Discharge with a sour smell in girls. Vaginal discharge with odor in pregnant women: causes, consequences, treatment

Every woman of childbearing age has a small, odorless discharge that is translucent and white. However, you should start to worry if a sour smell appears in women's discharge. Most often it is a rather pungent stench, reminiscent of sour milk and a cheesy appearance.

Causes of sour odor

The sour smell of discharge in women is an alarming signal from the body, which can indicate both an infection and a serious cancer.

Thrush

The Candida fungus, which provokes the development of thrush, reproduces successfully in an acidic environment. Its growth is positively influenced by disruptions of the body's immune and hormonal systems.

Taking antibiotics, frequent acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, and long-term use of birth control pills directly affect changes in the level of lactic acid in a girl’s vagina. The percentage ratio (98% lactobacilli, 2% opportunistic bacteria) is violated, which leads to the appearance of various gynecological diseases, including thrush.

During the abundant growth of Candida fungi, mucus appears with an unpleasant odor and the characteristic consistency of small balls in a viscous liquid reminiscent of cottage cheese.

White cheesy discharge with a sour smell may disappear for a week or a month, but then return again. The vagina becomes inflamed, severe itching and burning may occur. Sometimes, in advanced cases, thrush can threaten other body functions, so you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Signs of thrush:

• Isolation of white curd secretion. A characteristic feature is precisely the heterogeneous secretion, which may not smell, but in consistency resemble cottage cheese or kefir. A sour smell is characteristic.
• Itching, burning, on the outer lips, throughout the entire perineal area. If you have such symptoms, you should not hesitate to go to the doctor. Itching interferes with leading a normal lifestyle and can become chronic. If candidiasis is not treated, you will have to suffer from it constantly.
• Swelling of the outer labia. The changed size may make it difficult to walk and wear underwear. You urgently need to visit a gynecologist to identify the cause and promptly prescribe treatment for both partners. If a woman is diagnosed, this does not mean that her partner is not infected. During treatment, it is important to try to exclude sexual activity, and in case of sex, use barrier contraception.

Bacterial vaginosis

This deviation is caused by microorganisms that disrupt the balance of the xylo-alkaline environment of the vagina. They negatively affect lactobacilli, reducing their number. Vaginosis is characterized by discharge with the smell of sour milk, itching, burning of the genitals, nagging abdominal pain, pain during sex. The course of the disease may be accompanied by brown discharge.

Causes of occurrence.

• Long-term use of antibiotics;
• Douching;
• Intestinal diseases;
• Decreased immunity;
• Hormonal changes in the body;
• Many sexual relationships, early onset of sexual activity.

Although there are many more reasons, these are the main ones. Despite the fact that the disease is not sexually transmitted through unprotected sex, constant change of partners negatively affects the vaginal microflora.

Bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the number of lactobacilli increases, and the amount of pathogenic flora decreases. If there are unfavorable factors, opportunistic bacteria may develop. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by several bacteria, the main one being Gardnerella vaginalis. Patients with this disease have a harder time bearing the fetus and sometimes give birth prematurely. Symptoms include, among others, the release of secretions that smell like fish.

At first, the color of the pathogenic secretion is white, light or grayish. As the disease progresses, a greenish-yellow tint begins to predominate. The consistency of mucus is sticky, viscous or foamy.

In pregnant women with a mild course of the disease, serious treatment is not prescribed, provided that the expectant mother has no complaints. But such women should be especially careful about their health and the behavior of the fetus in the womb, because they are at increased risk.

It is necessary to have a kit at home to check for leakage of amniotic fluid - with bacterial vaginosis, there is a risk that rupture of the membranes will occur prematurely. Regular examinations by a gynecologist will help reduce anxiety and increase control over the progress of such a pregnancy.

Trichomoniasis

It is classified as infectious and often comes along with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other diseases of the genital organs and urinary system. It is transmitted sexually, but rarely through household contact, through contaminated towels.

Trichomoniasis is a serious problem that sometimes contributes to the development of mastopathy, diabetes, and allergies.

Symptoms in women:

• White discharge with a sour odor is similar to foam, and there are cases of greenish or yellowish mucus. The possibility of brown discharge cannot be ruled out either. Usually this color indicates the presence of damage to internal organs;
• Irritation of the genitals, perineal area;
• Erosions, ulcers on the genitals;
• Unpleasant sensations during urination;
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Before the start of the menstrual cycle, symptoms intensify. Trichomoniasis also manifests itself as vulvovaginitis, even in younger girls.

It is necessary to consult a doctor immediately, because trichomoniasis causes serious complications and increases the risk of transmitting HIV and other infections. Girls who experience some of the listed symptoms should still be tested for the presence of trichomoniasis and other STDs.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted disease develops due to gonococci, which die quickly in the external environment, but feel confident in the body; it can be difficult to get rid of them. The course of the disease is accompanied by yellow or yellowish discharge in women. Greenish mucus indicates chronic or acute internal inflammation. This color indicates that pus is coming out of the body.

Often a girl confuses gonorrhea with thrush, and incompetent self-medication erases the entire clinical picture.

Many girls try first of all to get rid of the smell by masking it with cosmetics. With this attitude the problem will get worse. It is important to cure the cause, defeat the causative agent of the disease, then the symptoms will go away accordingly.

It is important to follow a few simple rules to prevent such problems:

• Take a shower morning and evening;
• Use specially developed products for intimate hygiene (sold mainly in pharmacies, help normalize the level of lactobacilli, soothe the skin, popular ingredients: chamomile extract, licorice root, lactic acid);
• Wear underwear made from natural fabrics more often than from synthetic ones;
• Do not wear tight-fitting clothes at all times (if air access to a girl’s intimate parts is constantly blocked, then constant stagnation will form, which means there are prerequisites for the creation of a favorable environment for bacteria);
• At the first symptoms of itching and burning, stop taking a hot bath for a while, reduce the consumption of junk food and alcohol;
• Be sure to see a gynecologist, and if possible, a gastroenterologist (problems of the gastrointestinal tract can provoke many women’s diseases);

When taking a shower, wash yourself from front to back (this is advice for all girls, regardless of the presence or absence of problems in the female part; if you do the opposite, then there is a high probability of introducing bacteria from the anus into the vagina).

According to research, vaginal discharge is as physiological as the production of saliva, sweat or tears. They perform certain functions in the body and are found in absolutely healthy women. Heavy vaginal discharge is completely normal and contains cervical mucus, epithelial cells, and 5 to 12 types of microorganisms (normal).

Normal vaginal discharge is acidic, which is possible due to the presence of lactobacilli. But under certain conditions, the nature and composition of the discharge may change. In this case, we can talk about pathological discharge, indicating diseases of the genitourinary system.

Discharge after menstruation

Vaginal discharge after menstruation can be physiological and pathological. Normally, postmenstrual discharge is dark brown in color. This is due to increased blood clotting at the end of menstruation and its slow release. Physiological secretions are odorless.

An unpleasant odor accompanying vaginal discharge before and after menstruation indicates the possible presence of chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma or.

If discharge does not appear immediately after menstruation, but after a few days, then an uterine or ectopic pregnancy can be suspected. In this case, the woman needs to contact a gynecologist.

Normal discharge

Normal vaginal discharge comes in many varieties. This variety will depend on the woman’s age, sexual activity and hormonal status.

It is possible to determine which vaginal discharge is normal and which is pathological thanks to some general criteria:

• slightly sour smell or its complete absence;
• homogeneous thick consistency (liquid sour cream), lumps up to 3 mm are acceptable;
• transparent or with a white tint;
• the total amount of discharge does not exceed 1 to 4 ml per day.

Physiological discharge is never accompanied. However, when changing sexual partners, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase.

Types of vaginal discharge

There are many types of vaginal discharge, which can have both physiological and pathological origins. If the discharge has an unpleasant odor, purulent consistency, or is accompanied by a burning sensation, pain or other symptoms of discomfort, you should immediately consult a doctor.

We answered in more detail below the question about what types of vaginal discharge there are.

Watery discharge

Watery vaginal discharge may indicate inflammation of the fallopian tubes or cervical erosion. This is due to the fact that when the fallopian tube is inflamed, the secretion of cells through the uterine cavity enters the vagina.

Normally, liquid vaginal discharge may occur in pregnant women. The appearance of vaginal discharge like water is not an independent sign of the disease, but signals the presence of a pathological process in the body.

Purulent discharge

Purulent vaginal discharge may indicate inflammatory diseases, such as bacterial vaginitis, salpingitis, cervicitis, as well as some sexually transmitted diseases ().

The discharge becomes liquid or foamy, has an unpleasant odor and is yellow-green in color. They are often abundant.

Transparent selections

Transparent vaginal discharge accompanies the normal functioning of the genital organs. They are an indicator of cyclical changes in the body associated with the normal functioning of the ovaries.

Transparent mucous discharge from the vagina is a physiological fluid, which contains epithelial cells, lymph, mucus and microorganisms. Copious transparent vaginal discharge can become pathological only in girls under 10 years of age.

Mucus discharge

Mucous discharge from the vagina is normal in most cases; it is due to the nature of the uterine secretion. If vaginal discharge looks like snot, is accompanied by an unpleasant odor and is streaked with blood, then this may indicate cysts and erosions present in the body.

In addition, jelly-like vaginal discharge may indicate the presence of inflammatory diseases of the uterus and ovaries. Mucus discharge from the vagina mixed with blood can also occur during an ectopic pregnancy.

Bloody discharge

As a rule, small amounts of blood discharge from the vagina occur before and after menstruation. Also, spotting from the vagina may appear in women taking oral contraceptives in the first 2 months from the start of use.

If vaginal discharge with blood is not associated with the physiological cycle, it may be a manifestation of cervical cancer pathologies, endometriosis or advanced erosion. In this case, it is best to consult a gynecologist to find out the nature of such discharge.

White discharge

White vaginal discharge with a cheesy consistency almost always indicates... At the beginning of the disease, the discharge of leucorrhoea from the vagina is small, but if left untreated, it can become profuse. Often white thick discharge from, itching and.

Upon examination, the mucous membrane of the external genital organs is covered with a curdled or milky coating, which is easily removed.

Brown discharge

Brown vaginal discharge normally occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle and at the beginning of sexual activity. Pathological brown vaginal discharge occurs with thrush, trichomoniasis, or inflammation of the vagina.

Brownish vaginal discharge is also observed when the menstrual cycle is disrupted.

Yellow discharge

If yellow vaginal discharge has a faint yellow tint and is not accompanied by discomfort, then this is normal.

If the vaginal discharge is yellow in color and has a rich hue and is accompanied by itching, pain or an unpleasant odor, then we can say that this is observed with inflammation of the uterine appendages and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, yellowish vaginal discharge is also observed with cervical erosions.

Black discharge

Most often, black discharge from the vagina can occur during inflammatory diseases or when using hormonal contraceptives.

Pink discharge

Normally, pink vaginal discharge may appear during ovulation. If pink discharge from the vagina is accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen, then doctors may suspect cervical erosion.

Faint pinkish vaginal discharge, aggravated by pain, may indicate various.

Dark discharge

Dark vaginal discharge normally occurs before, after and in the middle of the menstrual cycle. If the discharge is accompanied by abdominal pain or other discomfort, then cervical erosion, pelvic inflammation, or the presence of sexually transmitted diseases can be suspected.

Orange discharge

Orange vaginal discharge that appears after unprotected sex indicates infection with trichomoniasis or. If there is no sexual activity, such discharge may indicate bacterial vaginosis.

Gray discharge

Serous vaginal discharge is considered normal if it is not accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, itching, or unpleasant odor. If gray vaginal discharge is accompanied by pain, then one may suspect the presence of infections such as ureaplasmosis or mycoplasmosis. Consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.

Foamy discharge

Foamy vaginal discharge can be caused by stress, nervous fatigue, or recent unprotected intercourse. Most often, foamy discharge is accompanied by trichomoniasis.

Discharge flakes

Flaky vaginal discharge is most common with vaginal candidiasis (thrush). They also have a characteristic white color and sour odor.

Brown discharge

Typically, brown vaginal discharge is considered normal only at the beginning and end of menstruation. In other cases, these are pathologies, the causes of which are determined in the laboratory.

Creamy discharge

Quite often, creamy vaginal discharge can indicate pregnancy, and if there is discomfort, it can indicate pathological diseases of the genital organs.

Colorless discharge

Most often, colorless vaginal discharge that is not accompanied by physical discomfort or odor is completely normal. If you are also concerned about discomfort in the genital area, you should consult a doctor.

Cloudy discharge

Cloudy vaginal discharge is most common with bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases.

Sticky discharge

Sticky vaginal discharge may indicate the presence of thrush or other genitourinary infections in the body. One way or another, the situation requires medical intervention.

Light discharge

Light-colored vaginal discharge—white, transparent, or slightly tinged with pink or yellow—is normal. However, it is worth remembering that normally their number is minimal, and any discomfort, itching or burning in the vaginal or labia area indicates the presence of infections, which requires contacting a gynecologist.

Green discharge

Green vaginal discharge indicates an increased level of white blood cells. Greenish vaginal discharge, therefore, indicates bacterial inflammation of the uterus and its appendages.

Treatment of discharge

Many women practice self-treatment of vaginal discharge. But this may not only be ineffective, but also harmful in itself, since with or chamomile decoction, beneficial microorganisms are washed out of the vagina. Therefore, treatment for vaginal discharge should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

If pathological discharge appears, you must contact a gynecologist to diagnose the disease that caused it. After identifying the cause, the doctor will prescribe treatment for the underlying disease, as well as procedures aimed at restoring the vaginal microflora and increasing the body’s immunoresistance.

Vaginal discharge in a child

Vaginal discharge in a child can be either a physiological process or a sign of a disease.

A girl should not experience vaginal discharge before puberty; it appears about a year before the start of menstruation. The causes of pathological discharge in children may be:

• diabetes;
• inflammation of the vagina;
• worms;
• upper respiratory tract diseases;
• antibiotic therapy;
• thrush;
• allergic reactions.

Vaginal discharge in adolescents who have sexual relations may indicate sexually transmitted diseases. Often the onset of sexual activity is normally accompanied by discharge that does not cause physical discomfort.

Discharge in newborns

Physiological vaginal discharge in newborns can occur in the first week of life during a hormonal crisis. This is due to the fact that their body gets rid of the mother’s hormones and begins to form its own hormonal background. If vaginal discharge in a baby is accompanied by pain or itching, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause of these symptoms.

Causes of discharge

Basically, the causes of vaginal discharge are due to one of the physiological processes in the body, unless they are accompanied by itching, pain or an unpleasant odor. If they change their character and cause discomfort to the woman, then they are already talking about pathological discharge. They can occur with bacterial inflammation of the genital organs, erosion, polyps, polycystic disease, venereal and fungal diseases.

It is possible to reliably determine the reason why vaginal discharge suddenly changed its properties only by laboratory methods.

Discharge from a cold

When you have a cold, vaginal discharge can become fungal in nature. This is due to the fact that hypothermia and viral diseases disrupt the balance of normal microflora. Most often, thrush can develop against the background of a cold. It also manifests itself as cheesy vaginal discharge.

If an inflammatory process in the ovaries begins during a cold, the discharge becomes abundant and may even contain streaks of blood.

Discharge during menopause

Vaginal discharge during menopause is not normal. They may indicate inflammatory diseases, tumors and neoplasms in the breast and genitals. As a rule, discharge during menopause can be in the form of exudate, which indicates inflammation, or transudate - in diseases of a non-inflammatory nature.

The exudate has a mucous consistency and contains protein. It may be catarrhal, purulent, serous, fibrinous or hemorrhagic. The consistency of the transudate is liquid and does not contain protein. It is either straw-colored or transparent with an admixture of blood and other body fluids.

Discharge during defecation

It should be noted that vaginal discharge during defecation is a pathological process. Copious discharge with an unpleasant odor is observed mainly with. Bloody discharge indicates hemorrhoids or intestinal fistulas. If the discharge becomes purulent or mucous in nature, an inflammatory process or tumor disintegration can be suspected.

Taste of discharge

The taste of vaginal discharge largely depends on the nationality, the nature of the food consumed and the presence of certain diseases of the genitourinary system. In general, a healthy woman's discharge tastes like sour milk.

Salty discharge

Salty vaginal discharge appears when an alkaline environment forms in the vagina. This is a pathological phenomenon that occurs during bacterial infections and inflammations that require medical intervention.

Acid discharge

Acidic vaginal discharge is normal. If the sour taste becomes pronounced, this may indicate a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa - thrush (candidiasis). In this case, you need to see a gynecologist and probably undergo a course of treatment.

At absolutely any age, women secrete a special secret from the vagina, which performs protective functions - it prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the organs of the reproductive system and moisturizes the mucous membranes, thus preventing their damage. Normally, this secretion has no odor and does not cause discomfort. But under the influence of external and internal factors, its character can change. For example,sour smell of discharge in womenmay appear as a result of hormonal disorders in the body or the development of gynecological diseases. And now you will find out how to accurately determine the cause of its occurrence and what to do about it.

Main reasons

Before considering the factors that provoke the appearance of discharge that has a sour odor, it is necessary to immediately note that they can be not only pathological, but also physiological. Most often, the appearance of such an aroma from the intimate area is a consequence of various changes in the body that are not associated with the development of any diseases.

The functioning of the organs of the reproductive system directly depends on hormonal levels. Depending on the phases of the menstrual cycle, the production of certain hormones in the body periodically either slows down or, on the contrary, becomes more active. For example, in the first half of the menstrual cycle, the ovaries actively produce estrogen, which ensures normal and timely maturation of the egg. After ovulation occurs (this happens on days 12-16 of ovulation), the synthesis of this hormone slows down and is replaced by progesterone, which is responsible for maintaining pregnancy after fertilization of the egg.

Regardless of whether a woman is sexually active or not, such hormonal surges are mandatory and natural, since they ensure the normal course of the menstrual cycle.

It should be noted that in the female vagina there is a special microflora in which lactic acid bacteria are present. Under the influence of hormonal fluctuations, their growth is also either accelerated or suppressed. That's whydischarge with the smell of sour milk, which occur periodically in women, are considered natural and do not require specific therapy.

However, in addition to lactic acid bacteria, the vaginal environment is inhabited by opportunistic microorganisms, including fungi of the genus Candida and Gardnerella. When conditions favorable for them arise in the vaginal cavity, their growth can be activated, which is the cause of infectious diseases, which can also manifest themselves in the appearance of discharge with a sour odor in girls and women. But more on that later.

WHO (World Health Organization) has established certain frameworks that characterize normal discharge in women:

• Quantity: no more than 4-5 ml per day.
• Consistency: liquid or slimy.
• Odor: odorless or slightly sour odor.
• Color: transparent or white.
• Taste: salty or sweetish.

In this case, normal vaginal discharge is not accompanied by any extraneous symptoms, such as itching or burning. The secreted vaginal mucus contains secretions produced by the glands located on the cervical canal and dead epithelial cells. The intensity of discharge depends on age. For example, in young women their number is much greater than in mature women, which is caused by hormonal fluctuations. After menopause, the synthesis of sex hormones slows down, and therefore the amount of vaginal secretion decreases after 45 years.

Under the influence of hormonal levels,acidic dischargemay often occur in pregnant women. In addition to the fact that during this period the production of progesterone increases, cell division actively occurs in the body. New ones appear, “old” ones peel off and get into the cervical mucus, which causes heavy discharge.

Important! If white discharge with a sour odor during pregnancy begins to be accompanied by irritation in the intimate area, burning and other symptoms unusual for a normal condition, then you must immediately inform your doctor about this. The appearance of such a clinical picture always signals the development of pathologies.

Pathological causes

As mentioned above, the vaginal environment is inhabited by opportunistic microorganisms, which, when activated, produce discharge with an unpleasant odor.

If we talk specifically about the appearance of a sour odor from the intimate area, then most often its occurrence is provoked by fungi of the genus Candida, which are the causative agents of candidiasis (thrush). Their active reproduction can occur under the influence of the following factors:

• Poor immunity.
• Taking antibacterial drugs.
• Frequent douching.
• Very frequent drinking of alcohol.
• Stress.
• Taking hormone-containing drugs.
• Insufficient hygiene or lack of hygiene for several days.

When candidiasis develops, a white, creamy discharge or discharge that looks like grainy cottage cheese may also appear. In this case, the clinical picture necessarily includes the following symptoms:

• The discharge smells like kefir or sour milk;
• The outer lips minor and major swell and turn red;
• The urge to urinate becomes more frequent and is accompanied by pain;
• Severe itching and burning occurs in the intimate area.

If you have white, cheesy discharge, which is accompanied by the symptoms described above, then you should urgently go to the doctor. Since if treatment of candidiasis is delayed, the infection can spread to other internal organs, provoking the occurrence of pathological processes in them. Typically, when this happens, a woman experiences brown discharge outside of her period.

It should be noted that with this disease, yellow discharge with a sour odor may also appear. Their occurrence is caused by the presence in the vaginal secretion of a large amount of fungal waste and the oxidation process. When the secretion comes out of the vagina, it reacts with oxygen, which leads to a change in its shades.

What is the danger of candidiasis?

Candidiasis is dangerous not only due to the appearance of itching and burning in the intimate area, but also due to the high risk of complications arising from it. If a woman does not receive adequate treatment, the infection can spread to the kidneys and other internal organs, provoking the development of pathological processes in them.

When the disease becomes chronic, frequent relapses occur, in which not only thick white discharge with a sour odor appears, but also painful sensations in the lower abdomen, which indicate the occurrence of complications such as cervical erosion and inflammation of the ovaries.

Candidiasis often provokes the development of bacterial vaginosis, which is characterized by the active growth of gardnerella in the vagina, which is caused by a decrease in the level of lactic acid bacteria.

Quite often, heavy white discharge occurs in pregnant women. And if they are accompanied by symptoms of candidiasis, you must immediately inform your doctor. Since fungal infection of the reproductive organs reduces the elasticity of the uterus and cervical canal, which in the initial stages of pregnancy can provoke a miscarriage, and during childbirth, serious ruptures.

Important! If a pregnant woman has been diagnosed with candidiasis, she must be treated immediately, as there is a high risk of infection of the child during its passage through the birth canal, as a result of which it may develop serious health problems after birth.

If the patient experiences white discharge with a taste of sour milk, the occurrence of which was caused by non-pathological reasons, no treatment is prescribed. It is used only when heavy discharge is a consequence of hormonal imbalance in the body. In this case, special drugs are used that replenish the reserves of missing hormones. Such medications are prescribed strictly on an individual basis after receiving the results of a laboratory blood test for hormones.

If curd-like discharge from the vagina occurs against the background of the active development of candidiasis, then treatment involves the use of antifungal drugs. Moreover, in this case, both local remedies in the form of vaginal suppositories and external gels and ointments are used to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms that manifest the disease.

In addition to antifungal medications, a woman may be prescribed multivitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system, as well as following a special therapeutic diet (the doctor should tell you in detail about it). During treatment, a woman is not recommended to enter into intimate relationships. If she has a regular sexual partner, then he must also undergo treatment.

Only a doctor can determine the exact reason why a woman has this kind of vaginal discharge and how to treat it. You should not self-medicate, as this can lead to serious consequences. Remember, treatment is always individual and even to treat the same candidiasis, different drugs are used in all women. They are selected taking into account the general health of the patient and the severity of the disease.

They are considered normal if they are colorless, their quantity is small and without a characteristic odor. But when their volume increases, the woman begins to feel discomfort (itching, burning, stench). In this case, you need to be examined to identify the disease. The article talks about possible ailments that have such symptoms as discharge with an odor, and the treatment of these diseases.

Types of Abnormal Vaginal Odors

There are two “flavors”, after which one can judge the presence of infection:

1. Acidic vaginal discharge. They often indicate a disease such as thrush. This disease occurs when the acidity of the microflora changes. In addition to being sour, they are white in color. The consistency is reminiscent of curd sour cream. A burning sensation may be felt in the labia area.
2. Discharge with a rotten odor. The “aroma” of missing fish indicates the presence of a disease such as bacterial vaginosis. Even people around you can hear this stench. The disease is dangerous, because lack of treatment can lead to serious consequences.

Causes of discharge

1. Violation of intimate hygiene standards.
2. Discharge with an odor can occur during unprotected sexual intercourse in which one of the partners is a carrier of the infection.
3. Presence of pregnancy. Pregnant women often experience surges in hormone levels. And this, in turn, provokes the appearance of unpleasant discharge.
4. Taking antibiotics. Since such drugs kill not only negative, but also positive bacteria, as a result of the fact that the immune system is undermined, fungi appear, which then develop into thrush.

Features of treatment of candidiasis

First, both partners must be treated. If women have a discharge with an odor, and they are undergoing therapy, but their other halves are not, then there will be no benefit from such treatment. Because their partners can again give them this type of fungus.

Secondly, self-medication is dangerous. After all, a disease such as thrush can be easily confused with another diagnosis - vaginitis. And the treatment for these two ailments differs.

Thirdly, visiting a class specialist is a prerequisite. He will examine the patient, give directions for the necessary tests, and based on their results, prescribe adequate therapy. Its essence is the following - the use of special antifungal suppositories, tablets and ointments (for men) to completely eliminate the infection.

Also, in parallel, the doctor can prescribe home methods to combat thrush. We'll talk about them below.

Traditional methods of combating candidiasis

1. Douching with soda. Odorous discharge can be eliminated with bicarbonate. It returns the desired alkaline balance and at the same time kills candida fungi in the vagina. Fifteen grams of soda must be diluted with 300 ml of boiled water. You need to douche 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending doctor.
2. Chamomile. Many people know this plant for its undeniable wound-healing properties; it is also an excellent antiseptic. With the help of chamomile infusion, you can both douche and wash yourself. The recipe for washing is as follows: 30 grams of flowers should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water. Cover with a lid and let sit for 30 minutes. Discharge in women with odor can be destroyed with the help of an infusion of this useful flower.
3. Calendula. This extraordinary plant is similar in its medicinal properties to chamomile. You can douche with a decoction of calendula. The dosage is the same as in the case of chamomile.

Prevention of thrush

1. Carry out genital hygiene daily, wash with gentle products.
2. When having sexual intercourse, use condoms to prevent possible infection from entering the vagina.
3. Wear underwear made of natural fabric. Don't buy perfumed pads.
4. Reduce your intake of simple carbohydrates.
5. Do not douche unless you have discharge that smells.

Features and treatment of bacterial vaginosis

With this diagnosis, a rotten smell of discharge is noted, it is colorless, homogeneous, and its quantity is small. But the terrible smell can get worse if a woman has sex. If this diagnosis is detected, the treatment regimen is as follows:

1. Eliminating bad bacteria with medications.
2. Restoration of normal microflora. Probiotics are suitable for this purpose. It is also important to follow a special diet and strengthen the immune system.

In the first point, the attending doctor can prescribe the following suppositories: “Metrogyl”, “Klion”, “Flagil”. He also prescribes the vaginal cream “Clindacin” and the antibacterial agent “Clindamycin”.

In the second paragraph, the gynecologist prescribes the following medications to restore the microflora in the vagina: Linex tablets, Lactobacterin, Acylact, etc.

Discharge with an odor, treatment of bacterial vaginosis with folk methods

• from oak bark;
• from chamomile and juniper;
• from flower honey.

Recipes for douching in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Strengthening the immune system and diet during illness

In order for complex treatment to quickly produce results, you need to take care of your immunity. To maintain it, a tincture made from the following ingredients is perfect:

• quince - 1 pc.;
• fresh cherries - 2 cups;
• clean boiled water - 8 glasses;
• medium-sized lemon - 1 pc.;
• garlic - 10 cloves;
• medium-sized apples - 10 pcs.

The quince and apples need to be grated on a medium grater. There is no need to cut off the skin. It is necessary to remove the seeds from the cherries, and mash the fruit itself into a paste. Peel the garlic and squeeze it out using a garlic press or grate it on a fine grater. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze out as much juice as possible. Mix all ingredients and pour 500 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for at least half an hour. Then filter the resulting immunity drink and take 100 ml daily.

Diet for thrush and vaginosis is of no small importance. Its essence lies in the consumption of fresh vegetables, various cereals and fermented milk products. You should avoid sweet, salty, spicy, and fatty foods during this period. Drinking alcohol is generally a closed topic.

Prevention of bacterial vaginosis

There are several prerequisites to protect yourself from such infections:

1. Having a permanent partner whom you absolutely trust.
2. There is a taboo on casual sex, but if there is a case, then the use of a condom is mandatory.
3. White discharge with a sour odor can be eliminated if you promptly consult a specialist (urologist, gynecologist) in case of the slightest suspicion of the presence of the disease.

From the article, you learned that heavy, curd-like discharge without or with an unpleasant odor may indicate the presence of problems such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis. And at the slightest suspicion of these diseases, you need to contact qualified specialists. Based on an external examination, as well as after passing the necessary tests, they will prescribe adequate treatment. In addition, odor-bearing discharge can be eliminated by resorting to traditional methods of treating the cause of the disease.

In women, discharge is always present. They are a secretion of glands that accumulates in the vaginal lumen. They also contain particles of epithelium from the walls, mucus from the cervical canal and microorganisms that make up the normal flora. The discharge moisturizes the vaginal walls and partially protects against infection.

The presence of yellow discharge with a sour odor in women is a reason to consult a doctor. Especially if leucorrhoea causes discomfort. You should also be alarmed by the appearance of cheesy discharge with a sour odor.

Acid discharge during pregnancy may indicate changes in hormonal levels or exacerbation of hidden diseases.

Sour odor is normal and pathological

Many women are interested in why leucorrhoea discharged from the vagina may have a sour odor. This question can be answered easily if you know the physiological characteristics of the uterus.

The uterine cavity, cervix, ovaries and tubes are normally sterile. While on the walls of the vagina live from 5 to 12 types of different microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi). Many representatives of the vaginal microflora in women of reproductive age belong to the group of lactic acid bacteria. Thanks to these microorganisms, the pH level is 3.8 - 4.4. Therefore, in most cases, the lactic acid smell of leucorrhoea is not a deviation from the norm.

Streptococci and fungi can live in the vagina in small quantities, as well as ureaplasma, mycoplasma, and gardnerella in smaller quantities. They are opportunistic organisms and do not cause unpleasant symptoms in the normal state of the immune system.

Standard criteria:

• The smell of leucorrhoea should be absent or slightly sour.
• Their consistency should correspond to the period of the cycle. Watery leucorrhoea in the first half, reminiscent of egg white during ovulation and creamy in the second.
• Normal discharge is white or transparent. But their shade may change to cream or slightly yellowish.
• Normally, the amount of leucorrhoea is no more than one teaspoon per day, provided there is no sexual intercourse. After sexual intercourse, during arousal or before menstruation, their number increases. Exceeding the norm may indicate pathologies. Also, leucorrhoea should not cause discomfort in the genital area.

In women, the reasons for changes in the smell of leucorrhoea are the following: infectious diseases, exacerbation of chronic gynecological diseases, severe changes in hormonal levels, failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, the appearance of excess weight, allergies to detergents, and foreign objects entering the vagina.

Diseases that affect the smell of discharge

The sour smell of discharge in women may indicate the penetration of pathogenic bacteria or viruses into the body that cause an inflammatory process.

Thrush

Most often, discharge with the smell of sour milk appears as a result of the vigorous activity of a yeast fungus from the genus Candida. It belongs to the opportunistic microflora and can live in the vagina for a long time without causing signs of disease. The following factors can provoke its reproduction: disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, the use of scented panty liners, the introduction of fungus from the carrier during sexual intercourse, wearing underwear made of synthetic materials, taking antibiotics, frequent douching, climate change, frequent changes of partners in intimate life.

In this case, the fungus begins to actively multiply, poisoning the body with its waste products and causing a disease such as thrush (candidiasis). It is accompanied by symptoms:

• Initially, a white, thick discharge resembling kefir.
• Severe itching in and outside the vagina.
• Hyperemia of the vulva.
• Subsequently, the discharge resembles cottage cheese with a strong sour milk smell.
• Quite severe discomfort during sex.
• Burning when passing urine.
• Pain above the pubis.

You can get rid of thrush with the help of antifungal agents, which are available in the form of tablets, capsules or suppositories. One of the most effective drugs for thrush is Fluconazole. A single dose of 150 mg can quickly relieve symptoms of the disease. But it is worth remembering that candidiasis in women of reproductive age is often combined with other infectious diseases, so its treatment should be comprehensive even after testing.

Ureaplasmosis

The disease can be activated by: changes in hormonal levels (menopause, menstruation, taking contraceptives), active sex life and frequent changes of partners, diagnostic manipulations in the genitourinary system.

After the disease worsens, it manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• A large amount of leucorrhoea, light or yellowish in color with a sour, not very pleasant odor.
• Burning in the urethra during urination.
• Aching pain in the abdominal area.

Ureaplasmosis is especially dangerous during pregnancy; it can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and cause congenital pathologies in the fetus. Antibacterial therapy and immunostimulating drugs are used to treat the disease.

Gardnerellosis

Vaginal discharge with a sour odor may be due to bacterial vaginosis. This is a gynecological disease caused by a violation of the microflora. At the same time, the number of lactobacilli decreases, and other pathogenic microorganisms increase. Most often, their place is taken by gardnerella.

Factors that influence the development of the disease: taking hormonal drugs or antibiotics, frequent changes of partners in intimate life, violation of personal hygiene rules, frequent douching, medical procedures, abortions.

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs often occur. At the same time, Trichomonas, gonococci or candida are not detected in the secretions. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Copious discharge of white or gray color. Their volume increases after sex or before menstruation.
• Initially they are liquid, and if the disease is not treated within two years, they become viscous and sticky.
• The discharge may smell sour or smell like rotten fish.

In order to get rid of the disease, douching with Bifidumbacterin or Lactobacterin is used, as well as Vaginorm or Gynoflor suppositories.

Gonorrhea

Yellow discharge with a sour odor may appear in women with gonorrhea. Its causative agent is gonococcus bacteria. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease and is transmitted exclusively through vaginal or anal sex. The disease is not transmitted through household means.

Often the disease in women is asymptomatic, but in some cases, gonorrhea manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• Leucorrhoea is yellow, white or green with a pronounced unpleasant sour odor.
• Pain in the urethra when passing urine.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Bleeding from the vagina between periods.

Gonorrhea in 30% of cases is combined with chlamydia, so it needs to be treated with drugs that can cope with both gonococci and chlamydia. You can get rid of the disease with the help of antibiotics (cephalosporins, penicillins). Most often, Cefix or Ciprofloxacin is prescribed in combination with Azithromycin or Doxycycline.

Chlamydia

Yellow discharge with a sour odor may indicate a disease such as chlamydia. It is caused by gram-negative bacteria - chlamydia. The disease is quite common and is sexually transmitted. Women are more susceptible to the disease than men.

Chlamydia manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• Mucous leucorrhoea is yellowish in color with an admixture of pus and an unpleasant, in some cases sour, odor.
• Mild pain in the vagina.
• Itching of the vulva and urethra when urine passes.
• Abdominal pain that gets worse before menstruation.
• Bleeding.
• General weakness.

Antibiotics (tetracyclines, macrolides, fluoroquinolones) are used to treat the disease. Azithromycin makes it possible to quickly get rid of the disease. It is prescribed 500 mg once a day for 3 to 6 days.

Genital herpes

In some cases, the cause of leucorrhoea with a sour smell in girls is genital herpes. Its provocateur is the HSV2 virus. It is transmitted through sexual contact. The disease can be asymptomatic, and the person does not even realize that he is infected.

Factors that contribute to the activation of female diseases: infectious or chronic diseases that negatively affect the immune system, stress and depression, hypothermia, bad habits, hormonal changes.

In women, who are more likely than men to become infected with the disease, genital herpes manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• In the initial stage, itching and burning also appear in the genital area.
• Lymph nodes enlarge.
• Painful blisters filled with liquid appear on the surface of the skin and mucous membrane, and they are marked with redness.
• Sour, unpleasant-smelling leucorrhoea may occur.
• After a few days, the blisters open, and in their place ulcers and erosions form.

Once the released herpes virus has entered the body, it remains there forever. But over time, the number of relapses of the disease decreases.

It will not be possible to completely get rid of herpes, but it is possible to reduce its symptoms, for which the antiviral agents Cycloferon, Gerpevir, and Acyclovir are used. Particular attention should be paid to restoring immunity. This makes it possible to minimize the number of exacerbations.

In pregnant women

Literally from the first days of pregnancy, a woman’s hormonal background changes significantly. In order to preserve the fetus in the first trimester, the body produces large amounts of progesterone. In this case, the woman experiences a white, thick discharge that is odorless or has a faint sour odor.

The smell of discharge during pregnancy often becomes different, since the immune system does not work at full strength during this period, which allows microorganisms inhabiting the vagina to multiply more actively. This applies not only to beneficial bacteria, but also to opportunistic flora.

White discharge with a sour odor during pregnancy may indicate that a woman has worsened thrush, which is a fairly common companion during this period. It is characterized by an increase in the amount of leucorrhoea. They resemble cottage cheese and are accompanied by itching and burning in the genital area.

To treat thrush during pregnancy, in most cases, Pimfucin suppositories are used. The active ingredient of this drug does not penetrate the mucous membranes, therefore it does not have a systemic effect and cannot harm the fetus.

Also, a pregnant woman is often worried about other chronic diseases, such as chlamydia or genital herpes. Their symptoms are no different from those observed at other times. Manifestations of these diseases also include the occurrence of acidic discharge.

Since most medications are contraindicated during pregnancy, it is dangerous to prescribe treatment yourself.

If the smell of the discharge has changed, a different shade has appeared, or an unpleasant sensation has appeared, you should immediately consult a gynecologist and act according to his recommendations.

When to see a doctor

You should consult a doctor in the following cases:

• Women's discharge has changed its smell, it has become unpleasant or too strong.
• The consistency of the leucorrhoea changed, it became foamy and sticky.
• The color has changed, green discharge, red, brown or yellow has appeared.
• Periodically the stomach aches or hurts.
• The outflow of urine is accompanied by burning and itching.
• The smell of the discharge worsened after unprotected sex with a new partner.
• The discharge intensified after a course of antibiotics.

How is diagnostics carried out?

During a gynecological examination, the doctor takes smears, which are subsequently sent to the laboratory. The following methods are used to study them:

• Microscopy. The material is studied under a microscope, identifying pathogenic microorganisms.
• Bacterial culture. The material is placed in a favorable environment, allowing pathogenic microorganisms to multiply. This makes it possible to determine the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to drugs.
• Polymerase chain reaction. Using this method, it is possible to detect the DNA of pathogenic microorganisms in the material taken for research. This is one of the most accurate methods for determining whether the sour smell of leucorrhoea is a normal variant or a pathology.
• ELISA. This method allows you to detect antibodies to the pathogen in the patient’s blood.

Prevention

In order to prevent gynecological diseases accompanied by discharge with a sour odor, it is necessary:

• Choose your sexual partners carefully.
• Use condoms as protection.
• Observe personal hygiene rules.
• Do not have sex during menstruation.
• Wear underwear made from natural fabrics.
• Visit your gynecologist regularly.

If any sexually transmitted disease is detected, both sexual partners must be treated, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not. Since many diseases occur in a latent form, re-infection is possible when sexual activity is resumed.

The correct diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after a face-to-face consultation.