A lot of selection of white color in women. Types of pathological white discharge. Do I need to go to the doctor

Moderate, non-disturbing white discharge in women indicates the correct functioning of the reproductive system. Their intensity and consistency vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. This is due to normal physiological processes occurring in the body. If the white vaginal discharge has acquired an unpleasant odor, changed its structure, then they signal the development of pathology and are the reason for contacting a gynecologist.

White discharge from the vagina is observed in various situations. The consistency of a normal secret is thick and rather liquid, and its amount is plentiful and scarce. Both of these options are considered normal.

The reasons why girls have white flakes on their underpants are both pathological and natural. Such changes are typical for certain periods of the cycle and early pregnancy. Intimacy and stress can provoke them.

Ovulation

In certain phases of the cycle, the volume of the secret increases. Such changes are noted at the time of ovulation. At the same time, lingering whitish discharge appears in women, odorless, similar to egg white. Mucus, a color like milk, can be observed for several hours or a couple of days after the release of the egg. After a while, under the influence of progesterone, it acquires a thick consistency and is produced in a significantly smaller amount.

Early pregnancy

Whitish discharge in a virgin most often indicates the imminent arrival of regular, but if a woman has already had sexual experience, then such changes may signal pregnancy. Similar symptoms appear due to hormonal changes in the body.

The amount of secret is gradually increasing. Often, white discharge without itching and odor is observed throughout the first trimester. They are considered to be the absolute norm.

They can occur for various reasons, so we recommend that you study this issue in more detail.

Discharge during intercourse

Appearing during intimacy, are considered the norm. When excited, mucus begins to be produced, the volume of which increases significantly as the attraction grows and reaches its maximum amount at the end of sexual intercourse. At the same time, viscous lumps should not cause concern - this is a natural phenomenon.

You also need to consider that mucus has different characteristics depending on whether a condom was used or not. If intimacy was unprotected, then the secret mixes with sperm and acquires an unusual smell and a yellowish color. When using barrier contraceptives, the artificial lubricant of the condom comes into contact with the liquid secreted from the vagina - and quite thick whites are formed.

Stress

Often, white discharge from the uterus is noted against the background of a delay, but fertilization did not occur. Such changes can be triggered by stress. If a maximum of five days are noted, and the discharge itself is odorless, does not increase in volume and does not cause discomfort, then there is no reason to panic.

Signs of pathological discharge

When the immune system is suppressed, the background of hormones changes and antibiotic medications are taken, active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms occurs, as a result of which the inflammatory process begins.

The following nature of the secret indicates the development of diseases:

• copious white discharge of a thick curdled consistency;
• foamy mucus;
• viscous discharge with a sharp, very unpleasant odor.

Attention should also be paid to concomitant symptoms. Regardless of whether there is an odorless discharge or, they cause concern in the presence of additional clinical manifestations. Itching, discomfort during urination and intimacy, redness of the genitals, pain in the abdomen and hyperthermia indicate the onset of the pathological process. Such changes are a reason for immediate medical attention.

Causes of pathological discharge

White thick discharge in women appears for both natural and pathological reasons. To identify the disease, you need to pay special attention to the consistency, smell, as well as the amount of secretion and associated symptoms. Often provoke such changes candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and a number of other diseases of the reproductive system. At the same time, scanty and abundant white discharge needs urgent treatment.

Development of candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis (thrush) is a common condition. Its occurrence happens, a hormonal disorder, non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene, the use of antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Under the influence of these factors, Candida fungi actively multiply and the main symptoms of thrush begin to appear.

Initially, there may be a thick white discharge, odorless and itchy, with a curdled consistency. With the further development of the pathology, additional symptoms appear. White discharge from the vagina acquires a sour aroma. The woman suffers from burning and itching in the genital area. In the case of a bacterial infection, the secret becomes gray or yellow.

Bacterial vaginosis

The development of pathology is due to a violation of the microflora of the vagina and the predominance of pathogenic microorganisms in it. Such changes occur due to suppression of immunity, intestinal dysbacteriosis, improper organization of the diet and wearing underwear made from synthetic materials.

With the development of this disease, the skin in the vaginal area begins to itch, a liquid secret appears, which has an unpleasant smell of rotten fish.

Bacterial vaginosis needs treatment. Lack of proper therapy can lead to inflammation of the appendages and the reproductive organ, as well as the penetration of infection into the vagina. In this case, the situation will worsen significantly.

Development of cervicitis

The occurrence of this disease is due to the onset of the inflammatory process that occurs in that part of the cervix that goes into the vagina. At the same time, odorless mucous secretions begin to stand out, in which an admixture of pus is often observed.

The causes of the pathological process, as a rule, are infections, damage to the uterus during childbirth, and scars formed after surgery.

Pathology of the cervix

Thick, odorless and itchy discharge may appear due to the development of cervical erosion or the growth of a malignant tumor on it. In this case, the woman feels a mild pulling pain in the abdomen. In addition, regardless of the period of the cycle, there is a milky daub without smell. Also, among the symptoms of pathology, there is an admixture of blood in the secret after intimacy, but such clinical manifestations are rarely observed. Often the disease is asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of diseases

To understand why white discharge appeared, odorless or with an uncharacteristic odor, the doctor first of all conducts an examination on the gynecological chair and examines the history. A swab is taken immediately to detect infection.

In addition, a number of additional studies are assigned to help find out the exact cause of the secret, like milk:

• a blood test to determine the level of hormones;
• bacterial culture;
• PCR diagnostics;
• colposcopy.

Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes a course of therapy.

Treatment

If thick vaginal discharge is caused by thrush, then antifungal therapy is prescribed. It is also necessary to restore the normal microflora of the vagina, due to which it will be possible to suppress the activity of the fungus and eliminate the pathology.

In the event that odorless liquid discharge is caused by hormonal disorders, they resort to the use of medications that help normalize hormone levels. The therapy is very long. It often takes more than six months to achieve the goal.

When bacterial vaginosis is detected, antibiotic agents are used that suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, antifungal drugs are used to help restore microflora.

With erosion of the cervix, drug therapy is ineffective. In order to eliminate the problem, they resort to cauterization of the formation.

The course of treatment for cervicitis is selected depending on the reasons that provoked its appearance. In the course of therapy, antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal medicines are used. The affected areas are treated with antiseptic solutions. In the case of the transition of pathology into a chronic form, they resort to surgical intervention.

The appearance of white mucus often does not indicate the onset of the pathological process and is considered a variant of the norm. Signs of the development of the disease are an unpleasant smell of secretion, pain, itching and burning, and other accompanying symptoms. When they appear, you need the help of a gynecologist. The sooner a problem is identified, the easier it will be to fix.

The reproductive system of a woman is a well-oiled mechanism. It is characterized by hormonal fluctuations throughout the childbearing age. Full-fledged work of the body is always accompanied by secretion from the vagina. It can change its consistency, structure, volume and composition. Every lady should know and be able to distinguish when creamy ones are the norm, and in which cases they indicate a pathological process.

The nature of the secret in different phases of the cycle

What are allocations? which is continuously produced in the genital tract. It is made up of mucus, epithelial cells, and bacteria living in the vagina. Normally, they are representatives of the lactoflora, and in various disorders - pathogenic microbes. Violation of the existing balance is considered the main prerequisite for the development of inflammation.

The qualitative composition of secretions may vary depending on the phase of the female cycle. Its beginning is considered the first day of menstruation. From the moment the menstruation ends until the 12th day of the cycle, a woman can observe 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 the secret always increases.

On the 14th day, the amount of discharge increases. Such changes are due to the period of ovulation - the time when the egg matures. On this and several subsequent days, favorable conditions are created in the body of a woman for the onset of pregnancy. In a humid environment, it is easier for spermatozoa to reach their final goal. From about the 16th day, a creamy white discharge appears. The light shade of the secret is given by the dead elements of the epithelium of the vagina.

What should be considered normal?

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

1. Slight haze.
2. A yellowish tint, which is clearly visible on a daily sanitary napkin.
3. Lack of burning and itching in the vaginal area.

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

White creamy discharge before period

The secret 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 should be able to distinguish pathology from the norm.

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

How does the discharge change after ovulation?

White, creamy patches on the panty liner may be different from those before the follicle was released from the egg. Mucus after ovulation becomes thick and viscous, which indicates the active "work" of progesterone in the corpus luteum. Usually it is formed at the site of a previously bursting follicle. The vaginal secret is very similar to the discharge associated with 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 conception of the baby.

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

Thick vaginal secretion - a harbinger of disease

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

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

• Inflammatory pathologies of the intimate sphere.
• Violation of the hormonal background.
• Consequences of long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Frequent douching.
• The use of intrauterine devices.
• The development of malignant neoplasms.
• Traumatic processes affecting the cervix.

Also, the reason for changing the nature of the secret is wearing uncomfortable underwear. Sometimes a similar symptom occurs against the background of the use of aggressive soap, which contains a large number of chemicals. That is why doctors recommend women to use special gels and products designed for intimate hygiene.

The causes of creamy discharge are highly dependent on the age of the woman. In menopause, they may be due to atrophic vaginitis, and in childbearing age - inflammation of the intimate sphere.

Infectious processes in which creamy white discharge appears include diseases such as:

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

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

Curd secret in 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 opportunistic pathogens, since they constantly live on the mucous membranes of the genital organs. They do not allow the acidic environment that lactobacilli and bifidobacteria create in the vagina to multiply. However, under the influence of certain factors, the balance is disturbed. Among them are:

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

In a short period of time, the discharge acquires a curdled consistency, becomes plentiful. A woman begins to pursue an unpleasant sour smell in the intimate area. Toward evening, the clinical picture is usually supplemented by aching pains in the lower abdomen.

If left untreated, the disease becomes chronic. Sour smell and discomfort gradually recede. A creamy white discharge appears, which is distinguished by its ductility. It is during this period that the cervix becomes inflamed, which is confirmed during colposcopy.

When to go to see a doctor?

For any changes in the consistency or color of the vaginal secretion, you should contact your gynecologist. The specialist, after examination on the chair, usually prescribes a series of tests. According to their results, it is worth judging the presence of diseases. Based on bacposev, a gynecologist can determine the presence of pathogenic flora, evaluate the number of leukocytes. In some cases, PCR tests, ultrasound and colposcopy are additionally required.

Principles of therapy

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

Therapy always begins with the elimination of 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 conditionally pathogenic microorganisms.

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

After carrying out therapeutic procedures, it is extremely important to restore the functioning of the immune system. Usually, for the purpose of prevention, vitamin complexes, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed.

Prevention measures

White creams 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 competent therapy. To avoid such disorders, doctors recommend following the elementary rules of prevention.

1. Personal hygiene must be observed. 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 the daily use of sanitary napkins, since they practically do not allow air to pass through. As a result, a favorable environment for the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms is formed. If panty liners are unavoidable, change them more often.

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

Discharge from the genital tract is usually very disturbing for women. Representatives of the weaker sex immediately suspect that they have an infection or inflammation, and therefore they immediately go for a consultation with their gynecologist.

Meanwhile, few of the women know that the presence of discharge (or leucorrhoea) from the genital tract of a woman does not always indicate a disease. Whiteness in the vagina of a healthy woman is a completely physiological phenomenon. However, it is necessary to pay attention to their nature and color, since some discharges are symptoms of infections or inflammation of the female genital organs. If you are concerned about odorless white discharge, there may be several reasons, and they are not always pathological.

When is white discharge normal?

In healthy women, a whitish-transparent, odorless mucous discharge appears. Their number is insignificant: they can leave a spot on the linen with a diameter of no more than 3-5 cm. The smell may be absent or barely noticeable, slightly sour. These whites do not irritate the mucous membranes of the external genital organs and the skin. Such natural secretions are not of an infectious nature, since they are the product of the secretion of glands located on the cervix. The main function of white whites is to cleanse the genital tract (the walls of the uterus and the vagina itself) from pathogenic microbes and epithelial cells. Due to this, the causative agents of many infections are washed out naturally.

Meanwhile, the consistency of normal secretions varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. So, for example, there is a small amount of whitish discharge after menstruation without odor (a spot of 1-2 cm in diameter usually remains on linen).

By the middle of the cycle, a woman discovers thick, odorless white discharge that leaves spots up to 5-6 cm in diameter on her panties. Such whites usually indicate the imminent onset of ovulation, that is, the maturation of the egg and its movement through the fallopian tubes. At the same time, for about 5-7 days, a woman develops a clear, odorless discharge, resembling egg white in its consistency. The mucous nature of these leucorrhoea is explained by the "help" of the body to spermatozoa in passing to the female germ cell.

In the third phase of the menstrual cycle, a woman has white, creamy, odorless discharge - the harbingers of menstruation. They are moderately plentiful and liquid. Such whites are also normal, and should not be disturbed by a noticeable smell or itching.

In addition, women may experience discharge that appears in certain situations, but also does not indicate pathology. So, for example, white, odorless liquid discharge after intercourse is nothing more than a natural lubricant released during arousal to facilitate the sliding of the male penis.

An increase in light, odorless leucorrhoea may be associated with treatment with vaginal suppositories, pills, the use of contraceptives, stress, and acclimatization.

In expectant mothers throughout pregnancy, liquid and abundant discharge is the result of an increase in the concentration of hormones.

Odorless white discharge: pathology

A woman should be concerned about discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor, burning in the perineum or itching, since such symptoms are a consequence of genital and genitourinary infections. So, for example, white curdled discharge, odorless or with a sour smell, usually occurs with vaginal candidiasis, or simply thrush, which is so familiar to almost every woman. Such white, odorless discharge is usually accompanied by intense itching and redness of the external genital organs.

If suspicious symptoms appear, you should contact your gynecologist, who will prescribe a vaginal swab or bacterial culture.

Always present. Their color, quantity, consistency varies with the menstrual cycle. It is important to distinguish between normal discharge and pathological discharge. In the future, this will help to avoid possible complications.

Discharge in a woman is a natural phenomenon, produced by its glands, which are located on the threshold of the vagina. The main function of the released secret is to protect the walls of the uterus and vagina from pathogens. The discharge also prevents the vagina from drying out.

During the day, about 1-5 ml of mucus can be released, however, during the cycle, it can change color and consistency. The main reasons that affect the characteristics of mucus:

• Pregnancy period.
• ovulation period.
• Sexual arousal.

In reproductive age, the vaginal microflora consists of lactic acid bacteria. The secreted mucus is an acidic environment and the pH value is normally 3.8-4.4.

A woman can independently determine whether the secreted mucus is normal according to certain signs. The discharge should not smell and have a sour tint. Normally, in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, the consistency of the discharge is homogeneous, they can be scarce, liquid or mucous of a transparent, whitish or yellowish color.

If the consistency and color of the discharge changes, then this may indicate a pathology.

During the period of ovulation in the middle of the cycle, the discharge is abundant, transparent or light beige.In the second phase of the mucus cycle, it is observed in smaller quantities and resemble jelly in appearance. The color of the discharge may be clear, white or yellowish.

What does strong white discharge indicate?

Abundant white discharge can be the cause of hormonal levels. This problem is faced by women after 40 years and this is the norm. However, it is recommended to periodically take a smear.

White discharge does not always indicate pathology. Their number may increase with a change of sexual partner. During this period, the body of a woman adapts to the microflora of a man. This is a defensive reaction and after adaptation, the number will decrease.

A lot of white or creamy discharge may occur after intercourse.When using oral contraceptives, the amount of mucus changes. This is also affected by the use of oral contraceptives.In other cases, white discharge is a pathological symptom.

If vaginal discharge is observed in large quantities, then this may indicate various gynecological diseases:

• Candidiasis. With thrush, the discharge has a rich white color with a sour smell. For candidiasis, curdled discharge is characteristic.
• Vaginosis. With vaginosis, in addition to strong white discharge with a fishy smell, there is itching, burning.
• Colpitis. Colpitis of a fungal nature is characterized by thick white discharge and in appearance resembles sour milk.
• Gardnerellosis. Gardnerellosis in a woman usually appears when changing a sexual partner, if he was infected. However, gardnerella are opportunistic bacteria and are present in the vaginal microflora in small quantities. Mass reproduction leads to the appearance of unpleasant symptoms due to an imbalance in the microflora of the vagina.

More information about the selection can be found in the video:

In most cases, discharge does not appear on its own, but occurs under the influence of a number of factors: stressful situations, decreased immunity, excessive consumption of fried and fatty foods, violation of hygiene rules, exposure to allergens, etc.

What to do and which doctor to contact?

In most cases, white vaginal discharge is accompanied by other symptoms, and this requires immediate medical attention.

The examination should be carried out with a change in the color of the mucus, the presence of an unpleasant odor, if there is itching, burning and discomfort.

It is impossible to diagnose and establish the cause of white discharge only in appearance. Diseases of the genital organs can manifest themselves in an atypical way and have other pathological processes. In this case, you need to contact a gynecologist who will refer you for an examination. This symptom should not be ignored.

Features of treatment and prognosis

After establishing the cause and pathology that led to the appearance of white discharge, appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Treatment features:

• If thrush has become the cause of abundant discharge, then local and systemic drugs are used. From vaginal suppositories and tablets, Miconazole, Lomexin, Ketoconazole, Zalain, etc. are used. Local treatment of candidiasis consists in a single use of the drug inside: Diflucan, Mikomax, Flucostat, Fluconazole, etc.
• For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and the restoration of the vaginal microflora, Meratin, Metronidazole, Terzhinan, Betadin, Vagilak, Lactobacterin, etc. are used. Sumamed, Amoxiclav, etc. are used from antibacterial drugs.
• In the treatment of colpitis, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral drugs are prescribed, depending on the type of microorganism. Most often used: Nystatin, Metronidazole, Ampicillin, etc.
• Gardnerellosis is treated with antibiotics. Also use ointments, creams, vaginal tablets for 7-10 days.

A prerequisite after treatment is the use of lactobacilli. The vaginal microflora suffers after antibiotic therapy, therefore, Laktonorm, Atsilakt, Bifidumbacterin, etc. are prescribed to normalize it.

It should be remembered that for the duration of treatment, you should refuse to take spicy and fried foods, alcohol, sweet foods.

After treatment, it is necessary to take a smear and make sure that the disease has been cured.

The prognosis is favorable and after treatment, unpleasant symptoms disappear. If treatment is neglected, then some complications and the transition of the disease to a chronic form are possible.

Complications and prevention

If treatment is not started in a timely manner, then in advanced cases a number of complications may occur. Adverse effects usually occur in the chronic course of the disease.

The infection can spread further and against this background, the likelihood of developing cervicitis is high,. Thrush in combination with other infections in a recurrent course can cause infertility. A woman may have difficulty conceiving and bearing a child.

Colpitis can contribute to the formation of erosion, cervicitis, endometritis, etc. It should be noted that complications against the background of colpitis, vaginosis and other pathologies, accompanied by white discharge, often develop during the transition to a chronic form.

In order to prevent the development of such gynecological diseases, you should contact a gynecologist in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations.

White vaginal discharge can be observed in many women, and in order to prevent their occurrence, preventive measures should be followed:

1. Carry out daily hygiene measures.
2. If possible, do not use panty liners and wear underwear made from natural fabrics.
3. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of lactic acid products.
4. Monitor antibiotic intake.
5. Strengthen the immune system: harden the body, exercise, eat right, give up bad habits.
6. Tampons and pads should be changed every 3-4 hours.
7. Avoid unprotected sex.
8. Once every six months, visit a gynecologist for the timely detection of pathological processes.

These are the main measures that should be followed to avoid the occurrence of many gynecological diseases.

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

Ovulation, second half of the menstrual cycle

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

sexual intercourse

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

Pregnancy

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

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

Diseases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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