What kind of discharge is considered normal in women? Causes and nature of normal discharge in women
Normal discharge in women
The content of the article:The nature of vaginal discharge depends on hormonal levels and the presence/absence of genital infection. Normal discharge in a woman is light, transparent or milky in color, not accompanied by any discomfort, with a characteristic sour odor. Changes in color, quantity, or consistency do not always indicate a pathological process, but any symptom of trouble should be alarming, so it is important to visit a gynecologist. Let's look at the most common causes of pathological vaginal discharge. They may be the following:
Non-infectious (allergies, use of vaginal suppositories, local contraceptives);
caused by ectopic ureter; fistulous course;
against the background of STIs (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, etc.);
for cervical erosion;
associated with the presence of a foreign body in the vagina, for example, with a forgotten tampon;
nonspecific inflammatory process;
for candidiasis (thrush), bacterial vaginosis;
against the background of neoplasms of the uterus and its cervix:
after surgical interventions, for example, after cauterization of cervical erosion.
Slightly increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy is physiological, since increased secretion occurs against the background of hormonal changes. Pathology does not include discharge during arousal, during the release of the egg, during and after intimacy. This is true if there is no discomfort, redness of the mucous membrane and blood in the absence of menstruation.
Why is vaginal discharge necessary?
Their main functions are maintaining local immunity, participating in natural cleansing processes and moisturizing the walls of the vagina. The secretion is produced by glands located in the mucous membrane of the vestibule of the vagina and cervix. A certain amount of fluid exudes from the feeding vessels, and discharge from the uterus (a small amount of fluid and desquamated epithelium) comes out transvaginally. All this is leucorrhoea. The vagina is inhabited by many beneficial and opportunistic microorganisms. Lactobacilli help create an acidic environment, which prevents the proliferation of pathogenic and opportunistic flora. The mucus produced by the cervical glands protects the cervix from infection. Normal vaginal discharge ranges from 1 to 5 ml/day.
In smaller quantities compared to lactobacilli, fungi, cocci, enterobacteria, etc. are present in the vagina.
Important! Physiological watery or thick vaginal discharge is a consequence of natural processes and indicates the reproductive health of a girl or woman.
Vaginal discharge in girls
The physiology of a girl is somewhat different: before the onset of puberty, there should normally not be any pronounced secretion from the vagina. Scanty liquid discharge is allowed.
Wet underwear is a reason to consult a doctor. The urethra and rectum are located close to the vagina; if the discharge appears from there, this is a sign of pathology. In addition, if there are developmental abnormalities, for example, when the external opening of the ureter into the vagina, there will be constant leakage of urine.
Watery discharge is allowed 12 - 14 months before the onset of menarche - the first menstruation. An attentive mother will pay attention to the enlargement of the mammary glands, signs of hair growth in the armpit area and in the intimate area of her daughter.
How does the nature of vaginal discharge change during the cycle?
Conventionally, the following phases of the menstrual cycle are distinguished: the first half, ovulation and the second half. Each woman's cycle averages from 28 to 32 days. In the first half, the discharge is liquid, of uniform consistency, often transparent, but a whitish or slightly yellowish tint is allowed. There is no smell or has a sour note.
During the period of ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the follicle), on days 13–15, the appearance of vaginal mucus changes: it becomes transparent, stretches well, the color can be white or beige, and its quantity increases.
In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the volume of discharge decreases and the consistency resembles jelly. The color is whitish, with a yellow tint, but there may also be transparent discharge. A few days (1 – 2) before the onset of menstruation, the discharge becomes mucous and acquires a rich creamy hue. This is how the uterus prepares for the rejection of the endometrium.
If fertilization occurs in this cycle, then under favorable conditions pregnancy develops, and there may be increased discharge in the form of mucus. As hCG and progesterone increase, white discharge appears, odorless or, conversely, with a sour odor. This depends on the initial composition of the vaginal microflora.
Discharge during menopause is normal
Natural aging of the body, decline in reproductive function and a decrease in the content of female sex hormones are associated with menopause. Discharges undergo changes during this period: against the background of hypoestrogenism, their number decreases, the composition of the microflora changes: there are fewer lactic acid bacteria, and more coccal representatives. During premenopause, colpitis often occurs - inflammation of the vagina. Over time, the condition returns to the physiological norm, as the hormonal levels stabilize. The menstrual cycle begins to go astray - periods come earlier or are delayed, the discharge is abundant or scanty, spotting. The menstrual period ranges from 2 to 12 days. This may continue until your periods stop completely. Each woman has her own period of onset of menopause; recently, doctors have noted a tendency towards early manifestation (38 - 40 years) of its symptoms.
Many women report hot flashes (a feeling of unexplained heat), mood swings, insomnia, urinary incontinence, and increased blood pressure.
During menopause, there is practically no vaginal discharge. Some patients complain of vaginal dryness and fragility of blood vessels. In this case, the gynecologist may suggest hormone replacement therapy, provided there is a confirmed decrease in estrogen levels and there are no contraindications to hormone replacement therapy.
When the nature of vaginal discharge may change
Beginning of sexual relations
With the onset of sexual activity, the vaginal glands begin to work more intensely. In addition, during arousal before insertion of the penis and during frictions (penetrations), the secretion of mucus increases significantly; its consistency is viscous, transparent, and stretches well. After the first sexual intercourse, there may be an increased amount of discharge for 3 days. Discomfort and the presence of brownish veins are a consequence of the rupture of the hymen. If it bothers you greatly, you can take a bath with chamomile or douche with soda, everything will go away in a few days.
Abundant mucous discharge during sex is normal and indicates a woman’s hormonal levels are well saturated.
After sexual intercourse without a condom, with ejaculation into the vagina, after some time yellowish spots with a specific odor are noticeable on the underwear. Sperm liquefaction is a natural process; if pregnancy is planned, it is better to lie on your back for 1 – 2 hours. Otherwise, contraception and hygiene procedures are sufficient.
Changing sexual partners and the likelihood of sexually transmitted diseases
As you know, each person has his own qualitative and quantitative set of bacteria and microorganisms. When partners have been together for a long time, the microflora has long adapted, and there are no pathological manifestations after sex, provided that everyone is healthy.
During orgasm, sperm along with the man’s microflora enters the vagina; if immunity is reduced, then the development of vaginal dysbiosis, thrush, and nonspecific inflammation is expected. If vaginal discharge is present for more than 3 days, it is better to take smear tests. Often increased secretion with discomfort accompanies sexually transmitted diseases.
Taking oral contraceptives
Copious liquid discharge may occur while taking hormonal medications. The action of contraceptives is based on suppressing the maturation of the egg, so the vaginal discharge is modified, i.e., there is no production of stretchy mucus (reminiscent of egg white) in the absence of ovulation.
Poor hygiene habits
The desire to achieve sterility in the vagina, with frequent washing out of all beneficial microflora, and even with the use of aggressive detergents, is the path to colpitis, dysbacteriosis, and vaginal dryness. For intimate hygiene, it is better to buy a product with a neutral environment.
Copious discharge with a sour odor and itching is most likely symptoms of thrush.
Every day a girl can observe discharge in her underwear. This process is normal - this is female physiology. However, leucorrhoea can also be a signal that an infection or inflammation has appeared in the body, in which case it will have a characteristic color and smell. This article will help you understand which discharge in women is normal and which indicates a disease.
What kind of discharge in women is considered normal?
The physiology of a healthy female body is designed in such a way that a woman will regularly experience white leucorrhoea - this is the color of normal discharge. As a rule, they have no odor or it may be slightly sour, this is the normal smell of discharge. It is caused by the activity of lactobacilli; the internal environment of the vagina has a slightly acidic reaction. Its main task is to destroy infections, as well as create favorable conditions for conceiving and bearing a baby. In addition, in this way the vagina and labia are provided with the necessary lubrication.
Thus, mucous leucorrhoea is normal. They have a positive effect on women's health and protect the internal environment from infections. There are several signs by which a woman can independently determine that her discharge is not pathological and is a normal physiological process:
- different shade depending on the period of the cycle (white, cream, yellowish and transparent);
- practically odorless;
- consistency ranges from liquid to viscous;
- the daily amount may vary, but the norm of discharge is no more than 5-6 ml;
- before critical days, after intimacy and during periods of sexual arousal, the amount of mucus increases significantly.
Important! What color is normal discharge? Depending on the period of the menstrual cycle, the shade can vary from white, almost transparent, to light cream.
Normally, a woman's discharge begins to appear as soon as she reaches puberty. This occurs due to the formation of normal hormonal levels. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the amount and color of discharge constantly changes as the content of the hormone estrogen in the blood changes. If we consider the normal female cycle, on average 28 days, then a woman will observe the following changes in her body:
- Days 1–12 after the end of menstruation are the first phase of the menstrual cycle. Leucorrhoea appears in small quantities. They are uniform, but sometimes there may be small white lumps. Their color can be white or yellowish, with a sour smell;
- Days 13–15 are the middle of the cycle, ovulation occurs. During this period, abundant viscous discharge is observed. Their shade can be beige, white or yellowish;
- Days 16–20 are the end of the cycle. The amount of mucus decreases and the consistency resembles liquid jelly. Their color can be white, transparent or slightly yellow. Brown leucorrhoea appears, which indicates the beginning of menstruation; this is normal discharge before menstruation.
Norm and deviation: reasons for changes in leucorrhoea
White discharge in women is normal. Under the influence of hormonal levels, the nature of leucorrhoea changes. However, this process does not indicate any health problems. There are many reasons that affect female hormonal levels, which naturally affects mucous secretions:
- the beginning of sexual activity or change of partner. At this moment, the microflora of the vagina changes, which provokes changes in quantity and color;
- period during intimacy and after. This process is due to the fact that arousal provokes blood flow to the vessels of the genital organs, which causes mucus to form on the walls of the vagina. It is a natural lubricant that makes sexual intercourse painless and enjoyable for both partners;
- regular use of hormonal contraceptives. Medicines do not allow ovulation to occur, which is why the amount of lubrication is significantly reduced. This condition can be observed after childbirth and during lactation;
- during pregnancy. In late pregnancy, immediately before birth, a large amount of discharge is observed;
- postpartum period. Throughout the month, the woman will experience profuse bleeding, reminiscent of menstruation. This is a normal, natural process, as mucus, dead cells and blood come out.
As a rule, physiological secretions are considered to be those that have no odor. However, a woman should not feel pain in the lower abdomen, and there should be no burning or discomfort when urinating. The sour smell and cheesy nature of the discharge may be a sign of candidiasis or thrush. This pathology occurs quite often, it is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, so the woman feels discomfort. There are many reasons for the appearance of thrush:
- hormonal changes;
- pregnancy;
- suffered stress;
- physical fatigue;
- failure to comply with intimate hygiene rules;
- immunodeficiency conditions;
- taking antibiotics.
Thrush should be treated only under the supervision of a gynecologist. Self-medication can worsen a woman’s condition and disrupt the vaginal microflora.
Abnormal discharge in women
It is almost impossible to independently establish a diagnosis based on the color of the discharge. As a rule, many gynecological diseases are very similar in nature to each other. At the first changes in health, a woman should consult a doctor. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis based on laboratory tests. Warning signs indicating a disease are the following:
- white discharge with a cheesy consistency;
- a large amount exceeding the daily norm;
- leucorrhoea changes color to green, brown or yellow;
- there is an unpleasant smell of fish or rot;
- redness of the labia;
- pain in the lower abdomen, which is accompanied by burning and itching;
- painful sensations when urinating.
Pathology and color of mucus
Many gynecological diseases cause changes in the color of leucorrhoea. However, only a gynecologist can make an accurate diagnosis after receiving the test results. For diagnosis, a smear is taken from the vagina and sent for laboratory testing. Often the color of the secretion may indicate a certain female disease:
- chlamydia, provokes abundant foamy white discharge;
- bacterial vaginosis, gardnerellosis, is characterized by gray, profuse leucorrhoea with a fishy odor;
- an excess of leukocytes gives the leucorrhoea a yellow-green tint;
- inflammation of the appendages produces thick green or yellow discharge;
- trichomoniasis causes liquid leucorrhoea with a yellowish tint;
- with candidiasis, the discharge is cheesy with an intense sour odor.
Daily discharge in women is normal. Every girl needs to listen to her personal intimate health. At the first unpleasant symptoms, it is important to consult a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe tests, based on the results obtained, establish an accurate diagnosis and select an individual treatment regimen.
What's in the article:
Discharge from a woman’s genitals is a natural defense mechanism of the body. By moisturizing the mucous membranes, the mucous secretion prevents the proliferation of pathogenic pathological microorganisms and bacteria, protects against the development of infections and is a mechanism for self-cleaning of the vagina.
In order not to harm women's health through excessive cleanliness, you need to know what discharge is considered normal in women.
What should be the natural discharge of a healthy woman?
To understand what normal discharge a woman should have, it is important to know what it is.
Normal vaginal discharge is a mixture of:
- dead epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of the cervical canal (cervical canal) and the woman’s vagina,
- mucus from the cervical canal,
- microorganisms - bacteria, fungi, viruses that populate the genitals.
Normal microflora in women of reproductive age is characterized by the presence of lactic acid bacteria (lactic acid bacteria, Doderlein bacillus), enterobacteria, fungi (Candida, gardnerella), a small number of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, streptococci.
Due to the presence of lactobacilli, vaginal discharge has a normal acidic environment (normal pH = 3.8 - 4.4) and a specific sour odor.
Types of vaginal discharge
A woman’s vaginal secretion is not copious mucus, does not have a sharp unpleasant odor or unnatural color. Normal secretion helps to lubricate and cleanse the mucous membranes of the epithelium from irritation and drying out. After the completion of menstruation in a healthy woman, normal discharge has a colorless liquid consistency. Before a woman ovulates (days 12–16 in a normal 28-day menstrual cycle), they become abundant, cloudy and thicker, more viscous. This means that the egg is ready for fertilization. This time is most favorable for the successful conception of a child.
So, what kind of discharge should a healthy woman have:
- transparent mucous membranes,
- colorless, creamy, characteristic of the post-ovulation period,
- pink with bloody streaks in the pre-ovulation period,
- colorless, jelly-like, odorless (appears before the onset of menstruation),
- brownish-brown can appear in the first 2 - 3 weeks when taking hormonal contraceptives,
- thin, light white discharge that does not cause discomfort is typical during pregnancy; as pregnancy progresses, such discharge may intensify,
- whitish-cloudy (appearing after sexual intercourse).
At different periods, cervical discharge in women can acquire different consistency, smell, and color. And their quantity and quality indicate deviations from the norm, the presence of any disorders, diseases, or inflammations in the reproductive system.
If a woman’s discharge has become abnormal - profuse, with an unpleasant fetid odor and an unusual color (yellowish, green, brown) and irritating the skin of the perineum - this is a sign of a disease. In this case, you must immediately contact a specialist - a gynecologist to take smears for bacterial culture of the vaginal microflora and rule out STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and sexually transmitted diseases.
Reasons (norms) for changes in the color of normal discharge in women:
- pregnancy,
- menopause,
- postpartum, during breastfeeding,
- taking hormonal contraceptives and certain types of medications,
- venereal diseases.
For each of the above reasons for deviations from the norm, there may be various variations in the consistency of these discharges, their color, the appearance or absence of an unpleasant odor and related other signs that indicate a specific reason for the change in the acceptable state. The absence of any cervical discharge may also indicate the presence of pathologies.
What discharge is considered normal in women?
Let’s take a closer look at what discharge is normal and at what period of a woman’s life.
Transparent
Transparent vaginal secretion is the most harmless and natural type of normal discharge. A similar secretion can appear in the premenstrual period, before the onset of ovulation in a woman, or during the puberty of a teenage girl. Consists of dead epithelial cells, waste products of vaginal microflora, lactic acid fungi and bacteria. A special feature is the complete absence of odor or a very faint sour odor.
The following symptoms (deviations from the norm) are a cause for concern and an urgent visit to a doctor:
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor,
- burning and irritation in the external genital area,
- pain during urination and sexual intercourse,
- the appearance of flakes or bloody clots in the discharge.
Such symptoms may indicate diseases such as: endometritis, vaginal dysbiosis (vaginosis), salpingoophoritis, neoplasms in the cervical cavity.
White (white)
In terms of consistency and smell, women should have normal white discharge. Leucorrhoea can appear before the onset of menstruation, ovulation and in the early stages of pregnancy. If their consistency is homogeneous and odorless, and they do not bother the woman, then there is no reason to worry. Changes in quantity, composition (thick, foamy), appearance of white flakes, foul odor (like rotten fish) may indicate diseases such as:
- fungal infections (candidiasis),
- vaginitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina),
- andexit,
- STDs (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis).
Reasons for changes in leucorrhoea:
- Improper use of personal hygiene products, poor quality of raw materials used, presence of chemical flavors and fragrances,
- Frequent douching without a doctor’s prescription, which washes away the beneficial microflora of the cervical canal,
- Long-term use of certain types of hormonal contraceptives,
- Sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity,
- Failure to comply with daily intimate hygiene.
A sharp increase in the amount of leucorrhoea in the middle of the cycle is due to the onset of ovulation. If an increase in leucorrhoea, the development of unusual symptoms occurs throughout the entire cycle and pregnancy is excluded, then this indicates the development of a pathology or disease.
Yellow
The yellow color of cervical secretion may be due to natural normal changes in the female body.
What yellow discharge occurs normally in women:
- no odor, discomfort, burning,
- the color is slightly yellow, muted,
- The consistency is watery, uniform (without jelly-like clots).
In cases where yellow discharge is accompanied by a sharp increase in its quantity, an unpleasant odor (like rotten fish), a burning sensation, discomfort, or pain when urinating, you should immediately seek medical help and take a smear for flora. Since such symptoms indicate diseases such as: inflammation of the ovaries and their appendages, andexitis, salpingitis, vaginitis, gonorrhea, chlamydia.
Greens
The green color of cervical discharge is a clear sign of pathological origin. As a rule, it is accompanied by severe itching and irritation. It is a sign of an STD and a serious inflammatory process in the vagina.
Causes of green secretion:
- Bacterial vaginosis, fungal candidiasis - the nature of the discharge is jelly-like or curdled,
- Trichomoniasis,
- Gonorrhea,
- Syphilis,
- Chlamydia, gardnerellosis.
The appearance of greenish discharge is always a sign of pathology (inflammatory process or STD). The key to successful treatment is timely consultation and diagnosis by a specialist - gynecologist.
Bloody (brownish).
Such discharge is recognized as the most dangerous, threatening the life and health of a woman.
A woman should be wary of:
- Increase in the amount of secretion released,
- Itching, burning sensation in the external genital area,
- Unpleasant smell
- Pain when urinating,
- Intermenstrual discharge,
- Foamy discharge mixed with pus and bloody streaks.
The reasons for the appearance of bloody-brownish secretion may be:
- Abortion,
- Infection in the genitals,
- The period of menopause, menopause,
- Taking inappropriate hormonal contraceptives, incorrect placement of the intrauterine device,
- Neoplasms in the vagina (cervix) - warts, polyps, ulcers,
- Intense rough sexual intercourse, rape.
A bloody-brown secretion can be a symptom of diseases such as:
- Cervical erosion,
- Adenomyosis,
- Endometritis,
- Tumors and neoplasms (sarcoma, fibroma, fibroids).
If discharge of a similar color is detected, it should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor. To exclude serious disorders and make an accurate diagnosis, smears and tests are required.
Having considered the main types of discharge that women should have, we can conclude that normal vaginal discharge is a natural process of cleansing a woman’s reproductive system from pathological microflora. Changes from the norm in the structure, color, consistency, intensity of the secretion, the appearance and intensification of odor can appear during such normal physiological processes as: pregnancy, menopause, menopause, postpartum state, upon the onset of ovulation and menstruation, during puberty of a girl. 
If the discharge has acquired an unpleasant odor, non-specific consistency, or purulent particles, this is a reason to urgently contact a medical facility. To make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, taking appropriate smears for STDs and cytology, blood tests for certain types of diseases, and conducting cultural studies will help.
Leucorrhoea is a consequence of pathological secretion of the genital organs and a manifestation of disease in various parts of the female reproductive system. It is important to establish the source of increased secretion.
Types of discharge in women
There are vestibular, vaginal, cervical, uterine and tubal leucorrhoea.
Vestibular leucorrhoea is usually mucous, most often caused by inflammatory processes of the external genitalia or large glands. The secretion of the sebaceous and sweat glands can accumulate in the folds of the vulva, which leads to irritation. Vestibular leucorrhoea is detected relatively rarely.
Vaginal discharge is more common. A small amount of liquid content (0.5 - 1 ml) contained in the vagina of healthy women is transudate from the blood and lymph vessels of the subepithelial layer and the secretion of the glands of the cervix, absorbed by the vaginal mucosa, due to which healthy women do not notice vaginal discharge .
When pathogenic microbes are massively introduced into the vagina, hormonal and immune homeostasis are disrupted, the vaginal biocenosis is disrupted and vaginal discharge appears.
The cause of vaginal discharge can also be extragenital diseases (pulmonary tuberculosis, acute infectious diseases, hyperthyroidism), the course of which is accompanied by a decrease in the hormonal function of the ovaries and changes in the vaginal mucosa. Increased “secretion” of the vagina is sometimes caused by local infection, helminthic infestation, the presence of a foreign object in the vagina (often in children), prolapse of the genital organs, and the formation of genitourinary and enterogenital fistulas.
Vaginal discharge also appears as a result of exposure to mechanical (frequent coitus, foreign objects), chemical (irrational use of chemical contraceptives), thermal (douching with hot solutions), and allergic factors.
By nature they distinguish:
- purulent (gonorrhea, nonspecific bacterial infection, ureoplasmosis),
- curdled (infection with yeast fungi of the genus Candida, thrush),
- foamy (trichomoniasis, anaerobic microflora),
- mucous membranes (viral infection),
- mucopurulent or serous-purulent (chlamydia) vaginal discharge.
Discharges are:
- odorless (ureoplasmosis, chlamydia, viral infection),
- with a sour smell (yeast mushrooms)
- or the smell of rotten fish (anaerobic infection).
Overproduction of secretion from the cervical glands is the cause of the appearance of cervical leucorrhoea in endocervicitis of various etiologies, erosions, ruptures, polyps, cancer, cervical tuberculosis and other processes accompanied by impaired secretion of the cervical glands and the introduction of pathogenic microflora. Unlike vaginal leucorrhoea, cervical leucorrhoea is thick and depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle.
Uterine leucorrhoea caused by endometritis, submucosal fibroids, polyps of the mucous membrane, malignant tumors, the presence of foreign objects or intrauterine contraceptives in the uterus.
Tubal leucorrhoea is observed relatively rarely and is a consequence of the periodic secretion of secretions accumulated in the fallopian tube. Among the causes of the appearance of tubal leucorrhoea are malignant neoplasms, inflammatory diseases of the fallopian tubes, accompanied by the formation of hydro- or pyosalpinx. Tubal leucorrhoea is characterized by periodicity, appearing in the first phase of the menstrual cycle.
Vaginal discharge can be described depending on:
Consistencies (thick, pasty, watery)
Colors (clear, cloudy, bloody (brown), white, yellow, green)
Odor (normal, odorless, unpleasant odor)
Some amount of vaginal discharge is normal, especially during childbearing years. This discharge may be white or yellowish when exposed to air. These are normal variations.
The amount of mucus produced by the glands of the cervix varies during the menstrual cycle. It depends on the amount of estrogen circulating in the body. Vaginal discharge that differs in color, smell, consistency, or significantly increases or decreases in size may indicate hidden problems - infections.
Causes of increased vaginal discharge (lubrication)
It must be remembered that an increase in the volume of leucorrhoea is considered physiological in the following cases:
- in connection with the menstrual cycle (on the eve and in the first days after menstruation) due to hyperemia, increased permeability of the vascular wall, increased blood supply and congestion in the pelvic area;
- during pregnancy due to congestion of the pelvic organs, congestive hyperemia and loosening of the tissues of the genital organs,
- during sexual intercourse as a result of a sharp change in hemodynamics in the pelvis, especially at the time of orgasm, since blood flow to the genitals increases, cervical mucus is pushed out, and the secretion of the glands of the vestibule of the vagina increases.
The following situations may increase the amount of normal vaginal discharge:
- Emotional stress
- Ovulation (production and release of an egg from the ovary in the middle of the menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Sexual arousal
The appearance of unusual vaginal discharge may be due to:
- Atrophic vaginitis (seen in women who have gone through menopause and have low estrogen levels
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - The number of bacteria that normally live in the vagina decreases, resulting in a gray discharge and fishy odor that gets worse after intercourse. BV is not usually transmitted through sexual contact.
- Cervical or vaginal cancer (rare)
- Desquamative vaginitis and lichen planus
- Forgotten tampon or foreign body
- Other infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Measures to prevent discharge
To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:
- Keep your genitals clean and dry.
- Don't shower too often. Although many women feel cleaner if they shower after menstruation or intercourse, this can make vaginal discharge worse because the water removes the good vaginal bacteria that exist to protect against infection. Vaginal douching can also lead to infection in the uterus and fallopian tubes and is never recommended.
- Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics to avoid yeast infections.
- Use condoms to avoid getting or spreading STIs.
- Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, or powders on the genital area.
- Avoid wearing very tight pants or shorts, which can cause irritation.
- You need to wear cotton underwear. Avoid wearing underwear made of silk or nylon, as these materials are not very absorbent and restrict airflow. This may increase sweating in the genital area, which can cause irritation.
- Use pads rather than tampons during your period.
- Keep your blood sugar levels well controlled if you have diabetes.
Please note that if your vaginal discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, your sexual partner(s) should also be tested, even if they are asymptomatic. Refusal to have your partner examined can lead to recurrent infections and pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility.
When you need to see a doctor urgently
Call your doctor right away if you have vaginal discharge or:
- Fever or pain in the pelvic or abdominal area.
- You have had a sexual partner with gonorrhea, chlamydia or other STIs.
- You have increased thirst and appetite, unexplained weight loss, increased frequency of urination, or fatigue - these may be signs of diabetes.
Urgent consultation is also necessary if:
A child who has not yet reached puberty has vaginal discharge.
You think that the discharge may be the result of treatment - an allergy.
You are concerned that you may have an STI.
Your symptoms get worse or last longer than a week despite home care.
You have sores or other injuries to your vagina or vulva (external genitalia).
If you experience a burning sensation when urinating or other symptoms of urinary dysfunction, you may have a urinary tract infection.
Medical history questions that are relevant to diagnosis:
When did the changes or abnormal vaginal discharge begin?
Do you have the same amount and type of vaginal discharge throughout the month?
What is the discharge (color and consistency)?
Is there a smell?
Do you have pain, itching or burning?
Does your sexual partner also notice discharge?
Do you have multiple sexual partners or sexual partners you have only known recently?
What type of contraception do you use?
Do you use condoms?
Is there a product that reduces discharge?
Do you have other symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal itching, fever, vaginal bleeding, rash, genital warts or lesions or changes when urinating, such as difficulty, pain, or blood?
What medications are you taking?
Do you have any allergies?
Have you recently changed the detergents or soaps you usually use?
Do you often wear very tight clothes?
When was your last Papanicolaou (Pap) smear? Have you had abnormal smears before?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
Culture (smear culture) of the cervix
Analysis of vaginal discharge under a microscope
Papanicolaou smear (PAP)
Treatment of vaginal discharge
Treatment depends on the underlying disease. Suppositories or creams and antibiotics may be prescribed. Medicines taken by mouth may be needed to treat certain fungi or trichomoniasis infections. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.
Often, women who adore cleanliness and diligently maintain body hygiene are overly zealous in trying to get rid of leucorrhoea. When women and girls experience vaginal discharge on their underwear, most often there is no need to worry about pathology - this is a natural process caused by physiology. But when the secretion is accompanied by discomfort, an unpleasant odor or a suspicious color, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist - such phenomena indicate possible inflammatory or infectious processes in the genitourinary system. In order to take timely measures, it is necessary to understand where natural processes end and the development of pathology begins.
How is discharge formed and what is it?
Before considering what leucorrhoea should be like normally, let’s define what it is. As a rule, the released secretion is a natural phenomenon; it is produced by glands located on the mucous layer of the vestibule of the vagina and cervix. A certain amount of effusion from the vaginal vessels and secretions of the uterine cavity are added to the composition of the mucus. One of the main tasks of the secretion is to protect the uterine and vaginal walls from the introduction of pathogenic organisms. It is also necessary to prevent vaginal dryness and clean the genital tract. Accordingly, by eliminating those leucorrhoea that are normal, a woman also removes the protective layer, opening up access to infections.
Typically, from 1 to 5 ml of vaginal mucus is secreted throughout the day, and during the menstrual cycle its characteristics may change, including color and consistency. The volume may also change; natural reasons affecting this indicator are:
- ovulatory period;
- bearing a child;
- sexual arousal.
If there is insufficient production of vaginal fluid, pain during sex and frequent infection of the body may occur. If we consider the parameters of vaginal mucus in a woman, its composition includes cells and various microorganisms:
- Mucus formed by the cervical canal, which is a protection against infectious pathologies in the cervix.
- Constantly renewed cells of the uterine epithelium, while the separated ones descend into the vaginal cavity, then exiting.
- Microflora, which includes from 5 to 12 varieties of microorganisms, including a small number of coccal bacteria, viruses and fungi. By actively multiplying under the influence of negative factors, they can provoke the development of the inflammatory process.
It is believed that normally the ovaries, uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, along with the cervix, are completely sterile and microorganisms populate only the vagina.
In women and girls of reproductive age, the natural vaginal microflora for the most part includes lactic acid bacteria, due to which the normal secretion is an acidic environment with a pH value from 3.8 to 4.4. This is what explains the possible sour smell of mucus.
Characteristics of natural vaginal discharge
Every girl who has reached childbearing age should have discharge that indicates the health of her reproductive system.
There are a number of signs according to which a woman is able to independently determine how much the secreted secretion meets the norm:
- The color of the secretion is assessed, the results are correlated with the period of the menstrual cycle - shades can be white, cream, yellow or transparent.
- For the most part, natural vaginal discharge has almost no odor or has a sour tint.
- The consistency of mucus can vary from liquid to viscous.
- Although the volume of secretion may vary, it should not exceed approximately a teaspoon.
- The amount of mucus increases significantly before menstruation, after sexual intercourse, and during sexual arousal.
The nature of vaginal discharge is largely influenced by the woman’s age, the hormonal background of her body, the presence or absence of sexual life and other factors. In girls, leucorrhoea should be absent until puberty, taking into account the hormonal characteristics characteristic of this age and the structure of the genital organs.
Discharge is evidence of pathology if it has an odor, color and appears in girls 10-12 years of age. Typically, such mucus indicates problems in the genitourinary or digestive system. Approximately 12 months before the start of the first menstrual cycle, teenage girls begin to produce vaginal fluid due to hormonal changes. Leucorrhoea can be liquid or mucous, colored white or faint yellow; when it comes out of the vagina there should be no unpleasant sensations - pain, burning or itching, swelling and redness. After the monthly cycle has stabilized, cyclic changes in the properties of the discharge are observed. Considering that most often girls and women have a monthly cycle consisting of 28 days, let’s consider the natural changes in vaginal discharge, taking it as a basis:
- In the initial phase of the cycle - and this is the period from the first to the twelfth day after the end of menstruation - the secreted mucus is often liquid, of a uniform consistency, sometimes with the inclusion of lumps that consist of dead epithelium. Its color is transparent, but white or yellow shades are not considered a pathology. There is no smell or it smells slightly sour.
- On the thirteenth – fifteenth day, the ovulatory period begins, in which the volume of daily secretions increases to 4 ml, their consistency is similar to viscous mucus, and the color ranges from transparent to white or light beige tones.
- In the second phase of the cycle, which begins on the fifteenth or sixteenth day, normal discharge in women decreases in volume, the consistency is similar to jelly or a thin cream. The color remains transparent, whitish or yellowish. Immediately before menstruation, the discharge becomes mucous and smeared, acquiring a brown tint.
Why does leucorrhoea change?
In addition to the monthly cycle and pathological conditions, there are many, most often hormonal factors that affect the nature of the secretion:
- When a girl begins to be sexually active or a change of partners occurs, a new microflora penetrates into the vagina, non-pathogenic in essence, but completely foreign. As a result, over a certain period of time, the duration of which is individual for each individual organism, the reproductive system adapts to the changed composition of the microflora. At such moments, there may be an increase in the volume of secreted secretions, a change in its consistency and color. In this case, any discomfort, including itching or burning, should be completely absent.
- Sexual contact itself also provokes the production of specific leucorrhoea - after intercourse without using a condom for several hours, vaginal discharge is similar to transparent clots, colored whitish or yellowish. After six or eight hours, the mucus changes again - it becomes liquid and abundant, colored white. When using a condom or when intercourse is interrupted, the secretion released subsequently has a structure similar to a cream, since it consists of “waste” vaginal lubricant. Its color is whitish, the quantity is quite scarce.
- Female oral contraceptives significantly change hormonal levels, inhibit ovulation and, when taken, help reduce the volume of discharge. After stopping use of the product, the nature of vaginal discharge is restored. In the same way, the period of lactation affects the character of leucorrhoea. When the lactation period ends, the amount of mucus produced is quite low.
- Let's consider what discharge is considered normal for women carrying a child. Usually their number increases because blood circulation in the genital organs is accelerated and a certain amount of plasma penetrates into the vaginal lumen. In the last trimester, the volume of secretions increases even more noticeably, which is a harbinger of labor.
Pregnant women need to pay increased attention to the nature of the substance released from the vagina, as it may indicate hidden problems. For example, liquid mucus in the last trimester often indicates the breaking of water.
Leucorrhoea that appears after labor is called lochia; it is a uterine discharge containing blood, mucus, rejected due to tissue non-viability. Normally, lochia is secreted for three to six weeks, sometimes this period increases to almost one and a half months. At this stage, the tendency towards a decrease in the volume of lochia and their lightening is important - the first seven days of discharge resemble normal heavy menstruation, which may contain clots. Gradually, the volume of lochia decreases, the color also changes towards yellow-white shades, which is facilitated by the large amount of mucus contained in them; bloody inclusions may be present. Closer to about the fourth week, the discharge becomes spotty; at the end of the sixth week (this period can last until the eighth week), the discharge becomes the same as before the child was conceived.
Hormonal levels in women change significantly during the period before the onset of postmenopause. Let's consider what the discharge should be like at this time - its volume is significantly reduced, and mostly contains coccal microorganisms, which include streptococci and staphylococci.
It should be remembered: regardless of the period of the menstrual cycle and other circumstances, the release of vaginal secretions should not be accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Otherwise, an immediate gynecological examination is necessary.
Signs of pathological discharge
We have looked at natural discharge in girls and women; now we need to understand when leucorrhoea becomes pathological and the development of what diseases it accompanies. Conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, present in small quantities in the vaginal environment, under the influence of certain reasons, begin to actively multiply and suppress lactobacilli, causing inflammatory processes.
These factors include:
- violated personal hygiene rules;
- taking antimicrobial drugs;
- hormonal imbalances.
Based on the changed properties of leucorrhoea, one can assume the development of pathology in the reproductive system, although without carrying out appropriate tests it is impossible to establish an accurate diagnosis. The danger signals are:
- Discomfort, itching, burning.
- The secreted mucus becomes foamy and acquires yellow, green or white shades.
- Curd-like clots of white or yellow shades are released from the vagina, irritating the external genitalia.
- There is profuse leucorrhoea with a fishy odor, the volume of which increases with sexual arousal.
- Leucorrhoea acquires a yellow tint, accompanied by problems with urination and pain in the lower abdomen.
- The discharge becomes thick, with inclusions of blood, and its smell is strong and unpleasant.
- Between scheduled periods, bleeding occurs.
- When carrying a child, brown or red discharge appears.
- Thick purulent discharge mixed with blood, with a pungent odor.
Leucorrhoea is classified according to where exactly it is formed and can be tubal, occurring during inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes, cervical, appearing when there are problems in the cervix, uterine, forming in the presence of endometritis.
The safest is vaginal discharge, which, however, if it changes color or has an unpleasant odor, may indicate the development of trichomoniasis, thrush, gardnerellosis and other pathologies.
Despite the fact that it is not possible to determine the exact cause of pathological changes in mucus without special laboratory tests, focusing on the smell, color and consistency we can assume what kind of disease is occurring. It should be borne in mind that the same signs may indicate different pathologies, therefore an examination by a gynecologist remains a necessity:
- The development of chlamydia may be indicated by foaming, transparent leucorrhoea.
- A gray tint combined with an unpleasant fishy odor usually indicates bacterial vaginosis or gardnerellosis.
- White leucorrhoea may be a natural occurrence or may indicate thrush. It should be noted that mild candidiasis may not be accompanied by burning and itching, its usual symptoms, but an increase in the volume of leucorrhoea, its thick consistency and cheesy appearance raises concerns.
- Light yellow leucorrhoea may be normal; a day or two before menstruation, a more saturated shade is not considered a pathology. However, accompanied by a sharp, unpleasant odor, an increase in secreted volume, irritation and redness of the genitals, the presence of trichomoniasis can be suspected.
- Green shades are never normal; even in the absence of other symptoms, it is a danger signal. Typically, such discharge warns of the development of vaginal inflammatory processes, since the green color is caused by an increased number of leukocytes. Greenish leucorrhoea can occur with vaginitis, cervicitis, or inflammation of the ovaries.
- Leucorrhoea becomes red from the admixture of blood, immediately before menstruation this is a normal phenomenon, but you should be wary when such mucus appears between menstruation. Breakthrough bleeding indicates possible cervical cancer, endometriosis, spontaneous abortion at the beginning of pregnancy, and others.
Pathological odor can be:
- sour, which often indicates fungal growth;
- fishy, when vaginosis is suspected;
- putrefactive, often indicating the development of malignant neoplasms;
- glandular in discharge with blood included.
What to do if vaginal discharge is suspicious? The most reasonable solution is to go to the clinic for an examination and take a smear for analysis, which will identify the causative agent of the problem. Self-medication is unacceptable, since taking pharmaceutical drugs without a doctor’s prescription can worsen the situation.
