagina and the detection of Candida fungi in smears allow you to quickly make the correct diagnosis.

Treatment for vaginal candidiasis involves the use of antifungal drugs and restoration of normal vaginal pH. Successful treatment of candidiasis does not guarantee relapse of the disease.

Yellow vaginal discharge

Most leucorrhoea is accompanied by inflammation in the vagina. Severe inflammation develops against the background of a decrease in the ability of the vaginal mucosa to resist infection, that is, pathogenic microflora. An infectious process in the vagina can be provoked by “own” microorganisms (the case when opportunistic microbes become the cause of the disease) or pathogens from outside (genital infections).

A sign of an infectious process in the genitals is a yellow, purulent discharge. Long-term purulent discharge acquires a greenish tint.

Abundant, watery, yellow or yellow-green vaginal discharge may indicate trichomoniasis. The disease is caused by Trichomonas and is venereal. In addition to leucorrhoea, the patient is bothered by pain, itching, burning and urinary dysfunction. A distinctive sign of trichomonas inflammation is the foamy appearance of leucorrhoea and an unpleasant, stale odor. If the disease is not cured on time, it becomes chronic.

Creamy purulent discharge is characteristic of a serious sexually transmitted disease - gonorrhea. The disease is acute, with severe symptoms of inflammation and fever. Inflammation in gonorrhea quickly rises to the overlying genital organs, causing symptoms of endometritis or adnexitis. If the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes, they “stick together” due to the accumulation of inflammatory fluid, so one of the unfortunate consequences of gonorrhea is.

Leucorrhoea does not always indicate the presence of a pathological process in the vaginal area. Inflammation of the uterus or appendages is also accompanied by pathological discharge. Most often, with acute endometritis, profuse purulent vaginal discharge is accompanied by severe fever and pain.

It should be noted that leucorrhoea can have a yellowish tint of different origins. To establish the exact cause of their appearance, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory study of the composition of the vaginal contents. A large number of leukocytes in a smear always indicates intense inflammation, and identification of a specific pathogen indicates the cause of the disease.

Brown vaginal discharge

Blood colors vaginal discharge in all shades of red - from scarlet to dark brown. The presence of a small amount of blood in vaginal discharge can always be suspected by its characteristic color. Typically, dark brown vaginal discharge indicates the presence of a source of minor bleeding in the genital tract, when a small amount of blood has time to oxidize and break down before it comes out.

The most common cause of brown discharge is menstrual irregularities. Typically, the patient experiences spotting, dark, brown vaginal discharge of varying duration during any period between menstruation. Sometimes such discharge replaces normal menstruation.

The appearance of slight brown spotting vaginal discharge is not always a sign of disease. In some women, they are observed while taking hormonal contraceptives (especially low-dose ones) or an intrauterine device. As a rule, the appearance of such discharge is short-term and is not accompanied by any subjective unpleasant sensations. If spotting brown discharge bothers a woman constantly, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Some women decide on the method of contraception on their own and choose a hormonal drug on the advice of friends or a pharmacist at the pharmacy. Continuous spotting between menstruation in such cases may indicate that the drug has been chosen incorrectly. Each hormonal contraceptive contains a certain ratio of sex hormones (estrogens and gestagens). It is not the same for different drugs and is selected individually, based on the age and hormonal status of the patient, so you should not rely on independent choice.

Intrauterine contraception (“spiral”) in some cases provokes spotting:

- in the first time after the insertion of the IUD, the uterus perceives it as a foreign body and tries to free itself;

— the uterine mucosa at the site of “attachment” of the spiral may be slightly injured.

Such discharge should not last long or be accompanied by discomfort or pain. Otherwise, it is necessary to decide on its removal.

Minor brown discharge may appear briefly after douching or overly aggressive sexual intercourse due to microtrauma of the mucous membrane. Spotting brown or pink discharge from the vagina after an abortion or cauterization of cervical erosion also indicates the presence of injuries to the mucous membranes of the vagina and uterus. As a rule, such discharges are temporary and disappear on their own.

Sometimes spotting is accompanied by pain or fever, which indicates an infectious-inflammatory process in the genitals.

Pathological discharge from sexually transmitted infections may contain a small amount of dark blood. The intense inflammatory process caused by sexually transmitted infections destroys the surface epithelium of the vagina with the formation of microtraumas.

Some gynecological diseases are accompanied by intermenstrual spotting vaginal discharge: uterine fibroids, and endometrial fibroids.

The appearance of brown discharge against the background of a delay in the next menstruation may indicate a very dangerous condition -. Sometimes, in addition to spotting, there are signs of normal (uterine) pregnancy and abdominal pain of varying intensity. Often this condition is mistaken for a threatening miscarriage. An interrupted ectopic pregnancy threatens the patient’s life and requires immediate surgical intervention.

Sometimes, in late pregnancy, the source of slight dark vaginal discharge can be dilated vessels of the cervix, in other cases they signal a threat of miscarriage.

Clear vaginal discharge

Transparent vaginal discharge without color or odor in a small amount corresponds to the concept of normal. Typically, they look like clear mucus or egg white. The viscosity and amount of vaginal discharge depends on the composition of the vaginal microflora, the content of sex steroids and some individual characteristics of the body.

There is no strict standard for discharge. In some women, an increased amount of discharge is observed constantly and is not accompanied by diseases.

Physiological secretions predominantly contain epithelial cells and lactobacilli. If there are many epithelial cells, they give the discharge a whitish tint.

Sometimes clear discharge begins to bother a woman constantly, leaves stains on her underwear or is accompanied by unpleasant subjective sensations; in this situation, the reason for such changes should be understood.

A slight presence of fresh blood is indicated by short-term pink vaginal discharge. Therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations can provoke minor violations of the integrity of the mucous membrane; blood from the surface of microtraumas enters the vaginal secretion and turns it pink.

“Cauterization” or “freezing” of cervical ectopia is accompanied by the formation of a dense crust, healthy tissue grows under it, then the wound surface heals completely, and the crust is rejected. This process may be accompanied by pink vaginal discharge of a short duration.

Mucous discharge from the vagina

Light vaginal discharge of a mucous type without pathological impurities and odor, which does not cause itching, burning or discomfort, is the norm. Sometimes mucous discharge becomes more viscous and stringy, and in appearance resembles egg white.

The mucous appearance of vaginal discharge is due to the cervix.

Clear and thick cervical (or cervical) mucus forms in the cervix, sometimes called a “plug.” It is produced by the cells of the cervical canal mucosa and performs important functions:

- prevents unwanted bacteria from entering the uterus, performing a barrier role;

- thanks to the mucous cervical secretion, sperm entering the vagina are “transported” to the uterus.

The composition and acidity of cervical mucus correlates with normal vaginal secretions, and its viscosity is controlled by sex steroids. To ensure that sperm can easily enter the uterus, at the time of ovulation the density of cervical mucus decreases and it flows into the vagina. Therefore, the amount of vaginal mucous discharge during ovulation increases.

The consistency and amount of cervical mucus is directly dependent on the level of sex hormones. Methods for studying the state of cervical mucus at different periods of the cycle, especially during ovulation, in women with infertility help determine the presence of dyshormonal disorders.

The Billings method is based on studying the viscosity of cervical mucus at different periods of the cycle. At the end of the next menstruation, the vagina is “dry” - there is practically no discharge. Towards the middle of the cycle, the mucous discharge becomes so viscous that it can be easily stretched between two fingers. The period of ovulation (middle of the cycle) is accompanied by an increase in vaginal discharge, it becomes liquid. Then the discharge becomes viscous again, and then disappears completely. If the cervical mucus indicators do not change, we can assume. This method cannot reliably determine the presence of hormonal abnormalities and is indirect.

Bloody vaginal discharge

The only normal time for bleeding from the vagina is during menstruation. The source of menstrual bleeding is the extensive wound surface of the uterine cavity, formed after rejection of its outer mucous layer.

Discharge of blood from the vagina, not associated with menstrual bleeding, always indicates the presence of a disease. Important diagnostic criteria are the duration of bleeding and their quantity. As a rule, a single small amount of red vaginal discharge can provoke:

- Sexual contact, especially if the partner has cervical pathology - erosion or.

— Diagnostic procedures: taking smears, aspiration biopsy of the endometrium, diagnostic curettage, laparoscopy, and so on.

— Mechanical disruption of the integrity of the integumentary epithelium during douching, use of a gynecological speculum during examination, or insertion of the uterine ring during prolapse of the genital organs. Much less often, the vaginal mucosa is damaged by foreign bodies in the uterus.

— Inflammatory changes in the vagina make the mucous membrane easily vulnerable, so they can sometimes be accompanied by slight bleeding.

— A slight discharge of scarlet blood from the vagina after an abortion is associated with injury to the mucous membranes of the uterus and cervical canal. Normally, their intensity should decrease until they completely stop on their own.

The most common causes of significant vaginal bleeding are:

— Menstrual cycle disorders. In the absence of ovulation, the cyclic processes of the uterus and ovaries are disrupted, which leads to the appearance of intermenstrual bleeding.

— Polyps of the cervical canal and endometrium provoke bleeding of varying intensity if they reach large sizes, are injured or undergo decay.

— Uterine fibroids of significant size prevent the muscular wall of the uterus from contracting properly and cause prolonged menstruation or intermenstrual bleeding.

— Bleeding with severe inflammation of the uterus and appendages is associated with a disruption of the normal hormonal status of the body under the influence of infection.

— With endometriosis, the discharge is only sometimes abundant and bright, but is always associated with menstruation.

Acyclic bleeding can accompany some non-gynecological pathologies: diseases of the blood coagulation system,.

Sudden heavy bleeding against the background of a sharp deterioration in health appears in emergency conditions that threaten the life and health of a woman. Most often these are:

— Submucous (submucosal) fibroids of the uterine body. Sometimes fibroids grow into the uterine cavity in the form of a node, causing severe bleeding and pain. The most dangerous complication of submucosal fibroids is uterine inversion.

— Retention of parts of the fertilized egg after a medical abortion or spontaneous miscarriage. Pieces of remaining tissue prevent the uterus from contracting, causing bleeding. A similar situation occurs after childbirth, when a piece of the placenta remains in the uterus.

— Interrupted ectopic pregnancy.

— Complications of pregnancy: premature spontaneous termination of pregnancy, placental abruption.

— Postpartum hemorrhage associated with rupture of the soft tissues of the vagina and/or cervix, especially when they are sutured incorrectly or at the wrong time.

If untimely bleeding occurs, you should immediately visit a doctor.

Vaginal discharge with odor

Microorganisms present in the vagina during their life processes release chemical compounds with different odors. In healthy women, there is an individual, subtle odor in the area of ​​the external genitalia. Normally, he should not bother a woman. Increased vaginal odor often signals problems.

The simplest reason for the appearance of unpleasant-smelling discharge is a violation of the rules of intimate hygiene. If they disappear after normal hygiene procedures, there is no need to worry.

The smell of vaginal discharge is perceived differently by patients, since everyone’s sense of smell is not equally developed. However, there is a group of diseases that have a characteristic, unique smell of vaginal discharge.

Discharge from sexually transmitted infections has an unpleasant odor. With trichomoniasis, an unpleasant, pungent odor accompanies copious, foamy discharge.

The sour odor of vaginal discharge in vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by Candida fungi.

One of the most common diseases with a characteristic vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis, characterized by the appearance of copious homogeneous vaginal discharge with a very specific smell of stale fish. Bacterial vaginosis does not have a specific pathogen; it develops against the background of a quantitative change in the composition of the vaginal microflora with the participation of opportunistic microorganisms.

Under the influence of unfavorable factors in the vagina, the number of lactobacilli decreases and the pH changes, which is fertile ground for the development of dysbiosis. Instead of lactobacilli, opportunistic microflora begins to multiply in the vaginal environment; the more of it, the more pronounced the symptoms of the disease, including vaginal odor.

The unpleasant odor of vaginal discharge in patients with bacterial vaginosis is associated with the activity of anaerobic bacteria: they produce amines. As amines break down, they release a “fishy” odor. If the disease occurs in an erased form, the amine test reveals a specific vaginal odor: the contents of the vagina are mixed with an alkali solution, which destroys amines, and a “fishy” odor is obtained.

Despite the heavy discharge, during examination for bacterial vaginosis there are no signs of local inflammation; this serves as an important diagnostic sign.

To save the patient from bacterial vaginosis, it is necessary to eliminate unwanted microflora and restore normal biocenosis in the vagina.

Discharge of urine from the vagina

Urine discharge from the vagina always indicates the presence of a genitourinary fistula. Urogenital fistulas in women are a pathological formation (course) between the vaginal cavity and the bladder. Much less common are genitourinary fistulas between the bladder and uterus.

The cause of the formation of a genitourinary fistula is often incorrect obstetric and gynecological operations, during which a rupture of the wall of the vagina or uterus occurs with perforation (formation of a hole) into the bladder.

The appearance of genitourinary fistulas may be preceded by criminal abortion.

Very rarely, perforation of the uterus during a medical abortion leads to the formation of a genitourinary fistula. As a rule, this situation arises if the patient has a pronounced infectious process in the uterus.

Genitourinary fistulas can be of a traumatic nature and occur against the background of serious injuries to the genital organs of a non-gynecological nature.

If a violation of the integrity of the vaginal walls is diagnosed at the time of its occurrence (for example, during surgery), then it is immediately eliminated surgically. In some cases, sharp surgical instruments leave damage invisible to the eye, and pathological symptoms appear much later.

The most characteristic symptom of a genitourinary fistula is the discharge of urine from the vaginal cavity. If the external opening of the fistula is located next to the opening of the urethra, it is difficult to recognize it, and the discharge of urine is mistaken for incontinence.

Continuous leakage of urine into the vagina causes inflammation of the mucous membrane with toxic compounds. Signs of severe inflammation appear – , . Long-term inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina provokes the development of a purulent process. In this case, vaginal discharge becomes purulent and acquires an unpleasant odor. A long-standing vaginal infection through the fistula cavity can enter the urinary tract and cause.

Diagnosis of genitourinary fistulas begins with a vaginal examination, which makes it possible to detect the opening of the genitourinary fistula and pronounced changes in the vaginal mucosa. Ultrasound and urological examinations help clarify the diagnosis. Urogenital fistulas are eliminated surgically.

In conclusion, I would like to note that almost all newly appeared and disturbing vaginal discharge requires an attentive attitude, namely an immediate trip to the gynecologist.

Many women are very worried about the appearance of white vaginal discharge, perceiving it as a sign of the development of infectious or inflammatory diseases. However, this is not always the case. Often,white thick discharge without odor or itchingoccur during certain periods of the menstrual cycle and are the absolute norm. But if they are accompanied by other symptoms, for example, abdominal pain or discomfort in the perineum, then you should think about your health and visit a doctor.

Why do leucorrhoea appear?

Leucorrhoea is the name given to white discharge, which can periodically occur in both women and girls. There are many reasons for this, but the most important of them is self-cleaning, which is necessary to remove dead cells and pathogenic microorganisms from the vaginal cavity. Their quantity, consistency, smell may change during some periods of the menstrual cycle and this is normal.

White discharge without odor or itchingQuite often they appear in women in the middle of the cycle, when ovulation occurs, and at the end - before menstruation. Many people notice them after sex or taking any medications. And this, too, is not a deviation from the norm, but is simply a natural physiological state that should not cause cause for concern.

You should only worry if there is too much discharge. At the same time, they are accompanied by itching, burning, unpleasant odor or painful sensations.

In teenagers

Appearance white discharge without odorin teenage girls it is determined by the formation of the menstrual cycle, when hormonal levels are just beginning to improve. The organs of the reproductive system become active and begin to produce a lot of hormones, to which the body reacts in this way. For the same reason, teenage girls develop pimples and blackheads on their faces, they become irritable, and their mood often changes.

Sometimes copious white dischargein girls they may appear instead of menstrual blood for several months on certain days of the menstrual cycle. And only after 2-3 months menstrual blood begins to be released instead.

Important! If girls aged 12-15 years experience heavy white discharge on certain days of the cycle for 3-6 months, then you should immediately consult a doctor. This may indicate serious hormonal or endocrine system disorders.

After the formation of hormonal levels and the menstrual cycle, the appearancewhite discharge without itching, smell and burning sensation can be caused by various factors. For example:

• the beginning of menstruation;
• ovulation;
• pregnancy.

Beginning of menstruation

Many people believe that the onset of menstruation should always be accompanied by bloody vaginal discharge. But that's not true. In order for the uterus to clear menstrual blood, its cervix must open. However, this increases the risk of infections entering the uterine cavity, which is fraught with serious health problems.

And in order to protect itself, the body activates its defenses, as a result of which the uterus begins to abundantly secrete mucus, which passes through the cervix, thereby cleansing it. This process can last for 2-3 days and only after that menstruation begins.

White discharge in women, which are observed during this period, are usually abundant, but they do not have an unpleasant odor and do not irritate the skin on the labia. If extraneous symptoms do occur, this may already indicate the development of infections or inflammations that need to be treated urgently.

Ovulation

As a rule, when ovulation occurs in women, mucous membranes are observed, viscous and transparent discharge. Their appearance is caused by a hormonal surge, which activates the work of the glands that produce this mucus and are located on the mucous membrane of the cervix.

This mucus also ensures cleansing of pathogenic microorganisms and preparation of the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. It does not have an unpleasant odor and may sometimes have a white coloring

Pregnancy

White, liquid, odorless dischargequite often observed during pregnancy. A woman may not even be aware of her “situation” and take their appearance as a harbinger of the imminent onset of menstruation. However, after some time, she notes that they become abundant, but there have been no periods.

This phenomenon is caused by the active production of hormones necessary to maintain pregnancy. Moreover, it can be observed throughout the first trimester, which is the absolute norm.

Viscous white mucous dischargemay also occur at the end of the third trimester several weeks before labor. The reason for this is the release of the so-called plug from the cervix. It does not give off an unpleasant odor or cause irritation, but may contain streaks of blood.

Important! If the plug begins to come off at the beginning of the third trimester, you should immediately go to the doctor, as it may indicate the onset of premature labor.

After sex

White copious dischargein women, odorless spots may appear immediately or several hours after unprotected sex. The reason for this is the cleansing of the vagina from male sperm. They can last throughout the day.

Important! If after sex you notice white, foamy discharge with an unpleasant odor, immediately get tested to detect infections, as they are the main sign of contracting an STD.

Disturbance of vaginal microflora

Another reason why a woman may notice thick white or sour cream discharge. The vagina has its own environment with an optimal acid-base balance. If an acidic or alkaline environment begins to predominate in the vagina, this leads to activation of the body's defenses and hyperactivity of the glands.

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Various factors can provoke disruption of the vaginal microflora. For example:

• Frequent douching.
• Stress.
• Using inappropriate cosmetics for intimate hygiene.
• Violation of personal hygiene rules.
• Wearing underwear made from synthetic materials.
• Frequent change of sexual partners.
• Taking certain medications (most often antibiotics and oral contraceptives).

In this case, whitish discharge without odor and itching is also noted. But! If the acid-base balance is disturbed, the risks of developing gynecological diseases increase significantly, and therefore you should not delay going to the doctor.

Diseases

Stretching , white mucous secretion shade may be released from the vagina during the development of certain diseases. Among them, the most common are:

• endometritis;
• cervicitis.

Most often, these diseases develop in women who have given birth. With endometritis, the lining of the uterus becomes inflamed, which leads to the appearance stretching vaginal mucus. It may leave an unpleasant odor, but does not cause itching or irritation of the skin on the labia. In this case, periodic pain in the lower abdomen is noted, which intensifies during sexual intercourse or severe physical exertion.

With cervicitis, inflammation is localized on the cervix, which is also lined with mucous membranes inside and out. When it is inflamed, the amount allocated physiological mucus increases, which is caused by disruption of the glands. Cervicitis is also characterized by pain that occurs in the lower abdomen, as well as the presence small the number of bloody veins in the discharge after sex.

Important! All these diseases require immediate treatment, as they can provoke the development of dystrophic processes and oncology, which will lead to the need to remove organs of the reproductive system and further infertility.

Copious curdled dischargemost often appear with the development of thrush (candidiasis). But in this case, other symptoms always appear - itching, burning, skin irritation, redness, etc. In the initial stages of development, candidiasis can only appear poorlymilky smelling discharge, which may contain lumps or dense flakes consistency. Further, the amount of secreted secretion increases and unpleasant sensations appear in the perineum.

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For females characterized by the presence in the vagina of opportunistic microorganisms - gardnerella, with active reproduction of which can also appear curd or whitish mucous discharge resembling milk . There are no lumps in them , but their distinctive feature is that they emit an unpleasant smell of rotten fish.

Important! If the whitish discharge begins to foam or acquires a greenish or yellow stringy consistency, you should immediately seek help from a doctor, as their appearance is a sign of the development of an STD.

Before starting treatment for vaginal discharge, it is necessary to establish the exact cause of its occurrence. To do this, it is enough to take a vaginal smear for bacterial culture and do an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

After receiving all the test results, the doctor will tell you what exactly caused the discharge and whether the woman needs treatment. If inflammatory processes have been identified, they are treated first. This is done with the help of special anti-inflammatory drugs. If infections are found during the examination, antibacterial treatment is carried out, etc.

Remember, it is absolutely forbidden to self-medicate without knowing the exact diagnosis. The vaginal microflora is very vulnerable and reacts sharply to everything. Therefore, incorrectly selected medications or procedures can lead to serious consequences.

Surely every woman has noticed abundant white discharge from her vagina. Many believe that this is the first sign of the appearance and development of an inflammatory process or infection. However, this is not always the case. White, thick, odorless discharge can appear at different periods of the menstrual cycle and is considered normal. But if their appearance is accompanied by additional symptoms (abdominal pain, discomfort in the perineum), then in this case you should immediately run to the doctor. First things first.

Cause of odorless white discharge

Leucorrhoea is the name given to discharge that occurs from time to time in women and girls. The most common reason is self-cleaning, when dead cells and pathogenic microorganisms are removed from the vaginal cavity. By the way, the quantity and consistency may vary depending on the periods of the cycle. This is the norm.

The causes of white, odorless and itchy discharge are natural processes that occur at the physiological level. Vaginal secretion is normally odorless. If you smell an unpleasant “aroma,” then this is the first warning sign that there are health problems.

Often, itching, white, odorless discharge in women can appear due to improper hygiene of the genital organs. Irregular hygiene leads to bacteria multiplying rapidly and can cause serious diseases of the genital organs.

Odorless leucorrhoea may appear for the following reasons:

• Vaginal discharge is usually thin and watery, and becomes more abundant during ovulation.
• Thick, odorless and itchy leucorrhoea occurs during sexual intercourse. Natural lubrication appears in the vagina so that the male sexual organ can easily enter inside. Thanks to this lubrication, both partners do not feel discomfort during intercourse.
• Leucorrhoea may increase during pregnancy. This is necessary to protect the fetus and mother from any infection.
• Provoking the appearance of leucorrhoea occurs when using intrauterine devices and creams with a contraceptive function.

What happens to teenagers?

White, odorless discharge in adolescents is caused by the onset of the menstrual cycle. It is during this period that the hormonal balance improves, and the organs of the reproductive system enter an active stage and begin to produce hormones. As a result, white discharge appears. The same reason is the “culprit” for the appearance of acne on the face. And girls become more irritable and emotional, and their mood changes frequently.

In girls, copious white discharge sometimes appears instead of menstrual blood for several months. And only after a while (2-3 months) does blood begin to be released. It is important to monitor such discharge during adolescence. So, if such whitish discharge appears within 3-6 months, then you need to consult a doctor. These discharges may be a reflection of serious hormonal disorders or endocrine system disorders.

Among women

White, odorless discharge in women can be caused by various factors:

• the beginning of the menstrual cycle;
• ovulation;
• during pregnancy.

However, each factor is worth considering in more detail.

Types of discharge

Mucous vaginal discharge without a strong odor or color is considered normal. Depending on the period of the menstrual cycle, the density of secretion may change. In some cases, discharge is a signal of the onset of the disease. There are several types of discharge.

Thick discharge

Such vaginal leucorrhoea has a thick, creamy consistency. Most often, they indicate that a woman’s body contains harmful microbes.

The source of atypical profuse leucorrhoea is fungal, viral or bacterial diseases. One of the most common is thrush, an infection of the urethra.

Liquid discharge

Such discharge is considered normal only during the period of ovulation. Constant watery white discharge with streaks can act as signs of inflammation in the cervical canal or erosion.

If the leucorrhoea has a yellowish tint with a pungent odor, then this is a signal of the appearance of diseases such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea with chlamydia.

Mucus discharge

Discharges of this nature are perceived in two ways: normal and a signal of illness. If leucorrhoea does not stop throughout the entire cycle and looks like dense snot, then you urgently need to consult a doctor.

Often mucous discharge with a strong unpleasant odor is accompanied by itching. Such signs may reflect diseases such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, vaginosis, thrush, and gonorrhea.

Curdled discharge

Such leucorrhoea has the smell of sour milk. This is a clear primary sign of the development of candidiasis (thrush). This disease can occur as a result of inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, which is caused by a fungus. The yellowish “cottage cheese” has no odor - this is the first sign that the ovaries, fallopian tubes are inflamed, or the appendages are affected by a bacterial infection.

The inflammatory process in the uterine appendages (adnexitis, salpingitis, salpingoophoritis) is usually accompanied by copious discharge, and if the stage is already chronic, on the contrary, in small quantities. Curd leucorrhoea with a greenish tint is a sure sign of trichomoniasis, colpitis, inflammation of the urethra, urinary system or bacterial vaginosis.

Beginning of the menstrual cycle

Many women believe that the onset of menstruation must be marked by heavy bleeding from the vagina. However, this is not entirely true. In order for the uterus to clear menstrual blood, its cervix must open. However, in this case, there is a high risk of various infections entering the uterine cavity. To do this, the body protects itself, activating all its forces. As a result, the uterus produces copious mucous secretions that pass through the cervix, thereby cleaning it. This process can take two to three days. After which the usual menstruation begins.

Usually at this time you can notice copious discharge that is odorless and does not irritate the skin on the labia. Of course, if other symptoms occur, this may indicate the development of an inflammatory process or infection. In this case, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Ovulation

White discharge, odorless, but usually mucous and thick in consistency, occurs during ovulation. This appears due to a hormonal surge that activates the activity of the glands.

It is the glands that are responsible for the production of this mucus, located on the mucous membrane of the cervix. This mucus is responsible for the cleansing process of pathogenic microorganisms and prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg.

During pregnancy

Odorless colors are observed during pregnancy. By the way, a woman may not be aware of the appearance of an “interesting situation”, taking this discharge as a harbinger of the onset of menstruation. However, soon the discharge becomes abundant, and menstruation does not appear.

This phenomenon is due to the active production of hormones that are necessary to maintain pregnancy in the first trimester. This is the norm.

White mucous discharge with a viscous consistency may appear at the end of the third trimester, several weeks before giving birth. The reason is the removal of the plug from the cervix. Such odorless discharge does not cause any irritation, but it may contain streaks of blood.

After intercourse

White, odorless discharge can occur immediately after unprotected intercourse or several hours later. The reason is to cleanse the vagina of male sperm. Discharge may appear throughout the day.

However, if a woman notices a foamy white discharge with an unpleasant, pungent odor, then this is the first sign of infection of the genital tract.

Disturbance of microflora in the vagina

If a woman experiences thick white discharge, reminiscent of sour cream in consistency, then this is the first sign of a violation of the vaginal microflora. The vagina has its own optimal acid-base balance. If an acidic or alkaline environment predominates, the body’s defenses are activated and hyperactivity of the glands occurs. The vaginal microflora is disrupted due to the influence of such factors:

• frequent douching;
• stress;
• using inappropriate cosmetics for intimate hygiene;
• in case of violation of personal hygiene rules;
• when wearing synthetic underwear;
• with frequent changes of sexual partners;
• when taking certain types of medications, usually antibiotics or oral contraceptives.

If the acid-base balance in the vagina is disturbed, the risk of gynecological diseases increases.

Discharges that are considered normal

White, odorless discharge is normal if:

• light discharge;
• transparent;
• have no odor (barely perceptible, individual for each woman);
• the discharge does not cause pain, burning sensations or discomfort.

In this case everything is fine.

What diseases can there be?

If there is itching, white, odorless discharge in women of reproductive age, this indicates that there are bacteria in the vagina. The reasons for such troubles may be different.

For thick discharge.

Diseases such as thrush or urogenital candidiasis may develop. The “culprit” of these ailments is the Candida fungus. The main symptom is a white, curd-like, odorless discharge with characteristic itching and burning in the vaginal area. Leucorrhoea has a sour, pungent odor.

Thick, foamy discharge with a greenish tint indicates a disease - trichomonas colpitis. It is extremely dangerous for women’s health, so urgent medical intervention is necessary.

With liquid discharge.

Itching in the vagina and leucorrhoea can cause dysbacteriosis (bacterial vaginosis) of the genital organs. This disease is characterized by foamy, abundant, white, odorless, grayish discharge. This disease can be recognized by the smell of leucorrhoea, reminiscent of the smell of fish.

With mucous discharge.

A mucous secretion of a whitish hue is released from the vagina due to the development of diseases such as endometritis and cervicitis. Typically, these diseases occur in women who have given birth. So, with endometritis, inflammation of the uterine mucosa occurs. As a result, stretchy mucus. It may have an unpleasant odor and irritate the skin of the labia. In this case, the disease is accompanied by periodic pain in the lower abdomen, which intensifies when having sexual intercourse or intense physical exertion.

During cervicitis, the inflammatory process is localized in the cervix, which also has mucous membranes outside and inside. Thus, during inflammation, the amount of physiological mucus increases several times. This is due to the fact that the functioning of the glands is disrupted. The course of this disease is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and the presence of blood streaks after sexual intercourse.

How to treat and who to contact?

Often, women who discover uncharacteristic vaginal discharge are confused and do not know which doctor to contact. You should not panic and remember that a disease detected in time is insurance against possible complications and health problems. So, if the discharge smells bad, has a strange appearance and you feel discomfort in the genitals, then you should immediately contact a gynecologist. It is this doctor who will help identify the exact cause of atypical discharge and immediately prescribe a course of therapy. Treatment usually occurs through the use of vaginal suppositories and tablets.

The usual cause of heavy discharge is bacterial vaginosis. For such a disease, the doctor recommends adding drugs to the medication intake that stimulate the normalization of the vaginal microflora. Thus, the Multi-Gyn ActiGel gel is based on a bioactive complex obtained from a gel-like extract of aloe leaves. Thanks to its effect, it blocks and neutralizes pathogenic microorganisms attached to the vaginal mucosa. As a result, the healthy microflora of the woman’s reproductive system is restored.

Remember that timely contact with a specialist and competent therapy will help to effectively get rid of the existing disease, as well as prevent complications.