White mucus comes out. Discharge in the form of white clots: causes. Manifestations during pregnancy

Many women notice clear discharge, which should be considered normal if the menstrual cycle is not disrupted and no discomfort occurs. If the transparent mucous discharge has an unpleasant odor and there is itching, burning or pain, then this condition should be regarded as a symptom of a developing pathology. Some women have clear, snot-like discharge, which may indicate pregnancy or the onset of menopause. To prevent the development of serious complications with discharge in the form of snot, women need medical advice.

Before your period

Some women complain of heavy, clear discharge before menstruation. In most cases, clear discharge before menstruation does not pose any threat to the female body, in particular to the reproductive system.

They may appear before menstruation for the following reasons:

1. The egg has matured and the body has begun preparing for pregnancy.
2. Delay and clear discharge may indicate pregnancy.
3. Mucus discharge before menstruation may indicate the presence of sexually transmitted infections.
4. A week before menstruation often indicates the development of inflammatory processes.
5. If clear discharge appears instead of menstruation, then the woman could have entered menopause.

In some cases, watery, clear discharge before menstruation may indicate the development of serious pathologies that require immediate medical or surgical treatment. That is why it is necessary to promptly contact gynecologists, who will tell patients whether there can be clear discharge before menstruation, and in what cases it will be considered normal.

After ovulation

If clear discharge appears after menstruation, this in most cases indicates that the woman’s uterus is self-cleaning. Abundant transparent discharge after menstruation may appear due to a gynecological or ultrasound examination. This condition is due to the fact that during the examination, minor damage to the vaginal mucosa occurs with medical instruments. As a rule, the discomfort disappears on its own after a few days, and the patient does not need to undergo a course of drug therapy.

If clear discharge appears after ovulation, it means that the female egg is fully mature and ready for fertilization. Thanks to this symptom, most women who do not experience disruptions in their menstrual cycle independently determine favorable days for conception. In the event that a couple is not ready for the birth of heirs, these days they should more carefully protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy.

Read also 🗓 What kind of discharge should there be before menstruation?

After the ovulation period is completed, the transparent masses will change their consistency and color. They will turn whitish in color and have a creamy texture, and when dry, they can leave yellowish marks on your underwear. Modern medicine explains this physiological phenomenon by hormonal fluctuations. Women who do not experience mucous masses throughout the entire menstrual cycle should contact a gynecologist for examination. Most likely they have estrogen deficiency, or ovulation does not occur.

Questions of physiology

Mucus discharge, like snot, is considered by modern medicine as a normal physiological phenomenon. The secretions are mucous, transparent, like snot, and perform an important function in the female body. Their job is to moisturize the vagina from damage that may occur during sexual intercourse.

In a healthy female body, the released masses should have the following indicators:

• transparent structure, whitish or beige tint;
• absence of unpleasant odors;
• should not foam;
• absence of blood impurities.

Female audiences often ask the question: why is there clear discharge instead of menstruation? If there was a delay and clear discharge appeared, then the following factors could provoke this condition:

• 1. Transparent discharge instead of menstruation appears in that category of women who are experiencing depression or have been exposed to severe stress.
  2. Delayed menstruation and clear discharge can occur in women who are overweight. This condition is caused by poor diet, lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle.
  3. If clear discharge appears when your period is delayed, this may indicate a systematic lack of sleep.
  4. Abuse of alcohol-containing drinks often causes changes in the body.
  5. If a woman who moved to another region began to have snot-like discharge before ovulation, then this condition can be explained by a change in climatic conditions.
  6. Also, long-term use of medications, in particular hormonal contraceptives, should be indicated as reasons.

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

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

Causes of mucus secretion in women

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

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

Clear vaginal discharge

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

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

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

Sign of the disease

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

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

These include:

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

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

Bloody discharge

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

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

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

When is it considered normal?

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

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

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

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

When is a doctor needed?

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

The following signs are reasons to contact a medical specialist:

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

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

How to treat?

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

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

Prevention

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

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

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

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

Vaginal discharge is the result of the work of glands located in the vaginal mucosa. By the nature of the discharge, you can assess the condition of the female genital organs.

Normal vaginal discharge is not considered a disease, as it is necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. In the vestibule of the vagina and near the cervix there are secretory glands that produce mucus necessary to moisturize the mucous membrane and form healthy microflora. Healthy discharge is formed in a small volume, it is transparent, odorless and not accompanied by pain or itching. When the type of discharge changes, this indicates the presence of a pathological process in the female genital organs.

Types of discharge

Depending on the amount of mucus produced, discharge is divided into scanty, abundant and normal.

Scanty is a discharge that is not enough for the normal functioning of the vagina and external genitalia. The mucous membranes begin to dry out and crack. During sexual intercourse, friction and pain are felt. Scanty discharge is the result of hormonal changes due to age, endocrine disease, or taking hormonal medications.

Heavy discharge is a discharge that leads to a constant feeling of moisture in the vagina. They are noticeable on underwear. Heavy discharge can be diagnosed in young women during ovulation in the middle of the menstrual cycle; it is transparent and does not have an unpleasant odor. During pregnancy, especially before childbirth, the discharge also becomes more abundant. These are healthy discharges and should not be feared. If the consistency, volume, color or smell of the discharge changes, this indicates the beginning of a pathological process.

Discharge that sufficiently moisturizes the vagina and does not cause discomfort is considered natural. If there is normal discharge, additional moistening of the vagina before sexual intercourse is not required.

The consistency of the discharge varies from watery, mucous, curdled and foamy.

• Liquid discharge - watery and mucous - odorless and colorless is considered normal. Watery discharge occurs in the middle of the cycle during ovulation; mucous discharge appears during sexual intercourse and serves as a lubricant.
• Thick, cheesy discharge indicates the presence of a fungal infection. Doctors usually diagnose candidiasis. The discharge resembles liquid cottage cheese, it is not uniform in consistency.
• Foamy discharge indicates the presence of a bacterial infection. This is especially dangerous if they have an unpleasant odor or distinct color. Foamy discharge is a hallmark of trichomoniasis.

Based on the color of the discharge, there are clear (normal), white, bloody, yellow, green and brown.

• Clear discharge is normal. They are usually invisible on underwear and on the body.
• Thick white discharge indicates the presence of candidiasis (thrush). In a healthy state, white discharge may appear before childbirth.
• Bloody and brown discharge is the most dangerous, as it signals the presence of blood in the vagina. Normally, they occur only during menstruation. When taking hormonal contraception, especially in the first months, the appearance of intermenstrual bleeding is acceptable; this is considered normal and indicates the body’s adaptation to artificial hormones. In other cases, spotting indicates the presence of a serious pathology or the onset of bleeding.
• Yellow and green discharge indicates the presence of an infectious-inflammatory process.

By smell, discharges are differentiated as odorless, with a sweetish odor, with a sour odor, or with an unpleasant odor.

• The phrase “odorless discharge” is conditional, since all human discharge is characterized by some odor. In a healthy state, this smell is pleasant and subtle. It is individual for each person. Since a person feels it constantly, he eventually stops feeling it. If a woman does not smell the discharge, it can be stated that it is odorless discharge.
• Discharge with a sweetish or sour odor most often indicates thrush. Candida fungi use sugar for nutrition, love it and live in an environment rich in sugar.
• Foul-smelling discharge is caused by a bacterial infection. They often smell like stale fish. The characteristic fishy smell is produced by anaerobic bacteria. The stronger the smell, the stronger the infection.

Reasons for appearance

Intimate secretions serve as a kind of indicator of the health of the female sphere.

With natural discharge that does not cause discomfort, we can conclude that the organs of the female reproductive system are healthy. However, regular examinations by a gynecologist at the beginning of the cycle are still necessary. Many pathological processes occur without symptoms; only a gynecological examination and laboratory tests can show their presence.

Several factors can influence the appearance of discharge in a healthy woman. These are stress, climate change, taking hormonal drugs, taking strong medications, allergic reactions. Personal hygiene can also affect the nature of the discharge.

A woman should be concerned when the discharge changes in consistency, acquires a strange color or smell, or changes in intensity. Often such discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, itching, pain in the perineum, irritation of the external genital organs, and discomfort when urinating.

There are some symptoms that can be used to preliminarily identify the disease. Of course, an accurate diagnosis is only possible with a doctor after examination and laboratory diagnostics, but the appearance of some can give a more or less accurate picture of the disease.

White curdled discharge with a sweet or sour odor indicates candidiasis. Other symptoms of candidiasis are:

• burning, itching in the vagina and external genitalia;
• swelling of the vagina after sexual intercourse;
• pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse.

Excessive yellow or bloody discharge with an unpleasant odor may indicate bacterial vaginitis. This is an inflammation of the vagina caused by a violation of the microflora. This means that local immunity cannot restrain the growth of pathogenic bacteria; they attack vaginal cells, and the inflammatory process begins. Characteristic symptoms of bacterial vaginitis:

• redness, itching and swelling of the genitals;
• nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
• painful intercourse;
• slight increase in body temperature;
• weakness and fatigue;
• frequent urination.

Excessive foamy leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor may indicate trichomoniasis. The causative agent of the disease is Trichomonas. The following symptoms are also observed:

• irritation of the genitals and inner thighs;
• erosion of the mucous membranes of the intimate area;
• pain when urinating;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sexual intercourse.

Homogeneous yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor may be a sign of gonorrhea. This is an acute infectious disease caused by gonococcus and sexually transmitted. Symptoms of gonorrhea are:

• itching and pain in the urethra and vagina;
• increased body temperature;
• separation of pus from the vagina;
• frequent painful urination;
• enlarged and painful lymph nodes;
• weakness;
• nausea;
• loss of appetite.

Serous-purulent discharge with blood often indicates the presence of a cyst in the uterus or its appendages. Symptoms of a cyst in addition to bloody discharge are:

• discomfort in the vagina;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• increased menstrual flow;
• menstrual irregularities;
• painful menstruation.

Bright yellow and green discharge in copious amounts with a very unpleasant odor signal endometritis. This is an inflammation of the uterus caused by bacteria or injury. Symptoms of endometritis:

• acute pain in the abdomen, in its lower part;
• fever with chills;
• increased heart rate;
• painful urination;
• weakness;
• enlargement of the uterus caused by tissue inflammation;
• heavy and painful periods;
• infertility.

Brown discharge during delayed menstruation can indicate a pathological course of pregnancy, for example, an ectopic pregnancy. The likelihood of this pathology can be judged by the following symptoms:

• absence of menstruation;
• sharp or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, usually on the side;
• toxicosis and other signs of pregnancy.

This is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Even if the pregnancy is intrauterine, but there is spotting, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this is a sign of a threat of miscarriage.

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

If you have discharge of an unnatural color, smell or consistency, you should visit a gynecologist. The doctor will ask about symptoms, conduct a visual examination, take a swab from the vagina and make a diagnosis based on the test results. Analysis of vaginal discharge will show whether there is a bacterial, viral or fungal infection, and what the degree of infection is. After this, an ultrasound examination of the organs of the reproductive system is prescribed. An ultrasound will show the size of the organs of the female system, their position, the presence of neoplasms, for example, cysts or tumors, and will help to specify the diagnosis. In addition, the doctor prescribes a general blood test, cytological examination and/or colposcopy.

In case of a cyst or tumor, additional consultation with an oncologist will be required. If heavy discharge occurs due to stress, it is useful to consult a psychologist. If sexually transmitted diseases are detected, consultation with an immunologist will be required. For long-term illnesses, it is useful to consult an immunologist and assess your immune status. If there is heavy discharge due to allergies, it is recommended to consult an allergist. In children, unhealthy discharge is assessed by a pediatric gynecologist and pediatrician.

How to treat abnormal vaginal discharge

Treatment of problematic discharge should always be carried out with the participation of a doctor after a thorough diagnosis.

For bacterial infection and inflammation associated with it, antimicrobial drugs are prescribed. Antibiotics are prescribed orally and locally in the form of suppositories, creams, and ointments.

For fungal infections, antifungal drugs are prescribed. It is worth remembering that thrush is a local manifestation of extensive fungal damage to the body, and its treatment is not limited to suppositories and creams. The bulk of the fungus is located in the intestines, so it is worth treating the entire body as a whole, and not just the vagina.

For viral infections, antiviral drugs are prescribed. Viruses are dangerous organisms, and doctors have not yet learned how to effectively treat them. Increasing immunity plays a vital role here.

If tumors appear, they can be treated conservatively or removed. Here, the decisive role is played by the nature of the neoplasm - benign or malignant - and the speed of its development.

In case of intrauterine pregnancy with a threat of miscarriage, the patient is sent to the hospital, the condition of the uterus, placenta, and fetus is examined. In case of an ectopic pregnancy, immediate removal of the fertilized egg from the woman’s body is required.

In any case, when unhealthy discharge appears, very careful hygiene is required, since many pathological discharges corrode the skin of the genitals. Sometimes the doctor prescribes baths with medicinal solutions and douching.

There are many traditional methods for treating discharge. They sometimes help, but sometimes they can blur the clinical picture and complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Among the folk methods, washing with herbal decoctions is considered safe and useful. Chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort relieve inflammation, increase local immunity and soothe irritated skin. Under no circumstances should foreign objects be inserted into the vagina, as some folk recipes advise. This can harm the microflora and injure the already irritated vaginal mucosa.

How to prevent abnormal vaginal discharge

The first rule for preventing painful discharge is regular hygiene. You need to wash yourself every time after visiting the toilet and in the evening before going to bed. Washing is carried out with clean warm water and special products for intimate hygiene. Regular soap can destroy natural microflora and promote the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Hot water kills beneficial lactobacilli, and cold water can worsen a viral infection.

Underwear should be changed daily. Linen should allow air to pass through and absorb moisture, so it is recommended to use linen made from natural fabrics - cotton, linen. Synthetic underwear cannot be worn constantly. Tight underwear and thongs contribute to irritation of the genital skin and reduce local immunity. Gynecologists do not recommend using panty liners, as they interfere with air exchange. It's better to change your underwear more often.

Nutrition also influences the nature of discharge. Consuming large quantities of sweet foods increases blood sugar and promotes the rapid proliferation of Candida fungi.

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

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

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

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

What affects the amount of discharge:

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

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

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

Key indicators of normal natural discharge:

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

Heavy discharge: is it necessary to deal with it?

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

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

Unusual color or shape of discharge

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

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

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

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

Clear discharge during pregnancy

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

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

Prevention

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

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

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

Mucus from the vagina can indicate various pathologies, although colorless discharge in moderate quantities should be present in a healthy state of the reproductive system in any woman. However, they are the absolute norm. This phenomenon occurs from the age of 10 years of a girl until the end of a woman’s fertile age. This is the period of ovarian function.

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Physiological side of the issue

The fluid secreted by the vagina has the following composition: bacteria, cervical mucus, lymph transudate, desquamated dead epithelial cells and a certain amount of leukocytes, remnants of the blood of the menstrual cycle. The amount of daily discharge normally should not exceed 2-4 ml. They should be transparent, neutral or slightly yellowish in color, and have a sour odor, since in a healthy vagina the reaction of the environment is acidic. This discharge is present because the vagina is continuously cleaning itself. This process is a natural physiological need of the organ, which thus removes everything unnecessary and foreign from its space.

Acidophilus bacteria (Dederlein bacilli) living in it are responsible for disinfection of the vagina. These are lactic acid bacteria; they produce lactic acid, which is unfavorable for pathogenic bacteria that prefer an alkaline environment. Lactobacilli maintain a balance between beneficial and opportunistic flora. It should be taken into account that during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and some other moments, the discharge changes in thickness and color, but only slightly. At the same time, there are no alarming symptoms, that is, this is determined by changes in hormones and is the norm.

The mucus discharge itself is the result of the work of special glands in the cervix and at the entrance to the vagina (Bartholin glands). The vagina itself does not have glands. Mucus also contains glycogen, which lactobacilli feed on. Glycogen itself is converted into lactic acid through chemical reactions. It also feeds sperm when they enter the vagina.

As you can see, everything is interconnected and aimed at preserving the woman’s health. Mucus in the discharge, despite its constant presence, should normally be invisible to a woman; the discharge should not exceed 2-3 ml.

Transparent discharge is the result of the action of estrogens - the main female hormones. Estrogens are produced by the ovaries. If we talk about changes in the menstrual cycle, then in the first half of the cycle the discharge becomes thicker, there is little of it, and it has a mucous consistency. This mucus acts as a barrier to bacteria and even sperm. The middle of menstruation is characterized by profuse leucorrhoea, thick and viscous, white in color. Thick mucus is released from the cervix, which indicates that ovulation has occurred. The day before ovulation, when the ratio of hormones changes, the mucus thins, a hormone predominates, which potentially prepares the uterus for pregnancy and the appearance of an embryo in it. During ovulation and pregnancy, even the temperature of the vagina increases. Watery discharge in phase 2 can leave marks on the laundry. Mucous discharge periodically flows from the cervix during sexual intercourse.

So, we can talk about the norm of discharge if it:

• transparent, jelly-like, neutral color;
• their volume is less than 1 tsp. per day;
• they are odorless;
• do not irritate the skin and mucous membranes;
• there are no unpleasant symptoms in the form of itching, burning or pain.

If at least 1 of the points listed is violated, you must consult a doctor. When, apart from minor stains on your underwear, nothing else bothers you, you just need to choose high-quality pads and change them at least once every 3 hours.





Etiological factors

The vagina is not a completely sterile organ; bacteria are always present here in huge quantities. But they do not cause diseases as long as lactobacilli are working and the body’s protective functions are normal. In certain cases, lactobacilli can be inhibited, and their secretions and quality suffer. This occurs:

• with poor and irregular hygiene, with frequent douching, which mostly washes away the beneficial flora;
• under stress;
• with the onset of sexual activity;
• in case of change of sexual partners;
• during sexual arousal;
• during sexual intercourse and in the first days after it;
• when sexual intercourse is rare;
• with nutritional disorders and the predominance of carbohydrates in the diet;
• if the composition of underwear is synthetic;
• in case of long-term use of antibiotics.

Regarding sexual arousal and the appearance of a pungent odor in the discharge, it should be noted that this phenomenon is completely natural. This smell in nature attracts males in animals, and humans are no exception in this case. This altered secretion contains pheromones that excite and attract men. Some people mistakenly assume that the appearance of such changes in the discharge is something shameful and begin to douche vigorously. This should not be done, as fungi and gardnerella develop. If such a desire arises, you just need to wash the organs with water without soap. The discharge changes in the following cases:

• when there are hormonal changes in the body that occur throughout the entire cycle, both before and after menstruation;
• use of contraceptives;
• climate change;
• changes and restructuring in the body during pregnancy and lactation;
• reception OK;
• premenopause.



Discharge may also change if you are allergic to washing powders or low-quality aggressive cleaning products. All these points are easy to resolve yourself. A woman must remember that her vagina, no less than her face and hands, requires the selection of special high-quality cosmetics and other intimate hygiene products.



Pathological changes in leucorrhoea

Leucorrhoea is a discharge caused by pathology of the genital organs. This symptom is the most important for any kind of inflammation. Moreover, their quantity and quality varies depending on the etiology. Leucorrhoea itself, according to its origin, is divided into tubal, uterine and vaginal. The most liquid of them are pipe ones; uterine or cervical - thicker, reminiscent of thick mucus; vaginal - transparent. If there is pus in the discharge, this is a sign of inflammation, and acute; if there is an admixture of blood, it is a sign of a malignant tumor. During menopause, with prolapse of the uterus, vaginal walls, perineal injuries, douching with solutions with aggressive antiseptics, with congestive and inflammatory processes in the pelvis, with physical inactivity, when congestion forms in the pelvic organs, lack of hygiene - in all these cases, abnormal discharge also appears . So, the main causes of pathological leucorrhoea:

• bacterial vaginosis;
• erosion;
• dysbacteriosis;
• colpitis;
• endometritis;
• neoplasms of the genital organs;
• menopause;
• STD;
• various types of vaginitis;
• thrush;
• polyps;
• cervicitis,
• atrophic vaginitis;
• hormonal imbalance;
• foreign body in the vagina.





When should you see a doctor?

Discharge is evidence of the functioning of the ovaries at full strength. There are cases of inferiority of such work for various reasons. When the discharge is accompanied by some extraneous symptoms such as itching, pain, burning, increased urination, an abundance of discharge, changes in its color and smell, etc., you should definitely consult a doctor. Specifically, the following conditions must occur:

• the discharge has become foamy, cloudy, has an unusual smell and color, and does not go away for a long time after menstruation;
• discharge appeared during menopause;
• The menstrual cycle has lengthened.
• there are pains and itching in the perineum;
• there is pain during sexual intercourse;
• there is blood and pus in the discharge;
• symptoms of fever are observed;
• pain in the lower back, lower abdomen: sharp or aching, dull, constant.



Symptoms of possible diseases

Discharge may be present in the following diseases:

1. 1. Bacterial vaginosis is common. In this case, the discharge is abundant, transparent, but has the smell of rotting fish. With this pathology, the genitals are swollen, which causes dyspareunia and burning. The disease is associated with a violation of the vaginal microflora; there is no bacterial origin here. The number of pathogenic pathogens is increasing, most often Gardnerella. There is no inflammation, but discharge flows down the vaginal wall, severely irritating the vulva, which resembles discharge.
2. 2. Bartholinitis - inflammation of the Bartholin gland, which produces secretions to moisturize the vulva. The Bartholin gland has an excretory duct that opens next to the vaginal opening. If it gets infected, it becomes inflamed and swollen. In this case, the duct first narrows and then becomes completely clogged. But since the gland itself continues to function, there is no way out for its secretion. As a result, the gland enlarges and is felt in the lower third of the labia majora as a dense, painful formation. The discharge is white or yellow, the vulva is swollen, hyperemic, and painful. An abscess may form. When suppuration occurs, chills and malaise appear, the pain becomes sharp, jerking, and prevents walking.
3. 3. Vaginal candidiasis. Inflammation is caused by the action of candida fungi and is quite common. In this case, a cheesy white discharge occurs, which is tightly sealed to the vaginal wall. When they are removed, a bleeding, painful surface is revealed underneath. The main symptom of candidiasis is unbearable, painful itching. The smell of the discharge is usually sour. Itching with candidiasis intensifies when attempting sexual intercourse, during sexual intercourse, an unbearable burning sensation and pain are added. The fungus can also spread to skin folds and the perineal area, causing an inflammatory reaction there as well.
4. 4. Vaginal-vesical or vaginal-ureteric fistula: they are formed more often after childbirth with injuries to the urethra and vagina. The discharge is constant, abundant, and liquid, especially when urinating. They are distinguished by a pungent odor of urine (ammonia). During fistulas, urine comes into contact with the vagina and irritates it, causing inflammation. Vulvitis appears, and with it a painful burning and itching.
5. 5. Inflammation of the internal genital organs - clear or cloudy discharge, but always abundant. They pour out at regular intervals, regularly. There is pain in the lower abdomen with a return to the lower back. If we are talking about endometritis, then it itself provokes liquid, so-called uterine discharge. Their volume is always large before menstruation and in the first days after it. With endometritis, there may be bleeding that is not associated with the cycle. They are not abundant, smear, similar to algomenorrhea. Symptoms of fever and malaise and weakness may occur.
6. 6. Inflammation of the uterine appendages (salpingoophoritis) - this pathology is always accompanied by pain in the groin area; they are constant, but moderate. The discharge during such processes is copious and watery, like all trumpet leucorrhoea. Pain in the groin radiates to the lower back, inner thigh and perineum. The menstrual cycle is disrupted. As inflammation progresses, the abdominal part of the fallopian tube narrows and fluid accumulates in it. Later in the cycle, it pours into the uterine cavity, from there it exits into the vagina in the form of watery discharge. With any physical activity, leucorrhoea intensifies. When inflammation becomes chronic, the discharge thickens and pus joins it.
7. 7. Vulvitis is an inflammation of the genitals, with white discharge, itching and burning. Most often, vulvitis is caused by STIs. Leucorrhoea also changes depending on the type of pathogen: gonorrhea causes yellow, green purulent discharge; ureaplasmosis - abundant, mucous, similar to cream. In the presence of trichomonas, the discharge is primarily foamy, liquid and with pus. The stains remain on the underwear, there is itching of the vulva, pain and burning, which worsens after going to the toilet. The vulva is swollen, hyperemic. All symptoms worsen after menstruation.
8. 8. Genital herpes - discharge looks like cloudy water, accompanied by rashes on the skin of herpes bubbles with a cloudy liquid.
9. 9. Ovarian dysfunction - discharge in women is white and liquid, odorless. But they are constantly combined with menstrual irregularities. They are no different from ordinary ones, but their number is increasing. There is a feeling of constant humidity and traces of discharge on the laundry. These patients have problems conceiving. Painful menstruation and pain in the mammary glands are noted, which is a manifestation of mastopathy.
10. 10. Malignant tumors of the vagina or uterus. With these diseases, the discharge is abundant with an unpleasant odor, it is almost transparent and watery. Often accompanied by an admixture of blood.
11. 11. Colpitis - the nature of vaginal inflammation is always infectious. With it, the discharge becomes dirty gray in color, it can be white, green, and is always abundant. The microflora of the vagina changes radically. Instead of lactobacilli, opportunistic pathogens begin to predominate: fungi, gardnerella, E. coli, staphylococci, etc. The picture of inflammation depends on them. Itching and burning are always present. STIs can also produce copious clear discharge at the beginning of the development of the pathology.
12. 12. Gardnerellosis - with this pathogen, the discharge becomes gray in color, it is abundant, mucous, and has an unpleasant fishy odor. When chlamydia and ureaplasma are attached, pus is present in the discharge. They may be scanty, and the woman may not notice them. Pathology is discovered during research into another problem, for example, regarding infertility.
13. 13. A local allergic reaction can occur with the above allergens, while the woman is worried about: itching, burning in the vulva and vagina, the discharge is not very abundant, it is white, mucous or liquid. Not only synthetics can cause an allergic reaction. Chemical dyes, which are also part of the laundry, can also cause allergies. In addition, it can be aggressive and low-quality intimate hygiene products, toilet paper with fragrances, latex condoms. As with any type of allergy, there is swelling of the tissues of the vulva, it is hyperemic, there is severe itching, pain, discharge looks like muddy water, it is insignificant. When the allergen is eliminated, the symptoms quickly go away.
14. 14. Vulvar cancer - the disease usually occurs in women after 50 years of age. Symptoms are expressed in the appearance of itching and burning after micturition; The discharge is liquid and purulent. There may be some blood present.
15. 15. Furunculosis of the vulva - inflammation of the follicle begins with the appearance of a papule, which then turns into a pea, the tissue around it begins to swell. The compaction becomes painful, a purulent head appears in the center on a necrotic rod. Soon it bursts and its pus spills to the surface. In this case, the discharge turns yellow or green. This is not vaginal secretion, but the contents of a burst follicle. But the pus irritates the entrance to the vagina, causing itching, burning and pain. When the abscess matures, the woman’s condition may worsen with increasing temperature. The pain may intensify when walking in the genital area.



Diagnostic measures

To determine the type of pathogen, a smear from the vagina is necessarily taken for flora, which is then examined under a microscope. A gynecological examination and palpation of the uterus and its appendages are performed. To make a correct diagnosis, you may need a pelvic ultrasound, colposcopy, bacterial culture of secretions, PCR diagnostics (a polymerase chain reaction method that allows you to detect the DNA of STI pathogens even in the absence of pronounced symptoms). In case of fistulas, the fistula tract is examined with a button probe.



Need for treatment

Depending on the identified pathogen, antibacterial therapy, antifungal and antiviral drugs are used, respectively. The treatment complex also includes immunomodulators, local use of ointments, probiotics, etc. The goal of treatment is primarily to restore the vaginal microflora.

Antifungal drugs: Levorin, Isoconazole, Clotrimazole, Nizoral, Natamycin, Ketoconazole, etc. Antiviral drugs: Groprinosin, Acyclovir, Valtrex, Famciclovir, Interferon, Viferon, Panavir, Isoprinosine.

The most commonly used antibiotics: Cefixime, Levofloxacin, Avelox, Ofloxacin or Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Azithromycin, Erythromycin. For complex treatment, vitamins and proteolytic enzymes are prescribed.



Manifestations during pregnancy

As soon as conception occurs, the discharge changes from clear to thick and white. This change is also the first symptom of pregnancy. The phenomenon is associated with the predominance of the pregnancy hormone - progesterone: it in every possible way creates conditions for the attachment and retention of the embryo on the uterine mucosa. At the same time, a clot of mucus forms in the cervical canal, which will now reliably close the entrance to the uterus, preventing germs from entering here. This clot is called a mucus plug.



The acidity of the vagina also changes, the discharge becomes more abundant, similar to white snot. This is the process of cleansing the vagina to prevent the development of bacteria. These mucous secretions have no odor and do not cause discomfort. A pregnant woman is only required to maintain hygiene and wear natural underwear. This picture is observed throughout the 1st trimester. Then the discharge becomes more watery, transparent, and continues to flow profusely.

The hormonal background changes: estrogens come to the fore. They interact with progesterone, causing the mucus to thin out. Then the discharge gradually thickens, this is the norm. If they remain liquid, this threatens premature release of water. This situation is fraught with infection in the amniotic sac, which is very dangerous for the fetus. In this case, hospitalization of the woman is desirable.

In the 3rd trimester, the discharge remains clear. Here there is pressure from the enlarged uterus on the bladder, as a result of which urine begins to leak, especially the urge to urinate when laughing or coughing. Closer to childbirth, in the later stages, the discharge begins to thicken again: this is an indicator of the passage of the mucus plug, the beginning of the preparation of the uterus for labor and its gradual opening. The plug may not come out completely. The process lasts several days or even weeks. Before childbirth, 1-2 weeks, the dilatation of the cervix is ​​activated, and the body is closely preparing for childbirth. The mucus plug will then come away. If streaks of blood appear in it, you need to report this to your doctor. If the discharge begins to bother you along with discomfort, an unpleasant odor and color appear, this may indicate an inflammatory process and the need for treatment. The abundance of discharge during normal pregnancy can be regulated by the use of pads; pregnant women should not use tampons.

Girls from an early age should be taught to wash properly: from front to back to prevent infection from entering the intestines into the vagina. It is advisable to wash children's underwear with hypoallergenic powders and rinse thoroughly.