Thick white discharge. White discharge in women, odorless and without itching

Allocations in a woman are the norm, if they do not cause her discomfort, there are no deviations in the nature of the menstrual cycle. Any change in color, volume, smell of secretions is perceived as a sign of the disease. But in some cases this is not a pathology. Therefore, it is important to know when to immediately go to the doctor, and when you can take the changes calmly. If transparent, snot-like discharge appears, it is necessary to pay attention not only to their color, but also to the smell and texture, in case of doubt, immediately consult a doctor.

Content:

What discharge is the norm

Physiological vaginal discharge plays an important role in a woman's body. They moisturize the vagina, protecting its surface from damage during intercourse. An important function of whites is to maintain a normal bacterial environment in the vagina and the acidity necessary to prevent the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the uterus.

Whites consist of mucus produced by the glands of the cervix and the vestibule of the vagina, and it also contains fluids that seep through the walls of this organ from the blood and lymphatic vessels. Normal mucus resembles snot in consistency. Its density and transparency depend on the content of proteins and mucins (proteins whose molecules contain polysaccharide chains) in it.

Normal discharge, resembling snot, should have the following indicators:

1. They should be transparent, having a slightly white or beige tint.
2. They should not have an unpleasant odor. A slightly acidic aroma may be present due to the presence of beneficial lactobacilli in the vaginal microflora that prevent the propagation of infection.
3. Mucus should not foam, contain lumps or blood impurities.

In addition, leucorrhoea should not be too plentiful, causing irritation of the vulva and perineum, itching and burning in the vagina.

When the appearance of mucous whites is considered the norm

In women of reproductive age, the density of mucus changes during the menstrual cycle. This is caused by fluctuations in the ratio of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Immediately after menstruation, the density is maximum, a plug of mucus forms in the neck so that sperm cannot enter the uterus, the mucous membrane is restored in it. Then, in the first phase of the cycle, the mucus gradually liquefies, by the time of ovulation it becomes liquid and viscous, resembling snot. It is at this moment (in the middle of the cycle, when ovulation occurs) that the maximum opportunity for the meeting of a mature egg with spermatozoa and fertilization appears. Then the mucus thickens again.

In front of the entrance to the vagina are the so-called Bartholin glands, which produce mucus to eliminate "dry vagina". At the moment of sexual intimacy, the production of lubrication increases sharply, the woman has abundant transparent, stretching like snot, leucorrhoea.

Sometimes mucus odorless discharge may appear regardless of the phase of the cycle as an allergic reaction to any food or medication. The sensitive reproductive system in women can react with the appearance of such whites to a change in the environment, climate.

Note: Sometimes in normal mucous secretions there are slight impurities of blood, which quickly disappear. They appear at the time of ovulation (rupture of the follicle), as well as at the time of the introduction of a fertilized egg into the uterine mucosa (endometrium. This is the so-called implantation bleeding. Bloody leucorrhoea can be normal in the first months after starting taking birth control pills or installing a spiral.

Discharge during pregnancy

The formation of mucous whites is also possible during pregnancy, when a sharp change in hormonal levels occurs in the body. If abundant white mucus does not cause discomfort in a woman and does not contain blood, then its formation is considered the norm. In the second trimester, the density of whiter increases, they become viscous.

The appearance of blood impurities means that for some reason there is a threat of miscarriage or premature birth begins. Blood may appear during an ectopic pregnancy.

Discharge after childbirth

After childbirth, the discharge gradually turns from abundant bloody mucus, reminiscent of menstruation, into trailing, colorless, odorless snot. If a woman is breastfeeding, then she has scanty, thick, clear, yellowish discharge. After the restoration of menstruation, the discharge becomes normal.

Discharge during menopause

During this period, the hormonal background is restructured due to the cessation of the normal functioning of the ovaries. Normal mucous leucorrhoea becomes scanty. Dryness of the vagina, thinning of the mucous membrane often leads to the occurrence of inflammatory and infectious processes in the genitals. At the same time, pathological discharges appear, which disappear after appropriate treatment.

The danger is, as a rule, smearing mucous whites with blood. At this age, bleeding is most often a symptom of cancer.

Video: Normal and pathological vaginal discharge

Causes of the appearance of pathological leucorrhoea, resembling snot

Signs of pathology are:

• the presence of mucus in a bright yellow, green, brown or grayish-white color;
• the appearance in transparent secretions of a sharp smell of rot, sour milk or rotten fish;
• the presence of streaks or blood clots in them for a long time;
• foamy or curdled consistency of mucus;
• the formation of too much mucus, similar to watery snot.

The cause of the pathology can be diseases of the genital organs caused by the penetration of infection, the occurrence of inflammatory processes, hormonal disorders in the body.

Discharge with blood

The appearance of bloody leucorrhoea indicates either injury to the mucous membranes of the vagina or vulva, or the formation of tumors in the genital organs, areas of inflammation with vascular damage.

Diseases of the cervix(erosion, dysplasia, leukoplakia). All of them are associated with damage to the mucous membranes, the appearance of ulcers, cracks, and areas of keratinization on the surface of the neck. They begin to bleed when walking, changing the position of the body. A symptom of pathologies is often the appearance of pain and bleeding during intercourse. The cause of such diseases is hormonal disorders, damage to the tissues of the cervix during childbirth, abortion, gynecological operations, rough sexual intercourse.

Myoma of the uterus. This is a benign tumor inside or on the outside of the uterus. The pathological development of tissues and blood vessels leads to the constant appearance of blood in the mucous whites, which are not related to menstruation and are not associated with the processes of the cycle.

endometriosis- abnormal development of the endometrium, pathological growth of the vascular network, swelling of the mucous membrane, throwing its particles into the ovaries, peritoneum and other organs. With this disease, blood clots and particles of damaged endometrium can be seen in the mucous secretions. Due to internal bleeding, they are usually colored brown. They can be both plentiful and meager (smearing).

polyps the endometrium or cervix are thin-stalked formations that are easily damaged and bleed.

Malignant tumors uterus or ovaries. Blood streaks and lumps appear due to tissue destruction.

Comment: With the appearance of benign or malignant neoplasms in the uterus, clear mucous discharge with blood impurities can turn into heavy intermenstrual uterine bleeding.

Such diseases usually appear when hormonal changes occur in the body associated with age, changes in the physiological state, and the use of hormonal drugs.

Mucous leucorrhoea with unusual features

The smell and color of discharge, similar to snot, changes when inflammatory processes occur in the body after surgery, as a result of a decrease in immunity, hypothermia, and a violation of the vaginal microflora due to antibiotics. The peculiarity of pathological secretions is that they appear without any connection with the processes of the cycle, and continue after menstruation, when the mucus should be the thickest and produced in an insignificant volume.

Vulvovaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingo-oophoritis- all these are inflammatory diseases of the internal and external genital organs, the manifestation of which is the presence of abundant fetid mucous secretions of yellow or green color.

Thrush- a fungal infection of the vagina, which has vivid symptoms, including a change in the nature of the discharge, the appearance of a milky white color, consistency and smell of cottage cheese.

Venereal diseases. With these diseases, the nature of the secretions also changes in a woman: thick, viscous mucus, resembling snot, turns into an abundant foaming liquid gray mass in chlamydia, heterogeneous, foul-smelling gray mucus with a yellow-green tint in gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, mycoplasmosis.

Bacterial vaginosis- violation of the composition of the microflora in the vagina. Snot-like, fish-smelling leucorrhoea appears.

If any signs of pathology appear in the discharge, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist. An examination will be carried out to determine the cause, and adequate treatment will be prescribed.

Video: Yellow discharge in women after sex

Every woman at least once in her life has encountered white discharge, also known as "leucorrhea". Depending on the accompanying symptoms, white discharge can be both normal and a signal of a serious illness! This article will tell you in detail whether to worry about white discharge and when to see a doctor.

Causes of white discharge

They may appear in different situations. The reason may lie both in the disease and in natural conditions for the body: in a certain phase of the cycle, in the onset of ovulation or pregnancy, before menstruation and after intercourse.

Normal discharge

The normal state of discharge in girls and women is as follows: they are white or transparent, do not have an unpleasant odor and are not accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, such as itching and burning in the vagina. White discharge of this type does not affect health in any way. Depending on the cause, they can be thick or liquid, as well as scarce or plentiful - both options can be considered the norm.

Symptoms

When white discharge appears with accompanying symptoms, you should be wary: as usual, they are not accompanied by any other signs. White discharge in women and the causes of their occurrence are considered normal, if there are no other warning signs: burning, itching, pain in the genitals, discomfort after sex and pain when urinating. If the above symptoms appear, you should contact the clinic: with normal discharge, all this does not occur.

First selections

White discharge in girls appears for the first time as early as infancy: abundant mucous leucorrhoea in the first and second weeks of a girl's life is a completely natural phenomenon. By the third week, they stop and do not appear until the age of seven, when most girls begin prepuberty. Up to the age of 13-14, they appear rarely and intermittently, but after reaching this age, the menstrual cycle is finally established, and whites become a familiar part of a girl's life.

With smell

- it is always a symptom of a disease. In the normal state, leucorrhoea usually does not smell of anything, so the appearance of sour, rotten and any other unpleasant odor indicates a pathological process in the body. The only exception will be a light, almost imperceptible sour-milk smell - if it is almost imperceptible and does not cause rejection, such discharge is also considered normal.

Without smell

White, odorless discharge is normal and can occur for various reasons. Whites of this type occur before and after menstruation, during ovulation, with a delay in the menstrual cycle. Also, an odorless secret can appear after intercourse or during pregnancy - both in the early stages and after the first trimester. Odorless discharge is not accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and can have a different consistency: thick, liquid, creamy, slimy and foamy. They can also be of different colors - in addition to white, yellowish, beige and transparent discharges are considered normal.

Delay

Often, women observe that with a delay in menstruation, leucorrhoea also occurs, but pregnancy has not occurred. Delayed menstruation and white discharge can indicate different conditions: most often the cause is stress and colds, a little less often - hormonal failure and inflammation of the genitourinary system. If the delay lasts no more than five days, and the discharge is not too abundant, then you should not worry, but in all other cases, you should consult a doctor.

Ovulation

During certain periods, monthly leucorrhoea becomes a little more than usual - and one of these periods is ovulation. During changes in the body at the onset of ovulation, the vaginal secretion liquefies and becomes more abundant: this whitish mucus may resemble egg white in consistency. This type of leucorrhoea can last for several hours, or two or three days after the egg is released. But the white discharge after ovulation looks completely different: under the influence of progesterone, which protects the fetal egg, they become more scarce and thicker.

Menstruation

When the menstrual cycle comes to an end, the discharge becomes thicker and quite plentiful. The white discharge before menstruation has a slimy, clot-like consistency and a slight sour smell that is not noticeable or unpleasant. The color of such whites can also be different: the most common is a cloudy white tint, there are also yellowish and creamy discharges. It depends on the characteristics of the woman's body and does not affect her well-being.

The main component of such secretions is mucus, which protects the vagina from injuries, infections and sperm penetration. Before menstruation, dying particles of the uterine mucosa are also mixed with it. As usual, most women have such leucorrhoea, but the absence of these secretions can also be a variant of the norm: depending on age, hormonal levels and the use of contraceptives, there may be either very little or no discharge at all.

After PA

The occurrence of a secret after sex is normal for both women and men. When aroused, natural lubrication is produced in large quantities, the amount of which increases after orgasm, so that at the end of sexual intercourse there can really be a lot of leucorrhoea. You should not be afraid of this - this is a natural reaction of the female body.

Depending on whether a condom was used during sexual intercourse, white discharge after sex may be different. So, during unprotected intercourse, the secret is mixed with male sperm, so it can have a yellowish tint and an unusual smell. And when using a condom, the artificial lubricant present on it comes into contact with the female secret, eventually forming opaque and thick whites.

Allocations in diseases

In addition to the normal causes of leucorrhoea, there are pathological variants of their appearance. White discharge and itching in women is an unpleasant symptom that indicates the occurrence of a particular disease. The reasons for their appearance can be different: they include candidiasis, vaginosis, erosion, hormonal disorders, STDs and infections. So, the most common disease with the presence of white discharge and itching is thrush.

Also, a sign of the disease will be a burning sensation in the vagina, pain during urination, dryness and discomfort after sex.

When to See a Doctor for Vaginal Discharge

A visit to the doctor becomes necessary as soon as the appearance of leucorrhea begins to be accompanied by other symptoms. White discharge and itching are not dangerous in themselves, but this condition causes discomfort and does not go away over time, but only worsens. When observing conditions that do not normally occur in the body, such as burning, pain and dryness, you should see a doctor immediately.

Hormonal disorders

Abundant and long whites sometimes occur with hormonal failure. It can be quite difficult to distinguish them from normal white discharge: they do not have a characteristic odor, do not provoke burning and itching, and are not accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or in the genitals. The only sign by which hormonal changes can be detected is the constant consistency and amount of whiteness throughout the entire menstrual cycle, regardless of the onset of ovulation or menstruation. Moreover, the number can be both large and rather meager: both options signal a pathological process.

Thrush (candidiasis)

Vaginal or urogenital candidiasis, also known as - one of the most common diseases of the female genitourinary system. When thrush occurs in women, white discharge with a sour smell, having a curdled consistency, appears. The shade of whiter in this case can also be slightly yellowish or beige: it depends on the body of a particular woman and does not affect the course of the disease. Such a secret is often combined with burning, dryness in the vagina, painful urination and unbearable itching.

Several factors can affect the occurrence of candidiasis (thrush): stress, improperly selected underwear, hormonal failure, taking antibiotics or oral contraceptives, as well as violations of the hygiene of intimate places. To get rid of this problem, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the occurrence, which can only be done by a specialist.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is an unpleasant disease that occurs with vaginal dysbacteriosis. By different reasons the number of lactobacilli that protect the female reproductive system decreases, and the microflora in the vagina is disturbed: the place of “good” bacteria is occupied by pathogenic microorganisms that cause the disease.

Burning and white discharge with the smell of rotten fish are the main symptoms that accompany bacterial vaginosis. Other signs of the disease are usually absent: there is no itching and soreness in the genitals, the discharge itself is rather scarce, translucent and of a uniform consistency. The occurrence of vaginosis is influenced by factors such as antibiotics, douching, and topical application of 9-nonoxynol. It may be present in products that are applied topically, such as suppositories and ointments, or in lubricants. They are also sometimes treated with condoms that are used during sexual intercourse.

endometritis

Endometritis is a severe inflammatory disease that occurs in the genitourinary system and has a serious impact on women's health. It develops against the background of bacterial vaginitis, sexually transmitted diseases, viral infections, or with a general decrease in immunity. Also, endometritis can occur against the background of an abortion performed two to three months ago.

White discharge with endometritis is viscous and very abundant, lasts throughout the entire cycle and does not weaken, regardless of the phase. There is no smell or other symptoms in this type of discharge, but they can interfere with the onset of menstruation, provoking a long delay. If the endometritis is not cured in time, bloody streaks will begin to mix with the whites, and then severe uterine bleeding may begin.

Cervical erosion

Erosion of the cervix or malignant neoplasms on it can be accompanied by different symptoms: they include after menstruation, spotting bleeding after intercourse, nagging pain in the lower abdomen and white-yellow discharge throughout the cycle.

Such leucorrhea is usually watery, does not smell at all and is not accompanied by other symptoms that appear in gynecological diseases. The only unpleasant feeling that patients note is a pulling feeling in the lower abdomen and a slight pain, which intensifies over time. It is precisely because of such meager symptoms that it is rather difficult to detect erosion: it is diagnosed either by chance or in the later stages, when the pain becomes unbearable.

Pathological discharge

Pathological secretions of white color will be considered all those mentioned above: with a pungent smell of rotten milk, fish or eggs, accompanied by itching or burning in the genitals, too plentiful, curdled or too thick consistency, provoking pain. Types of pathological leucorrhoea can be different, but they all equally bring discomfort to a woman.

Which doctor should I contact with pathological vaginal discharge

If you observe leucorrhoea in yourself that differs from the described variants of the norm and is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, you need to consult a gynecologist who will diagnose the cause of your discharge and help cure the disease that provokes them.

Types of whites

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white clear discharge

With a slight white tint, they are considered natural for the female body. The presence of such whites without other alarming symptoms should not cause concern: in small quantities they are observed throughout the cycle, and their presence is completely normal. Such a secret is most often rather meager, but depending on the body of a particular woman, it can be released in large quantities.

Transparent whites can cause concern only when their appearance is accompanied by other symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen or in the vagina, itching, burning, and any other unnatural manifestation for the body.

White curdled discharge

White curdled discharge is always a symptom of the disease: normally, women do not have such a consistency of whiter, so when it appears, we can confidently talk about pathology. A curd-like secret and the itching that accompanies it may signal thrush, gonorrhea, or a bacterial infection of the vagina. The green tint of curdled discharge indicates trichomoniasis.

Liquid secretions

- a normal phenomenon throughout the entire menstrual cycle of a woman, with the exception of a few days after ovulation. In small quantities, they are almost always present, and they become abundant before and during intercourse, before and during ovulation, and also during the first trimester of pregnancy. Normal liquid leucorrhea is odorless, and if it smells, it is very weak and not sharp. In a situation where liquid secretions acquire a sharp sour smell, we are talking about the occurrence of pathology: most often the problem is thrush.

thick

White, thick, odorless discharge occurs in a woman at certain points in the cycle: their appearance is normal after the completion of ovulation and at the end of the menstrual cycle. This type of leucorrhea lasts two to three days, and then changes to a more fluid discharge or menstrual blood. Also, thick white discharge appears during pregnancy: after the completion of the first trimester, they replace liquid and abundant whites.

The appearance of thick whites throughout the cycle is abnormal and unnatural for the female body. The absence of other symptoms is not a guarantee of your safety: such discharge may be uterine or tubal leucorrhoea, which signal serious diseases such as endometritis or cervicitis. If you observe incessant thick discharge for a week or more, you should consult a doctor.

Creamy

White creamy discharge can be normal or pathological: these two options differ from each other only in the absence or presence of an unpleasant odor. The smell can be different and depends on the specific disease: it can be the smell of rotten fish, eggs or sour milk.

Creamy leucorrhea is secreted in small amounts after ovulation, and they can also be observed after the end of menstruation. Normally, these discharges are somewhat cloudy, have a barely noticeable yellowish tint, and if they are present, there are no other unpleasant symptoms in the genitals.

Mucous

Beli mucous consistency, looking like snot - the natural state of secretions in the female body. Most often they have a transparent or light white tint, they can also be light yellow. Usually they are rather scarce, but their number increases during ovulation, as well as during intercourse and before menstruation. During pregnancy, such mucous discharge becomes very abundant and liquid.

During pregnancy

White discharge during pregnancy appears both in the first trimester and later. Depending on the period, they can be liquid or thick, and also change in quantity, but in general their structure does not change: they are always mucous, snot-like discharges with a pronounced white tint.

In the early stages

White discharge in the early stages resembles mucous clots with a subtle white tint, and can also be colorless. Such a secret appears due to an increase in the amount of progesterone in the blood: whites form a mucous plug to protect the uterine cavity, so physiologically these discharges are completely normal.

After the onset of the second trimester of pregnancy, the amount of progesterone drops, so the amount of leucorrhoea increases, and they become liquid. They can also change shade: both slightly whitish and completely transparent are normal.

Diagnostics

Seeing a doctor if white discharge starts to cause problems is inevitable. Only a specialist will be able to diagnose the cause of the secretion and understand what disease worries you.

What tests can doctors prescribe for vaginal discharge

To establish a diagnosis, the gynecologist will need to interview you, examine you in the gynecological chair and take a swab for possible infections: it is the results of this study that will help to tell exactly what kind of disease you have and how to deal with it.

Swab analyzes for flora, or bacterioscopy, are performed within a day. Before passing such a smear, it is necessary not to urinate for two to three hours, and also to refrain from sexual intercourse and the use of vaginal preparations two days before the analysis. Failure to follow these precautions may result in inaccurate results.

After receiving the result of bacterioscopy, other tests may be required: blood donation for hormones, tank culture and PCR diagnostics. However, these research methods are used less frequently, and in most cases there is no need for them.

Prevention

Pathological white discharge can appear for various reasons, so preventive measures for their elimination are quite extensive.

Preventive actions

Prevention of whites usually includes the following:

• Use of condoms at the first sexual contact with a new partner;
• Wearing comfortable, appropriately sized underwear made from natural fabrics;
• Careful intimate hygiene;
• Tracking the hormonal background, taking tests once a year;
• Timely treatment of infectious and viral diseases;
• Taking probiotics after a course of antibiotic treatment: this restores the vaginal microflora, reducing the risk of candidiasis;
• Avoidance of stress in any manifestations;
• Preventive examinations at the gynecologist.

The above measures will help reduce the risk of pathological leucorrhoea and bring it to almost zero. It is not possible to speak about one hundred percent probability, but the application of these prescriptions will help your body in any case.

Treatment

Treatment methods depend solely on what kind of disease bothers you. Depending on what symptoms were observed in each specific case, the treatment will also be selected: all the diseases listed above are treated in completely different ways, so there is no general treatment regimen for leucorrhoea.

Treatment Methods

Thrush, or candidiasis, is treated with antifungal therapy and restoration of the vaginal microflora: in order to suppress the spread of the Candida fungus and restore women's health, the number of "good" bacteria must be returned to normal.

Vaginal dysbiosis, also known as bacterial vaginosis, is treated with antibiotics from the nitroimidazole group, which help destroy pathogens. As in the case of candidiasis, after the completion of treatment, the woman undergoes probiotic therapy, which brings the microflora back to normal.

The hormonal background of a woman is restored with the help of hormonal preparations, which are selected individually in each case. Treatment of hormonal disruptions can be quite long: women often complain about the lack of effect in treatment started two to three months ago. For some, recovery can even take several years.

Cervical erosion, unfortunately, is not treated with drug therapy. Depending on the specific situation, it can be surgical, laser or radio wave surgery, as well as cryodestruction and diathermocoagulation.

Treatment regimens and drugs are selected for the body and characteristics of a particular woman, therefore, without examination and analysis, it is impossible to say which medicines can be used for your illness and which should not. Self-treatment for gynecological diseases is unacceptable: only a specialist can really help you, so in no case should you avoid taking it if you find yourself with unpleasant symptoms.

In men

Normally, white discharge in men has a viscous, mucous consistency and appears only under certain circumstances. The presence of leucorrhoea is normal during sexual arousal, during ejaculation, and also during defecation or urination: this may be the secret of the prostate, although this does not always happen. Normal discharge in men should be almost transparent, not too plentiful and not appear without a reason. Also, they should not have a strong odor.

The appearance in the secretions of foreign impurities, bloody streaks, the acquisition of a grayish or yellowish hue by whites indicates a pathology. In addition, signs of the disease can be painful and uncomfortable sensations during urination and arousal, as well as an unpleasant odor coming from the penis. If there are no such symptoms, but discharge appears often and for no reason, a man should also consult a urologist: some dangerous diseases can be almost asymptomatic, and reinsurance will never be superfluous.

By themselves, white discharge is not dangerous: it is only important to pay attention to the symptoms that accompany them. If there is a suspicion of a pathology, consult a doctor as soon as possible - the sooner you start treatment, the less likely there are serious complications after the disease.

The consistency and color of secretions from the genitals are characteristic indicators of a woman's health. If the uterus and ovaries function normally, there are no inflammatory or other pathological processes in the organs of the reproductive system, then minor discharge usually does not cause discomfort. Another thing is abundant white discharge that causes itching. They are usually associated with serious gynecological diseases. It is very important to establish their cause, to prevent the transition of the disease into a chronic form, to prevent complications.

Content:

Causes of natural secretions

Thanks to the mucus produced by special glands in the cervix and vagina, the internal genital organs are protected from the penetration of harmful microorganisms that cause damage to their mucous membranes. The slightly acidic environment of this mucus is due to the presence in it of beneficial lactobacilli that produce lactic acid. In such an environment, infectious agents die.

Physiological mucus is usually colorless. There is a constant renewal of epithelial cells. At the same time, dying cells pass into the composition of whites, which may have a faint creamy tint. Their consistency is affected by any changes in the hormonal background. The most dramatic hormonal surges occur during puberty, as well as during pregnancy. Therefore, in girls and pregnant women, the discharge is usually plentiful.

The volume of leucorrhea is minimal immediately after the end of menstruation, since the mucus has a thick consistency. Before the onset of ovulation, the mucous plug in the cervix gradually liquefies, becoming like egg white. The volume of allocations is increasing. By the end of the cycle, they spontaneously disappear.

During pregnancy, such discharge exists in every woman. If there is a delay in menstruation, while abundant thick homogeneous leucorrhoea appears, most likely this indicates the onset of pregnancy.

Natural secretions differ from pathological ones in that they do not have an unpleasant odor and do not irritate the mucous membrane. Such discharge does not cause itching in women.

Video: Normal and pathological white discharge in women

Causes of pathological discharge and itching

Unlike natural secretions, pathological ones have no connection with the phases of the menstrual cycle. They appear spontaneously, spontaneously and do not disappear. Such leucorrhoea is usually liquid, frothy or similar to cottage cheese, often has a pungent smell, cause itching.

Whiteness can be caused by:

1. Diseases of the genital organs.
2. Hormonal disorders that occur with hypothyroidism (thyroid disease), the use of hormonal drugs for contraception and as medicines, as well as after abortions and other processes that change the natural hormonal background.
3. Allergy to hygiene products.

Note: Itching in the vagina occurs as a reaction to certain medications, as well as after eating spicy foods, smoked meats.

Pathological discharge can be accompanied, in addition to itching in the vagina, also by fever, burning and cutting during urination, pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Sometimes they have a greenish or yellowish tint. The cause of itching is irritation of the nerve endings located in the vagina.

Types of pathological white discharge

Depending on which part of the reproductive system the disease occurs, whites are divided into the following types:

1. Pipe. They appear as a result of an inflammatory process or the formation of a malignant tumor in the uterine tubes.
2. Royal. As a rule, their appearance is a symptom of the formation of polyps, fibroids in the uterus. They may be a sign of cancer.
3. Cervical. Their cause is a violation of the production of mucus in the glands due to endocrine diseases, as well as the occurrence of inflammatory and congestive processes as a result of tears in the neck, scarring. Such whites can appear with infectious diseases, the formation of polyps.
4. Vaginal. Appear due to irritation or damage to the mucous membrane with improper douching, mechanical damage, violation of the natural microflora in the vagina.
5. Vestibular. White discharge and itching appear due to the increased work of the sebaceous glands in diabetes mellitus, inflammatory processes, mechanical irritation, and non-compliance with hygiene rules.

Diseases that are symptomatic of white discharge. Treatment

Such a symptom is characteristic of both sexually transmitted infectious diseases and inflammatory processes caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body, mechanical or chemical damage to the mucous membranes.

Diseases resulting from sexual transmission

Candidiasis (thrush)- defeat of the mucous membrane by the Candida fungus. The process can occur in the vagina (candidiasis vaginitis, or colpitis), external genitalia (vulvitis), or spread to both areas (vulvovaginitis). At the same time, white abundant discharge resembles a curdled mass, has a characteristic sour smell.

Itching, burning, frequent urination, swelling and damage to the mucosa, pain during intercourse are additional symptoms that deprive a woman of the strength and ability to lead a normal life. In the acute form, the disease is treated in a few days with the help of antifungal drugs (miconazole, pimafucin, clotrimazole). Such funds are available in the form of tablets, suppositories and creams.

It is also necessary to restore the normal microflora of the vagina and intestines with the help of preparations containing lactobacilli. In addition, inflammatory processes are eliminated.

If the disease is started, then it becomes chronic, in which long-term treatment is required. Symptoms may worsen from time to time. The reason may be a decrease in immunity.

Sometimes candidiasis passes into the third form, in which there are no external symptoms, but the woman is the carrier of the infection.

Warning: From vulvovaginal candidiasis, it is necessary to be treated, as the fungus can spread to other organs.

Video: Signs and treatment of thrush in women

Papillomavirus vulvovaginitis. With this disease, genital warts (warts) appear on the skin around the anus and in the mucous membrane of the vulva, which can grow together. This complicates sexual intercourse, leads to inflammation, itching.

The causative agent of this infection is human papillomavirus. It is transmitted both sexually and by contact (through bed linen, medical instruments). The resulting white discharge causes itching, swelling and redness of the vulva.

Treatment is carried out by surgical removal of condylomas, burning them out by electrocoagulation, cryotherapy. Laser excision is also used. In this case, drugs are prescribed to increase immunity (isoprinosine, for example).

Diseases that are not sexually transmitted

Bacterial vaginosis- this is vaginal dysbacteriosis, that is, the predominance of pathogenic bacteria over beneficial lactobacilli. This condition can occur as a result of a decrease in immunity, intestinal dysbacteriosis, malnutrition (lack of fermented milk products in the diet), wearing synthetic underwear, which creates conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Symptoms of the disease are itching in the vagina, liquid white discharge with a grayish tint, smelling like fish.

Treatment consists in the elimination of pathogens (gardnerella and others) with the help of suppositories containing antibiotics and antiseptics. In addition, drugs with bifidobacteria are used, which increase the acidity of the vaginal environment.

If bacterial vaginosis is not treated, then favorable conditions are created for the occurrence of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the uterus and appendages.

Video: Causes and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

cervicitis- inflammation of the cervix that extends into the vagina. With this disease, the discharge is cloudy white with an admixture of pus. The reason is infection with various types of infection, birth trauma of the neck, postoperative scars. The disease contributes to a decrease in immunity. Often it is accompanied by cervical ectopia (pseudo-erosion), ectropion (ectropion of the neck), inflammation of the vulva and vagina.

The technique and drugs for treatment are selected depending on the cause that caused the appearance of cervicitis. Antibiotics, antiviral agents, antifungal drugs are used. The affected area is treated with disinfectant solutions.

To restore the balance of beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the genitals, drugs that act locally, directly in the vagina, are needed. An example of such a tool can be called Laktozhinal. Its capsules contain lactic acid bacteria (in lyophilized form), which are one of the leading components of the microflora of the female genitalia. Once inside the vagina, lactobacilli come to life, begin to actively multiply and produce acid, which protects against pathogenic microbes and inhibits the growth of candidiasis provocateur fungi. Such treatment of vaginosis also contributes to the prevention of thrush.

In the chronic form of the disease, laser therapy, cryotherapy and other surgical methods of treatment are used. Estrogen preparations (ovestin) are also prescribed, which promote the regeneration of the mucosa.

To determine the cause of leucorrhoea, a colposcopy is performed, a smear is examined under a microscope, and sowing is done. This allows you to determine the type of bacteria, choose an antibiotic. Blood tests are used by PCR and ELISA to detect the type of infection.

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The leucorrhoea that is discharged daily from a woman's vagina is a natural process. But their consistency can change depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, sexual intercourse, or as a result of taking certain drugs (often hormonal).

Normally, leucorrhoea does not have a specific smell and in appearance they are whitish or translucent. The appearance of greenish or red-brown inclusions in them indicates pathology.

White, thick, odorless, itchy discharge

Viscous white discharge in women without itching and odor can be observed immediately after menstruation. The reason for their appearance is that at the beginning of the cycle, estradiol begins to be actively produced.

• This contributes not only to the growth of the dominant follicle and the endometrial layer in the uterus, but also to a change in the volume and consistency of the whites.

Another reason for the appearance of such secretions may be the intensive production of progesterone. In this case, they are observed towards the end of the second phase of the cycle.

Sometimes whites have a yellowish tint, which also indicates the work of the hormone of the second phase of the cycle, this is especially true for women who take synthetic analogues of progesterone (for example, Duphaston).

When should you be concerned?

White, having a thick consistency, should not be observed throughout the entire menstrual cycle. If such a picture still takes place, then this may indicate a hormonal failure, in which the cycle becomes monophasic, and ovulation does not occur.

If the viscous discharge has a grayish or greenish tint, and is also accompanied by itching or constant pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the uterus, cervix or appendages - the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

White liquid discharge in women

Vaginal discharge becomes more watery before ovulation begins. However, at the same time, they must be uniform in composition, have no smell and no other color than whitish. The period that implies their appearance should be small - only a few days.

Further, under the influence of an increasing level of LH and FSH, the intravaginal secretion again changes its consistency, which becomes suitable for transporting spermatozoa to the cervix. The volume of whites that have a liquid consistency may be different.

Some women during this period require daily pads, but for some of the fair sex, the discharge is meager, and for some of them it is even difficult to single out the period when the whites become liquid.

When should you be concerned?

Liquid, whitish discharge that has a sour smell and is accompanied by itching may indicate thrush. At the same time, the mucous membranes of the labia majora and labia minora may not have white plaques characteristic of candidiasis.

Another sign of this disease is the lack of uniformity in the consistency of liquid secretions: white solid lumps, similar to grains of cottage cheese, are clearly visible in them.

Such a clinical picture indicates that the pathological growth of Candida fungi occurs in the vagina. If treatment measures are not taken, then very soon the inflammation will spread to the large and small labia.

Another situation that should alert is the appearance of white and liquid discharge, accompanied by a smell and inclusions of pus.

Self-treatment in this case is contraindicated - it is necessary to take a smear on the flora in order to determine the type of pathogen.

When should you see a doctor?

White discharge is the norm and accompanies a woman throughout the entire cycle, from one menstruation to the next. However, in certain cases, the nature of intravaginal secretion involves contacting a gynecologist and a comprehensive examination of the smear for the presence of the following diseases:

• Bacterial vaginosis. The discharge is thick, white, with yellowish-greenish streaks, goes on for a long time and is accompanied by a constant feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen or sharp pains. Over time, cervical mucus begins to smell like rotten fish.
• Salpingoophoritis. The discharge is translucent, watery and very copious. Sometimes a woman can feel them pouring out of her. In addition, such discharge forces you to constantly wear pads designed for menstrual bleeding. If there is no treatment, then the whites gradually become thick and begin to have an unpleasant odor.
• Endometritis. Throughout the cycle, the whites are very viscous and plentiful. In advanced cases, they have bloody streaks. There is no smell, but menstruation may be absent until the endometritis is cured ().
• extensive erosion or malignant transformations on the cervix. The leucorrhoea is watery throughout the cycle, has no smell, but is accompanied by unpleasant sensations and pains in the lower abdomen ().

The sooner the examination is made, the more successful the treatment will be and the less the infection will have negative consequences. In the treatment of such diseases, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy, which will prevent the transition of the acute form of the disease into a chronic one.

What does white discharge mean during pregnancy?

Conception makes significant changes in the hormonal background of a woman. This is also reflected in the nature of intravaginal discharge, which becomes more abundant in the first trimester and has a milky white color.

To protect the membranes from possible infections, the woman's body creates a special barrier in the cervix, consisting of a thick layer of vaginal secretion.

• Often the process of formation of the so-called "cork" is accompanied by an increase in the volume of whitish secretions, which in their consistency resemble sour cream.

Pregnant women in the first trimester are often worried that the discharged leucorrhoea after a short time becomes yellow. However, this is a variant of the norm.

Under the influence of a high content of progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman, white discharge can turn yellow due to contact with air. If the expectant mother takes Duphaston or Utrozhestan, then the cervical mucus released after two to three hours in the air may become pale orange.

Whitish watery discharge for a long time can be an alarm, especially if they are abundant enough. One of the main reasons is the violation of the integrity of the placenta, or, in other words, the leakage of amniotic fluid.

Pharmacies sell special tests that will help a woman distinguish between normal vaginal secretions and amniotic fluid, but it is better to consult a doctor immediately and not self-medicate.

Rules for intimate hygiene with abundant white discharge

Intravaginal secretion, which stands out in large volumes, involves the use of daily thin pads. But keep in mind that during the day this hygiene item needs to be changed at least twice, since the old daily routine becomes a breeding ground for germs.

If some days in the menstrual cycle suggest increased secretion of whites, then it is advisable to wash yourself in the evening and, if possible, at lunchtime.

With abundant whites, it is better not to douche and treat with intravaginal suppositories.

White discharge in women is only normal if they go odorless and itchy, are not accompanied by pain and are not too plentiful. For any deviations, you should visit the gynecologist's office.