Female discharge leucorrhoea. White, odorless discharge: natural causes and signs of pathology. Treatment of pathological white discharge

Surely many women have observed discharge on their underwear that resembles the structure of raw egg white. This discharge is called leucorrhoea. There are many reasons for the appearance of discharge, but how can one determine whether the appearance of whiteness is normal or is it a symptom of some disease? Let's try to understand this issue and give the most complete answers to the most common questions in this article.

Many women consider the appearance of leucorrhoea to be a completely normal physiological process, however, this is not always the case. In most cases, gynecologists consider such vaginal discharge abnormal and recommend not postponing the treatment of this disease. It is worth considering that leucorrhoea can indicate both a gynecological or venereal disease, and anemia, the approach of menstruation.

Leucorrhoea often appears in teenage girls during puberty. In addition, the causes of discharge can be hypothermia, stress, food oversaturated with protein, intestinal bacteria, and intoxication of the body.

Women should be attentive to vaginal discharge, both in themselves and in their daughter. Improper genital hygiene is one of the most popular causes of leucorrhoea.

When discharge should not be a cause for concern

The appearance of leucorrhoea in the second half of the menstrual cycle is normal if this discharge is odorless and does not cause discomfort (burning, itching, discomfort, etc.). In addition, increased secretion of mucus from the vagina is considered normal if a woman is excited.

Pregnant women are also often concerned about the appearance of leucorrhoea. Doctors explain the increase in discharge during pregnancy by the degree of fetal development, that is, the longer the pregnancy, the more vaginal discharge becomes.

However during pregnancy You should especially carefully monitor the amount and nature of the discharge: the appearance of an unpleasant odor, discomfort, darkening of the discharge are good reasons for a visit to the gynecologist. In principle, all of the above symptoms apply not only to pregnant women; any woman who experiences changes in vaginal discharge should consult a doctor for tests and appropriate treatment.

What is the normal range of vaginal discharge?

The answer to this question is quite difficult to give, because not a single woman can measure the amount of discharge per day in milligrams. The vagina of a woman who does not have inflammatory processes or diseases of the female reproductive system contains about 335 milligrams of leucorrhoea - this is the norm. That is, small discharge is normal, but thick and abundant discharge is a serious cause for concern.

Pathological leucorrhoea

As a rule, they appear during the recovery process after illnesses, as well as in diseases of the vagina, such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and thrush. A subtype of vaginal leucorrhoea is cervical leucorrhoea, they are provoked by chronic gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, and may also indicate cervical cancer.

Uterine leucorrhoea occurs due to polyps and other neoplasms in the uterus, as well as endometritis. At first they are watery, but over time they become purulent; when the disease is advanced, the color of the leucorrhoea becomes brown.

Less common than others are tubal leucorrhoea, which is caused by inflammation of the fallopian tubes and cervix. Such discharge is usually watery with a yellowish tint.

How does the color of leucorrhoea depend on the disease?

The color of the discharge can be quite varied and vary depending on the disease that the female body suffers. If the leucorrhoea has acquired a yellow-green tint or pinkish leucorrhoea with ichor appears, then you should immediately consult a gynecologist. Inaction can lead to the development of the disease, damage to the genital organs, the development of tumors and other troubles.

Often, it is enough for a gynecologist to see the color of the leucorrhoea to make an accurate diagnosis. Curdled white leucorrhoea, for example, is a characteristic sign of thrush, and green leucorrhoea occurs with purulent diseases.

Yellow ones are characteristic of trichomoniasis, while gray ones are a sure sign of vaginosis (this disease also causes a sharp, unpleasant fishy odor). With chlamydia, the leucorrhoea is transparent.

Changing the color of the discharge during treatment allows the doctor to monitor the progress of the patient’s disease.

When to see a doctor

As mentioned above, at the slightest suspicion that leucorrhoea has become pathological, you should immediately consult a doctor. Any change in the consistency, color or smell of discharge, accompanied by itching, pain, or discomfort should be the reason for a visit to the gynecologist.

After conducting an examination and taking the necessary tests and smears, the doctor will prescribe you treatment in accordance with the diagnosis.

Treatment

Many women neglect to visit a doctor and try to cure the external manifestations of the disease on their own. This is a huge mistake. First of all, you should establish the cause of the discharge and treat the underlying disease.

Local treatment in some cases can bring some relief or disappearance of symptoms of the disease for a while. The true disease continues to progress during this period, provoking more and more new complications.

As a rule, for the complex treatment of leucorrhoea, gynecologists prescribe antibacterial and hormonal drugs, physiotherapy, solutions for washing the vagina, suppositories and anti-inflammatory ointments, vitamins, and diet. In addition, there are many traditional medicine recipes for treating this disease, but you should not use anything without consulting a specialist.

Pregnant women with an increase in vaginal discharge are advised to avoid tight underwear, maintain personal hygiene, not use aromatic gels for intimate hygiene, soaps and oils, use daily sanitary pads, and avoid douching. And during a routine visit to the doctor, you must report the problem and undergo the appropriate tests to rule out the presence of infection.

Remember that your health largely depends only on you, do not neglect the disease and regularly visit your gynecologist to avoid dangerous complications.

Leucorrhea is the name given to mucous discharge from the female genital organs. Most often they are a symptom of some disease. However, in some cases, such droplets are released on the eve of menstruation. Then you don’t have to see a doctor, but you should add vegetables and fruits to your diet, and don’t overdo the stress on your body.

Pathological leucorrhoea - discharge that should raise alarm

If the discharge becomes pathological, this is a reason to visit a doctor. Namely, the following symptoms should cause alarm:

• excessive leucorrhoea;
• unpleasant odor or unusual color of discharge;
• feeling of itching or burning due to leucorrhoea;
• feeling of humidity.

Large discharge of leucorrhoea may indicate that there is an infection of the genital organs. However, discharge is sometimes a sign of dangerous and insidious ailments: diabetes and tumors, prolapse of the vaginal walls and inflammatory processes. Sometimes leucorrhoea occurs due to violation of basic hygiene rules.

Since copious discharge can accumulate, a constant humid environment leads to irritation of the genitals. It is also beneficial for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. Sometimes leucorrhoea in large quantities can negatively affect sexual desire.

What could it be discharge of leucorrhoea from the vagina?

The nature of the leucorrhoea is very important, as it can answer the question of why the discharge appeared. For example, if an infection with trichomoniasis occurs, then the mucus becomes foamy. When the infection is purulent, the discharge takes on a greenish tint. A characteristic feature of gardnerellosis is a pungent odor reminiscent of fish. Fungal colpitis is accompanied by a coating on the vaginal mucosa, which resembles white threads in its structure.

Copious discharge of leucorrhoea may occur due to the fact that the secretion of the uterine glands is impaired. When it works normally, mucus is produced in an amount of no more than 1 ml per day. Infections and erosions of the cervix can disrupt normal secretion. However, in the latter case, the leucorrhoea will be mucopurulent. Heavy discharge of leucorrhoea mixed with blood and clots can signal cervical cancer.

There is a discharge that resembles a cheesy mass. In this case, most likely, we are talking about a fungal infection.

Causes of leucorrhoea

First discharge - leucorrhoea from the vagina- may appear in girls during puberty. But in most cases, they indicate that the body requires careful attention. Because such a symptom can mean vitamin deficiency, intoxication and immunosuppression. Less commonly, leucorrhoea in adolescents indicates a gynecological disease, and only in 15% of cases do they confirm hormonal changes in the body.

Leucorrhoea before menstruation in women of childbearing age is considered completely natural and should not cause concern. It’s another matter when they bother you on other days of the menstrual cycle, and their character can be considered pathological. Because in most cases this indicates infection and inflammation of the external and internal genital organs. Less often, but there are situations when discharge indicates more terrible diseases - neoplasms of a different nature.

White discharge during pregnancy can be activated during sexual arousal. However, doctors reassure women that this is normal if leucorrhoea does not have any special symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment for leucorrhoea

If the discharge is alarming, then the gynecologist will conduct a diagnosis. In this case, both visual inspection and bacteriological examination are necessary. Based on the test results, the doctor will prescribe treatment, which depends on what is causing the discharge.

If white discharge (leucorrhoea in women)) are caused by infection, then you will have to undergo a course of antibacterial therapy. Sometimes problems are caused by a violation of the vaginal microflora or hormonal imbalance. In this case, the gynecologist will recommend products that restore microflora or hormonal therapy.

Leucorrhoea, female discharge, caused by impaired secretion, are treated with physiotherapy. In addition, in many situations the use of immunocorrective agents is appropriate.

If leucorrhoea discharge (photo can be found on the Internet) cause discomfort, panty liners should be used. In addition, personal hygiene must be maintained. However, you should not use scented or perfumed products.

Doctors will advise not to wear clothing that pinches the genitals. Usually, when you have leucorrhoea, you should not use douching to wash away the discharge. However, for some diseases, a gynecologist may prescribe this procedure.

Women and girls should always have discharge - this is a natural state of the vaginal mucosa. Moreover, thanks to secretions, the vagina independently cleanses itself of various bacteria, dead cells, menstrual blood, and mucus. Most often, natural discharge is colorless, but sometimes the appearance of white discharge in girls and women can raise the question of whether this is normal or whether it is pathological, indicating some kind of disease.

When is white discharge considered normal?

Often, white discharge in girls is somewhat more abundant than in women of reproductive age, middle age, or women during menopause. This is explained by the fact that in girls the hormonal levels are just forming and beginning to stabilize, while in middle-aged women this process is already completed and is more permanent. Normally, both in girls and in women before menopause, the vagina has a slightly acidic environment due to the presence of lactobacilli, which form lactic acid. This environment is destructive for pathogenic microorganisms; it is unfavorable for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. So, what kind of discharge can be considered normal?

Why does the girl have white discharge with a sour smell?

White mucous discharge in girls and women is usually called leucorrhea. They are a natural product of the body’s vital activity, since the cells covering the walls of the vagina are constantly being renewed. Dead cells are constantly sloughed off and mixed with mucus. In addition, leucorrhoea also contains discharge from the cervix, so physiologically during ovulation the amount of discharge from the cervix increases, it becomes more stretchy and mucous. Therefore, it is normal if the discharge is transparent or white, and nothing else bothers the woman, neither burning nor pain.

However, if white discharge with a sour odor appears, and the itching or discomfort is either significant or only bothers you periodically, this may be a symptom of vaginal candidiasis. a lot - these include hormonal changes, failures, taking hormonal contraceptives, during pregnancy very often there is thrush, poor hygiene, abuse of scented and antibacterial intimate hygiene products, colored toilet paper, taking antibiotics, stressful situations, climate change, errors in nutrition - abuse sweets, diets, synthetic underwear, douching too often ()

What discharge may indicate a disease?

With a decrease in local or general immunity, poor hygiene, taking antibiotics, or hormonal imbalances, opportunistic organisms that are normally found in the vagina without causing harm can begin to multiply and lead to an inflammatory process. If a girl experiences the following type of discharge, this is a symptom of any diseases or disorders and requires examination and thorough examination by a gynecologist:

• Very abundant, white, thick, cheesy discharge in girls. If the discharge resembles cottage cheese, and the woman experiences itching and burning in the vagina, especially while sitting cross-legged, this is a bright sign for girls. Moreover, thrush or vaginal candidiasis does not depend on whether the girl is sexually active or not.
• Foamy, copious discharge - more than 1 teaspoon per day.
• Discharge of any pronounced color - brown discharge, yellow, green or other noticeable shades.
• Unpleasant odor - putrid odor, sour, onion odor and others.
• Any suspicious discharge, especially in combination with itching, dryness or discomfort during intercourse, redness of the external genitalia, pain in the lower abdomen (on one side or both sides just below the navel), increased body temperature or persistent pain during and after intercourse .

If leucorrhoea begins to change color, smell, quantity, and irritation and discomfort appear in the genital area, this is considered pathological changes and discharge, and the cause of its appearance should be determined. Also, the discharge can be different in origin, that is, it can come from different parts of the woman’s reproductive system. The classification of discharge by origin is as follows:

• Pipe leucorrhoea- appear when the fallopian tubes become inflamed, and fluid accumulates in the tubes, which first enters the uterus, then exits through the cervix into the vagina.
• Vaginal leucorrhoea- these are the most harmless discharges, when in case of inflammatory diseases of the vagina, various white, yellow discharges appear, most often with an unpleasant odor - this can be trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, thrush, etc.
• Cervical leucorrhoea- appear with inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) of any etiology. The cause may be mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea, etc.
• Uterine leucorrhoea- with endometritis of any etiology. In this case, the inflammatory exudate flows through the cervical canal into the vagina and mixes with vaginal secretions.

Is it possible to determine the disease by the color of the discharge?

Unfortunately, there can be over 100 reasons that cause a change in the color and nature of the discharge; based on the external description of the discharge, no gynecologist can establish a diagnosis without laboratory diagnostics. Theoretically, only abundant, strong white curd-like discharge in girls and women can be an unmistakable diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis. However, thrush is often combined with other sexually transmitted infections, so only smear tests and bacterial culture, as well as tests for STIs, can determine the true cause of changes in a woman’s discharge. The color of the discharge can only give a little hint in which direction the research should be carried out more thoroughly:

• Transparent leucorrhoea, foaming may be .
• Gray shade of whiter with a characteristic fishy odor, most often occurs with gardnerellosis,.
• Greenish discharge- discharge with such a tint indicates a purulent process, since a large number of leukocytes give the discharge a green color. The stronger the inflammatory process, the more leukocytes, and, accordingly, the more green tint the discharge has.
• Yellow discharge- this may be one of the symptoms of trichomoniasis, since inflammation in trichomoniasis is most often localized in the vagina, where the concentration of leukocytes is lower.
• Discharge in girls white- can either be a symptom of thrush or be the norm. Since with a mild degree of vaginal candidiasis there may not be significant itching and burning, only occasionally and slightly, therefore, if more abundant, too white, thick, curdled discharge appears, you should visit a gynecologist and find out whether it is thrush or not.

However, the color of the leucorrhoea should not be unequivocally regarded as a diagnosis of the disease; only tests can establish an accurate diagnosis for pathological discharge.

When should you see a doctor if you have white discharge?

If a girl or woman has no more than a teaspoon of white discharge per day and is not accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, then there is no need to worry. However, if the discharge becomes very abundant, curdled, foamy, thick, appears, the color changes to yellow, green, gray, any unpleasant odor appears, especially if any of the above is supplemented by itching, burning, pain, even low-grade, low-grade pain fever is a reason to consult a doctor:

• First, the gynecologist performs an examination on the chair. In the mirrors you can see the walls of the vagina and the cervix - what condition they are in, whether they are inflamed or not, whether there are pathological discharges from the cervix and what they are.
• In some cases, the doctor may perform a colposcopy to exclude or confirm cervical dysplasia or erosion.
• If an STI is suspected, in addition to the usual smear for flora and culture, the gynecologist may refer you for a smear test using the PCR method.
• If the patient complains of pain, menstrual irregularities, etc., if inflammatory diseases of the uterine appendages or the uterus itself are suspected, a transvaginal ultrasound is indicated, which can help in establishing the full clinical picture.

Does vaginal discharge always indicate the presence of a disease? In what cases is vaginal discharge considered normal?
Vaginal discharge can occur even in completely healthy women, and this condition is considered normal. Signs of healthy vaginal discharge include:

• Clear, liquid discharge ( jelly-like, mucus)
• Discharge without a noticeable odor
• A small amount of discharge
• Discharges that do not cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs
• Discharge not accompanied by an increase in body temperature, pain or discomfort in the genital area.

Vaginal discharge - what can it be?
Below, readers will be presented with information regarding the most common forms of vaginal discharge, as well as the reasons that provoke their development.

Vaginal discharge of varying colors, smells and consistency
We already said a little higher that all healthy representatives of the fairer sex experience watery, transparent and colorless vaginal discharge. If they acquire a different consistency, a specific smell or some color, then, most likely, some kind of disease has settled in the woman’s body:

Bloody (red) vaginal discharge - is a signal that there is blood in the vaginal discharge. In most cases, this type of discharge occurs two to four days before the onset of menstruation, after which it turns into heavy discharge along with the onset of menstruation. It is worth noting that this type of discharge tends to occur several days after menstruation. If the discharge is not abundant, then it is better for the woman not to panic. This phenomenon is especially common in women who wear IUDs.
Quite often, spotting is blackish or brown in color, which indicates the fact of oxidation, as well as destruction of blood in the vagina.
There are also cases when a woman experiences spotting, which contains a small amount of blood. As a rule, perimenstrual bleeding does not have a specific odor.

Sometimes light spotting is observed at the time of ovulation, as well as in women who wear a spiral or use oral contraceptives. In the case of a constant occurrence of this phenomenon while wearing an intrauterine device or using contraceptives, it is necessary to discuss this fact with a gynecologist, having previously made an appointment with him.
If bloody vaginal discharge is in no way related to the menstrual cycle, then it can be considered a signal of the presence of some pathology.
In most cases, this type of discharge makes itself felt:

• For menstrual irregularities
• Endometriosis ( adenomyosis)
• Cancer or cervical erosion. In this case, the discharge is especially abundant after sexual intercourse.

Purulent vaginal discharge are observed in such infectious pathologies as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, thrush, gonorrhea and others. As a rule, this type of discharge also causes a feeling of discomfort in the genital area and itching. Sometimes women also complain of pain in the lumbar region or lower abdomen. During pregnancy, whitish, viscous vaginal discharge is considered to be a normal condition if the expectant mother does not experience other symptoms of the disease.

Curdled, foamy, thick vaginal discharge
A change in the consistency of vaginal discharge is also considered to be one of the clear signs of the presence of a particular pathology. We already said a little higher that normal discharge must be liquid, similar to mucus. If the discharge is white, cheesy or foamy, then most likely the woman has some kind of infectious disease.

Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
The appearance of vaginal discharge with a specific odor indicates the presence of an infectious pathology. The smell in this case can be either sour or rotten or reminiscent of the smell of fish. It occurs against the background of the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, which tend to decompose nutritional components, while releasing gases with a very unpleasant odor.

Vaginal discharge before and after sexual intercourse
At the moment of sexual arousal, the vaginal glands of the fair sex tend to intensively synthesize vaginal lubrication, so that a large amount of liquid transparent discharge, which is noted before and during sexual intercourse, is considered to be the norm. Women should not be afraid of the occurrence of thick, profuse discharge even after sexual intercourse. The fact is that if sexual intercourse took place without using a condom, then it is quite possible that in this way the vagina is trying to cleanse itself of sperm. In most cases, this type of discharge disappears in a fairly short period of time.
If a woman experiences spotting during or after sex, then most likely she has cervical erosion.
The appearance of yellow, purulent, white, gray or greenish discharge several days or weeks after sexual intercourse is considered to be a signal of the occurrence of some infectious disease.

Vaginal discharge as a symptom of infection
Vaginal discharge is considered to be a clear sign of the development of an infectious pathology of the genital tract in only a few cases. The largest number of pathologies in which vaginal discharge is noted are infectious and transmitted during sexual intercourse.
The most common causes of vaginal discharge include:

• Candidiasis ( thrush)
• Urogenital trichomoniasis

Diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis
It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis, taking into account only the presence of discharge and some other symptoms of this pathology.
To identify this pathology, studies such as:

• A cultural research method is the cultivation of colonies of microorganisms taken from the vagina on special nutrient media and their further study.
• Microscopic examination of unstained ( native) a smear taken from the vagina.
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) research method involving the study of genetic material Trichomonas vaginalis .
• Microscopic examination of a stained vaginal smear. It is painted with special dyes.

Therapy for urogenital trichomoniasis is possible only if the woman has been given a truly accurate diagnosis of this pathology. Among the most effective medications used in the fight against this pathology are: Nimorazole, Metronidazole , Ornidazole, Tinidazole and others. It is very important that the treatment of this disease is carried out under the vigilant supervision of a doctor. Self-treatment in this case is not recommended, since this pathology can become chronic if not treated properly. As a rule, during therapy for urogenital trichomoniasis, vaginal discharge initially becomes weaker, and then disappears completely. It is also important to draw the attention of readers to the fact that the absence of discharge does not mean complete healing, so the course of treatment must be completed to the end. How long it will last will be determined by your attending physician.

Bacterial vaginosis as a reason contributing to the development of vaginal discharge
Bacterial vaginosis is a very common pathology accompanied by discharge that has an unpleasant odor. This disease occurs as a result of a very strong growth of bacteria directly on the vaginal mucosa. In a healthy state, these bacteria are also present in the vagina, but only in very small quantities. These can be counted as Peptococcus, so Gerdenerella vaginalis , Bacteroides and others. With the development of this pathology, a woman experiences white vaginal discharge with a fishy odor. To make a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, information about the presence of discharge alone is not enough.

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis involves the use of such research methods as:

• pH-metry, or detection of the acidity of the vaginal environment. In a normal state, the vagina has an acidic environment, but in the case of bacterial vaginosis, it becomes alkaline.

Therapy for bacterial vaginosis involves the use of local drugs, namely:

• Vaginal suppositories clindamycin ( one hundred milligrams) – must be inserted into the vagina once a day for six days.
• Metronidazole gel seventy-five percent - must be inserted into the vagina once a day for five days.

• Ornisid forte should be taken orally five hundred milligrams in the morning and evening for five days.
• Clindamycin Take three hundred milligram capsules in the morning and evening for seven days.
• Metronidazole(Trichopolum) in the form of tablets of two hundred and fifty milligrams. You should take two tablets morning and evening for seven days.

Urogenital candidiasis (thrush) as a cause contributing to the occurrence of vaginal discharge
Urogenital candidiasis is an inflammatory pathology of the genital organs in women and men, resulting from exposure to fungi of the genus Candida. In women with the development of this disease, white thick discharge is observed. In addition, they may experience discomfort and itching in the genital area. Quite often, this disease also causes pain and cramping during urination.

Diagnosis of thrush involves the use of the following research methods:

• Examination under a microscope of unstained smears taken from the vagina.
• Examination under a microscope of smears taken from the vagina stained with special dyes.
• Mycological study, which involves the detection of the type of fungus that provoked the development of urogenital candidiasis.

• Clotrimazole vaginal tablets two hundred milligrams - must be inserted into the vagina once a day for three days.
• Clotrimazole vaginal cream one percent should be inserted into the vagina once a day for seven to fourteen days.
• Isoconazole– vaginal suppositories of six hundred milligrams. It is recommended to insert into the vagina once.

• Itraconazole (Irunin, Orungal) should be taken two hundred milligrams once a day for three days.
• Fluconazole ( Diflucan, Flucostat, Mikomax) - used according to several treatment regimens: one hundred and fifty milligrams once, or one hundred milligrams on the first, fourth, and seventh day of therapy.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Vaginal discharge is especially alarming to expectant mothers, since during this period they are responsible not only for themselves, but also for the child. In fact, every pregnant woman should pay special attention to the nature of vaginal discharge in order to “sound the alarm” at the right time.

Discharge in early pregnancy
A little higher, we said that copious clear discharge in the first months of pregnancy, which is not endowed with a specific odor, is normal.
If a woman experiences bloody discharge during this period, then this may serve as a signal of an unexpected miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Whitish or purulent vaginal discharge in the early stages of pregnancy is considered to be a sign of the development of one or another infectious pathology.

Discharge in late pregnancy
In the second trimester of pregnancy, in a healthy pregnant woman, vaginal discharge may acquire a thicker and more viscous consistency. This phenomenon is normal. If vaginal discharge is bloody, this may serve as a signal of the onset of premature labor or miscarriage, so in such cases, emergency hospitalization of the expectant mother is recommended. Brown vaginal discharge in late pregnancy quite often occurs due to minor bleeding from the vessels of the cervix. In this case, a pregnant woman should also visit a doctor.

When should you see a doctor for vaginal discharge?

Normal discharge is small in volume, translucent, transparent or whitish in color, watery, creamy or jelly-like consistency, with a slight sour odor. Normal discharge does not irritate the genitals and does not cause discomfort, itching, redness or swelling. Also, normal discharge does not emit a strong or unpleasant odor (for example, fishy odor, strong sour odor, etc.).

In addition, slight bloody or brownish discharge 2 to 4 days before and after menstruation is considered normal. Light spotting for several days during ovulation is also considered normal.

Bloody discharge not before or after menstruation, and also not during ovulation, is considered pathological. In addition, discharge of a greenish, yellowish, grayish, earthy color, containing impurities of pus, blood, flakes, bubbles, having a cheesy or other heterogeneous consistency, emitting an unpleasant pungent odor or causing itching, burning, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genital area, is pathological. organs.

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

If, within two weeks after intercourse, the nature of the discharge changes, impurities of pus, mucus, flakes or bubbles appear in it, they turn greenish, yellowish, grayish or earthy in color, and begin to emit an unpleasant odor, then the woman can also consult a venereologist or a gynecologist, since such discharge indicates infection with an infectious disease.

What tests can doctors prescribe for vaginal discharge?

First of all, for any type of discharge, the doctor prescribes a gynecological bimanual examination (by hand) and examination of the tissues of the vagina and cervix in the speculum. These studies are considered routine and are carried out without fail when a woman goes to a medical facility regarding vaginal discharge of any nature.

Further, if there is quite heavy bleeding (blood discharge, as during menstruation, in the same or greater quantities), the doctor usually prescribes an ultrasound examination (endometrial hyperplasia. If the cervix is ​​not damaged, then even with minor bleeding/ In case of bleeding, hysteroscopy, diagnostic curettage and ultrasound are prescribed.

For pathological discharge of an inflammatory nature (with a greenish, yellowish, grayish, earthy color, containing an admixture of pus, blood, flakes, blisters, having a cheesy or other heterogeneous consistency, emitting an unpleasant pungent odor or leading to itching, burning, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genital area) the doctor always prescribes first flora smear (sign up), which allows you to identify a number of the following infectious diseases: candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis), gonorrhea (sign up). These sexually transmitted infections are the most common compared to others, and therefore at the first stage the doctor does not prescribe more expensive and complex tests, because a simple smear on the flora allows them to be detected.

If, based on the results of the smear, it was possible to identify candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis or gonorrhea, then the doctor can go in two ways - either immediately prescribe treatment, or take a smear from the vagina for bacteriological and mycological culture to determine which antibiotics and antifungal agents will be most destructive in relation to the infectious agent present in a particular case. If the immediately prescribed treatment turns out to be ineffective, the doctor prescribes bacteriological or mycological culture.

If, according to the results of the smear, no infectious agents were detected, but there is a picture of inflammation, then the doctor prescribes more complex tests to identify pathogenic microbes. Usually, first of all, an analysis of vaginal discharge is prescribed for the presence of Trichomonas and gonococci using the PCR method and blood test for syphilis (treponema pallidum) (sign up), since these are the pathogens that occur most often. If the results of the analysis reveal any, then treatment is prescribed.

If gonococci, Trichomonas or Treponema pallidum are not detected, then ureaplasma test (sign up), chlamydia (sign up), mycoplasma (sign up), gardnerella, bacteroides. Tests for these pathogens can be different - bacteriological culture, PCR, ELISA and various methods of collecting and staining vaginal smears. The choice of analysis is made by the doctor and depends mainly on the technical capabilities of the medical institution or on the financial capabilities of the patient, since the most accurate tests most often have to be taken in private laboratories for a fee.

If the test results reveal the absence of trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, candidiasis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and gardnerellosis, but there is an inflammatory process in the genitals, then the doctor may prescribe tests for the presence of viruses - herpes virus types 1 and 2, human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, which can also provoke inflammation in the female genital organs.

Pregnant women who suspect leakage of amniotic fluid are usually prescribed a vaginal smear test for scales. In addition, there are pharmacy, ready-to-use tests for leakage of amniotic fluid, which are similar in principle to pregnancy tests. A pregnant woman can use such tests independently. Otherwise, when inflammatory vaginal discharge appears, pregnant women are prescribed the same tests as non-pregnant women. And if bleeding occurs during pregnancy, women are sent to the hospital for examination, since in such a situation they can be a sign of pregnancy complications.

What does discharge in early pregnancy tell you?