What kind of discharge is normal?
The nature of normal discharge depends on the phase of the cycle. In the middle of the cycle, during ovulation, they become more abundant, transparent and viscous, like egg white. In the second phase - thicker and whiter. The amount of discharge increases during pregnancy, sexual arousal and taking certain contraceptives.
- Transparent or white, no pungent odor
- Does not cause itching, burning or irritation
- Changes during the cycle
- Small brown spotting before or after menstruation
What could a change in discharge mean?
The color and smell of the discharge give a clue, but do not allow an accurate diagnosis: infections are often combined, and their manifestations overlap.
- White curds with itching - vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Grayish-white liquid with a fishy odor - bacterial vaginosis
- Yellow-green foamy with itching - trichomoniasis
- Yellow or purulent - cervicitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea
- Brown or bloody outside of menstruation - polyps, erosion, hormonal disorders, tumors
- Watery, abundant during pregnancy - a reason to exclude leakage of amniotic fluid
Risk factors
The vaginal microflora is normally represented mainly by lactobacilli, which maintain an acidic environment. Any factors that upset this balance increase the risk of infections.
- Taking antibiotics
- Frequent douching and aggressive intimate hygiene products
- Changing sexual partners, sex without a condom
- Diabetes mellitus, taking glucocorticoids
- Pregnancy
- Synthetic tight underwear, panty liners
Diagnostics
The gynecologist examines the vagina and cervix, assesses the nature of the discharge, measures the pH and takes smears. Microscopy of a smear on the flora allows you to quickly identify candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. PCR studies clarify the presence of sexually transmitted infections. For pain in the lower abdomen and suspected inflammation of the uterus and appendages, an ultrasound scan of the pelvic organs is performed.
- Gynecological examination
- Flora smear (microscopy), pH
- PCR for Trichomonas, chlamydia, gonococcus, mycoplasma genitalium
- Study of vaginal microbiocenosis
- Culture for recurrent infections
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs according to indications
Treatment and prevention
Treatment is prescribed after confirmation of the diagnosis. Candidiasis is treated with antifungal agents, bacterial vaginosis with antibacterial drugs locally or orally, trichomoniasis and other STIs with antibiotics with mandatory treatment of the sexual partner. During pregnancy, only approved drugs are used. Self-medication leads to chronic infections and the development of resistance. Recurrent infections require a search for causes: diabetes, hygiene, re-infection.
- Do not douche without a doctor's prescription
- Use soft, fragrance-free intimate hygiene products
- Wear cotton underwear
- Use condoms with new partners
- Undergo a preventive examination with a gynecologist once a year
