Normal and pathological discharge in women: color, volume, smell and consistency. Normal discharge in women

Every girl interested in maintaining her women's health has repeatedly worried about vaginal discharge. The secretion of the genital organs often refers to a natural process, but it happens that a change in the normal shade and smell of mucus indicates serious pathological processes or diseases.

Features of the female body

What does mucous discharge mean in women ?! Colorless are a biological fluid that is secreted by the body of the fairer sex. Often such manifestations indicate the state of women's health. Show the functional features of the ovaries. They are secreted from the cervix, which has special glands.

Mucous discharge in women consists of:

Moisturizing fluid that helps lubricate the walls of the vagina.
Useful and negative microorganisms and fungi that inhabit the flora.
Particles of dead cells that come out of the vagina and uterus.
Transudate from the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

The adjacent sweat and sebaceous glands in the area of the urethra can also be a component. Remember that mucous discharge without the presence of an unpleasant odor and having a transparent color indicates the correct functioning of the pelvic organs.

Characteristics of secretions

Depending on the features, completely different causes of occurrence are distinguished. Mucous discharge in women, like snot, can change the frequency and nature. Such changes depend on many factors, it can be stress, a change in climatic conditions associated with the move, and so on. But often an important role in this process is played by the age, health status and hormonal background of the girl.

The most common factors are:

Excited.
The approach of the climax.
Pregnancy.
Menstruation.
Changes that occurred in the body before or after the birth of a child.
Breast-feeding.
Change of sexual partner.
The use of hormonal and contraceptive drugs.

Women's doctors came to the conclusion that discharges that do not exceed 4 ml per day are the norm. The liquid should be clear in color, odorless, with no blood streaks and discomfort in the vaginal area. This condition indicates the norm, except for the inconvenience of using panty liners.

When the norm

Mucous discharge, like snot, is often the norm, but only if they meet the following indicators:

observed for several days or hours;
are not regular;
stretched between the fingers;
there are no inclusions of lumps, blood and pus;
there is no discomfort in the form of itching, burning and other unpleasant sensations;
the volume per day does not exceed more than 4-5 ml;
no smell or slightly sour;
may leave a yellow tint on underwear or panty liners;
transparent consistency.

In all other cases, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist to identify the problem at an early stage. Do not be afraid if the liquid began to resemble white mucous discharge, often a change in shade in this direction is normal. This is due to the age and hormonal background of a woman.

Possible reasons

Most often, a variety of factors affecting the mucous secretions in women, the reasons with which they are most often associated, are harmless:

Beginning of puberty. After that, the ovaries begin to actively work.
Ovulation. Most often, the onset occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
Climax.
In preparing the body of a woman for the upcoming birth.
Mucous discharge during pregnancy.
Sexual arousal before sexual intercourse.
Breast-feeding.
Reaction to the gel for intimate hygiene.

Influence of the menstrual cycle

Vaginal discharge of a mucous nature, which is normal, most often occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. This process is called ovulation. It has to do with the release of the egg. Before ovulation, a woman may be disturbed by pain of moderate intensity in the abdomen, in addition, her breasts may swell.

Each such process has its own reasons. For example, the stretchy consistency of the discharge contributes to the preservation of spermatozoa during conception. If the discharge occurs after menstruation and has mucous discharge with blood streaks, this indicates the removal of the remaining endometrium in the uterus.

Causes of heavy discharge

Specialists in the field of medicine consider mucous secretions, the causes of which lie in both normal and pathological processes. If a pathological condition has appeared in a woman's body, leucorrhoea can become very plentiful with an unpleasant color and a change in shade. Most often, unfavorable secretions are compared with the liquid secreted from the respiratory organs during a cold or SARS.

Pathologies

If mucous secretions are not accompanied by discomfort, burning sensation and itching, and there are no traces of pus and blood, then they are a physiological norm. The reason for an unscheduled visit to the gynecologist are:

If at least one of the above points occurs, a woman should immediately consult a doctor. Only he, on the basis of tests, can make the correct diagnosis and select an individual treatment strategy. If an infection is detected, antibiotics will most likely be prescribed. If problems in the pelvic area arose due to a virus, then appropriate medications will be prescribed.

When to see a doctor urgently

Yellow discharge is most often associated with infections, although inflammatory processes are often the cause. Also, medical workers in the field of women's health attribute this shade to the initial reaction to taking hormonal drugs.

Yellow-green and gray mucus has its characteristic secretion in the following cases:

A large amount of mucous secretions with a predominant fishy smell often indicates gardnerellosis.
An abundant amount of yellow and green discharge with the presence of pus characterizes the disease trichomoniasis.
Mucopurulent discharge with or without a foul odor most often indicates chlamydia.
A watery liquid with blisters on the genitals confirms the presence of genital herpes.
Transparent mucus with a very unpleasant and pungent odor most often indicates ureaplasmosis.

In addition to the above, green discharge is associated with vaginitis, an increased number of leukocytes in a smear (inflammatory process), vaginal dysbacteriosis, cervical erosion and gonorrhea.

To maintain women's health, it is necessary to constantly observe hygiene, regularly visit a gynecologist and take a responsible approach to treatment if it is prescribed by a doctor. And remember that the presence of pathological secretions negatively affects the microflora and in the future may adversely affect the conception of a child.

Pregnancy and childbirth

When a woman is in position, the work of her body is tuned to fully provide optimal conditions for the development of the fetus. In this regard, a complex hormonal restructuring is launched. One of the consequences is mucous discharge, which can continue to accompany the fair sex even after the birth of a child.

After the fertilized egg "attaches" to the wall of the uterus, the process begins to be accompanied by thick mucous discharge without color. They look like raw egg whites. An expectant mother can accompany such discharge during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

After that, they form a mucous plug, which prevents infection and bacteria from entering the uterine cavity, where the baby develops. Before childbirth, the mucus acquires a yellowish color and increases significantly in volume.

The exit of the cork before the onset of labor can occur either completely or partially. If a woman notices an unpleasant odor or a characteristic change in color, then she should definitely consult a doctor for the necessary tests. Moreover, snot-like discharge mixed with blood may indicate premature placental abruption, and this situation threatens the health and life of both the expectant mother and the child.

intimate relationship

When a woman is sexually aroused, a large amount of watery fluid is released from the vagina. This feature is a natural process and provides comfort during intercourse. After the end of sex, a discharge of a transparent and thick consistency also appears from the vagina, if it was not protected by a contraceptive. When using a condom, you may notice not very abundant discharge of a white and yellowish tint.

Climax

Before the onset of menopause, women may notice dryness in the vaginal area. This is due to the fact that the hormonal background is disturbed, and with it there is a change in the nature and amount of mucous secretions. Unfortunately, this leads to the fact that the fair sex begin to feel discomfort, and sometimes pain.

The vaginal lining undergoes a natural process of thinning, becoming dry and producing virtually no natural lubrication. If menopause, on the contrary, began to be accompanied by copious discharge, then this is also a cause for concern and an immediate appeal to a gynecologist.

Change of sexual partner

Often there are situations when a woman changes her sexual partner, and for this reason, the fluid secreted by the vagina is replaced by a thick and viscous one, which begins to be produced in large quantities. This is due to the settlement of new microflora in the cervical region, which occurs after intercourse with a new man.

The microflora of a new sexual partner enters the vagina, and the process of getting used to unfamiliar fungi, bacteria and microorganisms is carried out. Sometimes situations occur when a woman's body rejects a new microflora, and the process of active mucus production begins with a change in external properties and characteristics. After some time, getting used to a new man. However, one should not lose sight of the fact that the frequent change of sexual partners sooner or later can lead not only to gynecological diseases, but also to infertility.

Prevention

In order for the female microflora not to experience negative changes, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures. First of all, you need to regularly take care of the hygiene of the genital organs. Use gels for intimate hygiene, which include extracts from medicinal plants, components that promote moisture, have an optimal PH level and contain lactic acid.

Do not panic ahead of time. After all, transparent vaginal discharge, odorless, is normal and only indicates that women's health is in perfect order. It is necessary to monitor changes in mucus, if an unpleasant odor, shade or consistency appears, you should immediately consult a doctor. Do not risk your health, because seemingly minor changes can be a harbinger of a serious illness.

Since the onset of puberty, girls have vaginal discharge. This is natural and indicates that changes are taking place in the body, due to which the ovaries and uterus begin to develop and begin to function. There are certain signs that allow you to understand whether the organs of the reproductive system are working normally or there are any violations. Pathology is, for example, the presence of a color or pungent odor in the discharge. The reasons why abundant discharge appears are often in doubt. Sometimes only a detailed examination will help to understand.

Content:

Causes and signs of normal leucorrhea

Normal mucous secretions are formed as a result of constant renewal of epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of organs. Mucus is produced by the glands of the cervix, to which are added the waste products of microorganisms that make up the microflora of the vagina, and other physiological fluids. Their consistency and volume depend on the characteristics of the body, age, physiological state of the woman.

The difference between normal and pathological secretions is that they do not cause discomfort, they do not have a smell. They are transparent or white, with a slight yellowish or creamy tint. Ovulation discharge may have minor blood impurities.

The appearance of copious discharge is the norm in the following cases:

Girls begin puberty. This happens at about 11-14 years of age. 1-1.5 years before that, mucous white discharge appears, which indicates hormonal changes in the body. In the cervix, the glands that produce secretory fluid begin to function. The hormonal background is not formed immediately. The processes in the organs of the reproductive system also proceed unevenly, the volume of mucus produced fluctuates. Discharge from a girl during this period can be both insignificant in volume and plentiful.
The moment of ovulation is approaching, the release of a mature egg from the protective shell (follicle). Ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Abundant discharge facilitates the passage of sperm into the uterus to fertilize the egg.
The second half of the cycle ends. At this time, the main role is played by progesterone, a hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy after conception. Thanks to its action, the glands of the cervix begin to intensively produce a jelly-like mucus, which is necessary to facilitate the penetration of the embryo into the uterus and its attachment to the wall. If conception does not occur, then menstruation begins. Therefore, an increase in the volume of mucus before menstruation should not cause concern if it is white (maybe slightly creamy) in color and does not have an unpleasant odor.
Leucorrhea is aggravated by sexual arousal.
The cause of watery discharge in a woman is pregnancy;
Menstruation may be profuse. They are normal if their volume does not exceed 80-100 ml, they stop after a maximum of 5 days.

Video: Normal and pathological vaginal discharge

Pathological discharge and their signs

Pathological leucorrhoea can be a manifestation of diseases of the genitourinary system associated with infection, reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. The cause of many diseases of the uterus and appendages is hormonal imbalance. It occurs in the body due to disruption of the endocrine system, the use of hormonal drugs, violation of physiological norms.

Diseases can be the consequences of abortion, childbirth, operations on the reproductive organs. If copious discharge has arisen due to illness, they usually have an unpleasant odor, frothy or curdled consistency, yellow or green, and contain blood impurities. They cause redness and swelling of the skin in the vulva and perineum. Usually, this causes burning and itching in the vagina, urination becomes more frequent, all this is accompanied by pain in the bladder.

Diseases in which there are abundant leucorrhoea

Pathological discharge occurs as a result of disruption of the glands that produce mucus, cell death, damage to blood and lymphatic vessels, and the formation of pus. The danger is that inflammation spreads rapidly in the genitals.

Inflammatory diseases

Abundant discharge occurs during inflammatory processes in the following organs:

Colpitis (in the mucous membrane of the vagina). The cause of the disease may be a violation of the composition of the microflora and the reproduction of opportunistic bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci). Non-compliance with hygiene rules and frequent douching contribute to the growth of the number of harmful microbes against the background of the death of beneficial bacteria. Depending on the degree of tissue damage, a woman develops intense liquid or thick purulent discharge that has a bad smell.
Cervicitis (in the flat and cylindrical epithelium of the cervix). Beli may have a pinkish color due to the ingress of blood from damaged small vessels into them. This is especially noticeable after sexual intercourse. Before and after menstruation, the discharge becomes dark brown.
Endometritis (in the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity - endometrium). Due to damage to the vessels of the endometrium, clots of clotted blood appear in the secretions. Brown discharge may appear 2 days before menstruation.
Salpingitis (in the fallopian tubes). In the acute phase of the inflammatory process, leucorrhoea is watery, has a green tint, and a fetid odor.
Oophoritis (in the ovaries). Acute inflammation is accompanied by profuse, foul-smelling yellow discharge mixed with pus and blood.

Inflammatory processes in the uterus and ovaries lead to a woman's pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, fever, and lead to menstrual irregularities. Often they are the cause of infertility or complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Venereal diseases

They are characterized by abundant liquidish purulent discharge with a specific odor. They cause burning and itching in the vagina. It becomes painful to urinate. There are pains in the lower abdomen. Often these diseases occur together, masking each other. This makes their treatment difficult.

Warning: Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases will only be effective when both sexual partners are treated at the same time.

Trichomoniasis. The discharge in this disease is frothy, intense, and has a sharp unpleasant odor. Color - gray, with a yellow tinge.

Chlamydia. Mucopurulent discharge with a foul odor is observed. Often in the initial stage proceeds secretly. But even in the absence of symptoms, the likelihood of infection is high.

Gonorrhea. Gonococci infect the cylindrical epithelium located in the uterus, as well as the bladder, rectum, causing the appearance of cystitis, proctitis. Purulent profuse yellow discharge appears. There are pains in the lower abdomen and symptoms of damage to other organs of the small pelvis. There may be heavy bleeding between periods.

Video: Discharge in women with trichomoniasis

non-inflammatory infectious diseases

Bacterial vaginosis. The death of beneficial lactobacilli causes increased reproduction of opportunistic bacteria that live in the body, without showing themselves in any way until they get into favorable conditions. The cause can be both hormonal disorders and diseases of the genital organs, radiation therapy, the use of antibiotics and other factors. A characteristic sign of dysbacteriosis is abundant, irritating skin of the external genitalia. They are gray in color and smell like rotting fish.

In the treatment of vaginosis, it is important to restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the female genital mucosa. For this, doctors prescribe not only drugs, but also means to normalize the microflora of the vagina. Multi-Gyn ActiGel has proven itself well, containing a complex of biologically active polysaccharides, which is obtained from a gel-like extract of aloe leaves. It does not allow pathogens to gain a foothold on the genital mucosa, neutralizes them, thereby helping to restore a healthy vaginal microflora.

Candidiasis- a fungal disease known as "thrush". It is characterized by abundant milky-white, cheesy discharge with a sour smell, causing severe itching and burning in the vulva.

Video: Discharge with gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis)

How to establish the cause of pathological discharge

By the nature of the discharge, one can make an assumption about a possible pathology:

white curdled leucorrhoea with a sour smell are with candidiasis;
gray with the smell of fish, transparent, watery - with bacterial vaginosis;
yellow - with trichomoniasis;
bloody can appear in the presence of an intrauterine device, as well as endometriosis, erosion or cervical cancer;
purulent - occur with sexual infections.

If a woman has suspicious heavy discharge, she should be examined, take a smear for analysis on the microflora. A general blood test will confirm the presence of an inflammatory process. Special blood tests (PCR, ELISA) can detect hidden infections. Ultrasound, colposcopy and x-rays are used to detect pathological changes in the tissues of organs.

Warning: Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. You can not delay time and fight ailments with home remedies. Diseases can turn into a chronic dangerous form.

Features of whites during pregnancy and after childbirth

During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in connection with the preparation of the body for childbirth. The walls of the uterus and vagina become softer and more elastic, more mucus is produced to facilitate the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. Therefore, an increase in the volume of white, almost transparent discharge is normal. At the beginning of pregnancy, they are thicker, from the 2nd trimester they become more and more liquefied. In the last weeks, leakage of amniotic fluid may begin, which indicates an approaching birth.

In addition to normal liquid discharge in pregnant women, pathological ones may also appear, which are dangerous to ignore. These include symptoms of thrush, vaginal dysbacteriosis, inflammatory diseases, genital infections. The doctor prescribes safe drugs in order to save the woman from such pathologies, to prevent infection of the fetus.

Bloody discharge occurs with erosion of the cervix. They can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy if they are accompanied by pain on one side of the abdomen (where the fetus is attached). Such discharges appear with placental abruption, the threat of miscarriage. To maintain pregnancy, bed rest and timely treatment are necessary.

After childbirth, a woman develops lochia, discharge associated with the cleansing of the uterus. In the first days they are intense, reminiscent of heavy periods with remnants of the placenta and epithelium. Gradually, their volume decreases, only yellowish mucus remains in them. After 1.5 months, the discharge takes on a normal appearance.

With the onset of puberty, a woman's body undergoes biological processes associated with preparation for the possible conception and bearing of a child. At the same time, the uterus and its appendages are reliably protected from infection by special mucus produced in the cervix. Naturally, some of the mucus is released to the outside. Physiological secretions do not cause inconvenience to a woman. It is only required to observe hygiene rules in order to avoid the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria and the occurrence of inflammatory processes.

Content:

Composition and causes of physiological secretions

At the age of 9-12 years (the beginning of puberty) and up to 50-52 years (the end of menopause), women normally have clear or white mucous discharge between periods. Their presence is as natural as other bodily fluids in the body: tears, saliva, mucus in the nose.

The composition of vaginal secretions includes:

Mucus produced by special glands in the cervix. It forms a plug that does not allow the infection to enter the internal genital organs. In addition, changing the consistency and environment of this mucus allows the body to regulate the process of sperm penetration into the fallopian tubes, where the egg is fertilized. Within a few days after ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the protective shell), conception is possible. At this time, the protective cork liquefies, its environment becomes slightly alkaline, favorable for the viability of spermatozoa. In other phases of the menstrual cycle, the mucus is acidic, which is detrimental to them.
Useful lactobacilli, the product of which is lactic acid. In addition to them, there are so-called conditionally pathogenic microorganisms (Candida fungi, gardnerella, streptococci). They are not dangerous until a favorable moment comes for their development (for example, hypothermia, an unusual stressful situation, diseases of other organs or injuries, and the use of certain drugs by a woman).
Dead cells of the epithelial membrane lining the genitals. They are constantly replaced by new cells.
Physiological fluids that penetrate the walls of organs (plasma, lymph).

The difference between normal discharge and pathological

Normal discharge is directly related to the menstrual cycle or a change in physiological state. Their volume and consistency change. They are usually transparent or white in color. May have a pale tint (creamy, yellowish). They have no smell, sometimes due to the presence of lactic acid, it can be slightly sour. Such secretions are not associated with sensations of pain, burning or itching, do not cause skin irritation.

Pathology is the appearance of green, bright yellow, black, brown discharge. Moreover, their form does not depend on the phase of the cycle. Often they have a heterogeneous structure, an unpleasant odor appears (fishy, sour milk, sweetish). Pathological discharge occurs in diseases of the genital organs (inflammatory or tumor processes).

Physiological mucous secretions appear in girls about 1 year before the onset of menstruation. At an earlier age, girls should not have any discharge from the genital tract. If they appear, this is a sign of a disease (for example, a congenital infection with fungi, Trichomonas). You can also get infected through bed linen. During the passage of the child through the birth canal, infection with herpes is possible.

Sometimes inflammation occurs due to trauma to the external genital organs or the ingress of foreign objects into them (for example, sand in a sandbox). The cause of the disease may be poor hygiene care for the child.

Pathology is also any kind of discharge from the genital tract in postmenopause, when the reproductive system completely ceases to function. During this period, discharge (usually mixed with blood) occurs either due to damage to the vaginal mucosa as a result of thinning and dryness, or as a symptom of oncology.

Warning: In the event of a discharge in a little girl, it is imperative to consult a pediatric gynecologist, since in the future an untreated disease will result in infertility and other complications. For older women, a timely visit to the doctor and a diagnosis can sometimes save lives.

Video: Discharge in women. Norm and pathology

Types of natural secretions

The nature of physiological secretions depends not only on the stage of the menstrual cycle, but also on the age of the woman, hormonal changes, the presence or absence of sexual activity.

Discharge associated with the menstrual cycle

Immediately after menstruation, the so-called dry period begins, when the amount of discharge is minimal. By the time of ovulation (in the middle of the cycle), the amount of mucus, resembling raw egg white in appearance, increases, can reach up to 4 ml per day. On this basis, a woman learns about the onset of ovulation. After 2-3 days, the volume of secretions decreases.

Immediately before menstruation, the discharge becomes like rice water, the intensity increases slightly.

Video: Normal discharge during the menstrual cycle

Occurring after the onset of sexual activity or change of sexual partner

In the genital tract of a woman, the microbiological composition changes due to the ingress of bacteria that are part of the natural microflora of the genitals of the sexual partner. During the period of adaptation to these changes, the amount of secretions increases, their shade and consistency change. At the same time, the woman does not experience any discomfort.

After intercourse, if a condom was not used, the discharge is jelly-like with clots. They are colorless or slightly white with a yellow tinge. After a few more hours, the intensity of the secretions increases, they become more liquid, white. If the sexual intercourse was protected, then after it there are white meager discharges.

During pregnancy

Due to changes in the hormonal background, the blood supply to the genital organs increases, while more plasma enters the mucus through the walls of the vagina, so it liquefies, and the intensity of the discharge increases. A harbinger of an early birth is an even greater increase in their volume due to the increased work of the glands that produce mucus to lubricate the birth canal.

Warning: In the second half of pregnancy, the appearance of very liquid and copious discharge, especially with an admixture of blood, may indicate the onset of premature birth. Immediate medical attention is required. In a normal pregnancy, an increase in the volume of discharge in the last weeks may be associated with the discharge of amniotic fluid. Such changes cannot be ignored.

After the abortion

The nature of the discharge depends on the method of artificial termination of pregnancy, on its duration, as well as on the characteristics of the body.

After a surgical abortion (curettage), bloody discharge with clots is observed for several days. They are normal and are associated with damage to small blood vessels. Then they darken and stop. Replaced by regular discharge.

Medical abortion is performed with the help of hormonal drugs. In this case, bleeding occurs in the uterus, detachment of the fetal egg occurs. After 2 days, the woman's condition returns to normal.

Vacuum abortion is the least traumatic, the discharge after it is insignificant, their usual nature is quickly restored.

Video: Restoring the menstrual cycle after an abortion

After childbirth

At this time, lochia appear - physiological secretions, consisting of blood clots, exfoliated uterine epithelium and cervical mucus. They can exist up to about 6-8 weeks, then their intensity gradually weakens, they brighten. In the first days, lochia is similar to menstruation, then blood impurities disappear, the color becomes yellowish-white. The consistency of mucus is similar to egg white.

Subsequently, if a woman is breastfeeding a child, then in the absence of her menstruation, slight discharge is observed until the feeding period ends. Then they become ordinary, regularly changing in character.

Premenopausal, during use, and after discontinuation of hormonal contraception

Due to a decrease in the level of estrogen in the body, the production of mucus in the cervical canal decreases, the epithelial layer becomes thinner. Vaginal dryness increases. Reducing the volume of secretions increases the risk of inflammatory diseases.

Hormonal contraception suppresses ovulation. In this case, the discharge becomes insignificant. If a woman stops drinking birth control pills, then the nature of the discharge is restored.

Normal discharge from the genital tract is a sign by which a woman's reproductive health is assessed. Trying to get rid of them by douching or using inappropriate hygiene products can lead to a change in the composition of the microflora, cause inflammatory diseases or allergies. A change in the nature of the discharge, even in the absence of concomitant negative symptoms, should alert the woman, as it can be a manifestation of hidden diseases.

Every day, the fair sex in shorts can meet. This is both the norm and the deviation. It all depends on the nature of the discharge, smell and shade. Below in the article we will figure out which discharges are considered the norm and which are not.

What does normal discharge mean?

Even an absolutely healthy girl can experience white discharge. And this is considered the norm. They are accompanied by a slightly sour aroma.

White or almost transparent discharge of a mucous nature is the norm. They have an excellent effect on the overall health of a woman and protect the microflora of the internal genital organs from infections.

There are a number of symptoms by which a girl herself can distinguish a pathological discharge from a normal natural process:

The smell may be slightly sour or absent altogether.
At different periods of the cycle, they may slightly differ in shade (white, yellow, cream or translucent).
They can be both liquid and viscous.
No more than one teaspoon should be allocated per day.
Before menstruation, sexual contact or during arousal, their number may increase.

Attention! As soon as the color of the discharge has acquired a different shade, and also appeared, this is a reason to seek help from a doctor. Do not delay with this, otherwise it will end very badly.

Why does the nature of whiter change?

So, above, we determined that white highlights are considered the norm. The hormonal background can affect the change in their shade and character. However, this does not indicate any violations of women's health.

There are a number of factors that affect the hormonal background, which further affects the discharge:

Why does discharge with a specific smell occur?

Normal natural secretions are those that do not have an unpleasant odor. However, the representative of the weaker sex also should not feel:

aching pain in the lower abdomen
burning
puffiness

The presence of a strong sour smell may indicate a disease such as candidiasis or thrush. Almost every woman met with such a pathological process. It is accompanied by discomfort and unpleasant symptoms. The main causes of candidiasis:

Hormonal disbalance
The onset of pregnancy
Emotional overstrain
Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene
Poor quality underwear
Improper nutrition
Taking certain antibacterial drugs
A sharp change in climatic conditions
allergic reactions

Abnormal discharge in women

It is simply impossible to independently determine the disease, since many of them are similar in their symptoms. As soon as a woman has found slight deviations from the norm, it is imperative to consult a doctor. Only diagnostic measures will help to establish the exact problem and the cause that could affect its occurrence.

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 are involved in the formation of the vaginal secretion. Physiological vaginal discharge is present in all women and girls after the completion of puberty, and in postmenopausal their number 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 to irrigate, protect and cleanse the vagina. The presence of such discharge in the vagina is necessary and is not a pathology. A change in the nature of habitual secretions occurs due to harmless reasons or signals serious problems.

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

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

- the amount of discharge does not exceed their usual rate 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 “norm” can vary significantly. For some women, an increased or scanty amount of vaginal discharge is considered normal if its pattern does not change throughout life, and if it is not accompanied by pathological symptoms.

The external characteristics of the discharge are also not always interpreted correctly by patients. Sometimes secretions change their appearance when interacting with air and leave traces on linen of a “not their own” color. If the secretions come into contact with the chemicals that make up hygiene products, they can also change the 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 lactobacilli and squamous epithelial cells predominate in its composition. In minimal amounts (about 2%), representatives of conditionally pathogenic microflora are present in the vagina: gardnerella, mycoplasmas, anaerobic bacteria, staphylococci, streptococci and fungi. In order to prevent unwanted microflora from multiplying, with the help of lactobacilli, a constant acidic environment with a pH of 3.8 - 4.5 is maintained in the vagina.

The nature of vaginal contents can be affected by:

- Natural cyclic hormonal fluctuations affect vaginal discharge, changing not only their quantity, but also the consistency. On the eve of menstruation, the amount of discharge from the vagina increases, and it becomes more viscous.

The most popular reason for visiting a gynecologist is copious and unpleasant discharge from the vagina of an unusual type. Beli can have a wide variety of colors (from white to red), consistency (jelly, "cottage cheese" or foam) and be accompanied by discomfort and pain. In some cases, whites are 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 the whites. The discharge does not have “strength”, there is only quantity, therefore, in the formulation of complaints, it is more correct to replace strong vaginal discharge with abundant 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 leucorrhea most often does not cause difficulties, a simple laboratory study of quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of the vaginal secret ("smears on the flora") helps to determine the source of the disease.

Therapy of pathological vaginal discharge involves the elimination of the source of the disease and the restoration of normal indicators 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 secretions (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 shedding of "old" cells and the growth of new cells. Lactobacilli interact with the surface cells of the vaginal epithelium, they break down the glycogen contained in them into lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, as a result creating an acidic environment in the vagina. Unwanted microflora cannot multiply in an acidic environment, so its amount in the vagina remains minimal.

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

However, whites do not always mean that the disease is localized in the vagina. According to the place of occurrence, they distinguish:

- 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 edematous, their lumen narrows, the inflammatory secret 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. Occur mainly in inflammatory processes in the endometrium.

- Cervical (cervical) whites are the result of increased secretion of the glands of the cervix during inflammation.

- Vestibular leucorrhea is produced by glands in the vestibule of the vagina.

In girls, in 55% of cases, the appearance of whites 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 they are physiological. Only in 30% of girls and adolescents, vaginal discharge is pathological, and most of them are of an infectious nature.

In the period of pre and postmenopause, leucorrhoea is associated with atrophic processes in the mucous membranes or oncological diseases. Sometimes the appearance of leucorrhea in elderly patients is associated with the prolapse of the genital organs.

White against the background of foreign bodies in the vaginal cavity can be profuse, purulent and have an unpleasant odor. Too long stay in the vagina of hygienic tampons, vaginal ring (pessary), as well as foreign objects introduced from the outside can cause whiter.

Perhaps there is not a single woman who would not be faced with changes in the nature of vaginal discharge, but not every one of them needed medical attention. The presence of provoking factors does not always lead to the appearance of whites. In healthy women with a good immune system and a normal hormonal status, deviations in the normal indicators of the vaginal environment are compensated for by the internal resources of the body. However, sexual infections in even the most healthy patients require therapy.

White discharge from the vagina

The appearance of the vaginal discharge can not always reliably indicate the true cause of its appearance. Physiological vaginal discharge sometimes has a whitish tint, but due to their small amount, a woman may not know what they look like, and begins to pay attention to them only when their number increases against a background of 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 disturbed by any other subjective sensations, and after the examination, it is not possible to establish the presence of a pathological process.

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

A pathological process can be suspected if the patient complains of unusually thick and unpleasant white vaginal discharge against the background of itching, burning or discomfort. Such secretions most often indicate an excessive reproduction of fungal microflora, that is, the appearance of vaginal candidiasis. The source of the disease are Candida fungi. In small quantities, they may be present in the vagina, and their growth is inhibited by lactobacilli. If the normal composition of the vaginal microflora is disturbed, the fungi begin to actively vegetate, displacing beneficial microorganisms.

Vaginal candidiasis is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. Patients complain of profuse and thick white vaginal discharge. Characteristic white inclusions in the form of crumbs or flakes give whites with 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 increases in the evening and often does not subside all night, not allowing the woman to rest.

On examination, the vaginal mucosa always has signs of severe inflammation (swelling and redness) with characteristic white "films". Attempts to remove such plaque are accompanied by severe trauma to the mucosa and the appearance of blood. Abundant discharge irritates the inflamed mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva, causing a burning sensation. If the inflammatory process passes to the urethra, the patient may have complaints associated with urination disorders.

Often, patients with vaginal candidiasis can clearly indicate the cause of the whiteness. The most common of these is the misuse of antibiotics.

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

The diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis is usually straightforward. 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.

Therapy for candidal lesions of the vagina consists in the use of antifungal drugs and the restoration of the normal pH of the vagina. Successful treatment of candidiasis does not guarantee a recurrence of the disease.

Yellow vaginal discharge

Most whites are 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. The infectious process in the vagina can be provoked by “own” microorganisms (the case when opportunistic microbes have caused the disease) or pathogens that have come from outside (genital infections).

A sign of an infectious process in the genitals is pus-like discharge of yellow color. Long-term purulent discharge acquire a greenish tint.

Abundant watery discharge from the vagina that is yellow or yellow-green in color may indicate trichomoniasis. The disease is caused by Trichomonas and is a venereal disease. In addition to leucorrhoea, the patient is worried about pain, itching, burning and urination disorder. A distinctive sign of trichomonas inflammation is the frothy appearance of whiter and an unpleasant stale smell. If the disease is not cured in 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 unfavorable consequences of gonorrhea is.

Whites do 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, in acute endometritis, abundant purulent vaginal discharge is accompanied by severe fever and pain.

It should be noted that leucorrhoea of various origins can have a yellowish tint. 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 the identification of a specific pathogen indicates the cause of the disease.

Brown vaginal discharge

Blood stains 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 their characteristic color. Usually, 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. Usually, the patient has a spotting, dark brown discharge of varying duration from the vagina at any time between periods. Sometimes these discharges replace normal menstruation.

The appearance of slight brown spotting vaginal discharge is not always a sign of the 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 secretions is of a short-term nature and is not accompanied by any subjective unpleasant sensations. In the event that smearing brown discharge bothers a woman constantly, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

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

Intrauterine contraception ("spiral") in some cases provokes spotting:

- for the first time after the introduction of the spiral, the uterus perceives it as a foreign body and tries to free itself;

- The uterine mucosa at the place of "attachment" of the spiral can be slightly injured.

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

Brown slight discharge may appear briefly after douching or overly aggressive sexual contact against the background of microtrauma of the mucous membrane. Smearing brown or pink vaginal discharge after an abortion or cauterization of cervical erosion also indicates the presence of injuries on the mucous membranes of the vagina and uterus. As a rule, such allocations are temporary and are eliminated on their own.

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

Pathological secretions from genital infections may contain a small amount of dark blood. An intense inflammatory process caused by venereal 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 endometrium.

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 a normal (uterine) pregnancy and abdominal pain of varying intensity. Often this condition is taken for a threatened miscarriage. An interrupted ectopic pregnancy threatens the life of the patient and requires immediate surgical intervention.

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

Clear vaginal discharge

Transparent vaginal discharge without color and odor in a small amount correlates with the concept of the norm. As a rule, 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 organism.

There is no strict rule for discharges. 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 transparent discharges begin to disturb a woman constantly, leave stains on linen or are accompanied by unpleasant subjective sensations, in this situation one should understand the reason for such changes.

A slight presence of fresh blood is indicated by pink discharge from the vagina of a short duration. Therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations can provoke small violations of the integrity of the mucous membrane, blood from the surface of microtraumas enters the vaginal secretion and stains them pink.

"Cauterization" or "freezing" of the ectopia of the cervix 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 discharge from the vagina of a short duration.

Mucous discharge from the vagina

Slight vaginal discharge of a mucous appearance without pathological impurities and odor, which does not cause itching, burning or discomfort, is the norm. Sometimes mucous secretions become more viscous and viscous, and in appearance resemble egg white.

The mucous appearance of vaginal discharge is "obliged" to the cervix.

A clear and thick cervical (or cervical) mucus forms in the cervix, sometimes called a "plug". It is produced by cells of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal and performs important functions:

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

- thanks to the mucous cervical secret, the spermatozoa that enter 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. In order for spermatozoa to freely enter the uterus, at the time of ovulation, the density of cervical mucus decreases, and it drains into the vagina. Therefore, the amount of vaginal mucus during the period of 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 to determine the presence of dyshormonal disorders.

The Billings method is based on the study of the viscosity of cervical mucus at different periods of the cycle. At the end of the next menstruation, the vagina is “dry” - the discharge is practically not felt. Toward the middle of the cycle, the mucous secretions become so viscous that they can be easily stretched between two fingers. The period of ovulation (the middle of the cycle) is accompanied by an increase in the vaginal discharge, it becomes liquid. Then the discharge becomes viscous again, and then completely disappears. If the indicators of cervical mucus do not change, it can be assumed. Such a method cannot reliably establish the presence of hormonal abnormalities and is indirect.

Bloody discharge from the vagina

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

Isolation of blood from the vagina, not associated with menstrual bleeding, always indicates the presence of a disease. An important diagnostic criterion is the duration of bleeding and their number. 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 manipulations: taking smears, endometrial aspiration biopsy, diagnostic curettage, laparoscopy, and so on.

- Mechanical violation of the integrity of the integumentary epithelium during douching, the use of a gynecological speculum during examination, or the introduction 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 mucosa easily vulnerable, so sometimes it can be accompanied by minor spotting.

- A slight discharge of scarlet blood from the vagina after an abortion is associated with trauma to the mucous membranes of the uterus and cervical canal. Normally, their intensity should decrease until complete independent cessation.

The most common cause of significant bleeding from the vagina is:

- Violations of the menstrual cycle. In the absence of ovulation, there is a violation of the cyclic processes of the uterus and ovaries, 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 considerable size do not allow the muscular wall of the uterus to contract properly and cause prolonged menstruation or intermenstrual bleeding.

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

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

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

Sudden profuse spotting against the background of a sharp deterioration in well-being appears in emergency conditions that threaten the life and health of a woman. Most often these are:

- Submucosal (submucosal) fibroids of the body of the uterus. Sometimes fibroids grow into the uterine cavity in the form of a knot, causing severe bleeding and pain. The most dangerous complication of submucosal fibroids is uterine eversion.

- Delay of parts of the fetal egg after a medical abortion or spontaneous miscarriage. Pieces of the remaining tissue do not allow the uterus to contract, causing bleeding. A similar situation occurs after childbirth, when a piece of the placenta remains in the uterus.

- Aborted ectopic pregnancy.

- Complications of pregnancy: premature spontaneous abortion, 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.

In case of untimely spotting, you should immediately visit a doctor.

Vaginal discharge with odor

Microorganisms present in the vagina in the process of life emit chemical compounds with different odors. In healthy women, there is an individual, barely perceptible odor in the vulva. Normally, he should not bother a woman. Increased vaginal odor is often a sign of problems.

The simplest reason for the appearance of unpleasantly smelling discharge is a violation of the rules of intimate hygiene. If after the usual hygiene procedures they disappear, you should not worry.

The smell of vaginal discharge is perceived by patients unequally, since the sense of smell is developed differently for everyone. However, there is a group of diseases that have a characteristic, unique smell of vaginal discharge.

Discharge from genital infections has an unpleasant odor. With trichomoniasis, an unpleasant pungent odor accompanies abundant discharge of a foamy type.

The sour smell 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 profuse 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, there is a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and a change in pH, which is fertile ground for the development of dysbacteriosis. Instead of lactobacilli, opportunistic microflora begins to multiply in the vaginal environment, the more it is, the more pronounced the symptoms of the disease, including vaginal odor.

The unpleasant smell of vaginal discharge in patients with bacterial vaginosis is associated with the activity of anaerobic bacteria: they produce amines. Decaying, amines emit a "fishy" smell. If the disease proceeds in an erased form, the amine test reveals a specific vaginal odor: the contents of the vagina are mixed with an alkali solution that destroys amines, and a “fishy” odor is obtained.

Despite abundant discharge, there are no signs of local inflammation during examination for bacterial vaginosis, which 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.

Excretion of urine from the vagina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The continuous flow of urine into the vagina causes inflammation of the mucous membrane with toxic compounds. There are signs of severe inflammation -,. Long-term inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina provokes the development of a purulent process. In this case, the vaginal discharge becomes purulent and acquires an unpleasant odor. A long-term vaginal infection through the fistula cavity can enter the urinary tract and cause.

Diagnosis of urogenital fistulas begins with the moment of vaginal examination, which allows to detect the opening of the urogenital fistula and pronounced changes in the vaginal mucosa. Ultrasound and urological examinations help clarify the diagnosis. Urinary fistulas are removed surgically.

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