Vaginal discharge is physiological for all women, but it is not always of the same nature. In fact, they may vary in consistency, intensity or color over time and due to the influence of various factors. Some of these factors should not be a cause for concern, while others may raise red flags. In this regard, it is important to know your normal vaginal discharge and be able to notice any changes, so as not to miss the moment to visit a gynecologist if necessary.
What is this?
Vaginal discharge is a watery secretion that is designed to keep the vagina moist and clean and acts as a kind of natural antibiotic that protects against infections and other pathogens . It also acts as a lubricant during sexual intercourse. The secretion is produced in large quantities during ovulation, during menstruation and during menopause its production decreases.
What changes are there?
Typically, vaginal discharge is whitish and viscous, similar to egg whites, but may become thinner or pasty, yellowish, brown, cloudy, or greenish in color. Many changes are physiological, but if they occur unexpectedly or with an unpleasant odor, it is worth monitoring the situation. Pelvic pain, burning when urinating, localized skin rash or vaginal itching are also warning signs that should not be underestimated.
What are the reasons?
Vaginal discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle as it is affected by fluctuating hormone levels and periods of low and high fertility. Stress and the use of hormonal contraceptives can also lead to changes in discharge patterns.
In addition to the above reasons, changes in vaginal discharge often cause infections. The most common is vaginal candidiasis , caused by the fungus Candida . albicans , which usually lives in the body without causing problems. But against the background of, for example, severe stress or taking antibiotics, obesity or diabetes, its active growth may begin. With candidiasis, the discharge becomes thicker and denser, and has a whitish or yellowish color.
Bacterial Vaginosis also changes vaginal discharge. This pathology occurs with an uncontrolled increase in the population of pathological bacteria in the vagina. This situation can be caused by poor hygiene or, conversely, too aggressive hygiene, which changes the pH and natural bacterial flora. With vaginosis, the discharge has a grayish color and an unpleasant odor.
Almost all sexually transmitted diseases cause changes in vaginal discharge. However, each of them leads to different changes. Chlamydia gives the discharge a yellowish tint with a sour odor, and trichomoniasis gives it a yellow-greenish color.
Irritation by external agents also does not go unnoticed for vaginal discharge. In most cases, these are chemicals contained in intimate hygiene products, shower gels or products used to clean the bathtub.
A number of other reasons include:
• Crohn's disease;
• radiation therapy;
• surgical operations on the pelvic organs;
• gynecological tumors.
That's why it's always a good idea to get a pelvic exam if you notice an unusual color, consistency, or odor. Specialists from Bogolyuby MC will conduct comprehensive diagnostics, ultrasound, and laboratory tests. It is also necessary to take smears: for microflora and for diagnosing genitourinary infections, bacterial culture with an antibiogram .
