Leucorrhoea transparent. Creamy white discharge in women: possible causes and features. What does discharge in early pregnancy tell you?

In women, a white substance (leucorrhoea) is constantly secreted from the genital tract without itching, odor or any other painful sensations. It causes many people to worry and think about possible illnesses. However, in fact, white discharge is quite natural for any female body. With their help, the vagina is freed from “garbage”: dead cells, blood, mucus, and other waste products. True, in some cases, excessive secretion still indicates health problems.

Girls produce more leucorrhoea than women whose biological age is already approaching menopause. The reason is that in a young body the hormonal background is not yet fully formed, while in middle-aged women it is already stable and unchangeable.

Normally, both in girls and in middle-aged women, the vagina has a slightly acidic environment. It is such thanks to the vital activity of lactobacilli that produce lactic acid. The slightly acidic environment neutralizes all harmful microbes.

Signs of “healthy” discharge

The nature of the discharge is indicated by its signs. In addition to the fact that normal leucorrhoea is usually odorless and itchy, it also:

• transparent, creamy white or white-yellow;
• have a watery, runny consistency;
• during ovulation they take on a transparent, viscous mucous form;
• do not have “inclusions” in the form of flakes or lumps;
• no more than one teaspoon is excreted per day;
• do not increase body temperature;
• do not irritate the skin and vaginal mucosa;
• stains are left on underwear, the size of which does not exceed 5 cm.

During menstruation, after sex, and also when a woman experiences sexual arousal, there may be more white discharge.

“Menstrual” leucorrhoea is usually very viscous, similar in color to raw chicken whites.

If a woman has had unprotected sex, the discharge first takes the form of clots, then becomes liquid. With their help, the female body gets rid of sperm. Leucorrhoea is also needed to lubricate the vagina during sexual intercourse. They disappear very quickly.

The amount of odorless and itchy leucorrhoea may increase if a woman uses birth control pills, vaginal suppositories, coils, or cervical caps.

Discharge associated with pregnancy

Very thick white discharge, odorless and itchy, sometimes occurs in the initial stages of pregnancy (first trimester). Outwardly, they look like small clots of mucus. They are whitish or colorless and do not cause health problems.

White discharge appears due to an increase in the level of the hormone progesterone in the blood. It is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, which are born after the follicle ruptures. Such leucorrhoea performs a protective function for the uterine cavity. They form a mucous plug that protects the uterus from various infectious diseases and the threat of miscarriage.

When approximately 12 weeks have passed since the start of pregnancy, the concentration of the hormone progesterone in the female body begins to decrease, and the amount of estrogen, on the contrary, increases. For this reason, the discharge takes on a liquid form and increases in number. They are usually colorless, but can also be whitish.

What does “pathological” leucorrhoea look like? What diseases cause them?

White discharge, indicating illness, has an unpleasant, often pungent odor, and causes itching. They have a yellowish and sometimes even greenish color. Because of such discharge, a woman may experience severe physical as well as psychological discomfort. Their presence indicates the following health problems:

• pelvic cold (if the white discharge is very thick) caused by inflammation of the bladder;
• cervical erosion;
• during puberty (puberty) this is a sign of diseases of the urinary system;
• fungal infection. Accompanied by a sour, extremely unpleasant odor, they have the form of flakes.

A disease called bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis) is another common cause of white pathological discharge. It is caused by the proliferation of pathogenic microflora in the female vagina. Gardnerellosis is accompanied by a light grayish-white discharge with a very strong unpleasant odor.

Leucorrhoea can also intensify due to problems with the immune system.

“Non-dangerous” causes of pathological leucorrhoea

Such reasons include, in particular:

• stressful situations - cause the release of a thick, abundant white substance;
• weather changes: magnetic storms, changes in air humidity, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure;
• taking certain medications (hormonal contraceptives and some others);
• period of breastfeeding. Hormonal levels change in the female body, the amount of normal secretions decreases, they become homogeneous.

What symptoms should you see a doctor for?

If white discharge appears along with the following symptoms, a woman should immediately visit a gynecologist:

• itching or cutting pain in the perineal area;
• “fishy” smell;
• blood impurity;
• pus;
• pain during sex;
• discharge in the form of foam with an unpleasant odor;
• pain that occurs when urinating;
• increased body temperature;
• dull aching pain in the lower body and lumbar region.

Diagnostics

The gynecologist will first take swabs from the vagina, urethra and cervical canal. He will also check the vagina and urethra by palpation. Perhaps the doctor will prescribe the following:

• Ultrasound of the pelvis;
• PCR diagnostics (polymerase chain reaction is a method by which pathogens of infectious diseases are identified);
• colposcopy.

How to protect yourself from infections that can cause excess white discharge

It is not difficult to protect yourself from such infections: you just need to maintain personal hygiene and for this:

• try not to irritate the vaginal mucosa. Use herbal based products for washing;
• take a bath several times a week;
• use sanitary pads every day, be sure to change them when thick, profuse leucorrhoea is produced;
• choose suitable underwear. Briefs made of cotton fabric are ideal. Air passes through this fabric freely, the skin “breathes” well.

You also need to eat right, be sure to get enough sleep, avoid stressful situations and devote time to physical exercise.

White discharge, odorless and itchy, is natural and harmless. But sometimes they are a symptom of a disease. Therefore, every woman who values ​​her health must know exactly when discharge signals problems.

White discharge periodically appears in women. Their presence and abundance depends on physiological changes in the body - puberty, periods in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause. Without odor and discomfort in an intimate place, white discharge is considered normal and can occur at one time or another.

The vaginal microflora consists of fermented lactic acid bacteria (Dederlein bacillus). They prevail in quantity and quality over other microorganisms and create a protective environment for the woman’s genitourinary system. Dead epithelial cells (constantly renewed) and a few leukocytes (permissible 5–6 cells) may also be present here.

Normal clear discharge may turn white and change in volume depending on menstruation or during pregnancy. This is a normal vaginal discharge and is no cause for concern.

Signs of white vaginal discharge that are normal:

• no obvious foreign odor, no discomfort in the intimate area;
• discharge of a liquid structure, slightly watery, and at different periods of menstruation can be viscous and thick white;
• color varies from white to cream or pale yellow at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, which becomes clear after ovulation;
• the amount of discharge per day does not exceed 6–7 ml;
• the abundance of vaginal discharge increases before menstruation, during sexual arousal and intercourse.

It must be remembered that if the white discharge does not have an unpleasant odor, is not accompanied by abdominal pain and does not cause discomfort in the form of itching in the genitals, we are talking about healthy vaginal microflora.

Factors of pathological changes in vaginal fluid of an allergenic nature

Allergens can be common causes of changes in vaginal discharge. This applies to frequent douching or washing with hygiene products that contain aggressive elements in their composition.

If we talk about products that are used as lubricants during intimate relationships, then they also have their own allergens-lubricants. They can cause white and thick discharge, provoke itching and even burning when urinating.

Another allergen that affects the consistency and color of vaginal fluid is latex (the material from which condoms are made). Quite often they cause allergic reactions in women.

Thus, if, after an examination by a doctor, gardnerellosis or candidiasis have been ruled out, and the woman is confident in her sexual partner, you should pay attention to allergens that can cause discomfort in the vagina.

Pathological discharge of an infectious nature

If vaginal discharge begins to acquire a rich white color, and a pronounced sour odor appears, we may be talking about the presence of an allergen in the vagina or a fungus that provokes the development of candidiasis - thrush. The most common sign of the disease is a large amount of curdled discharge.

The main causes of thrush:

• stressful situations, nervous overstrain;
• hormonal imbalances;
• decrease in the body's defenses;
• exposure to food or chemical allergens;
• pregnancy period;
• abuse of alcohol, nicotine, junk food (salty, sweet, spicy);
• microtrauma of the vagina received during aggressive sexual intercourse;
• violation of the rules of hygiene of intimate places.

The development of candidiasis can also be caused by long-term use of antibiotic-based drugs.

In addition to thrush, white discharge with an odor and itching may indicate gardnerellosis of the vaginal microflora. The causative agent of this disease is the bacterium gardnerella, which can be constantly present in small quantities in the intimate environment, but with a decrease in immunity it rapidly develops and displaces healthy lactobacilli.

Gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis is accompanied by profuse white discharge, itching and an unpleasant burning sensation in the genitals. The smell is reminiscent of fish, and the vaginal fluid may acquire a grayish tint and a foamy consistency.

Candidiasis and gardnerellosis are somewhat similar in their symptoms. In the first stages of development, they are almost impossible to distinguish without microscopic analysis of a vaginal smear. Treatment of both candidiasis and gardnerellosis should be prescribed only after abnormalities in the smear are detected and with appropriate symptoms. Treatment for such diseases cannot be prescribed unless they are confirmed by tests.

It must be remembered that only in the first stages can thrush and bacterial vaginosis be similar. As the disease progresses, candidiasis produces bright white discharge of a curd-like structure with a sour odor. With gardnerellosis, the vaginal fluid begins to acquire a greenish tint over time, and the smell becomes putrid and fishy. The itching and burning begin to increase and cause significant discomfort to the woman.

Methods for dealing with possible deviations

After the doctor conducts an examination and finds the cause of the white pathological discharge, treatment is prescribed. The complex of therapy may include medications (antifungals, drugs to enhance immunity), vaginal suppositories to reduce the symptoms of the disease.

When restoring the vaginal microflora, it is useful to douche with herbs, for example, decoctions of chamomile, calendula, and string. The main thing is not to abuse such procedures and not to replace the main treatment with them.

During treatment, it is useful to exclude everything spicy, fatty, salty and sweet from the diet. It is also necessary to give up alcohol and tobacco abuse. A woman should not forget about the rules of intimate hygiene, but also not overdo it (no more than 2 times a day).

The appearance of white discharge does not always indicate the presence of pathological processes in the vagina or the genitourinary system as a whole. It is necessary to understand that such vaginal fluid may appear depending on physiological changes in the woman’s body. If the discharge returns to normal within a short time, there is no reason to worry. You should be wary if accompanying symptoms appear - pain, burning, itching in an intimate place. In this situation, consulting a doctor is mandatory.

WHO SAID THAT IT IS HARD TO CURE INFERTILITY?

• Have you been wanting to conceive a child for a long time?
• Many methods have been tried, but nothing helps...
• Diagnosed with thin endometrium...
• In addition, for some reason the recommended medications are not effective in your case...
• And now you are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that will give you the long-awaited baby!

A woman's reproductive system is a well-oiled mechanism. It is characterized by hormonal fluctuations throughout the childbearing years. The full functioning of the body is always accompanied by the release of secretions from the vagina. It can change its consistency, structure, volume and composition. Every lady should know and be able to distinguish when creamy skin is the norm, and in which cases it indicates a pathological process.

The nature of the secretion in different phases of the cycle

What are discharges? which is continuously produced in the genital tract. It consists of mucus, epithelial cells and bacteria that live in the vagina. Normally they are representatives of lactoflora, and in various disorders they are pathogenic microbes. Disruption of the existing balance is considered the main prerequisite for the development of inflammation.

The qualitative composition of the discharge may vary depending on the phase of the female cycle. Its beginning is considered to be the first day of the appearance of menstruation. From the end of menstruation until the 12th day of the cycle, a woman may experience scanty discharge. They often have a slimy consistency and their color varies from almost transparent to pale yellow. The smell is either completely absent or slightly sour. Before menstruation, the volume of secretion always increases.

On the 14th day, the amount of discharge increases. Such changes are caused by the period of ovulation - the time when the egg matures. During this and the next few days, favorable conditions for pregnancy are created in the woman’s body. In a humid environment, it is easier for sperm to reach their final goal. From about day 16, a creamy white discharge appears. The light shade of the secretion is given by dead elements of the vaginal epithelium.

What should be considered normal?

White creamy ones are considered normal. Doctors also identify other signs that help distinguish them from the pathological form:

1. Slight cloudiness.
2. A yellowish tint that is clearly visible on a sanitary pad.
3. No burning or itching in the vaginal area.

Before ovulation, the secretion acquires a mucous consistency. Such changes are caused by an increase in estrogen levels. These hormones are responsible for increasing the secretion of vaginal mucus. Some time after the follicle leaves the egg, it changes again, becoming thicker. At the same time, its quantity decreases. Closer to menstruation, the volume of secretion increases again. Such changes are characteristic of a healthy menstrual cycle.

White creamy discharge before period

The secretion before the onset of menstruation becomes quite abundant. Gynecologists explain this phenomenon by a decrease in the amount of hormones in the body. On the other hand, excessive secretion often indicates health problems. Therefore, a woman must be able to distinguish pathology from the norm.

In the first case, creamy discharge is accompanied by a sour odor, itching and burning in the genital area. Sometimes blood streaks in the mucus signal pathology. If these symptoms appear, you should consult a gynecologist. It's better not to put off your visit.

How do discharge change after ovulation?

The white, creamy spots on the panty liner may be different from those before the follicle released the egg. After ovulation, mucus becomes thick and viscous, which indicates the active “work” of progesterone in the corpus luteum. It usually forms at the site of a previously burst follicle. Vaginal secretion is very similar to the discharge that accompanies pregnancy. After successful fertilization of the egg, they are produced under the influence of the same progesterone. However, in this case, its concentration is much higher than before the baby was conceived.

The amount of secretion gradually increases and reaches its critical point at approximately the 16th week of pregnancy. This sign is often scary, but the test results usually put everything in its place. If a woman is healthy, the white blood cell count should not exceed 20. Values ​​from 20 to 40 are also normal. Exceeding these indicators indicates the onset of inflammation in the body.

Thick vaginal secretion is a harbinger of disease

White creamy ones often indicate pathological processes in the body. The prevalence of this symptom is approximately 35% and can sometimes reach 95%.

All reasons for changing the nature of the secret can be divided into several conditional categories:

• Inflammatory pathologies of the intimate area.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Consequences of long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Frequent douching.
• Use of intrauterine devices.
• Development of malignant neoplasms.
• Traumatic processes affecting the cervix.

Also, the reason for the change in the nature of the secretion is wearing uncomfortable underwear. Sometimes a similar symptom occurs due to the use of aggressive soap, which contains a large number of chemicals. That is why doctors recommend that women use special gels and products intended for intimate hygiene.

The reasons for the appearance of creamy discharge greatly depend on the age of the woman. In the menopausal period, they can be caused by atrophic vaginitis, and in childbearing age - by inflammation of the intimate area.

Infectious processes that cause creamy white discharge include diseases such as:

• bacterial vaginosis;
• trichomoniasis;
• thrush;
• gonococcal cervicitis.

It is wrong to focus solely on the clinical symptoms of the disease. In this case, you simply cannot do without the qualified help of a gynecologist.

Curdled secretion during the development of thrush

White creamy discharge, itching in the vaginal area - these are the symptoms in 70% of cases that indicate thrush. This disease is caused by fungi of the genus Candidae. These microorganisms are considered conditionally pathogenic, since they constantly live on the mucous membranes of the genital organs. The acidic environment created in the vagina by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria does not allow them to reproduce. However, under the influence of certain factors, the balance is disrupted. Among them are:

• decreased immunity;
• frequent change of sexual partners;
• colds;
• synthetic underwear;
• presence of sweets and confectionery in the diet;
• stress;
• avitaminosis;
• smoking.

In a short period of time, the discharge acquires a cheesy consistency and becomes abundant. The woman begins to be haunted by an unpleasant sour smell in the intimate area. Towards evening, the clinical picture is usually complemented by aching pain in the lower abdomen.

If left untreated, the disease becomes chronic. The sour smell and discomfort gradually recede. Creamy white discharge appears, which is distinguished by its viscousness. It is during this period that the cervix becomes inflamed, which is confirmed by colposcopy.

When to see a doctor?

If there are any changes in the consistency or color of vaginal secretions, you should contact your gynecologist. After an examination on the chair, the specialist usually prescribes a series of tests. Based on their results, it is worth judging the presence of diseases. Based on bacterial culture, the gynecologist can determine the presence of pathogenic flora and estimate the number of leukocytes. In some cases, PCR tests, ultrasound and colposcopy are additionally required.

Principles of therapy

Diseases affecting oneself cannot be treated. Each problem associated with the appearance of creamy white discharge must be solved comprehensively and step by step. Treatment should be selected by a gynecologist, taking into account the cause of pathological disorders.

Therapy always begins with eliminating the source of the disease. For these purposes, antibacterial drugs are used in the form of pills or suppositories. With their help, you can quickly suppress the activity of opportunistic microorganisms.

At the next stage, the woman is prescribed measures to restore the natural flora of the vagina. They involve taking hormonal medications and using suppositories with lactic acid. In this case, the choice of specific drugs and treatment methods depends on the doctor.

After therapeutic procedures, it is extremely important to restore the functioning of the immune system. Usually, vitamin complexes and physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed for prevention purposes.

Prevention measures

White creamy ones are most often considered the norm. However, sometimes they are a symptom of a pathological process. Any gynecological disease always causes discomfort to a woman and requires proper therapy. To avoid such disorders, doctors recommend following basic rules of prevention.

1. Personal hygiene must be maintained. Water procedures are recommended to be carried out twice a day.
2. When choosing underwear, preference should be given to options made from natural fabrics.
3. Gynecologists do not recommend using sanitary pads every day, since they practically do not allow air to pass through. As a result, a favorable environment for the life of pathogenic microorganisms is formed. If you cannot refuse panty liners, you need to change them more often.

For timely detection of gynecological diseases, it is extremely important to undergo regular examination by a female doctor.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Vaginal discharge: causes and treatment depending on color, smell, consistency and other factors

Vaginal discharge: causes of its occurrence, as well as effective methods of treatment
Vaginal discharge are a fairly common condition that from time to time worries all representatives of the fair sex, without exception. In most cases, the occurrence of vaginal discharge causes fear in a woman. In fact, only a few can distinguish normal discharge from pathological ones. We note right away that vaginal discharge can be either odorless or odorless. Their color can vary from red-bloody to yellowish. Based on consistency, there are curdled, foamy, and jelly-like discharges. Along with their occurrence, a woman may also experience symptoms such as pain, itching, and irritation. After reading the information presented in this article, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the most common forms of vaginal discharge, as well as learn about methods of diagnosis and treatment of pathologies in which they occur. In addition, this article will provide information regarding the problem of vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

Does vaginal discharge always indicate the presence of a disease? In what cases is vaginal discharge considered normal?
Vaginal discharge can occur even in completely healthy women, and this condition is considered normal. Signs of healthy vaginal discharge include:

• Clear, liquid discharge ( jelly-like, mucus)
• Discharge without a noticeable odor
• A small amount of discharge
• Discharges that do not cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs
• Discharge not accompanied by an increase in body temperature, pain or discomfort in the genital area.

If a woman is completely healthy, then vaginal discharge most often resembles mucus in consistency, which is produced by the glands of the cervix. This type of discharge is considered to be normal, since with its help it is possible to cleanse the genital tract, as well as protect the genitals from the effects of certain infections. Both the amount of normal vaginal discharge and its consistency are determined not only by the general health of the fairer sex, but also by the phase of the menstrual cycle. For example, a particularly large amount of liquid vaginal discharge is observed as ovulation approaches.
An increase in the amount of this type of discharge in a normal state of health is also possible in the case of excessive sexual arousal, against the background of stress or the use of certain pharmaceuticals, due to changes in climatic conditions.
Quite a large amount of copious liquid discharge is also observed in pregnant women, and in the last months of pregnancy there is even more of it. The increase in their number during pregnancy is easy to explain. The fact is that during this period, an increase in the number of sex hormones occurs in a woman’s body.

Vaginal discharge - what can it be?
Below, readers will be presented with information regarding the most common forms of vaginal discharge, as well as the reasons that provoke their development.

Vaginal discharge of varying colors, smells and consistency
We already said a little higher that all healthy representatives of the fairer sex experience watery, transparent and colorless vaginal discharge. If they acquire a different consistency, a specific smell or some color, then, most likely, some kind of disease has settled in the woman’s body:

Bloody (red) vaginal discharge - is a signal that there is blood in the vaginal discharge. In most cases, this type of discharge occurs two to four days before the onset of menstruation, after which it turns into heavy discharge along with the onset of menstruation. It is worth noting that this type of discharge tends to occur several days after menstruation. If the discharge is not abundant, then it is better for the woman not to panic. This phenomenon is especially common in women who wear IUDs.
Quite often, spotting is blackish or brown in color, which indicates the fact of oxidation, as well as destruction of blood in the vagina.
There are also cases when a woman experiences spotting, which contains a small amount of blood. As a rule, perimenstrual bleeding does not have a specific odor.

Sometimes light spotting is observed at the time of ovulation, as well as in women who wear a spiral or use oral contraceptives. In the case of a constant occurrence of this phenomenon while wearing an intrauterine device or using contraceptives, it is necessary to discuss this fact with a gynecologist, having previously made an appointment with him.
If bloody vaginal discharge is in no way related to the menstrual cycle, then it can be considered a signal of the presence of some pathology.
In most cases, this type of discharge makes itself felt:

• For menstrual irregularities
• Endometriosis ( adenomyosis)
• Cancer or cervical erosion. In this case, the discharge is especially abundant after sexual intercourse.

If a woman experiences bloody vaginal discharge that is in no way related to menstruation, then she should immediately discuss this issue with her doctor.

As for sudden red discharge, it can be caused by an unexpected miscarriage in the first months of pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy develops, a woman experiences very strong, prolonged bleeding. If, in addition to discharge, a woman also exhibits some symptoms of pregnancy, then she should be immediately taken to the hospital.
Yellow and whitish vaginal discharge is especially often observed with the development of certain infectious pathologies that tend to be sexually transmitted. The yellow or whitish color is due to the accumulation of a huge number of leukocytes and microbes in the secretions.

Purulent vaginal discharge are observed in such infectious pathologies as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, thrush, gonorrhea and others. As a rule, this type of discharge also causes a feeling of discomfort in the genital area and itching. Sometimes women also complain of pain in the lumbar region or lower abdomen. During pregnancy, whitish, viscous vaginal discharge is considered to be a normal condition if the expectant mother does not experience other symptoms of the disease.

Curdled, foamy, thick vaginal discharge
A change in the consistency of vaginal discharge is also considered to be one of the clear signs of the presence of a particular pathology. We already said a little higher that normal discharge must be liquid, similar to mucus. If the discharge is white, cheesy or foamy, then most likely the woman has some kind of infectious disease.

Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
The appearance of vaginal discharge with a specific odor indicates the presence of an infectious pathology. The smell in this case can be either sour or rotten or reminiscent of the smell of fish. It occurs against the background of the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, which tend to decompose nutritional components, while releasing gases with a very unpleasant odor.

Vaginal discharge before and after sexual intercourse
At the moment of sexual arousal, the vaginal glands of the fair sex tend to intensively synthesize vaginal lubrication, so that a large amount of liquid transparent discharge, which is noted before and during sexual intercourse, is considered to be the norm. Women should not be afraid of the occurrence of thick, profuse discharge even after sexual intercourse. The fact is that if sexual intercourse took place without using a condom, then it is quite possible that in this way the vagina is trying to cleanse itself of sperm. In most cases, this type of discharge disappears in a fairly short period of time.
If a woman experiences spotting during or after sex, then most likely she has cervical erosion.
The appearance of yellow, purulent, white, gray or greenish discharge several days or weeks after sexual intercourse is considered to be a signal of the occurrence of some infectious disease.

Vaginal discharge as a symptom of infection
Vaginal discharge is considered to be a clear sign of the development of an infectious pathology of the genital tract in only a few cases. The largest number of pathologies in which vaginal discharge is noted are infectious and transmitted during sexual intercourse.
The most common causes of vaginal discharge include:

• Candidiasis ( thrush)
• Urogenital trichomoniasis

Urogenital trichomoniasis as a cause of vaginal discharge
Urogenital trichomoniasis is an inflammatory pathology of the genital tract of men and women, which is infectious in nature. This disease occurs as a result of exposure to a microorganism in the human body. Trichomonas vaginalis . Infection with this pathology occurs during sexual intercourse. A clear sign of the development of this disease is considered to be inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. In medicine, this condition is called vaginitis. If vaginitis develops, a woman experiences very strong foamy vaginal discharge with a very specific odor. With chronic vaginitis, the discharge becomes thick, yellow or white. In most cases, in addition to the discharge, the woman is also bothered by very severe itching in the external genital area.

Diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis
It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis, taking into account only the presence of discharge and some other symptoms of this pathology.
To identify this pathology, studies such as:

• A cultural research method is the cultivation of colonies of microorganisms taken from the vagina on special nutrient media and their further study.
• Microscopic examination of unstained ( native) a smear taken from the vagina.
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) research method involving the study of genetic material Trichomonas vaginalis .
• Microscopic examination of a stained vaginal smear. It is painted with special dyes.

Therapy for urogenital trichomoniasis is possible only if the woman has been given a truly accurate diagnosis of this pathology. Among the most effective medications used in the fight against this pathology are: Nimorazole, Metronidazole , Ornidazole, Tinidazole and others. It is very important that the treatment of this disease is carried out under the vigilant supervision of a doctor. Self-treatment in this case is not recommended, since this pathology can become chronic if not treated properly. As a rule, during therapy for urogenital trichomoniasis, vaginal discharge initially becomes weaker, and then disappears completely. It is also important to draw the attention of readers to the fact that the absence of discharge does not mean complete healing, so the course of treatment must be completed to the end. How long it will last will be determined by your attending physician.

Bacterial vaginosis as a reason contributing to the development of vaginal discharge
Bacterial vaginosis is a very common pathology accompanied by discharge that has an unpleasant odor. This disease occurs as a result of a very strong growth of bacteria directly on the vaginal mucosa. In a healthy state, these bacteria are also present in the vagina, but only in very small quantities. These can be counted as Peptococci, so Gerdenerella vaginalis , Bacteroides and others. With the development of this pathology, a woman experiences white vaginal discharge with a fishy odor. To make a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, information about the presence of discharge alone is not enough.

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis involves the use of such research methods as:

• pH-metry, or detection of the acidity of the vaginal environment. In a normal state, the vagina has an acidic environment, but in the case of bacterial vaginosis, it becomes alkaline.

As soon as the diagnosis is made, the doctor will immediately prescribe an effective treatment for this disease.

Therapy for bacterial vaginosis involves the use of local drugs, namely:

• Vaginal suppositories clindamycin ( one hundred milligrams) – must be inserted into the vagina once a day for six days.
• Metronidazole gel seventy-five percent - must be inserted into the vagina once a day for five days.

There are also cases when systemic medications are used in the fight against this pathology:

• Ornisid forte should be taken orally five hundred milligrams in the morning and evening for five days.
• Clindamycin Take three hundred milligram capsules in the morning and evening for seven days.
• Metronidazole(Trichopolum) in the form of tablets of two hundred and fifty milligrams. You should take two tablets morning and evening for seven days.

Urogenital candidiasis (thrush) as a cause contributing to the occurrence of vaginal discharge
Urogenital candidiasis is an inflammatory pathology of the genital organs in women and men, resulting from exposure to fungi of the genus Candida. In women with the development of this disease, white thick discharge is observed. In addition, they may experience discomfort and itching in the genital area. Quite often, this disease also causes pain and cramping during urination.

Diagnosis of thrush involves the use of the following research methods:

• Examination under a microscope of unstained smears taken from the vagina.
• Examination under a microscope of smears taken from the vagina stained with special dyes.
• Mycological study, which involves the detection of the type of fungus that provoked the development of urogenital candidiasis.

Therapy for urogenital candidiasis is determined by the pathogenesis of the disease: if a woman experiences infrequent exacerbations of this disease, then to combat it she is prescribed medications such as:

• Clotrimazole vaginal tablets two hundred milligrams - must be inserted into the vagina once a day for three days.
• Clotrimazole vaginal cream one percent should be inserted into the vagina once a day for seven to fourteen days.
• Isoconazole– vaginal suppositories of six hundred milligrams. It is recommended to insert into the vagina once.

If exacerbations of urogenital candidiasis occur more than four times a year, and the woman experiences very strong, thick white discharge, then systemic medications in tablet form are used:

• Itraconazole (Irunin, Orungal) should be taken two hundred milligrams once a day for three days.
• Fluconazole ( Diflucan, Flucostat, Mikomax) - used according to several treatment regimens: one hundred and fifty milligrams once, or one hundred milligrams on the first, fourth, and seventh day of therapy.

Local therapy for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system not only allows the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms, but also inevitably leads to an imbalance in the beneficial microflora of the vagina and a decrease in local immunity. If you do not quickly restore the lactoflora, activation of opportunistic microflora is possible, which will lead to an exacerbation of thrush or bacterial infections. For the same reason, antifungal therapy for vaginal candidiasis may not be effective enough. Therefore, it is important, after the first stage of treatment aimed at eliminating the infection, to carry out the second stage - to restore the balance of beneficial microflora with the help of Lactozhinal capsules. This is the only tribiotic drug registered in the Russian Federation. Laktozhinal quickly restores the pH and microflora of the vagina and protects for a long time from re-exacerbation of bacterial vaginosis and thrush. Two-step therapy has recently become the gold standard for the treatment of conditions accompanied by pathological discharge. Many experts are confident that only this method can provide a pronounced and long-term therapeutic effect, strengthen local immunity, which serves as the prevention of subsequent exacerbations.

In the fight against severe forms of this pathology, rather complex combinations and regimens of antifungal medications are used, which are prescribed to the patient by his attending physician.
Self-medication for any of the above ailments is impossible. Sometimes vaginal discharge is the result of several infectious pathologies at once. Under such circumstances, a course of therapy can only be prescribed by a specialist, and then only after he has the results of all the necessary studies.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Vaginal discharge is especially alarming to expectant mothers, since during this period they are responsible not only for themselves, but also for the child. In fact, every pregnant woman should pay special attention to the nature of vaginal discharge in order to “sound the alarm” at the right time.

Discharge in early pregnancy
A little higher, we said that copious clear discharge in the first months of pregnancy, which is not endowed with a specific odor, is normal.
If a woman experiences bloody discharge during this period, then this may serve as a signal of an unexpected miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Whitish or purulent vaginal discharge in the early stages of pregnancy is considered to be a sign of the development of one or another infectious pathology.

Discharge in late pregnancy
In the second trimester of pregnancy, in a healthy pregnant woman, vaginal discharge may acquire a thicker and more viscous consistency. This phenomenon is normal. If vaginal discharge is bloody, this may serve as a signal of the onset of premature labor or miscarriage, so in such cases, emergency hospitalization of the expectant mother is recommended. Brown vaginal discharge in late pregnancy quite often occurs due to minor bleeding from the vessels of the cervix. In this case, a pregnant woman should also visit a doctor.

When should you see a doctor for vaginal discharge?

Every woman and girl can have normal and pathological vaginal discharge. Normal discharge is caused by natural physiological processes occurring in the body, and therefore is not a sign of pathology and does not require visiting a doctor. But pathological discharge is caused by various diseases, so if they appear, you need to consult a doctor. Accordingly, in order to understand when you need to see a doctor for vaginal discharge, you need to know which discharge is pathological and which is normal.

Normal discharge is small in volume, translucent, transparent or whitish in color, watery, creamy or jelly-like consistency, with a slight sour odor. Normal discharge does not irritate the genitals and does not cause discomfort, itching, redness or swelling. Also, normal discharge does not emit a strong or unpleasant odor (for example, fishy odor, strong sour odor, etc.).

In addition, slight bloody or brownish discharge 2 to 4 days before and after menstruation is considered normal. Light spotting for several days during ovulation is also considered normal.

Bloody discharge not before or after menstruation, and also not during ovulation, is considered pathological. In addition, discharge of a greenish, yellowish, grayish, earthy color, containing impurities of pus, blood, flakes, bubbles, having a cheesy or other heterogeneous consistency, emitting an unpleasant pungent odor or causing itching, burning, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genital area, is pathological. organs.

Which doctor should I contact if I have pathological vaginal discharge?

For any pathological discharge, a woman should consult a doctor obstetrician-gynecologist (make an appointment). If the discharge causes discomfort, itching, redness, burning or swelling in the genital area, the woman can contact an obstetrician-gynecologist or venereologist (make an appointment), since such symptoms indicate the presence of an infectious-inflammatory process, which can be treated by both a gynecologist and a venereologist.

If, within two weeks after intercourse, the nature of the discharge changes, impurities of pus, mucus, flakes or bubbles appear in it, they turn greenish, yellowish, grayish or earthy in color, and begin to emit an unpleasant odor, then the woman can also consult a venereologist or a gynecologist, since such discharge indicates infection with an infectious disease.

What tests can doctors prescribe for vaginal discharge?

The list of tests and examinations that a doctor may prescribe for vaginal discharge depends on the nature of the discharge, accompanying symptoms and the results of the gynecological examination.

First of all, for any type of discharge, the doctor prescribes a gynecological bimanual examination (by hand) and examination of the tissues of the vagina and cervix in the speculum. These studies are considered routine and are carried out without fail when a woman goes to a medical facility regarding vaginal discharge of any nature.

Further, if there is quite heavy bleeding (blood discharge, as during menstruation, in the same or greater quantities), the doctor usually prescribes ultrasound examination (ultrasound) (sign up) and/or separate diagnostic scraping (sign up). Moreover, an ultrasound is performed first, and if the ultrasound results reveal a neoplasm in the uterus (for example, fibroids, polyps, etc.) or endometriosis, then separate diagnostic curettage is not performed, since it is not necessary. In such a situation, if a neoplasm is detected, the doctor may prescribe hysteroscopy (make an appointment) or suggest surgery to remove the formation. If endometriosis is detected, the doctor prescribes a determination of the concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone in the woman’s blood. In addition, in some cases, diagnostic tests are prescribed for endometriosis. laparoscopy (make an appointment). If ultrasound results reveal endometrial hyperplasia, miscarriage, etc. against the background of bleeding, then curettage is prescribed.

If the bleeding is minor or is of the nature of bloodstaining, then during the examination the doctor will determine the condition of the cervix and vaginal tissue. If there is damage to the cervix, for example, erosion, injury from an intrauterine device or other object, then colposcopy (sign up) for itching, burning, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genital area) the doctor always prescribes first flora smear (sign up), which allows you to identify a number of the following infectious diseases: candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis), gonorrhea (sign up). These sexually transmitted infections are the most common compared to others, and therefore at the first stage the doctor does not prescribe more expensive and complex tests, because a simple smear on the flora allows them to be detected.

If, based on the results of the smear, it was possible to identify candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis or gonorrhea, then the doctor can go in two ways - either immediately prescribe treatment, or take a smear from the vagina for bacteriological and mycological culture to determine which antibiotics and antifungal agents will be most destructive in relation to the infectious agent present in a particular case. If the immediately prescribed treatment turns out to be ineffective, the doctor prescribes bacteriological or mycological culture.

If, according to the results of the smear, no infectious agents were detected, but there is a picture of inflammation, then the doctor prescribes more complex tests to identify pathogenic microbes. Usually, first of all, an analysis of vaginal discharge is prescribed for the presence of Trichomonas and gonococci using the PCR method and blood test for syphilis (treponema pallidum) (sign up), since these are the pathogens that occur most often. If the results of the analysis reveal any, then treatment is prescribed.

If gonococci, Trichomonas or Treponema pallidum are not detected, then ureaplasma test (sign up), chlamydia (sign up), mycoplasma (sign up), gardnerella, bacteroides. Tests for these pathogens can be different - bacteriological culture, PCR, ELISA and various methods of collecting and staining vaginal smears. The choice of analysis is made by the doctor and depends mainly on the technical capabilities of the medical institution or on the financial capabilities of the patient, since the most accurate tests most often have to be taken in private laboratories for a fee.

If the test results reveal the absence of trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, candidiasis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and gardnerellosis, but there is an inflammatory process in the genitals, then the doctor may prescribe tests for the presence of viruses - herpes virus types 1 and 2, human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, which can also provoke inflammation in the female genital organs.

Pregnant women who suspect leakage of amniotic fluid are usually prescribed a vaginal smear test for scales. In addition, there are pharmacy, ready-to-use tests for leakage of amniotic fluid, which are similar in principle to pregnancy tests. A pregnant woman can use such tests independently. Otherwise, when inflammatory vaginal discharge appears, pregnant women are prescribed the same tests as non-pregnant women. And if bleeding occurs during pregnancy, women are sent to the hospital for examination, since in such a situation they can be a sign of pregnancy complications.

What does discharge in early pregnancy tell you?

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

A woman’s discharge depends on the period of her cycle. They come in different colors and abundance. In the period before the onset of menstruation, the amount of discharge usually increases - this is the norm. If the discharge turns white and becomes abundant, you need to consult a doctor. In the article we will describe situations when such discharge may appear and what needs to be done?

What is white discharge?

White discharge, or leucorrhoea - in fact, the appearance of such discharge is a symptom of a violation of women's health. It is important to pay attention not only to the discharge, but also to the smells of the woman’s sensations. With inflammation, itching begins, and the smell is quite pungent. White cheesy discharge is an indicator of the presence of infection in the body. If bloody impurities appear in the discharge, these are already signs of serious diseases and it is better not to delay contacting a doctor.

Causes of excessive white discharge

The main reason for an increase in discharge in a woman is the proliferation of fungus in the flora. Normally, the manifestation of fungal flora in the vagina is contained in the components of the microflora. When the body's immune defense drops, the fungi begin to actively reproduce, and thus other flora are crowded out.

Also, the cause of white discharge can be dysbiosis, which occurs after treatment with antibiotics.

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

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

What to do if white discharge appears?

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

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

Unusual causes of discharge

It may be that after checking all the tests, the doctor does not find the cause of heavy discharge. Then we consider more rare causes of occurrence:

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

Treatment of white discharge

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

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

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

But douching is not recommended to be done at all or to be done for no more than five days in a row, since using this method also washes out the protective flora.

It is important to know that if you regularly maintain your immune system and follow the rules of personal hygiene, you can easily avoid the appearance of such discharge.