Normal discharge in women: when not to worry. Discharge in women

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Discharge from the genitals of a woman is a natural defense mechanism of the body. Moisturizing the mucous membranes, the mucous secretion prevents the reproduction of pathogenic pathological microorganisms and bacteria, protects against the development of infections and is a self-purification mechanism of the vagina.

In order not to harm women's health with excessive cleanliness, you need to know what secretions are considered the norm in women.

What should be the natural discharge of a healthy woman

To understand what a woman's normal discharge should be, it is important to know what they are.

Normal vaginal discharge is a mixture of:

  • dead cells of the epithelium of the mucous membranes of the cervical canal (cervical canal) and the woman's vagina,
  • mucus from the cervical canal,
  • microorganisms - bacteria, fungi, viruses that inhabit the genitals.

Normal microflora in women of reproductive age is characterized by the presence of lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli, Doderlein bacillus), enterobacteria, fungi (Candida, gardnerella), a small number of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, streptococci.

Due to the presence of lactobacilli, vaginal discharge has a normal acidic environment (normal pH = 3.8 - 4.4) and a specific sour smell.

Types of vaginal discharge

The vaginal secret of a woman is not abundant mucus, which does not have a sharp unpleasant odor and unnatural color. A normal secret promotes lubrication and cleansing of the mucous membranes of the epithelium from irritation and drying out. After the completion of menstruation in a healthy woman, normal discharge has a colorless liquid consistency. Before the onset of ovulation in a woman (12-16 days with a normal 28-day menstrual cycle), they become plentiful, cloudy and thicker, viscous. This means that the egg is ready for fertilization. This time is most favorable for the successful conception of a child.

So, what should be the discharge of a healthy woman:

  • transparent mucous membranes
  • colorless creamy, characteristic of the post-ovulation period,
  • pink with bloody streaks in the pre-ovulation period,
  • colorless, odorless, jelly-like (appear before the onset of menstruation),
  • brownish - brown can appear in the first 2 - 3 weeks when taking hormonal contraceptives,
  • liquidish light white, not causing discomfort - typical for the period of pregnancy, with an increase in the duration of pregnancy, such discharge may increase,
  • whitish-cloudy (appearing after sexual intercourse).

In different periods, cervical discharge in women can acquire a different consistency, smell, color. And their quantity and quality indicates deviations from the norm, the presence of any disorders, diseases, inflammations in the reproductive system.

If a woman's discharge has become abnormal - abundant with an unpleasant fetid odor and an unusual color (yellowish, green, brown - brown) and irritating the skin of the perineum - this is a sign of the disease. In this case, you should immediately contact a specialist - a gynecologist to take smears for bacterial culture of the vaginal microflora and exclude STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), venereal diseases.

Causes (norms) of a change in the color of normal discharge in women:

  • pregnancy,
  • menopause,
  • postpartum, during breastfeeding,
  • taking hormonal contraceptives and certain types of drugs,
  • venereal diseases.

For each of the above reasons for deviations from the norm, various variations in the consistency of these discharges, their colors, the appearance or absence of an unpleasant odor and other accompanying signs indicating a specific reason for the change in the acceptable state are possible. The absence of any cervical discharge can also indicate the presence of pathologies.

What discharge is considered normal in women

Let us dwell in more detail on what kind of discharge is normal and in what period of a woman's life.

Transparent

A transparent vaginal secret is the most harmless and natural type of normal discharge. A similar secret can manifest itself in the premenstrual period, before the onset of ovulation in a woman, during the puberty of a teenage girl. It consists of dead epithelial cells, waste products of the vaginal microflora, lactic acid fungi and bacteria. A feature is the complete absence of smell or a very slight sour smell.

The following symptoms (deviations from the norm) are a cause for concern and an urgent visit to the doctor:

  • the appearance of an unpleasant odor,
  • burning and irritation in the vulva,
  • cramps during urination and sexual intercourse,
  • the appearance of flakes or bloody clots in the discharge.

Similar symptoms may indicate diseases such as: endometritis, vaginal dysbacteriosis (vaginosis), salpingo-oophoritis, neoplasms in the cervical cavity.

White (white)

In terms of consistency and smell, women should have normal white discharge. Beli can appear before the onset of menstruation, ovulation and in early pregnancy. If their consistency is homogeneous, odorless, and they do not bother a woman, then there is no reason for concern. Changes in quantity, composition (thick, frothy), appearance of white flakes, fetid odor (similar to rotten fish) may indicate diseases such as:

  • fungal infections (candidiasis),
  • vaginitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina),
  • andexite,
  • STDs (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis).

Reasons for changing whites:

  • Improper use of personal hygiene products, poor quality of raw materials used, the presence of chemical flavors and fragrances,
  • Frequent douching without a doctor's prescription, which wash out the beneficial microflora of the cervical canal,
  • Long-term use of certain types of hormonal contraceptives,
  • Inactive lifestyle, lack of physical activity,
  • Failure to observe daily intimate hygiene.

A sharp increase in the amount of whiteness in the middle of the cycle is due to the upcoming ovulation. If the increase in whiteness, the development of unusual symptoms occurs throughout the cycle and pregnancy is excluded, then this indicates the development of a pathology or disease.

yellow

The color of the cervical secret in yellow may be due to natural normal changes in the female body.

What yellow discharge occurs normally in women:

  • no smell, discomfort, burning sensation,
  • color slightly yellow, muted,
  • the consistency is watery, uniform (without jelly-like clots).

In cases where yellow discharge is accompanied by a sharp increase in their number, an unpleasant odor (like rotten fish), a burning sensation, discomfort, pain during urination, you should immediately seek medical help and take a smear on the flora. Since such symptoms indicate diseases such as: inflammation of the ovaries and their appendages, andexitis, salpingitis, vaginitis, gonorrhea, chlamydia.

Greens

The green color of cervical discharge is a clear sign of a pathological genesis. As a rule, it is accompanied by severe itching, irritation. It is a sign of STDs and a serious inflammatory process in the vagina.

Causes of the green secret:

  • Bacterial vaginosis, fungal candidiasis - the nature of the discharge is jelly-like or curdled,
  • Trichomoniasis,
  • Gonorrhea,
  • Syphilis,
  • Chlamydia, gardnerellosis.

The appearance of greenish discharge is always a sign of pathology (inflammatory process or STDs). The key to successful treatment is timely consultation and diagnosis by a specialist - a gynecologist.

Bloody (brown).

Such secretions are recognized as the most dangerous, threatening the life and health of a woman.

A woman should be alert:

  • Increasing the amount of excreted secretion
  • Itching, burning sensation in the vulva,
  • Bad smell
  • Pain when urinating
  • intermenstrual discharge,
  • Foamy discharge mixed with pus and bloody streaks.

The causes of the appearance of a bloody - brownish secret can be:

  • Abortion,
  • Infection in the genitals
  • menopause, menopause,
  • Taking inappropriate hormonal contraceptives, improper placement of an intrauterine device,
  • Neoplasms in the vagina (cervix) - warts, polyps, ulcers,
  • Intense rough intercourse, rape.

The secret of a bloody - brown color can be a symptom of diseases such as:

  • Cervical erosion,
  • adenomyosis,
  • endometritis,
  • Tumors and neoplasms (sarcoma, fibroma, myoma).

If a discharge of this color is found, it should be a reason for immediate medical attention. To exclude serious violations and make an accurate diagnosis, smears and tests are required.

Having considered the main types of what should be discharge in women, we can conclude that normal vaginal discharge is a natural process of cleansing a woman's reproductive system from pathological microflora. A change from the norm in the structure, color, consistency, intensity of secretion, the appearance and intensification of odor can appear during such normal physiological processes as: pregnancy, menopause, menopause, the postpartum state, with the onset of ovulation and menstruation, during the puberty of a girl.

If the discharge has acquired an unpleasant odor, not a specific consistency, purulent particles - this is a reason for an urgent appeal to a medical facility. Making the correct diagnosis and prescribing effective treatment will help the delivery of appropriate smears for STDs and cytology, blood tests for certain types of diseases, and cultural studies.

Vaginal discharge- this is the result of the secretory activity of glandular structures, mainly located in the vagina. To a lesser extent, the glands of the overlying genital organs are involved in the formation of the vaginal secretion. Physiological vaginal discharge is present in all women and girls after the completion of puberty, and in postmenopausal their number is minimal.

In the mucous membranes lining the walls of the vestibule of the vagina, as well as the cervix, there are glands that constantly produce a small amount of secretion to irrigate, protect and cleanse the vagina. The presence of such discharge in the vagina is necessary and is not a pathology. A change in the nature of habitual secretions occurs due to harmless reasons or signals serious problems.

Physiological discharge from the vagina is not too abundant, does not cause inconvenience to the woman and does not affect the condition of the surrounding tissues. Vaginal discharge is considered normal if it meets several criteria:

- they are liquid or mucous, transparent or slightly cloudy, less often they are jelly-like;

- the amount of discharge does not exceed their usual rate for a particular woman;

- do not have a pronounced unpleasant odor;

- do not cause irritation and inflammation of the surrounding mucous membranes, accompanied by itching, pain or discomfort.

We can say that the “normality” of the amount and consistency of vaginal discharge is primarily determined by the woman herself, since the concept of “norm” can vary significantly. For some women, an increased or scanty amount of vaginal discharge is considered normal if its pattern does not change throughout life, and if it is not accompanied by pathological symptoms.

The external characteristics of the discharge are also not always interpreted correctly by patients. Sometimes secretions change their appearance when interacting with air and leave traces on linen of a “not their own” color. If the secretions come into contact with the chemicals that make up hygiene products, they can also change the appearance. During a gynecological examination, the nature of the vaginal contents is assessed more reliably.

As a rule, in most healthy women, the daily amount of fluid in the vagina does not exceed 2 ml, and lactobacilli and squamous epithelial cells predominate in its composition. In minimal amounts (about 2%), representatives of conditionally pathogenic microflora are present in the vagina: gardnerella, mycoplasmas, anaerobic bacteria, staphylococci, streptococci and fungi. In order to prevent unwanted microflora from multiplying, with the help of lactobacilli, a constant acidic environment with a pH of 3.8 - 4.5 is maintained in the vagina.

The nature of vaginal contents can be affected by:

- Natural cyclic hormonal fluctuations affect vaginal discharge, changing not only their quantity, but also the consistency. On the eve of menstruation, the amount of discharge from the vagina increases, and it becomes more viscous.

The most popular reason for visiting a gynecologist is copious and unpleasant discharge from the vagina of an unusual type. Beli can have a wide variety of colors (from white to red), consistency (jelly, "cottage cheese" or foam) and be accompanied by discomfort and pain. In some cases, whites are the only symptom of the disease.

The amount of discharge is an important indicator in the diagnosis of diseases. Complaints about strong vaginal discharge do not quite correctly characterize the nature of the whites. The discharge does not have “strength”, there is only quantity, therefore, in the formulation of complaints, it is more correct to replace strong vaginal discharge with abundant vaginal discharge.

As a leading symptom, pathological vaginal discharge accompanies a huge number of gynecological diseases, but most often (60-70%) they appear with inflammatory diseases of the genitals.

Diagnosis of the causes of leucorrhea most often does not cause difficulties, a simple laboratory study of quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of the vaginal secret ("smears on the flora") helps to determine the source of the disease.

Therapy of pathological vaginal discharge involves the elimination of the source of the disease and the restoration of normal indicators of the vaginal environment.

Causes of vaginal discharge

When they say “vaginal discharge”, they mean pathological discharge - leucorrhoea, and not normal vaginal contents, because, as a rule, a woman does not notice the usual vaginal discharge.

At the heart of the pathological process in the vagina, leading to the appearance of secretions (or leucorrhoea), there is a single trigger mechanism - a change in the quantitative composition of the microflora and the acidity of the vaginal environment. The vaginal mucosa is in a state of constant self-renewal due to the shedding of "old" cells and the growth of new cells. Lactobacilli interact with the surface cells of the vaginal epithelium, they break down the glycogen contained in them into lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, as a result creating an acidic environment in the vagina. Unwanted microflora cannot multiply in an acidic environment, so its amount in the vagina remains minimal.

The epithelium of the vagina is hormonally dependent, therefore, the state of the vaginal environment is affected by cyclic hormonal changes in the body: estrogens provide mucosal cells with glycogen, and gestagens help the surface layer of cells to be rejected in time. Thus, the biphasic ovulatory cycle helps to maintain a constancy of the vaginal environment. Dishormonal disorders in the body can provoke pathological discharge from the vagina.

However, whites do not always mean that the disease is localized in the vagina. According to the place of occurrence, they distinguish:

- Vaginal leucorrhoea. They appear more often than others and accompany inflammatory, infectious diseases or.

- Pipe leucorrhoea. Appear against the background of inflammation in the fallopian tubes. The walls of the inflamed fallopian tube become edematous, their lumen narrows, the inflammatory secret accumulates in the tube, and then pours into the uterus in portions and enters the vagina through the cervical canal. If the contents of the tube enter the ovary, symptoms of adnexitis appear.

- Uterine leucorrhoea. Occur mainly in inflammatory processes in the endometrium.

- Cervical (cervical) whites are the result of increased secretion of the glands of the cervix during inflammation.

- Vestibular leucorrhea is produced by glands in the vestibule of the vagina.

In girls, in 55% of cases, the appearance of whites is not associated with gynecological pathology and is caused by metabolic, allergic or endocrine disorders in the body. During active puberty, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase, but they are physiological. Only in 30% of girls and adolescents, vaginal discharge is pathological, and most of them are of an infectious nature.

In the period of pre and postmenopause, leucorrhoea is associated with atrophic processes in the mucous membranes or oncological diseases. Sometimes the appearance of leucorrhea in elderly patients is associated with the prolapse of the genital organs.

White against the background of foreign bodies in the vaginal cavity can be profuse, purulent and have an unpleasant odor. Too long stay in the vagina of hygienic tampons, vaginal ring (pessary), as well as foreign objects introduced from the outside can cause whiter.

Perhaps there is not a single woman who would not be faced with changes in the nature of vaginal discharge, but not every one of them needed medical attention. The presence of provoking factors does not always lead to the appearance of whites. In healthy women with a good immune system and a normal hormonal status, deviations in the normal indicators of the vaginal environment are compensated for by the internal resources of the body. However, sexual infections in even the most healthy patients require therapy.

White discharge from the vagina

The appearance of the vaginal discharge can not always reliably indicate the true cause of its appearance. Physiological vaginal discharge sometimes has a whitish tint, but due to their small amount, a woman may not know what they look like, and begins to pay attention to them only when their number increases against a background of natural causes: in the middle of the menstrual cycle, after stress or intimacy and so on. As a rule, in such cases, in addition to the discharge, the patient is not disturbed by any other subjective sensations, and after the examination, it is not possible to establish the presence of a pathological process.

In pregnant women, physiological discharge before childbirth becomes whitish, copious and thicker. Unlike whites, they are not accompanied by discomfort and do not require treatment.

A pathological process can be suspected if the patient complains of unusually thick and unpleasant white vaginal discharge against the background of itching, burning or discomfort. Such secretions most often indicate an excessive reproduction of fungal microflora, that is, the appearance of vaginal candidiasis. The source of the disease are Candida fungi. In small quantities, they may be present in the vagina, and their growth is inhibited by lactobacilli. If the normal composition of the vaginal microflora is disturbed, the fungi begin to actively vegetate, displacing beneficial microorganisms.

Vaginal candidiasis is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. Patients complain of profuse and thick white vaginal discharge. Characteristic white inclusions in the form of crumbs or flakes give whites with candidiasis a resemblance to cottage cheese or sour milk (hence the second name of the disease - "thrush"). The discharge is always accompanied by severe itching, which increases in the evening and often does not subside all night, not allowing the woman to rest.

On examination, the vaginal mucosa always has signs of severe inflammation (swelling and redness) with characteristic white "films". Attempts to remove such plaque are accompanied by severe trauma to the mucosa and the appearance of blood. Abundant discharge irritates the inflamed mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva, causing a burning sensation. If the inflammatory process passes to the urethra, the patient may have complaints associated with urination disorders.

Often, patients with vaginal candidiasis can clearly indicate the cause of the whiteness. The most common of these is the misuse of antibiotics.

Vaginal candidiasis can also have a chronic form, then all the symptoms are mild, and complaints of cheesy white leucorrhoea come first (sometimes even without itching).

The diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis is usually straightforward. The presence of cheesy discharge, characteristic signs of fungal inflammation in the vagina and the detection of Candida fungi in smears allow you to quickly make the correct diagnosis.

Therapy for candidal lesions of the vagina consists in the use of antifungal drugs and the restoration of the normal pH of the vagina. Successful treatment of candidiasis does not guarantee a recurrence of the disease.

Yellow vaginal discharge

Most whites are accompanied by inflammation in the vagina. Severe inflammation develops against the background of a decrease in the ability of the vaginal mucosa to resist infection, that is, pathogenic microflora. The infectious process in the vagina can be provoked by “own” microorganisms (the case when opportunistic microbes have caused the disease) or pathogens that have come from outside (genital infections).

A sign of an infectious process in the genitals is pus-like discharge of yellow color. Long-term purulent discharge acquire a greenish tint.

Abundant watery discharge from the vagina that is yellow or yellow-green in color may indicate trichomoniasis. The disease is caused by Trichomonas and is a venereal disease. In addition to leucorrhoea, the patient is worried about pain, itching, burning and urination disorder. A distinctive sign of trichomonas inflammation is the frothy appearance of whiter and an unpleasant stale smell. If the disease is not cured in time, it becomes chronic.

Creamy purulent discharge is characteristic of a serious sexually transmitted disease - gonorrhea. The disease is acute, with severe symptoms of inflammation and fever. Inflammation in gonorrhea quickly rises to the overlying genital organs, causing symptoms of endometritis or adnexitis. If the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes, they "stick together" due to the accumulation of inflammatory fluid, so one of the unfavorable consequences of gonorrhea is.

Whites do not always indicate the presence of a pathological process in the vaginal area. Inflammation of the uterus or appendages is also accompanied by pathological discharge. Most often, with acute endometritis, abundant purulent vaginal discharge is accompanied by severe fever and pain.

It should be noted that leucorrhoea of ​​various origins can have a yellowish tint. To establish the exact cause of their appearance, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory study of the composition of the vaginal contents. A large number of leukocytes in a smear always indicates intense inflammation, and the identification of a specific pathogen indicates the cause of the disease.

Brown vaginal discharge

Blood stains vaginal discharge in all shades of red - from scarlet to dark brown. The presence of a small amount of blood in vaginal discharge can always be suspected by their characteristic color. Usually, dark brown vaginal discharge indicates the presence of a source of minor bleeding in the genital tract, when a small amount of blood has time to oxidize and break down before it comes out.

The most common cause of brown discharge is menstrual irregularities. Usually, the patient has a spotting, dark brown discharge of varying duration from the vagina at any time between periods. Sometimes these discharges replace normal menstruation.

The appearance of slight brown spotting vaginal discharge is not always a sign of the disease. In some women, they are observed while taking hormonal contraceptives (especially low-dose ones) or an intrauterine device. As a rule, the appearance of such secretions is of a short-term nature and is not accompanied by any subjective unpleasant sensations. In the event that smearing brown discharge bothers a woman constantly, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Some women decide on their own method of contraception and choose a hormonal remedy on the advice of friends or a pharmacist at a pharmacy. Incessant spotting between periods in such cases may signal that the drug is chosen incorrectly. Each hormonal contraceptive contains a certain ratio of sex hormones (estrogens and gestagens). For different drugs, it is not the same and is selected individually, based on the age and hormonal status of the patient, so you should not rely on an independent choice.

Intrauterine contraception ("spiral") in some cases provokes spotting:

- for the first time after the introduction of the spiral, the uterus perceives it as a foreign body and tries to free itself;

- The uterine mucosa at the place of "attachment" of the spiral can be slightly injured.

Such discharge should not last long, be accompanied by discomfort or pain. Otherwise, it is necessary to decide on its removal.

Brown slight discharge may appear briefly after douching or overly aggressive sexual contact against the background of microtrauma of the mucous membrane. Smearing brown or pink vaginal discharge after an abortion or cauterization of cervical erosion also indicates the presence of injuries on the mucous membranes of the vagina and uterus. As a rule, such allocations are temporary and are eliminated on their own.

Sometimes spotting is accompanied by pain or fever, which indicates an infectious and inflammatory process in the genitals.

Pathological secretions from genital infections may contain a small amount of dark blood. An intense inflammatory process caused by venereal infections destroys the surface epithelium of the vagina with the formation of microtraumas.

Some gynecological diseases are accompanied by intermenstrual spotting vaginal discharge:, uterine fibroids, and endometrium.

The appearance of brown discharge against the background of a delay in the next menstruation may indicate a very dangerous condition -. Sometimes, in addition to spotting, there are signs of a normal (uterine) pregnancy and abdominal pain of varying intensity. Often this condition is taken for a threatened miscarriage. An interrupted ectopic pregnancy threatens the life of the patient and requires immediate surgical intervention.

Sometimes in late pregnancy, dilated vessels of the cervix can serve as a source of slight dark vaginal discharge, in other cases they signal a threat of termination of pregnancy.

Clear vaginal discharge

Transparent vaginal discharge without color and odor in a small amount correlates with the concept of the norm. As a rule, they look like clear mucus or egg white. The viscosity and amount of vaginal discharge depends on the composition of the vaginal microflora, the content of sex steroids and some individual characteristics of the organism.

There is no strict rule for discharges. In some women, an increased amount of discharge is observed constantly and is not accompanied by diseases.

Physiological secretions predominantly contain epithelial cells and lactobacilli. If there are many epithelial cells, they give the discharge a whitish tint.

Sometimes transparent discharges begin to disturb a woman constantly, leave stains on linen or are accompanied by unpleasant subjective sensations, in this situation one should understand the reason for such changes.

A slight presence of fresh blood is indicated by pink discharge from the vagina of a short duration. Therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations can provoke small violations of the integrity of the mucous membrane, blood from the surface of microtraumas enters the vaginal secretion and stains them pink.

"Cauterization" or "freezing" of the ectopia of the cervix is ​​accompanied by the formation of a dense crust, healthy tissue grows under it, then the wound surface heals completely, and the crust is rejected. This process may be accompanied by pink discharge from the vagina of a short duration.

Mucous discharge from the vagina

Slight vaginal discharge of a mucous appearance without pathological impurities and odor, which does not cause itching, burning or discomfort, is the norm. Sometimes mucous secretions become more viscous and viscous, and in appearance resemble egg white.

The mucous appearance of vaginal discharge is "obliged" to the cervix.

A clear and thick cervical (or cervical) mucus forms in the cervix, sometimes called a "plug". It is produced by cells of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal and performs important functions:

- prevents unwanted bacteria from entering the uterus, performing a barrier role;

- thanks to the mucous cervical secret, the spermatozoa that enter the vagina are "transported" to the uterus.

The composition and acidity of cervical mucus correlates with normal vaginal secretions, and its viscosity is controlled by sex steroids. In order for spermatozoa to freely enter the uterus, at the time of ovulation, the density of cervical mucus decreases, and it drains into the vagina. Therefore, the amount of vaginal mucus during the period of ovulation increases.

The consistency and amount of cervical mucus is directly dependent on the level of sex hormones. Methods for studying the state of cervical mucus at different periods of the cycle, especially during ovulation, in women with infertility help to determine the presence of dyshormonal disorders.

The Billings method is based on the study of the viscosity of cervical mucus at different periods of the cycle. At the end of the next menstruation, the vagina is “dry” - the discharge is practically not felt. Toward the middle of the cycle, the mucous secretions become so viscous that they can be easily stretched between two fingers. The period of ovulation (the middle of the cycle) is accompanied by an increase in the vaginal discharge, it becomes liquid. Then the discharge becomes viscous again, and then completely disappears. If the indicators of cervical mucus do not change, it can be assumed. Such a method cannot reliably establish the presence of hormonal abnormalities and is indirect.

Bloody discharge from the vagina

The only normal situation of bleeding from the vagina is menstruation. The source of menstrual bleeding is the extensive wound surface of the uterine cavity, formed after the rejection of its outer mucous layer.

Isolation of blood from the vagina, not associated with menstrual bleeding, always indicates the presence of a disease. An important diagnostic criterion is the duration of bleeding and their number. As a rule, a single small amount of red vaginal discharge can provoke:

- Sexual contact, especially if the partner has cervical pathology - erosion or.

- Diagnostic manipulations: taking smears, endometrial aspiration biopsy, diagnostic curettage, laparoscopy, and so on.

- Mechanical violation of the integrity of the integumentary epithelium during douching, the use of a gynecological speculum during examination, or the introduction of the uterine ring during prolapse of the genital organs. Much less often, the vaginal mucosa is damaged by foreign bodies in the uterus.

- Inflammatory changes in the vagina make the mucosa easily vulnerable, so sometimes it can be accompanied by minor spotting.

- A slight discharge of scarlet blood from the vagina after an abortion is associated with trauma to the mucous membranes of the uterus and cervical canal. Normally, their intensity should decrease until complete independent cessation.

The most common cause of significant bleeding from the vagina is:

- Violations of the menstrual cycle. In the absence of ovulation, there is a violation of the cyclic processes of the uterus and ovaries, which leads to the appearance of intermenstrual bleeding.

- Polyps of the cervical canal and endometrium provoke bleeding of varying intensity if they reach large sizes, are injured or undergo decay.

- Uterine fibroids of considerable size do not allow the muscular wall of the uterus to contract properly and cause prolonged menstruation or intermenstrual bleeding.

- Bleeding with severe inflammation of the uterus and appendages is associated with a violation of the normal hormonal status of the body under the influence of infection.

- With endometriosis, the discharge is only sometimes abundant and bright, but always associated with menstruation.

Acyclic bleeding may accompany some non-gynecological pathologies: diseases of the blood coagulation system,.

Sudden profuse spotting against the background of a sharp deterioration in well-being appears in emergency conditions that threaten the life and health of a woman. Most often these are:

- Submucosal (submucosal) fibroids of the body of the uterus. Sometimes fibroids grow into the uterine cavity in the form of a knot, causing severe bleeding and pain. The most dangerous complication of submucosal fibroids is uterine eversion.

- Delay of parts of the fetal egg after a medical abortion or spontaneous miscarriage. Pieces of the remaining tissue do not allow the uterus to contract, causing bleeding. A similar situation occurs after childbirth, when a piece of the placenta remains in the uterus.

- Aborted ectopic pregnancy.

- Complications of pregnancy: premature spontaneous abortion, placental abruption.

- Postpartum hemorrhage associated with rupture of the soft tissues of the vagina and / or cervix, especially when they are sutured incorrectly or at the wrong time.

In case of untimely spotting, you should immediately visit a doctor.

Vaginal discharge with odor

Microorganisms present in the vagina in the process of life emit chemical compounds with different odors. In healthy women, there is an individual, barely perceptible odor in the vulva. Normally, he should not bother a woman. Increased vaginal odor is often a sign of problems.

The simplest reason for the appearance of unpleasantly smelling discharge is a violation of the rules of intimate hygiene. If after the usual hygiene procedures they disappear, you should not worry.

The smell of vaginal discharge is perceived by patients unequally, since the sense of smell is developed differently for everyone. However, there is a group of diseases that have a characteristic, unique smell of vaginal discharge.

Discharge from genital infections has an unpleasant odor. With trichomoniasis, an unpleasant pungent odor accompanies abundant discharge of a foamy type.

The sour smell of vaginal discharge in vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by Candida fungi.

One of the most common diseases with a characteristic vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis, characterized by the appearance of profuse homogeneous vaginal discharge with a very specific smell of stale fish. Bacterial vaginosis does not have a specific pathogen, it develops against the background of a quantitative change in the composition of the vaginal microflora with the participation of opportunistic microorganisms.

Under the influence of unfavorable factors in the vagina, there is a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and a change in pH, which is fertile ground for the development of dysbacteriosis. Instead of lactobacilli, opportunistic microflora begins to multiply in the vaginal environment, the more it is, the more pronounced the symptoms of the disease, including vaginal odor.

The unpleasant smell of vaginal discharge in patients with bacterial vaginosis is associated with the activity of anaerobic bacteria: they produce amines. Decaying, amines emit a "fishy" smell. If the disease proceeds in an erased form, the amine test reveals a specific vaginal odor: the contents of the vagina are mixed with an alkali solution that destroys amines, and a “fishy” odor is obtained.

Despite abundant discharge, there are no signs of local inflammation during examination for bacterial vaginosis, which serves as an important diagnostic sign.

To save the patient from bacterial vaginosis, it is necessary to eliminate unwanted microflora and restore normal biocenosis in the vagina.

Excretion of urine from the vagina

Urine discharge from the vagina always indicates the presence of a urogenital fistula. Genitourinary fistulas in women are a pathological formation (course) between the vaginal cavity and the bladder. Much less common are urogenital fistulas between the bladder and uterus.

The cause of the formation of a urogenital fistula is often incorrect obstetric and gynecological operations, during which the wall of the vagina or uterus ruptures with perforation (formation of a hole) into the bladder.

The appearance of genitourinary fistulas may be preceded by a criminal abortion.

Very rarely, perforation of the uterus during medical abortion leads to the formation of a genitourinary fistula. As a rule, this situation occurs if the patient has a pronounced infectious process in the uterus.

Genitourinary fistulas can be traumatic in nature and occur against the background of serious injuries of the genital organs of a non-gynecological nature.

If a violation of the integrity of the walls of the vagina is diagnosed at the time of occurrence (for example, during surgery), then it is eliminated immediately by surgery. In some cases, sharp surgical instruments leave damage invisible to the eye, and pathological symptoms appear much later.

The most characteristic symptom of a urogenital fistula is the discharge of urine from the vaginal cavity. If the external opening of the fistula is located near the opening of the urethra, it is difficult to recognize it, and urine output is mistaken for incontinence.

The continuous flow of urine into the vagina causes inflammation of the mucous membrane with toxic compounds. There are signs of severe inflammation -,. Long-term inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina provokes the development of a purulent process. In this case, the vaginal discharge becomes purulent and acquires an unpleasant odor. A long-term vaginal infection through the fistula cavity can enter the urinary tract and cause.

Diagnosis of urogenital fistulas begins with the moment of vaginal examination, which allows to detect the opening of the urogenital fistula and pronounced changes in the vaginal mucosa. Ultrasound and urological examinations help clarify the diagnosis. Urinary fistulas are removed surgically.

In conclusion, I would like to note that almost all newly appeared and disturbing vaginal discharge require an attentive attitude, namely an immediate trip to the gynecologist.

Often, women who love cleanliness and diligently maintain body hygiene are overzealous in trying to get rid of whiteness. When vaginal discharge is observed on underwear in women and girls, most often you should not worry about the pathology - this is a natural process due to physiology. But when discomfort, an unpleasant odor or a suspicious color are added to the secret, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist - such phenomena indicate possible inflammatory or infectious processes in the genitourinary system. In order to take timely action, it is necessary to understand where the natural processes end and the development of pathology begins.

How are secretions formed and what are they

Before considering what normal whites should be, let's define what they are. As a rule, the secret that stands out is a natural phenomenon, it is produced by glands located on the mucous layer of the vestibule of the vagina, the cervix. A certain amount of effusion of the vaginal vessels, the discharge of the uterine cavity, is added to the composition of the mucus. One of the main tasks of the secret is to protect the uterine and vaginal walls from the introduction of pathogens. It is also necessary to prevent the drying of the vagina, cleaning the genital tract. Accordingly, eliminating those whites that are the norm, the woman also removes the protective layer, opening up access to infections.

Usually, from 1 to 5 ml of vaginal mucus is secreted during the day, while during the menstrual cycle its characteristics may change, including shade and consistency. The volume may also change, the natural reasons affecting this indicator are:

  • ovulatory period;
  • bearing a child;
  • sexual arousal.

With insufficient production of vaginal fluid, pain during sex can occur, and frequent infection of the body. If we consider the parameters of the vaginal mucus in a woman, its composition includes cells and a variety of microorganisms:

  • Mucus formed by the cervical canal, which is a protection against infectious pathologies in the cervix.
  • Constantly renewing cells of the epithelium of the uterus, while the detached ones descend into the vaginal cavity, then coming out.
  • Microflora, which includes from 5 to 12 varieties of microorganisms, including a small amount of coccal bacteria, viruses and fungi. Actively multiplying under the influence of negative factors, they are able to provoke the development of the inflammatory process.

It is believed that normally the ovaries, uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, along with the cervix, are completely sterile and microorganisms inhabit only the vagina.

In women and girls of reproductive age, the natural vaginal microflora for the most part includes lactic acid bacteria, due to which the normal excreted secret is an acidic environment with a pH value of 3.8 to 4.4. This explains the possible sour smell of mucus.

Characteristics of natural vaginal discharge

Every girl who has reached childbearing age should have a discharge that indicates the health of her reproductive system.

There are a number of signs, according to which a woman is able to independently determine how much the allocated secret meets the norm:

  • It is estimated what color the secret is, the results are correlated with the period of the menstrual cycle - shades can be white, cream, yellow, or differ in transparency.
  • Most of the natural vaginal discharge almost does not smell or there are sour shades.
  • The consistency of mucus can vary from liquid to viscous.
  • Despite the fact that the volume of the secret may vary, it should not exceed about a teaspoon.
  • The amount of mucus increases significantly before menstruation, after sexual intercourse, during sexual arousal.

The nature of vaginal discharge is largely influenced by the woman's age, the hormonal background of her body, the presence or absence of a sexual life, and other factors. In girls, leucorrhoea should be absent until the puberty, given the peculiarities of the hormonal background and the structure of the genital organs characteristic of this age.

Allocations are evidence of pathology if they have a smell, color and appear in girls of 10-12 years of age. Usually such mucus indicates problems in the genitourinary or digestive system. Approximately 12 months before the start of the first menstrual cycle, teenage girls begin to experience the production of vaginal fluid, which is due to hormonal changes. Beli can be liquid or mucous, painted white or slightly yellow, when they leave the vagina there should be no unpleasant sensations - soreness, burning or itching, swelling and redness. After the stabilization of the monthly cycle, cyclic changes in the properties of secretions are observed. Given that most often girls and women have a monthly cycle of 28 days, consider the natural changes in vaginal discharge, taking it as a basis:

  • In the initial phase of the cycle - and this is the period from the first to the twelfth day after the end of menstruation - the secreted mucus is often liquid, of a homogeneous consistency, sometimes with the inclusion of lumps, which consist of dead epithelium. Its color is transparent, but white or yellow shades are not considered a pathology. The smell is absent or gives slightly sour.
  • On the thirteenth - fifteenth day, the ovulatory period begins, in which the volume of daily secretions increases to 4 ml, their consistency is similar to viscous mucus, the color ranges from transparent to white or light beige tones.
  • In the second phase of the cycle, which begins on the fifteenth or sixteenth day, normal discharge in women decreases in volume, the consistency is similar to jelly or a thin cream. The color remains transparent, whitish or yellowish. Immediately before menstruation, the discharge becomes mucous and smearing, acquiring a brown tint.

Why do whites change

In addition to the monthly cycle and pathological conditions, there are many most often hormonal factors that affect the nature of the secret:

  • When a girl begins to have sex or a change of partners occurs, a new microflora enters the vagina, which is essentially non-pathogenic, but completely alien. As a result, during a certain time period, the duration of which is individual for each individual organism, the reproductive system adapts to the changed composition of the microflora. At such moments, there may be an increase in the volume of the allocated secret, a change in its consistency and color. In this case, any discomfort, including itching or burning, should be completely absent.
  • Sexual contact itself also provokes the production of specific whites - after an act without using a condom for several hours, vaginal discharge is like transparent clots, painted in whitish or yellowish hues. After six or eight hours, the mucus changes again - it becomes liquid and plentiful, painted white. When using a condom or when interrupting the act, the secret that is subsequently released has a structure similar to a cream, since it consists of a “waste” vaginal lubricant. Its color is whitish, the amount is quite scarce.
  • Female oral contraceptives significantly change the hormonal background, inhibit ovulation and, during their use, help to reduce the volume of secretions. After stopping the use of the drug, the nature of the vaginal discharge is restored. Similarly, the nature of the leucorrhoea has a period of lactation. When the lactation period ends, the amount of mucus produced is quite low.
  • Consider what discharge is considered normal for women who are carrying a child. Usually their number increases, since blood circulation in the genitals is accelerated and a certain amount of plasma penetrates into the lumen of the vagina. In the last trimester, the volume of the secret increases even more noticeably, which is a harbinger of labor activity.

Pregnant women need to pay increased attention to the nature of the substance released from the vagina, as it may indicate hidden problems. For example, liquid mucus in the last trimester often indicates a discharge of water.

The leucorrhoea that appears after labor is called lochia, they are uterine secretions, which include blood, mucus, rejected due to the non-viability of the tissue. Normally, lochia is released for three to six weeks, sometimes this period increases to almost one and a half months. At this stage, the trend towards a decrease in the volume of lochia and their clarification is important - the first seven days of discharge resemble ordinary heavy menstruation, which may contain clots. Gradually, the volume of lochia decreases, and the color changes towards yellow-white shades, which is facilitated by a large amount of mucus contained in them, and bloody inclusions may be present. Closer to about the fourth week, the discharge becomes smearing, at the end of the sixth week (this period can last up to the eighth week), the whites become the same as before the conception of the child.

The hormonal background in women changes significantly in the period before the onset of postmenopause. Consider what the discharge should be at this time - their volume is significantly reduced, for the most part coccal microorganisms are observed, which include streptococci and staphylococci.

It should be remembered: regardless of the period of the menstrual cycle and other circumstances, the release of vaginal secretions should not be accompanied by discomfort. Otherwise, an immediate gynecological examination is necessary.

Signs of pathological discharge

We examined the natural discharge in girls and women, now it is necessary to understand when leucorrhoea becomes pathological and the development of what diseases they accompany. Conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, present in small quantities in the vaginal environment, under the influence of certain reasons, begin to actively multiply and suppress lactobacilli, causing inflammation and processes.

These factors include:

  • violated rules of personal hygiene;
  • taking antimicrobial drugs;
  • hormonal disruptions.

Focusing on the changed properties of leucorrhea, one can assume the development of pathology in the reproductive system, although it is impossible to establish an accurate diagnosis without conducting appropriate tests. Danger signals are:

  • Discomfort, itching, burning.
  • The secreted mucus becomes foamy, acquires yellow, green or white hues.
  • Cheesy clots of white or yellow shades are released from the vagina, irritating the external genitalia.
  • Abundant leucorrhoea with the smell of fish is observed, the volume of which increases with sexual arousal.
  • Beli acquire a yellow tint, accompanied by problems with urination, pain in the lower abdomen.
  • The discharge becomes thick, with inclusions of blood, their smell is strong and unpleasant.
  • Between the planned periods, the appearance of bloody discharge is observed.
  • When carrying a child, brown or red discharge appears.
  • Thick purulent discharge with impurities of blood, with a pungent odor.

Beli is classified according to where exactly they are formed and can be tubal, occurring during inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes, cervical, appearing with problems in the cervix, uterine, forming in the presence of endometritis.

The safest is the vaginal discharge, which, however, with a change in color or the presence of an unpleasant odor, may indicate the development of trichomoniasis, thrush, gardnerellosis and other pathologies.

Despite the fact that it is not possible to determine the exact cause of pathological changes in mucus without special laboratory tests, focusing on the smell, color and consistency, it can be assumed which disease is taking place. It should be borne in mind that the same signs may indicate different pathologies, therefore an examination by a gynecologist remains a necessity:

  • The development of chlamydia may be indicated by foaming whites of a transparent color.
  • A gray tint, combined with an unpleasant fishy odor, usually indicates bacterial vaginosis or bacterial vaginosis.
  • White leucorrhoea may be a natural phenomenon or indicate thrush. It should be noted that candidiasis in a mild degree may not be accompanied by burning and itching, its usual signs, but the change in the volume of leucorrhoea in the direction of increase, their thick consistency and curdled appearance is of concern.
  • Light yellow leucorrhoea can be the norm, a day or two before menstruation is not considered a pathology and a more saturated shade. However, accompanied by a sharp unpleasant odor, with an increase in the allocated volume, irritation and redness of the genital organs, the presence of trichomoniasis can be suspected.
  • Green shades are never normal, even in the absence of other symptoms, this is a danger signal. Usually, such secretions warn of the development of vaginal inflammatory processes, since the green color is caused by an increased number of leukocytes. Greenish leucorrhoea can be released with vaginitis, cervicitis, or inflammation of the ovaries.
  • Red leucorrhoea becomes from an admixture of blood, immediately before menstruation this is a normal phenomenon, but you should be wary when such mucus appears between menstruation. Breakthrough bleeding indicates a possible oncology of the cervix, endometriosis, spontaneous abortion at the beginning of pregnancy, and others.

Pathological odor can be:

  • acidic, which often indicates the reproduction of fungi;
  • fish, when vaginosis can be suspected;
  • putrid, often indicating the development of malignant neoplasms;
  • glandular with secretions with the inclusion of blood.

What to do if vaginal discharge is suspicious? The most reasonable way out is to go to the clinic for an examination and take a smear for analysis, which will identify the causative agent of the problem. Self-medication is unacceptable, since taking pharmaceutical drugs without a doctor's prescription can aggravate the situation.

Beli is a consequence of pathological secretion of the genital organs and a manifestation of the disease of various parts of the female reproductive system. It is important to establish the source of increased secretion.

Types of discharge in women

There are vestibular, vaginal, cervical, uterine and tubal leucorrhoea.

Vestibular leucorrhoea is usually mucous, most often caused by inflammation of the vulva or large glands. The secret of the sebaceous and sweat glands can accumulate in the folds of the vulva, which leads to irritation. Vestibular leucorrhea is relatively rare.

Vaginal discharge is more common. A small amount of liquid content (0.5 - 1 ml) contained in the vagina of healthy women is a transudate from the blood and lymphatic vessels of the subepithelial layer and the secret of the glands of the cervix, is absorbed by the vaginal mucosa, due to which healthy women do not notice vaginal discharge .

With a massive introduction of pathogenic microbes into the vagina, violations of hormonal and immune homeostasis, the biocenosis of the vagina is disturbed and vaginal discharge appears.

The cause of the appearance of vaginal discharge can also be extragenital diseases (pulmonary tuberculosis, acute infectious diseases, hyperthyroidism), the course of which is accompanied by a decrease in the hormonal function of the ovaries and changes in the vaginal mucosa. Increased "secretion" of the vagina is sometimes due to local infection, helminthic invasion, the presence of a foreign object in the vagina (often in children), prolapse of the genital organs, the formation of urogenital and enterogenital fistulas.

Vaginal discharge also appears as a result of mechanical (frequent intercourse, foreign objects), chemical (irrational use of chemical contraceptives), thermal (douching with hot solutions), and allergic factors.

Distinguished by nature:

  • purulent (gonorrhea, nonspecific bacterial infection, ureoplasmosis),
  • cheesy (infection with yeast fungi of the genus Candida, thrush),
  • foamy (trichomoniasis, anaerobic microflora),
  • mucous membranes (viral infection),
  • mucopurulent or serous-purulent (chlamydia) vaginal discharge.

Allocations are:

  • odorless (ureoplasmosis, chlamydia, viral infection),
  • with a sour smell (yeast mushrooms)
  • or the smell of rotten fish (anaerobic infection).

Hyperproduction of the secretion of the glands of the cervix is ​​the cause of the appearance of cervical whites with endocervicitis of various etiologies, erosions, ruptures, polyps, cancer, cervical tuberculosis and other processes, accompanied by a violation of the secretion of the cervical glands and the introduction of pathogenic microflora. Unlike vaginal, cervical whites are thick and depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Uterine leucorrhoea due to endometritis, submucosal fibroids, mucosal polyps, malignant tumors, the presence of foreign objects in the uterus or intrauterine contraceptives.

Tubal leucorrhoea is observed relatively rarely and is the result of periodic secretion that has accumulated in the fallopian tube. Among the causes of tubal leucorrhea are malignant neoplasms, inflammatory diseases of the fallopian tubes, accompanied by the formation of hydro- or pyosalpinx. For tubal whites, periodicity is characteristic, the appearance in the first phase of the menstrual cycle.

Vaginal discharge can be described in terms of:

Consistencies (thick, pasty, watery)
Colors (clear, cloudy, bloody (brown), white, yellow, green)
Odor (normal, odorless, unpleasant odor)

Some vaginal discharge is normal, especially during childbearing years. These secretions may be white or yellowish when exposed to air. These are normal variations.

The amount of mucus produced by the cervical glands changes during the menstrual cycle. It depends on the amount of estrogen circulating in the body. Vaginal discharge that differs in color, smell, consistency, or increases or decreases significantly in size may indicate hidden problems - infections.

Causes of increased vaginal discharge (lubrication)

It must be remembered that an increase in the volume of whites is considered physiological in the following cases:

  • in connection with the menstrual cycle (on the eve and in the first days after menstruation) due to hyperemia, increased permeability of the vascular wall, increased blood supply and congestion in the pelvic area;
  • during pregnancy due to the plethora of pelvic organs, congestive hyperemia and loosening of the tissues of the genital organs,
  • during intercourse, as a result of a sharp change in hemodynamics in the small pelvis, especially at the time of orgasm, since blood flow to the genitals increases, cervical mucus is pushed out, and secretion of the glands of the vestibule of the vagina increases.

The following situations can increase the amount of normal vaginal discharge:

  • emotional stress
  • Ovulation (production and release of an egg from the ovary in the middle of the menstrual cycle
  • Pregnancy
  • sexual arousal

The appearance of unusual vaginal discharge may be due to:

  • Atrophic vaginitis (seen in women who have gone through menopause and have low estrogen levels)
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - The number of bacteria that normally live in the vagina decreases, resulting in a gray discharge and a fishy odor that worsens after intercourse. BV is not usually transmitted sexually.
  • Cancer of the cervix or vagina (rare)
  • Desquamative vaginitis and lichen planus
  • Forgotten swab or foreign body
  • Other infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Measures to prevent discharge

To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:

  • Keep your genitals clean and dry.
  • Don't shower too often. While many women feel cleaner if they shower after their period or intercourse, it can worsen vaginal discharge because the water removes beneficial vaginal bacteria that exist to protect against infection. Vaginal douching can also lead to infection in the uterus and fallopian tubes and is never recommended.
  • Eat live culture yogurt or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics to avoid a yeast infection.
  • Use condoms to avoid contracting or spreading STIs.
  • Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, or powders in the genital area.
  • Avoid wearing very tight pants or shorts, which can cause irritation.
  • Cotton underwear should be worn. Avoid wearing silk or nylon underwear as these materials are not very absorbent and restrict airflow. This can increase sweating in the genital area, which can cause irritation.
  • Use pads, not tampons, during your period.
  • Keep your blood sugar under good control if you have diabetes.

Please note that if vaginal discharge is due to a sexually transmitted disease, your sexual partner(s) should also be tested, even if they are asymptomatic. Failure to test a partner can lead to repeated infections and pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility.

When to see a doctor urgently

Call your doctor right away if you have vaginal discharge as well as:

  • Fever or pain in the pelvis or abdomen.
  • You have had a sexual partner with gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other STIs.
  • If you have increased thirst and appetite, unexplained weight loss, increased frequency of urination, or tiredness, this could be a sign of diabetes.

Urgent consultation is also necessary if:

A child who has not yet reached puberty has vaginal discharge.
You think that the discharge may be the result of treatment - an allergy.
You are concerned that you may have an STI.
Your symptoms get worse or last longer than a week despite home care.
You have ulcers or other damage to your vagina or vulva (external genitalia).
You feel a burning sensation when urinating or other symptoms of urinary problems - you may have a urinary tract infection.

Medical history issues that are relevant for diagnosis:

When did the changes or abnormal vaginal discharge start?
Do you have the same amount and type of vaginal discharge for a month?
What are the discharges (color and texture)?
Is there a smell?
Do you have pain, itching or burning?
Does your sexual partner also notice discharge?
Do you have multiple sexual partners or sexual partners that you know recently?
What type of contraception do you use?
Do you use condoms?
Is there a remedy that reduces discharge?
Do you have other symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal itching, fever, vaginal bleeding, rash, genital warts, or lesions or changes in urination such as difficulty, pain, or blood?
What medications are you taking?
Do you have allergies?
Have you recently changed the detergents or soaps you normally use?
Do you often wear very tight clothing?
When was your last Pap smear (PAP)? Have you had abnormal smears before?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Culture (smear culture) of the cervix
Analysis of vaginal discharge under a microscope
Pap smear (PAP)

Treatment of vaginal discharge

Treatment depends on the underlying disease. Suppositories or creams and antibiotics may be prescribed. Medicines taken by mouth may be needed to treat certain fungi or trichomoniasis infections. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.