The main causes of rotten smell from the intimate area. After giving birth, an unpleasant smell of discharge appeared - how to live with this and how to treat it? Causes of unpleasant odor in discharge after childbirth

Ovulation, conception, pregnancy, childbirth - all these are necessary stages of the process, which in human society is usually called procreation. The final link in this chain is the postpartum period: a woman’s body must recover to a certain level in order to gain the ability to repeat the reproductive cycle - not only the possibility of re-conception or pregnancy, but, sometimes, a woman’s life depends on the quality of the restoration processes. Therefore, it is so important for her to constantly monitor her physical and physiological condition during this period, paying attention to the slightest signs of “failure” in the body. Vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor or an unusual color is one of the most important signs of such a pathology.

The concept of normal discharge

The postpartum period is a fairly long recovery process. Having gotten rid of the fetus in the womb, the body, like an exemplary housewife after the guests leave, puts its “house” in order: the pelvic bones are replaced, the configuration of the spine changes, the walls of the vagina narrow, the abdominal muscles and skin are tightened, but especially important processes occur in the uterus.

Regardless of how the baby is born (by natural birth or by cesarean section), the uterus begins to contract, decreasing in size to its normal state, immediately after the placenta is separated from its inner surface. Naturally, the wound surface remaining on its inner membrane bleeds quite heavily, and it is not surprising that intense contraction of the uterus is accompanied by profuse bleeding (lochia) - this period lasts up to 2-3 days.

Over time, lochia, which has the smell of normal menstrual discharge (or does not have a pronounced odor at all), changes its intensity, color and consistency - therefore, the nature of such changes should be given especially close attention, even if they do not particularly bother the young mother. As a rule, 6–7 days after birth, the discharge turns brown and becomes less abundant. True, lochia tends to increase slightly in intensity during breastfeeding, during exercise, when coughing or laughing, but this is considered a normal manifestation of more active contractions of the uterus and abdominal muscles.

Nine months of waiting and labor pains are over. The baby is healthy and sleeps almost all the time. It would seem that everything should return to normal and the woman’s health should be restored. Her body has done a great job. But in the postpartum period, this load can make itself felt. And one of the signs of trouble is discharge with an unnatural and unpleasant odor. What are their reasons, and what should a new mother do in this case? Let's look into it in detail.

What Causes Bad Vaginal Odor?

After the placenta has separated from the uterus, menstrual-like discharge comes out of the mother's vagina. Gynecologists call them lochia. In the first 5-7 days they are profuse, red, with mucus. Their color gradually changes. Postpartum discharge becomes light brown, then its color approaches physiological. This period takes 4-6 weeks.

Typically, lochia does not have a strong odor. They do not cause discomfort to others, or unpleasant and painful sensations to the mother in labor. If after a week the postpartum discharge has not changed, has not become light brown, and besides, it has a specific pungent odor, then the woman should consult a doctor with this problem. A putrid “aroma” in combination with heavy discharge is most likely evidence of the development of an acute inflammatory process in the uterus. This is probably endometritis. And although a woman in the postpartum period is entirely devoted to caring for the baby, this is not a reason to ignore problems with her own health or self-medicate. You should consult a doctor if suddenly the transparent lochia becomes scarlet, bloody, or purulent. You also need to rush to the doctor when, along with the appearance of the smell, the temperature rises, pain appears in the lower abdomen, and it radiates to the lower back.

The cause of endometritis is the entry of pathogenic microflora into the uterus and the development of an infectious process. This condition will not go away on its own. Endometritis is treated under the supervision of a gynecologist, because it can sometimes cause death in postpartum women!

As for other causes of bad odor from the birth canal, these may be:

Vaginosis. This is an inflammation of the vaginal walls, provoked by various microorganisms.
Candidiasis. A disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Candidiasis is characterized by white discharge. Their structure is cheesy. The smell is sour. This postpartum complication is not as dangerous as endometritis. It is easily treated.
Diseases of the urinary system. During a period of sharp decline in immunity, women can “catch” cystitis and pyelonephritis, which, in addition to the unpleasant odor of the discharge, are also accompanied by pain.
Vaginal dysbiosis. The disease also develops against the background of a decrease in the body's defenses and is accompanied by a foul odor.

What to do to eliminate odor in the intimate area after childbirth

First of all, you need to accurately determine its cause. Endometritis should be treated by a gynecologist, prescribing antibacterial drugs, taking into account whether the woman is breastfeeding. Local remedies are also prescribed in the form of creams, gels, aerosols and suppositories.

The drugs Metrogyl, Trichopolum, Metronidazole can be used in the form of suppositories or tablets. Antimicrobial drugs in the treatment of endometritis are combined with douching with Tomicide and Benzalkonium chloride. Local therapy does not have a systemic effect on the body of a nursing woman. It has minimal side effects.

Vaginal dysbiosis is also treated with antibiotics. For this purpose, Clindamycin, Oleandomycin and cephalosporins are used. Gynoflor suppositories are also prescribed for dysbacteriosis.

If the cause of the unpleasant odor is thrush, then you can use suppositories Terzhinan, Isoconazole, Lomexin. Vaginosis is treated with Iodoxide.

During the period of therapy, a woman should take care of strengthening her immunity, enriching her diet with vitamins, juices, and berries. It is also important to change pads more often, maintain personal hygiene more carefully, and wear loose underwear made of natural fabric. You should not use untested hygiene products for the intimate area.

After giving birth, women experience bloody discharge called lochia for several weeks. They are bright red in color and contain small blood clots, placentas and small particles of dead epithelium. Normal vaginal discharge after childbirth has the smell of menstrual blood, but with a more pronounced intensity.

Unpleasant smell of discharge after childbirth

Discharge with an unpleasant odor after childbirth can signal the onset of an inflammatory process in the uterus. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In what cases is it necessary to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist:

if postpartum discharge has a putrid or other repulsive odor;
lochia has an unpleasant odor and a bright yellow or yellow-green color;
the discharge comes with a normal smell after childbirth, but too much and with large blood clots.

All of the above symptoms mean a deviation from the norm and are associated with inflammation in the woman’s reproductive system during the postpartum period. Naturally, the first thing a woman who has given birth pays attention to is how the discharge smells after childbirth. If the intensity and change in color of lochia can be taken for granted by her, then discharge with an unpleasant odor after childbirth will definitely make a woman wary.

Causes of discharge with odor after childbirth

The most common and dangerous cause of “smelly” discharge after childbirth is inflammation of the uterine mucosa - endometritis. It is characterized by the appearance of yellow-brown or green discharge with an unpleasant putrefactive odor. In severe cases, fever and chills occur. Endometritis is treated only under the supervision of a doctor, since self-medication can lead to death.

An unpleasant odor of discharge may also indicate stagnation of lochia in the uterus and insufficient release of it. In this case, in order to prevent rotting of the accumulated masses, curettage may be prescribed. This will avoid inflammation and save the uterus from more serious intervention. In principle, in many maternity hospitals, “oxytocin” is administered to stimulate uterine contractions in the next three days after birth, which is good for the discharge of discharge.

Infectious diseases of the genital tract, such as chlamydia, gardnerellosis, etc., can also cause unpleasant odor in discharge after childbirth. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will conduct an examination, and after the test results, prescribe treatment.

After childbirth, whether it was carried out naturally or a cesarean section was performed, the woman continues to have discharge from the genital tract for quite a long time. Full recovery of the body occurs only after 6 - 8 weeks.

At this time, the young mother is warned of various types of dangers associated with pathology of the genital organs. Therefore, it is important to know how long and what kind of discharge should be in the postpartum period. After all, timely detection of a pathological process is already half the success of its treatment. What to do if there is discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor?

Read in this article

Discharge after childbirth

Thus, any processes that disrupt the contractility of the uterus lead to excessive blood loss, and a hematometra can form - an accumulation of blood clots in the cavity. Often this complication requires a blood transfusion, since blood loss can reach several liters.

So, the discharge in the first day or two is profuse, often with clots. But if in doubt, it is better to consult a doctor or midwife, as violations threaten the woman’s life.

In the first week

Gradually the amount of discharge decreases, they begin to resemble normal menstruation. Their color is still predominantly blood-red; there should be no clots, unless they are very small (a few mm each). The smell is specific, just like during menstruation. It should also be noted that at this time the sweat glands begin to work actively, including in the groin area, so a slightly stronger odor than usual may appear.

In the following time

Over time, the bloody component becomes even smaller; mucus predominates in the lochia. At this time, the discharge is rather presented in the form of a small smear. There should be no particular smell if all hygiene rules are followed and pads are regularly changed.

If there is no discharge for several days, and then spotting appears again, there is no need to worry, this is normal. But provided that it fits within the 40-day interval.

If you have yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor after childbirth, it is better to seek medical help to rule out inflammation.

Watch the video about lochia after childbirth:

Discharge after caesarean section

Immediately after the operation, there is less discharge when compared with natural childbirth, but gradually the amount increases. It all depends on whether the cesarean section was planned or emergency, and whether the cervix was opened at all.

The smaller number of lochia in general is also due to the fact that drugs that contract the uterus are always administered for preventive purposes, and additional curettage of the cavity is often performed.

An admixture of mucus is allowed in the first days. The duration of any discharge after a cesarean section should not exceed 40 days. In all other respects, their character does not differ from natural childbirth.

Pathology

Only a specialist can finally figure out whether it is normal or pathological. But the following symptoms should be a reason to see a doctor:

If the discharge in the first days after childbirth is excessively abundant and with clots. In addition to this, weakness, dizziness, and nausea may appear.
In the case when, a few days after birth, the discharge suddenly stopped. In parallel with this, nagging pain appears in the lower abdomen.
Also if the discharge increases sharply. For example, one spot has already been present for more than 3 - 5 days, and decent bloody lochia has appeared.
If after childbirth there is brown discharge with an unpleasant smell of a putrefactive nature, subject to all the rules of personal hygiene.

Signs of inflammation

At any time after childbirth, a woman may develop vaginal symptoms. The likelihood is especially high when at the end of pregnancy she was bothered by some kind of sexually transmitted infections. Also, inflammation often occurs at the early onset of sexual activity, when the cervix is not yet completely closed, and infections can easily penetrate. It is recommended to abstain from intimate relations for a period of up to 40 days while there is still some discharge.

In most cases it has a clear clinical picture. The infection can also be localized in the vagina and cervix. This is due to the immunodeficiency state of the woman at this moment. The main signs of inflammation of the genital organs:

nagging pain in the lower abdomen, which is slightly relieved by analgesics;
discharge with an unpleasant odor, putrid, purulent, etc.;
the color of the lochia changes to yellowish, greenish, dark brown, purulent, etc.;
body temperature rises to 38 - 39 degrees;
general health suffers: sweating, weakness, lethargy, apathy occur.

To determine inflammation in the genitals, it is enough to conduct a general blood test, a gynecological examination and an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. Treatment must be started immediately to avoid possible complications.

Causes of pathology

Inflammation after childbirth can be localized in the vagina or spread to the uterine cavity. In the latter case, there is a clear threat to the woman’s health. The causes of the inflammatory process after childbirth may be the following:

Presence and its ignoring at the end of pregnancy. After childbirth, pathogenic bacteria do not disappear without proper treatment.
Various manipulations during childbirth without prophylactic antibiotics. For example, manual separation of the placenta, massive blood loss, extensive, etc.
Concomitant immunodeficiency conditions in women. Such as HIV, oncological pathology and others.
Lack of personal hygiene, use.
The presence of active infectious pathology, for example, exacerbation of chronic disease and the like.
Early onset of sexual activity without waiting 40 days, while refusing condoms.
Allergic reactions to suture material, if used.

The fact is that blood is the best nutrient medium for the growth and reproduction of most pathogens. This is why inflammation occurs so easily after childbirth.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

You shouldn’t wait until you have discharge with an unpleasant odor for almost a month after giving birth.

At the first suspicion of inflammation or other pathology, you should consult a doctor.

This must be done urgently in the following situations:

when purulent discharge is detected,
when rising above 39 degrees,
for severe pain in the lower abdomen,
with severe dizziness, weakness, lethargy,
if the discharge is very heavy (several medium pads within an hour).

Diagnostic methods

It is necessary to pay careful attention to such conditions, as they are fraught with consequences and can cause significant harm to a woman’s health. If a young mother suspects some kind of infection, she should consult a doctor for examination and examination. The main methods used to diagnose the condition are:

general gynecological examination;
for flora, sowing the contents;
PCR and culture for major pathogenic microorganisms;
ultrasound examination of the uterine cavity;
General and biochemical blood test.

If necessary, the list can be expanded.

Treatment of discharge

The scope and invasiveness of treatment for inflammation of the genital organs after childbirth depends on the extent of the process, the severity of symptoms of intoxication, etc. Main areas include the following:

Antibacterial therapy. For mild cases, you can get by with taking oral medications; for moderate and severe cases, it is better to give preference to injectables. You should also consider whether the woman is breastfeeding, since most antibacterial drugs are not compatible with lactation. The most commonly used are cephalosporins, aminopenicillins (they can be used during breastfeeding) in combination with metronidazole. In more serious situations, preference is given to the group of lincosamides, carbapenems and others.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, painkillers for symptomatic therapy.
Lavage of the uterine cavity, in which liquid (often an antibiotic is added) enters through a catheter and “washes out” all pathogenic elements.
Sometimes it is enough to treat with suppositories if the inflammation is localized only in the vagina.
Additionally, immunostimulating agents can be used.

Unpleasant discharge after childbirth, accompanied by other symptoms (pain in the lower abdomen, fever, etc.), should always attract increased attention from the woman. Indeed, during this period, the body’s defenses are reduced so much that even conditional pathogens can cause diseases. Only a specialist after an examination can definitively say why there is discharge with an unpleasant odor after childbirth and how to most effectively carry out the treatment.

An unpleasant odor from intimate places is not a disease, but it may be a sign of a microflora disorder. If heavy discharge is added to the unpleasant odor from the vagina, this indicates the beginning of the inflammatory process.

The development of an unpleasant odor from intimate places, subject to the rules of hygiene, it is necessary to consult a doctor : Many infections spread through sexual contact give rise to complications that are irreversible and not only threaten human health, but also significantly reduce the quality of life, putting both the patient and those around him at risk.

In advanced diseases, it develops infertility, one of the most dangerous complications in infectious diseases.

Possible causes of unpleasant odor

Vaginal odor may indicate the development of a disease of the reproductive system; the cause of the odor may be:

Dysbacteriosis
Inflammation
Sexually transmitted infections
Insufficient hygiene

By the nature of the smell and discharge, you can judge what is happening in the body. Based on the patient’s complaints, the specialist is able to make a primary diagnosis and begin preliminary treatment.

Thrush

One of the diseases that causes an unpleasant odor is. This disease is caused by the proliferation of fungi of the genus Candida. In addition to a sour odor, the following symptoms will be observed when infected with a fungus:

Intense, burning sensation, sand on the mucous membrane
on the skin around the genital opening
Difficulty and painful urination, pain during sexual intercourse
Discharge from the vagina of a thick white mass consisting of grains

In advanced cases, the patient cannot sleep due to burning and itching. Thrush is a sexually transmitted disease. When yeast enters the body, it begins to multiply intensively. The disease progresses and tends to become chronic. It can spread to other organs and systems, especially often when the immune barrier is reduced, in an exhausted body, or when taking antibiotics or hormonal drugs.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection. In women it manifests itself as:

Copious yellowish vaginal discharge
Pain in the lower abdomen that gets worse with urination
Menstrual irregularities: bleeding may occur outside the menstrual period

A symptom of the spread of gonococci throughout the body is also a periodic sore throat and a rise in temperature to 37.2. The main danger of gonorrhea is a decrease in the protective function of immune cells, which leads to the development of a secondary infection: this can be chlamydia, ureoplasmosis, syphilis, viral hepatitis or HIV. When the uterine appendages are damaged, the ability to bear children is lost. Gonorrhea can spread throughout the body, penetrating the respiratory system, blood vessels and lining of the heart. Due to inflammatory processes, rupture of the fallopian tube may occur, accompanied by intense bleeding and fraught with death.

The smear reveals enlarged leukocytes with characteristic inclusions. Gonorrhea evades the body's immune cells, infecting them and continuing to function. To get rid of the disease, specific treatment is necessary.

Chlamydia

With chlamydia, a pronounced, unpleasant odor from the vagina occurs, accompanied by yellowish discharge in large quantities.

When urinating, there is pain or a burning sensation, and the temperature may suddenly rise.

In 70% of cases, no symptoms are observed, but the concentration of the microorganism on the mucous membranes and in the carrier increases. Infection occurs through contact during unprotected sexual intercourse.

The main danger is the complications of chlamydia: in women it is inflammation of the uterus and its appendages, which disrupts the functions of the reproductive organs and can lead to infertility if appropriate treatment is not carried out in time.

The risk of complications increases with repeated infection with chlamydia.

Dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis- a disease in which pathogenic microflora predominates over lactobacilli, which are a normal inhabitant of the vaginal and uterine mucosa. Dysbacteriosis provokes diseases such as vulvovaginitis, colpitis, and erosions of the uterine cervix may occur.

Inflammation can be provoked by:

Staphylococci of the saprophytic group,
Staphylococcus aureus
Cryptococcus,
Escherichia coli of normal and pathogenic groups
Klebsiella

The development of the inflammatory process is accompanied by the appearance of a heavy, putrid odor from the vagina and the appearance of thick discharge of white, yellow, gray-greenish color. There is a feeling of discomfort in the perineal area, accompanied by a burning sensation, a feeling of sand on the mucous membrane, and itching. The severity of sensations can vary from barely noticeable to unbearable.

Ureaplasmosis

One of the microorganisms that causes an unpleasant odor is ureaplasma. It is the causative agent of non-gonococcal urethritis; in women it also causes endometritis, myometritis, and cervicitis. Symptoms of ureoplasmosis are:

Thick mucous vaginal discharge
Lower abdominal pain
Frequent and painful urination

In rare cases, menstrual irregularities are observed.

Gardnerellosis

When the mucous bacterium Gardernella is infected, the genitals acquire a persistent smell of dried fish, which intensifies after sexual contact or when using soap: the alkaline environment comes into contact with the waste products of Gardernella and causes an increase in the unpleasant odor.

In most cases, gardnerellosis is asymptomatic, but if inflammation of the mucous membrane develops, pain, itching, and dirty gray or greenish-gray discharge appear.

Trichomonas colpitis

Trichomonas infection can occur in acute and chronic forms, affecting the vaginal mucosa, cervix and urethra. Trichomonas colpitis and vaginitis are manifested by the following symptoms:

Abundant foamy discharge appears, yellow or green in color.
A specific pungent odor from the vagina, reminiscent of the smell of rotten eggs
The skin and mucous membranes turn red, itch unbearably, swelling and local fever develop
Sharp, burning pain occurs when urinating
Symptoms become more severe during menstruation
Without proper treatment, pain weakens over time - the disease develops into a chronic form that is asymptomatic

Due to Trichomonas, the rhythm of ovulation is disrupted, which can affect a woman’s ability to bear children.

Possible complications

The danger of vaginal dysbacteriosis lies in the risk of complications:

The infection can rise higher in the urinary tract, causing cystitis, and also cause chronic kidney disease
Many microorganisms and fungi can cause narrowing of the fallopian tubes. This pathology will lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Infection in the early stages of pregnancy provokes severe deformities, as well as the birth of a non-viable fetus.
Trichomonas, gonococci and other pathogenic microorganisms can complicate the course of pregnancy, causing spontaneous abortion or premature birth

In order to avoid complications, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor if symptoms occur.

During pregnancy

Pathogenic microflora can affect the process of childbirth:

Contamination of amniotic fluid may occur
During childbirth, through a canal contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, microorganisms enter the skin and mucous membranes of the child. This can lead to the development of candidiasis, dysbacteriosis, as well as purulent-septic infections in the baby.
Due to infection with a microorganism, the child may experience developmental abnormalities
Under the influence of bacteria, a child’s immunity can be suppressed, which will lead to infection with secondary infections of various etiologies.
Vaginal dysbiosis after childbirth can cause blood poisoning in the mother; this is a threatening condition not only for the health, but also for the life of the woman

For proper treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of the disease. This can only be done if you consult a specialist in a timely manner; self-medication is strictly contraindicated.

Diagnostics

For diagnosis, a smear is taken from the vagina, then cultured on a medium to identify colonies of microorganisms. Colonies are stained and microscopically examined.

Another diagnostic method is to determine the pH balance of the genital mucosa; normally, the genital mucosa gives an acidic reaction. In women who have reached puberty, the pH is 4.4; during the menstrual cycle, the environment approaches neutral.

A violation of the acid-base balance indicates the activity of bacteria. In some cases, to clarify the clinical picture, you will need to take a general clinical test of blood and urine to identify pathogens or markers. Indicating the nature of the disease.

Depending on the test results, medications are selected: antibiotics, antifungal drugs and dosage forms. The duration of the course of treatment and the combination of drugs is determined by the attending physician. In order to get rid of the infection and return to normal life, you must carefully follow all the specialist’s instructions.

With timely diagnosis and medical care provided on time and in full, the prognosis is favorable in more than 80 percent of cases.

If the disease has reached a chronic stage, relapses are possible throughout life. In this case, it is necessary to carry out preventive courses aimed at suppressing residual infection at least once a year. If chronic vaginosis worsens, it is necessary to repeat the course of treatment, changing the combination of drugs - this way you can avoid the emergence of resistant strains.

You should not select medications on your own - in this case, therapy may not have the desired effect. It is not recommended to resort to traditional medicine - this is a half-measure that provides only temporary relief.

Relapses occur especially often in female patients. Suffering from fungal diseases: with a mild form of thrush, a relapse can occur once a year, with a severe course of the disease and weakened immunity - up to four times a year.

Once a year it is necessary to take a smear for pathogenic microflora, and based on the results, carry out a set of therapeutic or preventive measures.

Prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. To prevent vaginosis, certain precautions must be taken:

Avoid indiscriminate sexual contact, use contraceptives and hygienic treatment of the genitals after contact
Observe personal hygiene measures: regularly care for the organs of the reproductive and excretory systems, use only personal hygiene items, such as a washcloth and towel
Choose products suitable for intimate hygiene: some conventional gels and soaps can disrupt the acid-base balance of the mucous membranes and lead to the development of dysbiosis
Change underwear and bed linen regularly
Monitor your immune system, drink immunostimulants and vitamin complexes
Avoid hypothermia: exposure to low temperatures provokes inflammatory diseases of the genital organs
It is necessary to undergo a medical examination on time and take all necessary tests, including a blood test for hormonal balance