Gynecology pathological discharge. Purulent discharge in women

Many women view vaginal discharge as a sign of “uncleanness” or illness, not realizing that it is just a type of normal physiological secretion, such as stomach acid, tears or saliva. On the other hand, the color and structure of female discharge is one of the factors for determining various discharges, says obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor of the highest category and candidate of medical sciences Alexander Voloshin.

“The appearance of any unusual changes in a woman’s genital area should be a reason for a visit to the gynecologist. Since in medical practice we often have to deal with a combination of various pathological processes with atypical manifestations for a particular disease, a reliable diagnosis can be established based only on the color and nature of the discharge impossible. Of course, in this way one can assume the development of a certain pathological process. However, the final diagnosis, as well as individual selection of treatment, are possible only after laboratory and instrumental examinations," Voloshin said.

As you know, normal vaginal discharge performs a protective barrier function in the female body. Let's first find out where they come from and what their composition is. So, the composition of female secretions includes:

• mucus that forms in the glands of the cervical canal;
• epithelial cells that are constantly exfoliated from the walls of the vagina and cervical canal;
• vaginal microflora, which can be represented by various microorganisms of 5-12 species.

Normal discharge

Discharges of this kind, as a rule, have no odor or have a slightly sour odor due to the lactic acid bacteria that are part of this secretion. Externally, the discharge has a mucus-like structure. Normally, such discharge begins to be recorded no earlier than a year before the start of menstruation. Subsequently, with a regular menstrual cycle, the quantity and quality of discharge may change - from scanty and transparent to abundant, mucus-like, slightly beige in color (on the days of ovulation).

When releasing such a completely physiological secretion, a woman should not experience burning, pain or itching. If she experiences at least one of the above, then this is a cause for concern and see a doctor.

Dark gray discharge

A concentrated, very, very viscous secretion of dark gray or yellow color is characteristic of. With this disease, a woman experiences discomfort in the form of burning and itching in the external genitalia.

Grayish-white discharge

Abundant discharge of grayish-white secretion with an unpleasant odor of rotten fish against the background of mild itching in the external genitalia are accompanying signs. After sexual intercourse, all symptoms may intensify. If left untreated, the secreted secretion becomes yellow-green in color and has a sticky structure.

Yellow discharge

In the acute phase, the discharge also has a yellow color. However, unlike chlamydia, with gonorrhea the secretion is not so concentrated and dense. With this disease, a woman may experience pain in the lower abdomen and pain when urinating. Intermenstrual bleeding in this case is also not uncommon.

Greenish-yellow discharge

A cloudy secretion from yellow to yellowish-green color, having a foamy structure and the smell of rotten meat is characteristic of. The secretion is accompanied by a strong burning sensation and pain. When urinating, a woman also experiences pain.

Copious cloudy discharge

A very copious discharge of secretion, transparent or slightly cloudy in appearance, may indicate the presence of an infection such as. And although there are those among specialists who do not consider these manifestations to be a sign of illness, the majority classify ureaplasmosis as a sexually transmitted infection.

Yellowish cheesy discharge

A thick and abundant secretion, visually similar to pieces of white or yellowish cottage cheese, accompanied by unbearable itching, swelling and irritation of the external genitalia - these are signs of so-called thrush. Self-treatment with advertised medications is not always successful, since in this case, as in any other, only a qualified doctor can determine an effective method of curing this infection.

Many women are bothered by clear vaginal discharge. In fact, they are normal and do not indicate the development of any diseases. The nature of the discharge depends on ovulation, the length of the menstrual cycle and hormones.

There should be transparent discharge, because it is an indicator of the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Discharge is an indicator of cyclical changes in the body associated with the functioning of the ovaries. At the beginning of the cycle, the discharge is clear and scanty. In the middle of the cycle they become pulling and abundant. At the end of the cycle they have a creamy consistency and a sour smell.

Transparent discharge in women is a biological fluid. It consists of microorganisms, cell fragments, lymph transudate and mucus of the cervical canal. Also, additional sources of discharge can be the sebaceous and sweat glands, which are located near the urethra. All of the above eventually mixes at the outlet and turns into transparent secretions.

Healthy discharge should not have an odor or cause a woman a feeling of discomfort. The discharge may contain small amounts of staphylococci, bacteriodites and fungi.

What affects the amount of discharge:

• Pregnancy;
• Stress;
• Excitation;
• Hormonal drugs;
• Ovulation;
• Breast-feeding;

Doctors believe that the normal amount of discharge per day should not exceed four milliliters. The consistency of the discharge varies depending on the phase of the cycle.

Transparent discharge from the genital tract accompanies a woman throughout her life. They are absent only from a month to ten years of a girl’s life. The fact is that during this period the egg has not yet matured, so there is no production of the hormone estrogen during this period. It is normal for a girl to have her first discharge even before her first menstruation. Constant menstrual function should be accompanied by regular discharge, which will vary depending on a certain phase of the cycle.

Key indicators of normal natural discharge:

• Transparency;
• Liquid consistency, at certain periods of the cycle mucus or jelly-like mass;
• No smell;
• Not very heavy discharge;
• Do not cause irritation to the mucous membranes of the genital organs;
• Normal body temperature;
• No pain or discomfort in the genital organs;

Heavy discharge: is it necessary to deal with it?

If the discharge is strong, but it is white or transparent, does not contain streaks and does not cause a feeling of discomfort, then you need to use panty liners. That's all that can be done. Under no circumstances should you start using medications. Because self-medication will definitely not improve your health, but it can provoke the occurrence of serious diseases.

You should see a doctor if the discharge becomes yellow, brown, or pink. If they have an unpleasant odor, and there are veins in them. Most likely, an infection or disease has settled in the reproductive system of a woman with such discharge. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Unusual color or shape of discharge

As it turned out above, mucous discharge from the vagina is associated with the cervix. Therefore, by the discharge it is possible to determine whether a woman is healthy or whether some unnatural processes are occurring in the body.

Mucous discharge with streaks may indicate erosion of the cervix or inflammatory processes occurring in it.

Brown-pink discharge during pregnancy is a signal of possible abruption.

If during menstruation the blood comes out in large clots, this may indicate a curvature of the cervix, a lack of vitamin B, neoplasms in the uterus, or an increased tendency to develop blood clots.

Clear discharge during pregnancy

Shortly after conception, a woman begins to experience milky discharge. This is the first sign of pregnancy, which is caused by hormones. A pregnant woman usually observes such discharge until the fourteenth week of pregnancy. Then they become more liquid and transparent.

Discharge during pregnancy may be heavy, but it should not cause itching or burning. If the discharge is accompanied by such symptoms, then you should immediately consult a doctor. During pregnancy, you can use pads to combat heavy discharge. But doctors do not recommend using tampons.

Prevention

It is very important to prevent the appearance of “inappropriate” vaginal discharge. The first thing you need to take care of is proper intimate hygiene. To wash, you need to use special products that contain lactic acid and moisturizing components, and extracts of medicinal plants. At the pharmacy you can buy special washing products that preserve the vaginal microflora. Such gels are especially necessary for women who often suffer from thrush.

To eliminate leucorrhoea, which causes discomfort, there are also folk methods. For example, you can use medicinal lovage root. Fifteen grams of root is poured into a glass of boiling water and infused for twenty minutes. The infusion should be drunk three times a day, a tablespoon. A tincture of calendula flowers will help. 30 grams of flowers are filled with one hundred grams of alcohol. Leave in a dark place for several days. After this, dissolve a teaspoon of tincture in a glass of boiled water and, if necessary, douche.

Transparent discharge in a woman is not a pathology, but an indicator of the normal functioning of the body. But you always need to be vigilant and monitor changes in discharge. If they begin to cause discomfort or change color, this indicates possible infections or diseases. At the first suspicion, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Unusual vaginal discharge includes:
bloody brown discharge, green, white, yellow, smelly, foamy or thin discharge.

A certain amount of fluid that flows from a woman's genitals is normal. The walls of the vagina and cervix contain glands that produce a small amount of secretion, which irrigates and cleanses the vagina and prevents infection. This is normal discharge and is usually clear or slightly cloudy, slimy or watery, and does not have an unpleasant odor. Vaginal discharge occurs in all healthy women and is normal.

Signs of normal, healthy vaginal discharge:

• They are liquid, transparent (mucus, jelly-like)
• The amount of discharge is insignificant
• No noticeable odor
• They do not irritate the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs and are not accompanied by any symptoms of the disease (itching, temperature, pain, discomfort in the genital area).

The amount of normal vaginal discharge and its consistency may vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and the woman's condition. Vaginal secretions increase at certain times of the menstrual cycle (around the middle of the cycle, at the time of ovulation), during breastfeeding, or during sexual arousal. An increase in vaginal discharge in healthy women may occur due to stress, changes in climate conditions, or the use of certain medications (for example, hormonal contraceptives).

An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge (more abundant and thin) is observed during pregnancy and gradually increases towards the end of pregnancy. The intensification of vaginal discharge in pregnant women is explained by an increase in the concentration of sex hormones during this period.

An increase in the amount of secretion, an abnormal odor or change in consistency, or pain, itching or burning that accompanies vaginal discharge may be signs of infection or other more serious conditions.

Beli - excessive or unusual in nature (smell, color, consistency, quantity) discharge (profuse milky-white, yellow-green, ichorous, liquid or thick, odorless, etc.), causing itching, burning and a constant feeling of wetness.

Pathological vaginal discharge - leucorrhoea - can be very diverse in color (red-bloody, brown, gray, black, whitish, greenish, yellowish, pink), consistency (jelly-like, curdled, foamy) with or without odor. Leucorrhoea may be accompanied by other symptoms (itching, irritation, pain) or may be the only symptom of the disease.

Unlike leucorrhoea, physiological vaginal discharge is light and light. Usually they do not cause irritation to the skin and mucous membrane of the genital organs; their number increases slightly before menstruation, during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and in girls - during puberty. The total amount of secretion that accumulates in the vagina during the day does not normally exceed 1 ml and is not felt.

The main causes of vaginal discharge and diseases that cause leucorrhoea

Leucorrhoea is one of the most common symptoms of gynecological diseases, associated with a quantitative or qualitative change in the secretion of the genital organs.

Causes of discharge: inflammatory processes, infections, injuries, tumors of various locations. The nature of leucorrhoea is determined by its origin (tubal, uterine and vaginal leucorrhoea is liquid, cervical leucorrhoea is mucous). An admixture of pus usually indicates an inflammatory process, and blood - the development of a tumor.

Leucorrhoea often appears with various gynecological (for example, adnexitis, vaginitis, colpitis) and other diseases. Abnormal discharge can occur due to prolapse of the vaginal walls, ruptures of the perineum, douching with concentrated antiseptic solutions, long-term use of chemical contraceptives, congestion in the pelvic organs caused by constipation and a sedentary lifestyle, and violation of personal hygiene rules.

Pathological discharge from the female genital organs- a characteristic symptom of a disease of the reproductive system or a general disease of the body.

Tentatively, leucorrhoea may indicate the nature of the pathological process, for example:

• yellow, yellow-green discharge occurs with gonorrhea;
• liquid yellow, foamy - with trichomoniasis;
• white, crumbly - with thrush.

The most common causes of impaired secretion are inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, tumors of the genital organs, foreign bodies in the vagina, tendrils of intrauterine devices, contraceptive caps, pessaries, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunction, interrupted coitus, masturbation, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, cystitis, urethritis, long-term use of chemical contraception, a sedentary lifestyle that causes congestion in the pelvic organs, non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, especially genital hygiene, etc. Leucorrhoea, regardless of the individual reaction to them , negatively affect a woman’s nervous system, leading to maceration of oozing, decreased libido, and sometimes to infertility.

Changes in the color, clarity, consistency, or odor of vaginal discharge may indicate the presence of certain diseases or conditions:

Red, bloody, brown vaginal discharge

Red vaginal discharge indicate the presence of blood in the secretion. Most often, they appear a few days before menstruation (then turn into heavy discharge characteristic of menstruation) and can persist for several days after the cessation of menstruation. If the bleeding is not heavy and approximately coincides with menstruation, then there is no need to worry. In women wearing an IUD, every month, a few days before menstruation, light spotting may appear from the vagina.

Often, bloody leucorrhoea has a brown or even blackish tint, the occurrence of which is associated with the oxidation and destruction of blood in the vagina.

If there is very little blood in the discharge, then it acquires a pink or brownish tint (spotting). Usually normal (perimenstrual spotting) does not have an unpleasant odor.

Rarely, slight vaginal bleeding may occur in the middle of the menstrual cycle (bleeding during ovulation) or in women wearing the IUD or taking oral contraceptives (the lower the dose of estrogen hormones, the heavier the bleeding). If blood appears while taking contraceptives or wearing an intrauterine device, you should consult a gynecologist.

More or less profuse bloody leucorrhoea, not associated with menstruation, almost always indicates the presence of disease. Most often, red discharge is observed when:

• Cervical erosions or cancer (red or pink discharge that gets worse after intercourse)
• Menstrual irregularities
• Adenomyosis (endometriosis)

If you experience bleeding from the vagina that is not associated with menstruation, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

More abundant single (and sudden) bleeding can be caused by spontaneous miscarriage in early pregnancy. With an ectopic pregnancy, bleeding can be very heavy and prolonged, and it can be confused with menstruation. If, against the background of bloody discharge, possible signs of pregnancy are detected, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Whitish, white, or yellow vaginal discharge

Whitish or yellow vaginal discharge is characteristic of various genital tract infections. The whitish or yellow color (less often green or gray) of leucorrhoea is usually associated with the presence of a large number of microbes and leukocytes (purulent discharge).

Purulent (white, gray, greenish) vaginal discharge

Purulent (white, gray, greenish) leucorrhoea is observed with trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, thrush and some other infections. Typically, purulent discharge from the genital tract is accompanied by more or less severe itching and a feeling of discomfort in the genital area. Often the discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or lower back.

In pregnant women, normal vaginal discharge towards the end of pregnancy may become quite viscous and whitish in color - this is normal, and there is no need to worry if there are no other signs of illness.

Foamy, curdled, thick vaginal discharge

A change in the consistency of vaginal secretions is also a sign of illness. Normal vaginal discharge, as mentioned above, should be quite thin and mucus-like. Foamy or white, curdled leucorrhoea is most often a sign of infection.

Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor

The appearance of an unpleasant odor (most often such discharge is purulent or cheesy) is also a sign of infection. Unpleasant odor (fishy odor, rotten odor, sour odor) is associated with the activity of pathogenic microbes that decompose nutrients and release gases with an unpleasant odor.

Vaginal discharge before and after sex

When sexually aroused, the glands of the vaginal vestibule in women begin to actively produce so-called vaginal lubrication. Therefore, the presence of liquid transparent discharge immediately before or during sex is normal.

Appearance thick, copious discharge(possibly with an unpleasant odor) immediately after sex (or on the second day) may be associated with cleansing the vagina of sperm (this is possible if sexual intercourse was complete, the man had an orgasm and did not use a condom). As a rule, such discharge stops quickly.

Appearance bloody vaginal discharge during sexual intercourse or immediately after it may indicate the presence of cervical erosion.

Appearance white, yellow, greenish gray or purulent leucorrhoea a few days or weeks after sex may indicate the development of an infection.

Leucorrhoea in infectious diseases

Vaginal discharge is a common symptom of several sexually transmitted diseases in women, most of which are sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Vaginal discharge due to trichomoniasis

Vaginitis with trichomoniasis manifests itself copious foamy leucorrhoea, often with an unpleasant odor. Long-term (chronic) vaginitis is accompanied by thick white or yellow leucorrhoea. As a rule, discharge from urogenital trichomoniasis is combined with unbearable itching in the area of ​​the external genitalia. The diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis is never made on the basis of symptoms alone; to make a diagnosis of trichomoniasis, the following studies must be performed:

Examination under a microscope of a native (unstained) vaginal smear
Examination under a microscope of a vaginal smear stained with special dyes
The cultural method of research is the cultivation of colonies of microorganisms obtained from the vagina on special nutrient media with subsequent study of the resulting cultures.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a research method based on the study of the genetic material of Trichomonas vaginalis.

Vaginal discharge due to bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common condition that causes foul-smelling discharge. The cause of the development of bacterial vaginosis is the excessive growth of bacteria on the vaginal mucosa, which are normally present inside in small quantities (synonymous with vaginal dysbiosis). These bacteria include: Gardenerella vaginalis, Bacteroides, Peptococci, etc.
Women with bacterial vaginosis develop white discharge with an unpleasant “fishy” odor (fishy smell). As with trichomoniasis, the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis cannot be made based on symptoms alone. Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is based on the following research methods:

pH-metry. Normally, the vagina has an acidic environment, while with bacterial vaginosis the environment becomes alkaline.
Microscopic examination of unstained vaginal smears
Examination under a microscope of vaginal smears stained with special dyes
When a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is made, the attending physician prescribes treatment.

Vaginal discharge due to vaginal candidiasis (thrush)

Urogenital candidiasis (thrush) is an inflammatory disease of the genital organs in women and men, caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Women with candidiasis (thrush) develop thick white vaginal discharge (specific cheesy discharge) with a sour or bready odor. Other symptoms of urogenital candidiasis in women are discomfort and itching in the genital area, often accompanied by cramps and pain when urinating. Diagnosis of thrush is carried out on the basis of the following studies:

Examination of native (unstained) vaginal smears under a microscope
Microscopic examination of stained vaginal smears
Mycological examination - identifying the type of fungus that causes thrush.

Self-medication of the above infectious diseases of the genital area is not recommended. Often Leucorrhoea can be caused by several infections at once, for example, a combination of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis. In such cases, treatment should be carried out according to special schemes and determined only by the attending physician based on the test results obtained.

Discharge before and after menstruation

Normally, discharge before menstruation intensifies, becomes thicker, and may acquire a yellowish tint. Brown discharge is also normal a day or two before menstruation and immediately after the end of menstruation, if this discharge is associated with menstruation. Excessive brown leucorrhoea long before or after menstruation can be associated with diseases such as endometriosis, endometritis, endocervicitis, etc.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy

Vaginal discharge in early pregnancy

Vaginal discharge may be heavier than usual in early pregnancy, but this is normal as long as it remains clear, does not have an unpleasant odor, and is not accompanied by other symptoms such as itching or pain in the genital area.

Appearance brown or bloody Vaginal discharge in early pregnancy may indicate spontaneous miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

Purulent or whitish, white Vaginal discharge in early pregnancy may indicate an infection.

Vaginal discharge in late pregnancy

During mid-pregnancy and later stages, normal discharge may become more viscous and thick. Suddenly appeared brown or bloody discharge may indicate an incipient miscarriage or premature birth, so immediately if blood is detected, you should seek help from a doctor. Brown vaginal discharge during pregnancy may indicate slight bleeding from the vessels of the cervix and also require examination by a doctor.

Discharge after childbirth

During the week after childbirth, regardless of whether the birth occurred naturally or there was a cesarean section, profuse bloody discharge similar to menstruation - lochia - is observed, over time their quantity decreases, there may be an admixture of ichor in the blood - this is normal if they do not have an unpleasant odor and no severe abdominal pain. Normally, lochia persists for up to 3 weeks, maximum 4 weeks after birth. For longer discharge, you should consult a gynecologist.

Treatment for vaginal discharge

Treatment of leucorrhoea with folk remedies

Only a few folk remedies are applicable in the treatment of vaginal discharge, but only in combination with traditional medicines. Thus, in the treatment of recurrent (repeating repeatedly) candidiasis (thrush), an infusion of calendula officinalis (marigold) is used for douching between the use of vaginal tablets or suppositories.

Treatment of leucorrhoea with folk remedies according to folk recipes is dangerous because the undiagnosed (undefined) disease that caused this discharge becomes chronic, its symptoms are erased, diagnosis of the disease becomes very difficult, and treatment becomes more complicated (treatment is longer and requires the use of more stronger drugs).

Before prescribing any folk recipes, you need to know your exact diagnosis and take into account the contraindications of the folk remedies used.

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

If leucorrhoea appears from the genitals, you should immediately consult a gynecologist.

Each woman, depending on the day of her cycle, may experience physiological discharge from the genital tract, which is transparent and odorless. They may have a slight specific odor, which is caused by lactic acid. But if there is an unpleasant odor, itching, burning in the vagina, swelling and redness of the genitals, then this indicates the development of a pathological process in the body.

Natural secretions may be stringy and have a consistency similar to egg white. Most often they appear in the middle of the menstrual cycle and indicate the onset of ovulation.

Abnormal discharge can be liquid and viscous, it is also called leucorrhoea. Depending on the cause that provoked the pathological process, the secretion may have a different shade.

Before starting treatment for discharge in women, you need to consult a doctor who will find out what triggered the appearance of discharge.

Provoking factors

Before you learn how to get rid of various discharges, you need to know what can trigger the appearance of leucorrhoea.

The pathological process can be caused by:

• Unbalanced diet, predominance of carbohydrates in the diet.
• Diseases of the genitourinary system.
• Bad habits, including nicotine addiction.
• Disturbances in the intestines.
• Helminthic infestations.
• Long-term use of tablet hormonal contraceptives.
• Long-term antibiotic therapy, especially if antibacterial agents are used without a doctor’s prescription.
• Hemolytic diseases.
• Congestion in the pelvis, which can be caused by physical inactivity.
• Lack of personal hygiene.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Wearing synthetic underwear.
• Frequently changing sexual partners, not using condoms during casual sexual contacts.
• Childbirth, artificial or spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

All these factors cause changes in the vaginal microflora. Against the background of a treated or untreated disease, cocci and anaerobes begin to multiply, and dysbiosis develops. Discharge appears, leucorrhoea becomes profuse and cloudy. They have an unpleasant “fishy” smell.

During sexual intercourse, itching and discomfort are often observed, and cracks may appear in the mucous membranes of the genital tract.

Depending on the color and nature of the leucorrhoea, a preliminary diagnosis can be made.

Color and nature of discharge depending on diseases

Yellow discharge in women usually indicates dangerous pathologies that should not be treated independently at home. Self-medication can blur the clinical picture of discharge and leucorrhoea will become uncharacteristic, which will complicate the diagnosis, and therefore the prescription of an adequate treatment regimen.

If such vaginal discharge is observed, treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor, since self-medication can only aggravate the situation and cause chronicity of the disease.

When scanty leucorrhoea of ​​the same color is observed, this may indicate a sluggish infection in the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Greenish discharge

The appearance of a greenish leucorrhoea is usually characteristic of pathologies of the genitourinary system. If they appear, do not postpone your visit to the gynecologist.

Greenish discharge can be caused by:

• sexually transmitted diseases (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea);
• weakened immunity;
• taking certain medications;
• period of bearing a child;
• mucosal pathologies;
• stress.

If leucorrhoea is accompanied by pain, burning and itching, then it is impossible to accurately diagnose without laboratory tests.

Bloody issues

Brownish spotting, which is observed for a long time before or after the end of menstrual bleeding, may indicate pathological phenomena affecting the uterus. They can appear with polyps, abnormal growth of the endometrium, or the appearance of cells of the uterine mucosa in other organs. If such discharge is observed during pregnancy, then this is a dangerous symptom, since it indicates detachment of the chorion or ovum, as well as the threat of miscarriage.

The appearance before or after menstruation in appearance similar to diluted blood, and having an unpleasant odor, indicates that a chronic inflammatory process is going on in the woman’s body, which affects either the mucous layer of the uterus or the cervical canal.

Bloody discharge may indicate erosion of the cervix, microcracks of the vagina.

When a woman notices large clots during menstrual bleeding, this may indicate pathologies such as:

• bending of the cervix;
• blood clotting disorder;
• fibroids;
• polyps;
• deficiency of B vitamins.

Also, this may be due to the woman using an intrauterine device as a means of contraception.

How to get rid of brown discharge should only be decided by a specialist, since many pathologies in which they appear require surgical treatment.

Purulent discharge

If purulent leucorrhoea appears, you should seek qualified medical help as quickly as possible. In this case, it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics, which should only be selected by a doctor. If the disease is neglected, it can cause serious complications, including infertility. When a woman experiences not only purulent leucorrhoea, but also vomiting and fever, the discharge should be treated only in a hospital setting.

Pus discharged from the genital tract may indicate sexually transmitted infections such as trichomoniasis and gonorrhea, as well as severe oophoritis.

Purulent thick discharge, which is accompanied by mucus and increases after bowel movement, is characteristic of purulent inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis). In case of improperly treated cervicitis, endometritis, pyelonephritis, and peritonitis may develop.

Fishy-smelling discharge

It is important to know how to quickly get rid of secretions of different colors. If greyish, whitish and greenish colors appear, this indicates the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Bacterial vaginosis or gardnerellosis develops.

Pathology can be provoked by:

• artificial termination of pregnancy;
• weakened immunity;
• hormonal imbalance;
• pregnancy and childbirth;
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
• frequent change of sexual partners;
• taking contraceptives, antibiotics;
• cyst, polyps;
• undergone surgical treatment;
• entry of foreign objects into the genital tract.

White discharge

The appearance of white discharge of a cheesy consistency with a yellow-cream tint is accompanied by a coating that can be seen on the labia. The discharge has a sour milk smell, in addition, the patient experiences itching and burning in the vagina. All these symptoms are characteristic of candidiasis or thrush.

The disease can be provoked by errors in diet, consumption of:

• large amounts of carbohydrates;
• carbonated and caffeinated drinks, beer;
• mushrooms;
• fatty, spicy, salty;
• spices, mayonnaise, ketchup;
• yeast dough.

Sometimes a cheesy white discharge can be observed during genital infections caused by chlamydia, mycoplasma or ureaplasma.

Discharge can be observed not only from the vagina, but also from the urethra, which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the genitourinary canal. If urethritis is not detected in time and treatment is not started, it can cause serious complications. Antimicrobial and antimycotic agents are most often prescribed. Additionally, you can use traditional medicine in the form of douching and baths.

If the nature of the discharge does not change throughout the entire monthly cycle, this may indicate the use of oral contraceptives or infertility, while signs of inflammation are not observed.

Treatment

It must be remembered that leucorrhoea is not an independent pathology, but a symptom of some disease. How to treat them should be decided by the doctor, depending on what diseases provoked this symptom.

A gynecologist can make a correct diagnosis based on anamnesis, bimanual examination and laboratory tests.

If vaginal discharge is observed, treatment is primarily aimed at eliminating the pathological process. Quite often, when they appear, antibiotics are prescribed, self-medication of which is unacceptable.

The doctor may prescribe tablets and capsules for oral administration, as well as prescribe vaginal suppositories, douching with herbs (chamomile, calendula, sage) or medications, for example, furatsilin.

The doctor will prescribe the following medications:

• For trichomoniasis, anti-trichomonas drugs are prescribed based on metronidazole (Trichopol, Flagyl), tinidazole (Tiniba), ornidazole (Gayro, Tiberal). These drugs are available in the form of tablets for oral administration (they are recommended for use in girls who are not sexually active). To cure the disease, both sexual partners must undergo therapy. For men, anti-trichomonas drugs are prescribed in tablets.
• For thrush, antifungal agents are prescribed. The choice of medications is quite wide. Nystatin may be prescribed in tablets or vaginal suppositories, and fluconazole-based drugs (flucostat, mycosist), which are available in the form of capsules for oral administration. Men rarely experience symptoms of thrush, but they can be carriers of the infection. During sexual intercourse, the woman will again experience a recurrence of candidiasis. For men, medications for the treatment of thrush are prescribed in the form of tablets or ointments, for example, they are prescribed zalain cream.
• For gonorrhea, antibiotics are prescribed. Doxycycline-based drugs (Unidox Solutab) are usually prescribed.
• With the development of chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, antimicrobial drugs are also prescribed. Several types of antibiotics are usually prescribed; medications based on azithromycin (sumamed, Zi-factor, Azitrox), amoxicillin (Flemoxin Solutab), jomacin (vilprafen) are often prescribed. Along with antimicrobial agents, medications are prescribed that restore intestinal microflora.
• For urethritis, depending on the pathogen, antibiotics or antifungals are prescribed. To do this, you first need to identify what caused the disease. Antibiotics include macrolides (azithromycin), cephalosporins (ceftriaxone), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, oflaxacin), and penicillins. Antimycotic agents that are prescribed include fluconazole and nizoral.

In addition to medications, it is important to adjust your diet.

You should avoid the following foods and drinks:

• coffee, beer, sweet soda;
• salty and fatty foods;
• canned food and marinades;
• seeds.

The menu should predominantly consist of plant-based products.

It is important to maintain intimate hygiene. The normal microflora of the vagina can itself protect the female body from most pathogenic microorganisms. You need to wash yourself a maximum of twice a day using special products, preferably containing lactic acid.

Additionally, you can use physiotherapy (ultraviolet ray therapy) and traditional medicine recipes.

Medicinal herbs for treating discharge

It must be remembered that any traditional medicine recipes can be used after consultation with a gynecologist, and they should be used only in combination with medications, since medicinal herbs cannot cure an inflammatory process or fungal infection.

Also, you need to remember that herbal raw materials have their contraindications, for example, they cannot be used in case of individual intolerance. In this case, they can cause allergies.

We get rid of adnexitis using the following methods:

• Take 10 g of sage leaves, nettle, thyme, lamb, horsetail, chamomile flowers, oak bark. Add 2 liters of boiling water to the herbs, place the dishes on the stove and, after boiling, maintain on the stove for 5 minutes. The fire should not be too strong. After the broth is removed from the stove, it must be left for 30 minutes and filtered. During the first week, the resulting decoction should be douched in the evening every day. After this, for another 2 weeks with breaks between douching for 2 days.
• You can mix honey and propolis in equal quantities. They need to be melted, the resulting mass must be moistened with a cotton swab and inserted into the vagina. Tampons must be inserted in the evening and left in until the morning. In the morning you should wash yourself with warm water.

If vaginitis develops, you can use the following recipes for douching:

• Take 200 g of rose hips for 1 liter of water, place on the stove, and as soon as the broth boils, turn off the gas. Cool the broth and filter. Douche morning and evening for 1 month.
• Mix 1 tbsp. chamomile and cinquefoil. Brew herbs with 1 liter of boiling water. As soon as the infusion has cooled, it must be filtered. You need to douche before going to bed. The course of treatment can vary from 1 to 1.5 months.

If candidiasis develops, you can douche with a solution of table salt (2 tablespoons), soda (1 tablespoon) and iodine (10 drops). First, you need to dissolve the salt in 1 liter of hot water, and when the solution has cooled to 40 degrees, add soda and iodine. They need to douche 2 times a day for 7 days. When the symptoms of thrush go away, you need to douche for another 2 days in order to be cured and eliminate the risk of relapse of the disease.

If you develop female problems caused by gonococci, chlamydia, trichomonas, you can douche for 10 days with any solution prepared according to the recipes below:

• Take 5 chopped garlic cloves in a glass of warm water and leave them overnight. Then, filter the infusion and douche with it 2 times a day.
• For 0.5 liters of boiling water, take 20 g of St. John's wort herb. Leave the infusion for 3 hours, then strain it through several layers of gauze. Douche with it twice a day.

For these diseases, you can do sitz baths with thigh herb. To do this, brew 25 g of raw material with boiling water (0.5 l), pour the resulting solution into a warm bath. It must be taken within 30 minutes. It is advisable to do this before bed, every day. The course of treatment should last 1 week.

For inflammation of the genitourinary canal, you can use the following traditional medicine recipes:

• Take 100 g of raw parsley, fill it completely with milk and place the dish in the oven until all the liquid has evaporated. The resulting mass is divided into 5 equal parts and taken orally throughout the day, with a break of 2 hours. The duration of treatment is 2 weeks.
• Pour 1 tsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over dried cornflower flowers and leave for 30 minutes. Then filter the infusion and take 30 ml orally 3 times a day. The course of therapy is 10 days.

If inflammation of the oviducts (salpingitis) develops, you can take a decoction of plantain. Brew 1 tbsp. medicinal plant materials 300 ml of boiling water, place on fire and boil for 5 minutes. Divide the resulting decoction into 3 equal parts and drink throughout the day. You need to drink the decoction for 10 days.

You can also take an alcohol tincture of Echinacea. For 2 tbsp. raw materials you need to take 250 ml of alcohol. Leave to infuse for 3 days. After this, add a glass of water and take 5 drops of the tincture. The break between doses should be 3 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.

If leucorrhoea is observed, you should contact a gynecologist as soon as possible. The doctor will correctly diagnose and tell you what to do to get rid of the pathological discharge.

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

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

Causes of mucus secretion in women

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

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

Clear vaginal discharge

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

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

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

Sign of the disease

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

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

These include:

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

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

Bloody discharge

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

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

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

When is it considered normal?

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

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

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

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

When is a doctor needed?

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

The following signs are reasons to contact a medical specialist:

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

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

How to treat?

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

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

Prevention

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

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

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

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