Gynecology pathological discharge. Purulent discharge in women

Many women consider vaginal discharge to be "impurity" or unhealthy, not realizing that it is just a variety of normal physiological secretion, such as gastric juice, tears or saliva. On the other hand, the color and structure of female secretions is one of the factors for determining various ones, says an obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor of the highest category and candidate of medical sciences Alexander Voloshin.

“The appearance of any unusual changes in the genital area of a woman should serve as a reason for a visit to a gynecologist. Since in medical practice one often has 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 It is impossible. Of course, in this way it is possible to assume the development of a certain pathological process. However, the final diagnosis, as well as the individual selection of treatment, are possible only after laboratory and instrumental examinations," Voloshin said.

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

mucus that is formed in the glands of the cervical canal;
epithelial cells, constantly desquamated 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 are usually odorless or have a slightly sour smell due to the lactic acid bacteria that make up this secret. Outwardly, the discharge has a mucus-like structure. Normally, such discharge begins to be fixed no earlier than a year before the start of menstruation. In the future, with a regular menstrual cycle, the amount and quality of discharge may vary - from scanty and transparent to abundant, mucus-like, having a slightly beige color (on the days of ovulation).

When such a completely physiological secret is released, 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 a visit to the doctor.

Dark gray highlights

A concentrated very, very viscous secret of a 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 genital organs.

Grayish white discharge

Abundant secretions of a grayish-white color with an unpleasant smell of rotten fish against a background of slightly pronounced itching in the external genital organs are accompanying signs. After sexual intercourse, all symptoms may intensify. If left untreated, the excreted secret becomes yellow-green and sticky.

yellow discharge

In the acute phase, the discharge also has a yellow color. However, unlike chlamydia, with gonorrhea, the secret is not as 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 secret from yellow to yellowish-green in color, having a frothy structure and the smell of rotten meat is characteristic of. The secretion is accompanied by a strong burning sensation and cutting. When urinating, a woman also experiences pain.

Copious cloudy discharge

A very abundant 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 the disease, the majority attribute ureaplasmosis to sexual infections.

Yellowish curdled discharge

A thick and abundantly secreted secret, visually similar to pieces of white or yellowish cottage cheese, accompanied by unbearable itching, swelling and irritation of the external genital organs - these are signs or the so-called thrush. Self-treatment with advertised medications is far from always successful, because in this case, as in any other, only a qualified doctor can determine an effective method of curing this infection.

Many women are concerned about clear vaginal discharge. In fact, they are the norm and do not indicate the development of any disease. The nature of the discharge depends on ovulation, the duration of the menstrual cycle and hormones.

Transparent discharge should be, because they are an indicator of the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Discharge is an indicator of cyclic changes in the body associated with the functioning of the ovaries. At the beginning of the cycle, the discharge is transparent and sparse. In the middle of the cycle, they become pulling and plentiful. At the end of the cycle they have a creamy texture and a sour smell.

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

Healthy discharge should not smell or make a woman feel uncomfortable. In the secretions, the content of a small amount of staphylococci, bacteriodites and fungi is allowed.

What affects the amount of discharge:

Pregnancy;
Stress;
Excitation;
Hormonal preparations;
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 the production of the hormone estrogen during this period is absent. It is normal when, even before the onset of the first menstruation, the girl has the first discharge. A constant menstrual function should be accompanied by regular discharge, which will vary depending on a certain phase of the cycle.

The main indicators of normal natural secretions:

Transparency;
Liquid consistency, at certain periods of the cycle, mucus or jelly-like mass;
Lack of smell;
Not very abundant discharge;
Do not cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the genital organs;
normal body temperature;
Absence of pain and discomfort of the genitals;

Abundant discharge: is it necessary to deal with them

If the discharge is strong, but they are white or transparent, do not contain streaks and do not cause discomfort, then it is necessary to use panty liners. That's all there is to it. In no case should you start using medications. Because self-medication will definitely not improve health, but it can provoke the occurrence of serious diseases.

Seek medical attention if the discharge becomes yellow, brown, or pink. If they have an unpleasant odor, and streaks are also observed in them. Most likely, an infection or disease has settled in the reproductive system of a woman with such secretions. You should contact your 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, according to the secretions, it is possible to determine whether a woman is healthy or some unnatural processes occur 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 a possible detachment of the fetus.

If during menstruation the blood comes out in large clots, this may indicate a bending 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 develops a milky discharge. This is the first sign of pregnancy, which is due to hormones. A pregnant woman, as a rule, observes such discharge until the fourteenth week of pregnancy. Then they become more liquid and transparent.

Discharge during pregnancy can 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 deal with heavy discharge. But doctors do not recommend using tampons.

Prevention

It is very important to prevent the appearance of "wrong" discharge from the vagina. The first thing to take care of is the proper implementation of intimate hygiene. For washing, it is necessary to use special products that contain lactic acid and moisturizing ingredients, extracts of medicinal plants. At the pharmacy, you can buy special cleansers that preserve the microflora of the vagina. Especially such gels are necessary for women who often suffer from thrush.

To eliminate the whiteness that causes discomfort, there are also folk methods. For example, you can use the root of medicinal lovage. Fifteen grams of the root is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for twenty minutes. Infusion should be drunk three times a day for a tablespoon. A tincture of calendula flowers will help. 30 grams of flowers are filled with one hundred grams of alcohol. Insist in a dark place for several days. After that, 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 on the alert and monitor changes in secretions. If they begin to cause discomfort or change their 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 discharge, frothy or liquid.

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 that irrigates and cleanses the vagina and prevents infection. This is a normal discharge and is usually clear or slightly cloudy, slimy or watery and does not smell bad. Vaginal discharge is present 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 negligible
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, fever, 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 condition of the woman. There is more vaginal secretion 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 be due to stress, changes in climate, or certain medications (such as hormonal contraceptives).

An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge (more abundant and liquid) 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 smell 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 (copious milky-white, yellow-green, sanious, liquid or thick, smelling, etc.), causing itching, burning and a constant feeling of moisture.

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 and without odor. Beli may be accompanied by other symptoms (itching, irritation, pain) or may be the only symptom of the disease.

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

The main causes of vaginal discharge and diseases in which leucorrhoea occurs

Beli 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 localization. The nature of leucorrhoea is due to their origin (tubal, uterine and vaginal leucorrhoea liquid, cervical - mucous). An admixture of pus usually indicates an inflammatory process, blood indicates the development of a tumor.

Whites often appear with various gynecological (for example, adnexitis, vaginitis, colpitis) and other diseases. Abnormal discharge can occur when the walls of the vagina are lowered, perineal ruptures, douching with concentrated antiseptic solutions, prolonged use of chemical contraceptives, congestion in the pelvic organs due to constipation and a sedentary lifestyle, 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.

Approximately whites can indicate the nature of the pathological process, for example:

yellow, yellow-green discharge occurs with gonorrhea;
liquid yellow, frothy - 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, antennae 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 hygiene of the genital organs, etc. Beli, regardless of the individual reaction to them , negatively affect the nervous system of a woman, lead to maceration of weeping, a decrease in libido, and sometimes to infertility.

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

Red, bloody, brown vaginal discharge

Red discharge from the vagina indicate the presence of blood in the secretion. Most often, they appear a few days before menstruation (then they turn into abundant discharge characteristic of menstruation) and may persist for several more days after menstruation has stopped. If the bleeding is not strong and approximately coincides with menstruation, then you should not worry. In women wearing a spiral (IUD), every month, a few days before menstruation, mild spotting bloody discharge from the vagina may appear.

Often, bloody whites have 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 secretions, then they acquire a pink or brownish tint (spotting). Usually normal (perimenstrual spotting) does not have an unpleasant odor.

Rarely, slight bleeding from the vagina may occur in the middle of the menstrual cycle (bleeding at ovulation) or in women wearing a spiral or taking oral contraceptives (the lower the dose of estrogen hormones, the more bleeding). If blood appears on the background of taking contraceptives or wearing an intrauterine device, you should consult a gynecologist.

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

Erosion or cancer of the cervix (red or pink discharge that gets worse after intercourse)
Menstrual irregularities
Adenomyosis (endometriosis)

In the event of bleeding from the vagina, not related to menstruation, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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

Whitish, white, or yellow vaginal discharge

Whitish or yellow discharge from the vagina is characteristic of various infections of the genital tract. A 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 in them (purulent discharge).

Purulent (white, gray, greenish) vaginal discharge

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

In pregnant women, normal vaginal discharge may become quite viscous and whitish in color towards the end of pregnancy - this is normal, and you should not worry if there are no other signs of illness besides them.

Foamy, cheesy, thick vaginal discharge

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

Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor

The appearance of an unpleasant odor (most often such discharges are purulent or curdled) is also a sign of infection. Unpleasant smell (smell of fish, rotten smell, sour smell) is associated with the vital activity of pathogenic microbes that decompose nutrients and emit gases with an unpleasant odor.

Vaginal discharge before and after sex

With sexual arousal, the glands of the vestibule of the vagina in women begin to actively produce the so-called vaginal lubrication. Therefore, the presence of liquid transparent discharge immediately before sex 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 the cleansing of the vagina from sperm (this is possible if the sexual intercourse was full, the man had an orgasm and did not use a condom). As a rule, such secretions quickly stop.

Appearance bleeding from the vagina during intercourse or immediately after it may indicate the presence of cervical erosion.

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

Beli with infectious diseases

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

Vaginal discharge in trichomoniasis

Vaginitis with trichomoniasis manifests itself profuse foamy whites, 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 vulva. The diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis is never made only on the basis of symptoms, for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis it is necessary to conduct the following studies:

Microscopic examination of a native (unstained) vaginal smear
Microscopic examination 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, followed by the 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 in bacterial vaginosis

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

pH meter. Normally, the vagina is acidic, while bacterial vaginosis becomes alkaline.
Microscopic examination of unstained vaginal swabs
Microscopic examination of vaginal smears stained with special dyes
When the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is established, the attending physician prescribes treatment.

Vaginal discharge in vaginal candidiasis (thrush)

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

Microscopic examination of native (unstained) vaginal swabs
Microscopic examination of stained vaginal swabs
Mycological examination - identification of the type of fungus that caused thrush.

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

Discharge before menstruation and after menstruation

Normally, the discharge before menstruation intensifies, becomes thicker, and may acquire a yellowish tint. The norm is also brown discharge a day or two before menstruation and immediately after the end of menstruation, if these discharges are associated with menstruation. Abundant brown leucorrhoea long before menstruation 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 during early pregnancy may be more profuse than usual and is normal as long as it remains clear, does not smell bad, and is not accompanied by other symptoms such as itching or pain in the genital area.

Appearance brown or bloody vaginal discharge during early pregnancy may indicate spontaneous miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

Purulent or whitish, white vaginal discharge during early pregnancy may indicate an infection.

Vaginal discharge in late pregnancy

In the middle of pregnancy in the later stages, normal discharge may become more viscous and thick. suddenly appeared brown or bloody discharge may indicate an incipient miscarriage or premature birth, therefore, if blood is found, you should seek medical help immediately. 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

Within a week after the birth, regardless of whether the birth came naturally or there was a caesarean section, there are abundant bloody discharges of the type of menstruation - lochia -, over time, their number decreases, there may be an admixture of ichor in the blood - this is normal if they are not have an unpleasant odor and no severe abdominal pain. Normally, lochia persists for up to 3 weeks, a maximum of 4 weeks after childbirth. For longer discharges, you should consult a gynecologist.

Treatment for vaginal discharge

Treatment of whites with folk remedies

Only a few folk remedies are applicable in the treatment of vaginal discharge, but only in combination with traditional medicines. So, 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 (not defined) disease that caused these discharges becomes chronic, its symptoms disappear, the diagnosis of the disease is very difficult, and the treatment becomes more complicated (the 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 unusual vaginal discharge appears?

With the appearance of leucorrhoea from the genitals, you should immediately consult a gynecologist.

Each woman, depending on the day of the cycle, may experience physiological discharge from the genital tract, which is transparent and does not smell. They may have a slight specific odor, which is due to lactic acid. But if an unpleasant odor, itching, burning sensation in the vagina appeared, the genitals swelled and reddened, then this indicates the development of a pathological process in the body.

Natural secretions may be viscous, and resemble egg white in consistency. Most often, they appear in the middle of the menstrual cycle and indicate the onset of ovulation.

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

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

Provoking factors

Before you learn how to get rid of various secretions, you need to know what can provoke the appearance of whites.

Cause a pathological process can:

Unbalanced diet, the predominance of carbohydrates in the diet.
Diseases of the genitourinary system.
Bad habits, including nicotine addiction.
Intestinal disorders.
Worm infestations.
Long-term use of tableted 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 triggered by hypodynamia.
Non-observance of personal hygiene.
Hormonal imbalance.
Wearing synthetic underwear.
Frequent change of sexual partners, not using condoms during casual sexual contacts.
Childbirth, artificial or spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

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

During sexual contact, itching and discomfort are often noted, cracks may appear on the mucous membranes of the genital tract.

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

The color and nature of the discharge depending on the disease

Yellow discharge in women usually indicates dangerous pathologies that should not be treated on their own at home. Self-medication can blur the clinical picture of discharge and leucorrhoea will become uncharacteristic, which will make it difficult to make a diagnosis, and hence the appointment of an adequate treatment regimen.

If such vaginal discharge is observed, only a doctor should prescribe treatment, since self-medication can only aggravate the situation and cause a chronic 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 whites of a greenish tint is usually characteristic of pathologies of the organs of the genitourinary system. When they appear, you should not postpone a visit to the gynecologist.

The cause of greenish discharge can be:

sexually transmitted diseases (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea);
weakening of the immune system;
taking certain medications;
the period of bearing a child;
mucosal pathology;
stress.

If whites are 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, 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 fetal egg, 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 underway in the woman's body, which affects either the mucous layer of the uterus or the cervical canal.

Spotting may indicate erosion of the cervix, vaginal microcracks.

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

bending of the cervix;
blood clotting disorder;
fibromyoma;
polyps;
vitamin B deficiency.

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

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

When purulent whites appear, it is worth seeking qualified medical help as soon as possible. In this case, it is mandatory to prescribe antibiotics, which should be selected only by a doctor. If the disease is started, it can cause serious complications, including infertility. When a woman has not only purulent leucorrhoea, but also vomiting, fever, then the discharge should be treated only in a hospital setting.

Pus secreted from the genital tract may indicate sexual infections such as trichomoniasis and gonorrhea, as well as severe oophoritis.

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

Fish-smelling discharge

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

Provoke pathology can:

artificial termination of pregnancy;
weakening of the immune system;
hormonal imbalance;
pregnancy and childbirth;
diseases of the digestive tract;
non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
frequent change of sexual partners;
taking contraceptives, antibiotics;
cyst, polyps;
transferred surgical treatment;
foreign objects entering the genital tract.

White discharge

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

Errors in the diet can provoke the disease, the use of:

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

Sometimes curdled white discharge can be observed with genital infections caused by chlamydia, mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas.

Discharge can be observed not only from the vagina, but also from the urethra, which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the urogenital canal. If urethritis is not detected in time and therapy is not started, then it can cause serious complications. Most often, antimicrobial and antimycotic agents are 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, then this may indicate the use of oral contraceptives or infertility, while signs of inflammation are not observed.

Treatment

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

The gynecologist can make the correct diagnosis based on the collection of 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 can prescribe tablets and capsules for oral administration, as well as prescribe vaginal suppositories, douching with herbs (chamomile, calendula, sage) or drugs, such as furacilin.

The doctor will prescribe the following medications:

With trichomoniasis, antitrichomoniasis drugs based on metronidazole (trichopolum, flagyl), tinidazole (tiniba), ornidazole (gayro, tiberal) are prescribed. 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, antitrichomonas drugs are prescribed in tablets.
With thrush, antifungal agents are prescribed. The choice of drugs is quite wide. Can be prescribed nystatin tablets or vaginal suppositories, preparations based on fluconazole (flucostat, mycosyst), 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, a woman will again have a relapse of candidiasis. For men, drugs for the treatment of thrush are prescribed in the form of tablets or ointments, for example, they are prescribed Zalain cream.
Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. Usually prescribe drugs based on doxycycline (unidox solutab).
With the development of chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, antimicrobial drugs are also prescribed. Usually several types of antibiotics are prescribed, medicines based on azithromycin (sumamed, zi-factor, azitrox), amoxicillin (flemoxin solutab), jomacin (vilprafen) are often prescribed. Along with antimicrobial agents, drugs are prescribed that restore the intestinal microflora.
With urethritis, depending on the pathogen, either antibiotics or antifungal agents are prescribed. To do this, you first need to identify what provoked the disease. Of the antibiotics, macrolides (azithromycin), cephalosporins (ceftriaxone), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), penicillins are prescribed. Of the antimycotic agents, fluconazole and nizoral are prescribed.

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

Avoid the following foods and drinks:

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

The menu should be dominated by plant foods.

It is important to observe intimate hygiene. The normal microflora of the vagina itself can protect the female body from most pathogenic microorganisms. You need to wash yourself a maximum of twice a day using special products, it is desirable that lactic acid be present in their composition.

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

Medicinal herbs for the treatment of discharge

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

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

We get rid of adnexitis through the following methods:

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

With the development of vaginitis for douching, you can use the following recipes:

For 1 liter of water, take 200 g of rose hips, place on the stove, and as soon as the broth boils, the gas must be turned off. Cool the broth and filter. Douche in the 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.

With the development of candidiasis, 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 cools down to 40 degrees, add soda and iodine. They need to douche 2 times a day for 7 days. When the symptoms of thrush pass, you need to douche for another 2 days in order to be cured and eliminate the risk of a relapse of the disease.

With the development of female problems caused by gonococci, chlamydia, Trichomonas, you can douche for 10 days with any solution prepared according to the recipes below:

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

With these diseases, you can do sitz baths with the grass of the thigh. To do this, brew 25 g of raw materials 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 going to bed, every day. The course of treatment should last 1 week.

With inflammation of the urogenital canal, you can use the following traditional medicine recipes:

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

With the development of inflammation of the oviducts (salpingitis), you can take a decoction of plantain. Brew 1 tbsp. medicinal herbal raw materials 300 ml of boiling water, put on fire and boil for 5 minutes. Divide the resulting broth into 3 equal parts and drink during the day. You need to drink a decoction for 10 days.

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

If whites are observed, it is worth contacting a gynecologist as soon as possible. The doctor will correctly diagnose and tell you what to do to get rid of pathological discharge.

The appearance of mucous secretions (leucorrhea), which look like snot, is part of the normal physiology of the female body. A variant of the norm is considered to be vaginal discharge of a mucous nature, which has a transparent or white color, and does not have an unpleasant odor.

The released secret takes part in the prevention of drying of the mucous membrane of the walls of the vagina, as well as protection against the penetration of pathogens, while helping the female body. The reasons why these symptoms may develop are very diverse.

Causes of mucus discharge in women

What does it say? Natural mucous discharge from the vagina occurs for various reasons:

It provokes the secretion of mucus when excited.
Experience any stress.
Abrupt climate change.
Treatment with hormone-containing drugs.
Allergy of local or general manifestation.
Improper intimate hygiene.
. Before and after menstruation, the amount and structure of mucus changes significantly.
, which increases 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, while not emitting a pungent odor and not causing discomfort, then this is simply proof of the correct functioning of the reproductive system, i.e. ovaries. Up to 2 ml of such a secret can stand out per day, while a slightly whitish tint does not yet indicate pathology. This is simply the process of cleansing the vagina.

The volume and structure of secretions change according to the phases of the menstrual cycle:

From 1 to 5-7 days - the period of menstruation. First, pink or brown smearing secretions appear, on day 2-4 they include the maximum volume of blood in the form of lumps or clots, on day 5-7 they again decrease to smearing.
From 5-7 to 13-14 days - the period of maturation of the egg. Abundant mucus is not secreted at this time - only about 2 ml of watery, mucous or thick particles with lumps. Do not worry if the color changes from transparent white to yellowish.
14-15 day - 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 shade during this period is the most saturated.
16-28 days - the period before menstruation. The reproductive system calms down a bit - there is less discharge, but before the very 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 discharge, similar to snot, changes when inflammatory processes occur in the body after surgery, as a result of a decrease in immunity, hypothermia, and a violation of the vaginal microflora due to antibiotics. The peculiarity of pathological secretions is that they appear without any connection with the processes of the cycle, and continue 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, frothy, abundant, curdled, indicates diseases of the genitourinary system, including those transmitted through sexual contact.

These include:

or mycoplasmosis;
Genital herpes - snot-like watery discharge, accompanied by the formation of painful blisters on the surface of the external genital organs;
- transparent or white discharge in the form of snot in large quantities with concomitant symptoms of the disease;
Gardnerellosis - discharge is abundant, mucous, gray in color with an unpleasant smell of fish;
- thick mucous discharge in large quantities in the form of curd flakes with a characteristic sour smell;
- discharge is abundant, mucous, green or yellow, due to the admixture of pus;
- profuse mucous discharge in the form of snot of a foamy nature, colored yellow or green.
Vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingo-oophoritis - all these are inflammatory diseases of the internal and external genital organs, the manifestation of which is the presence of abundant fetid mucous secretions of yellow or green color.

If any signs of pathology appear in the discharge, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist. An examination will be carried out to determine the cause, and adequate treatment will be prescribed.

Discharge with blood

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

The causes of discharge of this nature can be either a cancerous lesion of the cervix, tumor processes of the uterus (, fibromyomas), etc. In any case, the development of just such a symptom is a good reason for an urgent appeal 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, the admixture of blood in the mucous secretion may prompt the doctor to think about the presence of a threat of premature detachment of the placenta or its possible presentation (placental tissue is associated with the internal cervical pharynx - a variant of pathology).

When is it considered normal?

They do not belong to the deviations from the norm of excretion that occur after sexual contact. For example, the normal function of the reproductive system may have the following features:

Clear or slightly white clots appear within 1-4 hours after sexual intercourse without the use of a condom.
Fluid, abundant white sputum is discharged in the morning and is evidence of evening or night contact without the use of barrier contraception.
It is also normal to have a scanty white creamy discharge that occurs in response to sexual contact with a condom.

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

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

When is medical attention needed?

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

The following signs are the reason for contacting a medical specialist:

Increase in body temperature;
Aching and cutting sensations in the perineum;
Discomfort and pain during intimacy;
Violation of menstrual function;
Redness, rash and itching on the mucous membrane of the external genital organs;
Drawing pain in the lumbar region.

If one symptom or a combination of them appears, the woman is recommended to immediately undergo a medical examination. The choice of diagnostic and therapeutic tactics is handled by a specialist gynecologist or dermatovenereologist. If an infectious disease of a bacterial nature is detected, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotic therapy with broad-spectrum drugs. If pathological discharges are provoked by the genital herpes virus, then this problem is solved with the help of antiviral agents. A prime example is the drug Acyclovir.

How to treat?

Normal healthy discharge should not be a concern, it is enough to maintain the required level of personal hygiene. It should be washed twice a day with ordinary water, change linen every day, it is desirable that it be made from natural fabrics. If you have to use panty liners, it is advisable to choose without various flavors and fragrances, as they can provoke microflora disturbances.

If the discharge increases in volume, acquires an unhealthy shade or smell, you should consult a gynecologist as soon as possible. Treatment will depend on the disease that caused the changes in the secret. 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, fungal flora is usually treated with antifungal drugs: they 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:

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

The female body is arranged in such a way that, in addition to monthly menstruation, transparent vaginal discharge is also observed. Often, such whites are the absolute norm and should not give cause for concern, especially if all preventive measures are followed. But any changes should make a woman see a doctor at least for advice. Be healthy!