Why does mucus secretion occur in women and what measures should be taken. Isolation of leucorrhoea in women: types, causes, possible treatment

The female body has a unique ability to visually show problems in the genital area. This is necessary in order to notice the onset of the disease in time and cure it without consequences. After all, the continuation of the human race depends on it. All types of discharge in women and their causes are divided into physiological and pathological. The first are natural changes in the body, and the second are problems in the reproductive sphere.

In women, the discharge is normally present in a small amount. They do not cause inconvenience and do not cause unpleasant symptoms. The types of discharge normally vary depending on the day of the cycle and the hormonal background. Therefore, their character is heterogeneous during the month and throughout their lives. Physiological secretions are of several types:

• Transparent, liquid in consistency or reminiscent of egg white (signaling the normal functioning of the ovaries).
• White, liquid, in a small amount (arise due to the cleaning of the walls of the vagina from dead epithelium and foreign particles).
• Beige, liquid consistency.
• Yellowish and yellow 1-2 days before the onset of menstruation.
• Red, brown or pink on days 1–7 of the cycle, clots may appear (the release of dead epithelium and an unfertilized egg).

Normal discharge in women should not have a strong odor. Their number can increase with arousal, after sexual contact (and persist for 24 hours) and before menstruation. Under normal conditions, the allocated volume should not be more than 1 tsp.

A sharp change in the climatic zone, prolonged emotional overstrain, treatment with hormone-containing drugs, allergic reactions or neglect of hygiene rules can affect the body that the nature and amount of discharge does not correspond to the norm, although there is no pathological process in the reproductive system.

An increase in the amount of secretion associated with ovulation and lasting 1-2 days is acceptable. This is due to the high levels of estrogen during this period. Allocations can change the consistency to a stickier and thicker than usual.

Functions of physiological secretions

The formation of natural vaginal secretion occurs for several purposes:

• Nutrition of the cells of the genital organs and participation in metabolic processes (removal of waste substances with mucus).
• Moisturizing the tissues of the vagina to prevent their mechanical damage during friction during walking and sexual intercourse.
• Protection of the internal genital organs from the penetration of microbes (according to the principle of nasal mucus - it envelops and washes out infectious agents).
• Cleansing the vagina from dead cells of the upper layer of the glandular epithelium, which are washed out with mucus.

Without a secret secret, the internal female genital organs will be subjected to daily trauma, and without a protective function, the number of infectious diseases will increase.

Discharge during pregnancy

In women who are carrying a child, the nature of the secret often changes. In the first weeks of pregnancy, the discharge becomes liquid and transparent, sometimes their number increases. The same changes occur when installing a medical pessary at any time. The body perceives it as a foreign object and secretes a large amount of mucus to flush it out of the vagina. These changes are reported by the doctor during installation, so that the patients are not afraid for their health when this feature is detected.

If red color or streaks of blood appear in the discharge, you should immediately consult a doctor. Not always spotting during pregnancy is associated with serious pathologies. Sometimes, especially in the early stages, this is how a hematoma comes out from the embryo, which does not harm the woman and the unborn child in any way. But only a doctor can determine this with the help of ultrasound.

The release of a large amount of mucus streaked with blood indicates the discharge of the cork. This usually happens shortly before childbirth. If the period is still too short, you should visit the emergency department of your maternity hospital or call an ambulance that will take you there. This is a sign of premature labor.

For other changes in the color or consistency of the discharge, or an unpleasant odor, you should contact your gynecologist. He will prescribe an examination and take a smear on the flora, which will show the presence or absence of an inflammatory process in the genitals. If too liquid abundant discharge appears, you need to do a test for leakage of amniotic fluid. Any of these conditions must be treated, otherwise there is a great risk of harming the fetus or not preventing preterm birth.

Pathological

The types of secretions in the event of violations in the work of the reproductive system are diverse. They differ in color, smell and texture. It is quite difficult to confuse them with normal ones.

Bloody

The appearance of a red color or blood streaks on days other than menstruation signals the occurrence of a serious pathology. If the patient started taking oral contraceptives less than three months ago, then spotting weak discharge is attributed to the normal process of body restructuring. But if they continue beyond this period, you should consult a doctor. Most likely, the prescribed contraceptive is not suitable for a woman. The doctor will take this fact into account and prescribe another one, taking into account new analyzes and data.

If the color of the discharge is intensely red, this indicates the presence of a pathological process in the pelvic organs. There are several states that cause such changes:

• erosion;
• endometriosis;
• myoma;
• cervical cancer;
• internal bleeding;
• hormonal disbalance;
• ectopic pregnancy.

Any of these pathologies requires immediate medical intervention in order to prevent serious complications.

white color

Allocations in women of this color are considered the norm in the presence of a homogeneous consistency and the absence of an unpleasant odor. A sour smell with curdled discharge indicates candidiasis. This is an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. It is often called a thrush. The discharge contains lumps, becomes thick and granular.

The sour smell occurs due to changes in the environment of the vagina under the influence of the vital activity of fungi. They also change the consistency of the secret. Often, candidiasis is accompanied by itching in the genital area.

yellow

Color spectrum from light beige to bright yellow. Sometimes such staining is considered a variant of the norm, but more often it speaks of pathologies in the female reproductive system. There are several of them:

• Bacterial vaginosis is a violation of the microflora of the vagina. Accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
• Gonorrhea is a serious infectious disease caused by gonococci. If left untreated, it has serious consequences.
• Salpingitis - can cause infertility and provoke ectopic pregnancies.
• Chlamydia is an infectious disease that is difficult to treat. In the absence of adequate therapy, it is prone to generalization.
• Trichomoniasis urogenital - accompanied by the smell of rotten fish.

The yellow color of the discharge gives the presence of pus in the mucus. This condition threatens a woman with infertility.

Green

This includes all types of secretions with an admixture of green - from pale green to an admixture of gray. The diseases that provoke them include:

• bacterial vaginitis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa of an infectious nature, accompanied by redness of the vulva and a burning sensation;
• inflammation of the ovaries - accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen;
• cervicitis - as a rule, is accompanied by an infectious process.

The green color of the secretions is associated with leukocytes in their composition. They appear in response to inflammation. The presence of a sharp putrid odor indicates possible malignant neoplasms in the uterine cavity.

How to prevent

These types of secretions are considered pathological if a woman follows the rules for caring for her body, especially during menstruation. In the absence of adequate hygiene procedures and daily change of underwear, odors are associated with the accumulation of secretions on the underpants. Bacteria also multiply there. In the presence of strong immunity, pathogenic microorganisms will not be able to provoke an infection, but will continue to grow on linen, waiting for the fall of the body's defenses.

To avoid health problems, you should perform hygiene procedures daily and change underwear. Each woman should have her own personal towel for the body and intimate areas. Soap is not recommended for washing. Hypoallergenic gels for intimate places are best suited. The presence of fragrance in such products can provoke unwanted reactions.

During intercourse with a new untested partner, you must use a condom. This will protect against most types of diseases, and the discharge will remain normal.

To avoid pathological discharge, you need to pay attention to prevention:

• Pay attention to your diet, it should be balanced.
• The use of sweets in large quantities provokes candidiasis.
• Include more probiotic foods in your diet that help normalize the microflora.
• Use special products for intimate hygiene.
• Flavored gels cause irritation, which leads to many diseases.

Forget about using pads and scented tampons. Give preference to cotton products, give up synthetics.

Video: Types of discharge in women

Does vaginal discharge always indicate the presence of any disease? When is vaginal discharge considered normal?
Vaginal discharge can occur even in completely healthy women, and this condition is considered normal. Signs of healthy vaginal discharge include:

• Clear, liquid discharge jelly, slime)
• Discharge without a noticeable odor
• A small amount of discharge
• Discharges that do not cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs
• Discharge, not accompanied by fever, pain or discomfort in the genital area.

Vaginal discharge - what can it be?
Below, readers will be provided with information on the most common forms of vaginal discharge, as well as the reasons that provoke their development.

Vaginal discharge of various colors, odors and textures
A little higher, we have already said that all healthy women have watery, transparent and colorless vaginal discharge. If they acquire a different consistency, a specific smell or some color, then, most likely, some disease has settled in the woman's body:

Bloody (red) vaginal discharge - are a signal that there is blood in the vaginal discharge. In most cases, this kind of discharge occurs two to four days before the onset of menstruation, after which they are converted into copious discharge along with the onset of menstruation. It is worth noting that this kind of discharge tends to be observed even a few days after menstruation. If the discharge is not plentiful, then it is better for a woman not to panic. Especially often this phenomenon is observed in women who wear a spiral.
Quite often, spotting is endowed with a blackish or brown color, which indicates the fact of oxidation, as well as the destruction of blood in the vagina.
There are also cases when a woman has spotting discharge, which contains a small amount of blood. As a rule, perimenstrual bloody discharge does not have a specific smell.

Sometimes mild spotting occurs at the time of ovulation, as well as in women who wear a spiral or use oral contraceptives. In the case of a constant occurrence of this phenomenon against the background of wearing an intrauterine device or using contraceptives, it is necessary to discuss this fact with a gynecologist, having previously signed up for a consultation with him.
If bloody vaginal discharge is in no way connected with the menstrual cycle, then they can be considered a signal of the presence of any pathology.
In most cases, this kind of discharge makes itself felt:

• For menstrual irregularities
• Endometriosis ( adenomyosis)
• Cancer or erosion of the cervix. In this case, the discharge is especially abundant after sexual intercourse.

Purulent vaginal discharge noted in such infectious pathologies as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, thrush, gonorrhea and others. As a rule, this kind of discharge also causes a feeling of discomfort in the genital area and itching. Sometimes women also complain of pain in the lumbar region or lower abdomen. During pregnancy, a whitish viscous vaginal discharge is considered to be a normal condition if there are no other symptoms of the disease in the expectant mother.

Curdled, frothy, thick vaginal discharge
A change in the consistency of vaginal discharge is also considered to be one of the clear signs of the presence of a particular pathology. A little higher, we have already said that normal secretions must be liquid, similar to mucus. If the discharge is white curdled or foamy, then most likely the woman has some kind of infectious disease.

Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
The appearance of vaginal discharge, endowed with a specific odor, indicates the presence of an infectious pathology. The smell in this case can be both sour and rotten or resemble the smell of fish. It occurs against the background of the vital activity of pathogens, which tend to decompose nutritional components, while releasing gases endowed with a very unpleasant odor.

Vaginal discharge before and after sexual intercourse
At the time of sexual arousal, the vaginal glands of the fair sex tend to intensively synthesize vaginal lubrication, so a large amount of transparent liquid discharge that occurs before and during sexual intercourse is considered to be the norm. Women should not be afraid of the appearance of thick, abundant discharge after sexual contact. The fact is that if sexual intercourse took place without the use of a condom, then it is quite possible that in this way the vagina is trying to clear itself of sperm. In most cases, this kind of discharge disappears in a fairly short period of time.
If a woman has spotting during or after sex, then most likely she has cervical erosion.
The appearance of yellow, purulent, white, gray or greenish discharge a few days or weeks after sexual contact is considered to be a signal of the occurrence of an infectious disease.

Vaginal discharge as a symptom of an infection
Vaginal discharge is considered to be a clear sign of the development of an infectious pathology of the genital tract in only a few cases. The greatest number of pathologies in which vaginal discharge is noted are infectious and are transmitted during sexual contact.
The most common causes of vaginal discharge include:

• candidiasis ( thrush)
• Urogenital trichomoniasis

Diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis
It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis, considering only the presence of discharge and some other symptoms of this pathology.
To identify this pathology, it is necessary to conduct such studies as:

• The cultural method of research is the cultivation of colonies of microorganisms taken from the vagina on special nutrient media and their further study.
• Microscopic examination of unstained ( native) swab taken from the vagina.
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) research method involving the study of genetic material Trichomonas vaginalis .
• Microscopic examination of a stained vaginal smear. It is dyed with special dyes.

Therapy for urogenital trichomoniasis is possible only if a woman has been given a truly accurate diagnosis of this pathology. Among the most effective medicines used in the fight against this pathology, one can rank: Nimorazole, Metronidazole , Ornidazole, Tinidazole other. It is very important that the therapy of this disease is carried out under the vigilant supervision of a doctor. Self-treatment in this case is not recommended, since this pathology, with irrational treatment, can become chronic. As a rule, during the treatment of urogenital trichomoniasis, vaginal discharge first becomes weaker, after which it disappears completely. It is also important to draw the attention of readers to the fact that the absence of discharge is not a fact of complete healing, so the course of treatment must be carried out to the end. How long it will last, your doctor will determine.

Bacterial vaginosis as a cause contributing to the development of vaginal discharge
Bacterial vaginosis is a very common pathology, accompanied by secretions that are endowed with an unpleasant odor. This disease occurs as a result of a very strong growth of bacteria directly on the mucous membrane of the vagina. In a healthy state, these bacteria are also found in the vagina, but only in very small quantities. Among them can be counted as Peptococci, and Gerdenerella vaginalis , Bacteroids other. With the development of this pathology, a woman has white vaginal discharge, endowed with the smell of fish. To make a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, it is not enough just to know about the presence of secretions.

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis involves the use of such research methods as:

• pH-metry, or detection of the acidity of the vaginal environment. In the normal state, the vagina has an acidic environment, but in the case of bacterial vaginosis, it becomes alkaline.

Therapy for bacterial vaginosis involves the use of local drugs, namely:

• Vaginal suppositories clindamycin ( one hundred milligrams) - must be inserted into the vagina once a day for six days.
• Gel metronidazole seventy-five percent - must be inserted into the vagina once a day for five days.

• Ornisid forte should be taken orally five hundred milligrams in the morning and evening for five days.
• Clindamycin take in capsules of three hundred milligrams in the morning and evening for seven days.
• Metronidazole(Trichopol) in the form of tablets of two hundred and fifty milligrams. Take two tablets in the morning and evening for seven days.

Urogenital candidiasis (thrush) as a cause contributing to the occurrence of vaginal discharge
Urogenital candidiasis is an inflammatory pathology of the genital organs in women and men, resulting from exposure to the body of fungi of the genus candida. In women, with the development of this disease, white thick discharge is observed. In addition, they may be disturbed by discomfort, as well as itching in the genital area. Quite often, this disease also causes pain and cramps during urination.

Diagnosis of thrush involves the use of the following research methods:

• Microscopic examination of unstained swabs taken from the vagina.
• Examination under a microscope of swabs stained with special dyes taken from the vagina.
• A mycological study involving the detection of a type of fungus that provoked the development of urogenital candidiasis.

• Clotrimazole vaginal tablets two hundred milligrams - must be injected into the vagina once a day for three days.
• Vaginal cream clotrimazole one percent should be injected into the vagina once a day for seven to fourteen days.
• Isoconazole- vaginal suppositories of six hundred milligrams. It is recommended to enter into the vagina once.

• Itraconazole (Irunin, Orungal) should be taken two hundred milligrams once a day for three days.
• Fluconazole ( Diflucan, Flucostat, Mycomax) - is used according to several treatment regimens: one hundred and fifty milligrams once, or one hundred milligrams on the first, fourth, and also the seventh day of therapy.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Vaginal discharge is especially alarming for expectant mothers, since during this period they are responsible not only for themselves, but also for the child. In fact, every pregnant woman should pay special attention to the nature of vaginal discharge in order to “sound the alarm” at the right time.

Discharge in early pregnancy
A little higher, we already said that abundant clear discharge in the first months of pregnancy, which are not endowed with a specific odor, is normal.
If a woman has spotting during this period, then this can serve as a signal of an unexpected miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
Whitish or purulent vaginal discharge in the early stages of pregnancy is considered to be a sign of the development of a particular infectious pathology.

Discharge in late pregnancy
In the second trimester of pregnancy in a healthy pregnant woman, vaginal discharge may become thicker and more viscous. This phenomenon is the norm. If the vaginal discharge is bloody, this may signal the onset of preterm labor or miscarriage, so in such cases, emergency hospitalization of the expectant mother is recommended. Brown vaginal discharge in late pregnancy is quite often due to minor bleeding from the vessels of the cervix. In this case, a pregnant woman should also visit a doctor.

When should you see a doctor for vaginal discharge?

Normal secretions are in a small volume, translucent, transparent or whitish in color, watery, creamy or jelly-like consistency, with a slight sour smell. Normal discharge does not irritate the genitals, does not cause discomfort, itching, redness or swelling. Also, normal secretions do not emit a strong or unpleasant odor (eg fishy odor, strong sour odor, etc.).

In addition, slight bloody or brownish discharge is considered normal 2 to 4 days before and after menstruation. It is also normal to have mild spotting for several days during the ovulation period.

Spotting is considered pathological not before or after menstruation, and also not during ovulation. In addition, discharges of a greenish, yellowish, grayish, earthy color, containing impurities of pus, blood, flakes, vesicles, having a curdled or other heterogeneous consistency, emitting an unpleasant pungent odor or causing itching, burning, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genital area, are pathological. organs.

Which doctor should I contact with pathological vaginal discharge?

If within two weeks after intercourse the nature of the discharge has changed, impurities of pus, mucus, flakes or vesicles have appeared in them, they have turned greenish, yellowish, grayish or earthy in color, they have begun to emit an unpleasant odor, then the woman can also contact a venereologist or a gynecologist, since such discharge indicates infection with an infectious disease.

What tests can doctors prescribe for vaginal discharge?

First of all, for any nature of the discharge, the doctor prescribes a gynecological bimanual examination (with hands) and an examination of the tissues of the vagina and cervix in the mirrors. These studies are considered routine and are performed without fail when a woman contacts a medical facility for any kind of vaginal discharge.

Further, if there is a fairly heavy bleeding (bleeding, as during menstruation, in the same or more quantity), the doctor usually prescribes an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) (endometrial hyperplasia. If the cervix is ​​not damaged, then with minor bleeding / blood smearing is prescribed hysteroscopy, diagnostic curettage and ultrasound.

With pathological discharges of an inflammatory nature (with a greenish, yellowish, grayish, earthy color, containing impurities of pus, blood, flakes, vesicles, having a curdled or other heterogeneous consistency, emitting an unpleasant pungent odor or leading to itching, burning, swelling, redness and discomfort in the genital area) the doctor always prescribes first swab for flora (make an appointment), which allows you to identify a number of the following infectious diseases: candidiasis, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea (sign up). These genital infections are most common compared to others, and therefore, at the first stage, the doctor does not prescribe more expensive and complex tests, because a simple smear on the flora allows them to be detected.

If, according to the results of the smear, it was possible to identify candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis or gonorrhea, then the doctor can go in two ways - either immediately prescribe treatment, or take a smear from the vagina for bacteriological and mycological culture to determine which antibiotics and antifungal agents will be the most detrimental to the infectious agent present in the particular case. If the immediately prescribed treatment is ineffective, then the doctor prescribes a bacteriological or mycological culture.

If, according to the results of the smear, no infectious agents were found, but there is a picture of inflammation, then the doctor prescribes more complex tests to identify pathogenic microbes. Usually, first of all, an analysis of the vaginal discharge for the presence of Trichomonas and gonococci is prescribed by PCR and blood test for syphilis (pale treponema) (make an appointment), since these pathogens are most common. If, according to the results of the analysis, those are found, then treatment is prescribed.

If gonococci, Trichomonas or pale treponema are not detected, then it is prescribed analysis for ureaplasma (sign up), chlamydia (sign up), mycoplasma (sign up), gardnerella, bacteroids. Analyzes for these pathogens can be different - bacteriological culture, PCR, ELISA, and various methods of taking and staining smears from the vagina. The choice of analysis is made by the doctor and depends mainly on the technical capabilities of the medical institution or on the financial capabilities of the patient, since the most accurate analyzes most often have to be taken in private laboratories for a fee.

If the results of the tests revealed the absence of trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, candidiasis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and gardnerellosis, but there is an inflammatory process in the genitals, then the doctor may prescribe tests for the presence of viruses - herpes virus types 1 and 2, human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, which are also capable of provoking inflammation in the genitals of a woman.

Pregnant women with suspected amniotic fluid leakage are usually prescribed a vaginal smear test for scales. In addition, there are pharmacy, ready-to-use tests for amniotic fluid leakage, which are similar in principle to pregnancy tests. A pregnant woman can use such tests on her own. Otherwise, when inflammatory discharge from the vagina appears, pregnant women are prescribed the same tests as non-pregnant women. And when bleeding occurs during pregnancy, women are sent to the hospital for examination, since in a similar position they can be a sign of pregnancy complications.

What will the discharge in early pregnancy tell about?

From this article about discharge from a woman, you will learn:

• 1

  Where does vaginal discharge come from?

• 2

  What discharge is normal

• 3

  How and for what reasons can normal discharges change?

• 4

  What does the change in the nature of the discharge indicate?

• 5

  What discharge is pathological

• 6

  Features of secretions in various infectious diseases.

The nature of the secretions, their color, consistency, quantity, smell, subjective sensations can be very diverse. And it is important to draw a clear line between normal discharge in a healthy woman and pathological discharge, indicating the presence of the disease.

What discharge is normal?

Normally, the nature and amount of secretions are not constant, they can change under the influence of many factors: from age, the phase of the menstrual cycle, sexual arousal, the onset of sexual activity or a change in sexual partner, pregnancy, lactation, climate change, oral contraceptives.

In girls, discharge appears several months (up to a year) before the first menstruation. Until this period, girls should not normally have discharge. And if they appear, then most often it is associated with diseases of the intestines or urinary system. Normally, they are watery or mucous, transparent, may have a whitish or yellowish tint, odorless or with a slight sour smell (since the environment in the vagina is acidic, PH = 3.8-4.4). And normal discharge never causes discomfort in the form of itching, burning, pain.

With the establishment of the menstrual cycle, the consistency and amount of discharge begins to change depending on its phase. So, in the follicular phase (after menstruation before ovulation), the discharge is watery, in a small amount (up to 2 ml per day), may contain clots up to 2 mm, may have a whitish or yellowish tint, odorless or with a slight sour smell.

During ovulation (1-2 days), the discharge becomes plentiful (up to 5 ml per day), viscous, thick - reminiscent of egg white, may acquire a beige hue.

In the luteal phase (from the moment of ovulation until menstruation), the discharge becomes creamy, their amount decreases, but a few days before menstruation may increase again.

In perimenopause, with a change in the level of sex hormones, there is a tendency to reduce the amount of secretions.

Also, the nature of the discharge may change, but remain normal, under the influence of a number of factors:

At the onset of sexual activity and when changing sexual partners. This is due to the colonization of a new non-pathogenic microflora and is accompanied by abundant secretions, which can change color, but are not accompanied by itching, burning, and an unpleasant odor;

Sexual arousal and intercourse. This increases the number of allocations.

Taking hormonal contraceptives (and the use of not only pills, but also a patch, injections, vaginal ring), since their mechanism of action is based on the suppression of ovulation. At the same time, the number of allocations becomes smaller.

Lactation. While a woman is breastfeeding a child until the restoration of the menstrual cycle, ovulation is also absent, so there is also a decrease in the amount of discharge.

Pregnancy. And during pregnancy, this is especially pronounced in the second half, the amount of discharge increases. This is due to the intensive blood supply to the pelvic organs. And in recent weeks, the amount of discharge is still increasing due to the discharge of the mucous plug. But in late pregnancy, you need to be attentive to the discharge - very liquid discharge should alert you, as this may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid.

Postpartum period - discharge after childbirth (lochia) is observed normally for 6-8 weeks and their character gradually changes from bloody (as with heavy periods), in which clots may be present, bloody-mucous, muco-bloody to mucous. And if for some reason the lochia stopped much earlier, then this is a cause for concern, and in this case, an examination by a gynecologist is necessary.

Changing the nature of the discharge

A change in the nature of the secretions: an increase in the amount, a change in color, odor, consistency in most cases indicates the presence of a disease, both infectious and non-infectious origin. Below we will analyze in detail all the possible changes in discharge and the features of discharge in various infections.

Bloody (red, scarlet, brown) discharge indicates the content of blood in them and can occur both normally and indicate the presence of a disease.

Black, brown discharge also contains blood impurities, and the dark color is acquired as a result of oxidation in the vagina.

So, spotting can be observed under the following conditions:

Before menstruation and after their cessation - perimenstrual - not abundant, without a specific smell. There is no unambiguous answer whether this is the norm, since in each case an individual and integrated approach is needed. Such secretions can be either a variant of the individual norm or indicate the presence of a disease (endometriosis, adenomyosis, polyposis, etc.);

Sometimes ovulation can be accompanied by spotting, when a particularly large follicle bursts, and lasts from several hours to several days. Ovulatory bleeding is normal;

Very often, spotting is accompanied by the presence of an intrauterine device;

Intermenstrual bleeding may be accompanied by the use of hormonal contraceptives. If this phenomenon occurs regularly while taking hormonal contraceptives or wearing a spiral, you should discuss this with your gynecologist.

In other cases, if bloody vaginal discharge is not associated with the menstrual cycle, they can be considered a manifestation of an existing pathological process:

1. With violations of the menstrual cycle, hormonal imbalance;
2. Endometriosis (adenomyosis);
3. Chronic endometritis;
4. cervical cancer;
5. erosion of the cervix;
6. Polyposis;
7. Papillomas, genital warts.

If spotting occurs after sexual contact, then in most cases this is due to the existing pathology in the cervical region (erosion, cancer, genital warts) and their traumatization.

If spotting occurs in menopause, this is an alarm signal, and at the same time there should always be cancer alertness. In this case, you should not delay the visit to the gynecologist and self-medicate.

As for the sudden red discharge, they can be triggered by an unexpected miscarriage in the first months of pregnancy. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, a woman has very strong prolonged spotting. If, in addition to discharge, a woman also has some symptoms of pregnancy, then she should be immediately taken to the hospital.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy in most cases indicates a pathology and is noted during:

1. Implantation of the embryo in the uterine cavity - on average 7-10 days after fertilization, therefore, they are often perceived as menstruation, although the discharge is less abundant, has a more smearing character, from dark red to brown, lasts from several hours to several days. This is normal;
2. Threat of abortion;
3. Premature detachment of a normally located placenta;
4. placenta previa;
5. With some infectious diseases;
6. Discharge of the mucous plug - sometimes there may be bloody inclusions, which are normal.

Yellow, whitish vaginal discharge is most often a sign of a sexually transmitted infection. This color is due to the presence of leukocytes and dead bodies of microorganisms in the secretions.

Purulent vaginal discharge is observed in infectious pathologies such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, gonorrhea and others. In most cases, such discharge is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the form of itching, burning, swelling of the genital organs, pain in the lower abdomen, in the lumbar region.

During pregnancy, whitish viscous vaginal discharge is considered a normal variant if no other symptoms of the disease are noted.

Curdled discharge is characteristic of thrush (candidiasis).

Foamy, thick discharge is more common with trichomoniasis and inflammation caused by mixed flora.

Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell, reminiscent of the smell of rotten fish, characteristic of gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis).

The appearance of yellow, purulent, white, gray or greenish discharge a few days or weeks after sexual contact in most cases indicates the occurrence of an infectious disease. Specific changes in vaginal discharge in various infections of the genital organs.

The most common causes of changes in the nature of vaginal discharge are specific infectious and inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs, namely trichomoniasis, candidiasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, as well as bacterial vaginosis and nonspecific inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. Consider the characteristic changes in discharge during each of these infections and methods for their determination.

Trichomoniasis: profuse white, yellowish or greenish frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching and / or burning, painful urination. Diagnosis - examination of a native smear or a smear after staining according to Romanovsky-Giemsa, PCR examination of vaginal discharge (the most reliable method) or bacteriological culture.

Thrush (candidiasis)- thick discharge, similar to lumps of yellowish cottage cheese, the amount of discharge is significantly increased.

Accompanied by intense, exhausting itching of the genitals, redness, swelling of the external genitalia. Diagnosis - microscopic examination of smears from the vagina, bacteriological culture of secretions.

Bacterial vaginosis- the amount of discharge increases significantly, the color of the discharge is grayish-white, an unpleasant odor appears (the smell of rotten fish) and a slightly pronounced, intermittent itching of the external genital organs. Symptoms worse after intercourse. With a long existence of the process, the secretions become yellow-green, sticky. Diagnosis - bacteriological culture of vaginal discharge.

Chlamydia- not a characteristic increase in the number of secretions. The yellow color of the discharge is characteristic (this sign is especially noticeable to the doctor when examining a woman in the mirrors), often accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, painful urination, enlargement and soreness of the Bartholin gland. Diagnosis - PCR studies of discharge from the cervical canal (the most reliable method), bacteriological culture.

Gonorrhea- moderate yellowish-white discharge from the vagina, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, pain when urinating and, often, intermenstrual bleeding. To confirm the diagnosis, microscopic examination of secretions, bacteriological culture and PCR research are used.

Nonspecific vaginitis (colpitis)- Vaginal discharge is the main symptom. Their characteristics are varied: liquid, watery, sometimes thick, purulent, often fetid, often with an admixture of blood. Acute inflammation is accompanied by itching, burning or heat in the genital area. The diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic examination of vaginal smears.

If you need a consultation with a gynecologist, you can do it.

Purulent discharge in women is a sure sign of trouble. Very often they are accompanied by symptoms such as pain, irritation, redness and swelling of the organs of the reproductive system. At the same time, general well-being often worsens. In any case, the appearance of pus always indicates that the inflammatory process is progressing in the body.

Let's look at what are the most common causes of purulent discharge in women, and the treatment that is most likely to be used in a given case.

Distinctive features of purulent discharge

Pus is not a natural product of the secretion of the sex glands, which contains a large number of bacteria and dead leukocytes (neutrophils).

Purulent discharge is quite easy to recognize. Most often it is a mass of yellow-green color, which has a repulsive specific smell and is characterized by abundance.

Purulent discharge photo:

As the inflammatory process progresses, the amount of such a secret also increases.

In parallel, as a rule, there are other signs of ill health:

• hyperemia and swelling of tissues;
• pain of a pulling or cutting nature in the lower abdomen or sacrum;
• pain when emptying the bladder;
• itching of the external genitalia.

In some cases, the general condition may worsen, the appearance of symptoms of intoxication of the body.

The specific structure of the female reproductive organs makes them vulnerable to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. The main causes of purulent discharge in women are the diseases described below.

Purulent discharge with vulvitis

Vulvitis is a pathological process that covers the area of ​​​​the external genital organs. The essence of the disease is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large and small labia.

The cause of this disease is often a violation of the rules of hygiene. Similar are often indicated. In adult women, vulvitis manifests itself much less frequently. Conditions for the development of the disease can create endocrine disorders, a decrease in local and general immunity, a reaction to mucosal contact with synthetic underwear or a hygiene product. The characteristic signs of vulvitis are:

1. Profuse discharge of purulent secretions. Their color depends on the pathogen that provoked the inflammation. When breeding E. coli, the discharge will be yellow with a greenish tinge. Staphylococcus aureus causes more, a fungal infection is accompanied by a white coating;
2. Unbearable itching of the labia, burning, aggravated by contact with urine and active movement;
3. Soreness in the vulva, caused by severe redness, swelling and irritation of the mucosal tissues;
4. Enlargement of regional lymph nodes;
5. Sometimes malaise, lethargy.

How to treat? Most often, the therapy of this disease includes the use of topical agents:

• rinsing (or baths) of inflamed areas with potassium permanganate, chamomile infusion:
• treatment of the vulva with chlorhexidine, the use of antipruritic drugs.
• in severe cases, antibiotic therapy and antifungal drugs are used;
• additionally, drugs may be prescribed to restore the microflora of the vagina and vitamins to raise general immunity.

Purulent secret with endometritis

The development of uterine endometritis is accompanied by symptoms such as the release of a purulent mass with inclusions of blood clots, which has a repulsive odor. There may also be an increase in body temperature, chills, pain in the pelvic region and the lumbar region, and general malaise.

How is it treated? There are cases when endometritis disappears spontaneously immediately after menstruation, since during this physiological process there is a natural rejection of the upper layer of the mucosa, which is just affected by inflammation. But this is not always the case. In some cases, even hospitalization is required.

Therapy of endometritis includes, first of all, the appointment of antibiotics, as well as (if necessary) the introduction of saline and protein solutions to eliminate intoxication of the body. After removing the main cause that caused the development of the disease state, the patient can be prescribed multivitamins, a course of immunomodulators, and hormonal drugs.

If timely treatment is not carried out, then after the removal of acute symptoms, there remains a high probability of the disease becoming chronic.

Pathological secret in cervicitis

Cervicitis is, in simple terms, an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix. It can be caused by a variety of reasons. These are sexual infections (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia), and fungal infections, and hormonal disorders, and mechanical damage to the integrity of the mucous layer. But most often the cause is the reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, which occurs against the background of a decrease in the body's defenses.

As a result of the action of factors provocateurs, a focus of inflammation appears, which is initially accompanied by an increased secretion of an odorless mucous secretion. As the disease develops, dull pains appear in the abdomen, false urges to empty the bladder, pain during sexual contact.

In addition, as a result of damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane in a woman after sex, the appearance of a purulent secret, the color of which may vary depending on the pathogen that provoked the pathology.

• So from the vagina will be yellow.
• If the cause is trichomoniasis or chlamydia, then the structure of the discharge will be similar to foam.
• Candida fungi provoke white curdled discharge, in which, with an advanced form of the disease, an admixture of pus may appear.

With cervicitis, the cervix becomes loose, increases in size, acquires a reddish tint. Once an acute cervicitis occurs, it threatens to develop into a chronic disease. In addition, it often causes cervical erosion.

What to treat? Therapeutic procedures are prescribed by the doctor based on the results of the tests, with the help of which it is possible to establish the direct causative agent of the disease. In some cases, it may be necessary to use antibiotics, in others - antifungal drugs, and in the third - antiviral agents. To enhance local immunity, it is possible to use immunostimulants, vitamin complexes and drugs that normalize the microflora.

Vaginal secret of a purulent nature with vaginitis

Vaginitis (colpitis) is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, which is a consequence of an imbalance in the microflora. Often it occurs against the background of a decrease in the body's defenses, as a result of the reproduction of conditional pathogenic flora. Violation of hygiene rules, damage to the mucous layer, hormonal changes, infection with a sexual infection can provoke it.

The symptoms of vaginitis are quite clear. The first characteristic is leucorrhoea of ​​an abnormal nature. As a rule, the secreted mass is a serous-purulent discharge, the color intensity and structure of which may vary depending on the causative agent of inflammation. In parallel, there may be symptoms observed in any inflammatory process in the gynecological area, namely: itching and burning in the vulva (especially when in contact with urine), swelling and redness of tissues, pain during intimate contact, hyperthermic syndrome, enlarged local lymph nodes.

Inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, inflammation after surgery

Sometimes the focus of inflammation occurs in the very depths of the female body - the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Signs of such diseases are somewhat different from those listed above.

So the serous discharge observed in this disease most often has a dirty green tint, while no manifestations in the form of itching, burning or pain during urination may be observed at all. However, on the contrary, they are intense and sharp.

Another distinguishing feature of mucopurulent discharge during inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is that their release is greatly enhanced by physical activity. Additionally, manifestations of intoxication are recorded.

Another cause of purulent discharge is the occurrence of inflammation after operations on the organs of the reproductive system, for example, after the removal of various neoplasms. The development of internal inflammation is accompanied by intoxication, an increase in body temperature to critical values, sharp pains in the pelvic region, a reaction from the lymph nodes and an intense release of a purulent mass that smells repulsive.

Most often cause inflammation of this kind of Escherichia coli, streptococci, staphylococci. Ignoring the above symptoms can lead to dangerous consequences - infertility, blood poisoning, severe intoxication.

How is it treated? Without antibiotics, purulent discharge during inflammation cannot be defeated. With an advanced stage of the disease, accompanied by clear signs of intoxication (vomiting, high fever, feeling unwell), not only hospitalization, but also a surgical operation may be necessary. Additionally, the patient may be prescribed immunostimulants, vitamins, hormonal drugs - it all depends on what caused the inflammation.

Anomalies of the structure (incomplete doubling of the vagina)

One of the reasons why purulent discharge in women is possible is the doubling of the uterus with incomplete doubling inside the vagina. With this physiological anomaly, the accessory vagina develops in parallel, like an accessory pocket. At the same time, the exit from it is closed, which prevents the natural outflow of secretory fluid and causes stagnation and inflammation. As a result of this, a fistula occurs, which secretes pus into a normal vagina, which explains the appearance of pathological discharge.

How is it treated? Unfortunately, in this case, only an operation can help, during which the surgeon removes the accessory vagina. After the removal of an abnormally developed organ, reproductive functions are completely preserved.

Pus in vaginal cancer

This is another reason why vaginal purulent discharge appears. Such secretion is caused by the defeat of the cancerous tumor by a secondary infection. At the same time, a significant amount of blood inclusions is present in the excreted mass. There is also a heavy putrid odor. Most often, this form of cancer occurs in older women over the age of 60 years. In this case, the affected areas look like ulcerations of a necrotic nature.

How is it treated? Like any oncological disease, vaginal cancer involves specific treatment, which may include both surgery and chemotherapy and radiation therapy after removal of lesions.

Inflammation of the urethra

Sometimes the appearance of traces of pus on underwear may not be associated with gynecological problems. Their cause can be inflammation of the urethra (). Symptoms may include painful urination, increased urination, and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Often there is a general malaise, pain in the abdomen, irritation of the area around the urethra.

In women, the cause of such discharge is most often gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. Mechanical damage to the tissues lining the urethra can also provoke inflammation. For example, the Foley catheter, used to remove urine for bladder dysfunction, often causes this complication.

Treatment tactics. In this case, everything again depends on the causes that provoked inflammation. When it comes to STDs, the treatment is carried out depending on the type of pathogen. If the inflammatory process occurs due to dysfunction of the urinary system, then an integrated approach to treatment is required, including the use of antibiotics, surgical assistance, and vitamin and immune therapy.

The existence of whiter in women is a normal physiological phenomenon. Depending on the cyclical changes associated with the functioning of the reproductive system, their abundance and nature change. Pathology is discharge mixed with pus, having an unpleasant odor. They confirm the presence of inflammation. In addition to discomfort and pain, this condition can lead to complications during pregnancy or infertility. Self-treatment can only complicate the situation.

• greenish yellow color;
• a more liquid consistency than regular whites.

In this case, there may be pulling pains in the lower abdomen and in the back, cramps during urination, itching and redness of the vagina. Possible increase in body temperature.

Such secretions consist of mucusproduced by glands located in the epithelium of the genital organs, as well as leukocytes, white blood cells, the content of which increases sharply in any focus of inflammation.

Causes of purulent discharge

Due to the structural features of the organs of the female reproductive system, the infection easily penetrates into the uterine cavity and appendages (fallopian tubes and ovaries). Purulent discharge in women is a sign of inflammatory processes: vaginitis, cervicitis, oophoritis and others. All of them in a neglected form pose a health hazard. Scarring of tissues occurs, which can cause obstruction of the fallopian tubes, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, complications during childbirth.

Video: Why does inflammation of the vagina occur

Inflammatory diseases

The main cause of such secretions are inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs of a woman.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina (vaginitis, colpitis)

These diseases develop for the following reasons:

• bacterial infection (streptococci, staphylococci, trichomonads, chlamydia, gonococci);
• hormonal disorders associated with endocrine diseases;
• non-compliance with hygiene rules;
• damage to the mucous membrane of the vagina;
• the use of certain drugs (antibiotics, hormonal drugs);
• weakening of the immune system.

Addition: The normal microflora of the vagina serves as a natural defense against infection. The cause of its violation may be frequent douching.

Often, inflammation of the vulva, the outer region of the genital organs (vulvovaginitis) occurs simultaneously with colpitis.

Video: Colpitis during pregnancy

Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)

The causative agents of nonspecific infection penetrate the cervix through the blood, lymph or from the intestines. Specific is sexually transmitted.

Inflammation can also occur due to damage to the cervical mucosa during childbirth, abortion, curettage of the uterus, and the installation of an intrauterine device. With this disease, women experience aching pains in the lower abdomen, pain is felt during urination and during intercourse, and cloudy purulent discharge appears.

Inflammation of the endometrium (endometritis)

Infection from the vagina and cervix penetrates the uterine cavity and causes inflammation of the inner lining. In addition, the cause of the disease can be birth trauma, abortion or surgery on the uterus.

In this case, there are symptoms such as purulent discharge with blood clots, high fever, pain in the sacrum, in the lower abdomen. Inflammation affects only the superficial epithelial layer, so sometimes after its complete rejection during menstruation, the symptoms disappear without treatment.

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis) and ovaries (oophoritis)

Most often, they occur in combination as a result of an ascending infection, and as a result of the introduction of pathogens during artificial termination of pregnancy, childbirth, and cleaning the uterus.

In addition to purulent discharge, caused by these diseases in women, there are also chills, high fever, pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen (depending on whether the inflammatory process is unilateral or bilateral). The abundant purulent mucus has a pungent odor.

Specific infections leading to inflammatory processes

If staphylococci and other types of non-specific infections can be contracted by using bath accessories or bed linen of a sick person, then the specific one is transmitted only sexually. Such infectious diseases can proceed in a latent form for a long time, require the treatment of both sexual partners.

Gonorrhea. It is also accompanied by a copious discharge of yellow-brown pus with a pungent odor. Inflammation captures the urinary organs, uterus, cervix, appendages. Antibiotics are required to eliminate gonococci.

Video: Symptoms and treatment of gonorrhea in the Living Healthy program

Trichomoniasis. The causative agent is the vaginal bacterium Trichomonas. Purulent yellow-green intense discharge has a foamy consistency, an unpleasant odor. As a result of damage to the mucous membranes, itching and burning occur. Urination becomes painful. The disease can become chronic. The intensity of the discharge depends on the degree of spread of the infection, organ damage.

It is not easy to recover from trichomoniasis, since only special drugs act on Trichomonas. These microorganisms are protected by a shell that does not contain proteins, so antibiotics are ineffective. Metronidazole, ternidazole and other drugs of this group are capable of destroying the shell, killing bacteria.

A warning: Self-medication and uncontrolled intake of such drugs can lead to a deterioration in the condition, as they provoke the reproduction of bacteria, the transition of the disease to a latent atypical form.

Mycoplasmosis. The causative agent is mycoplasma. This infection is mainly contracted from sexual partners, but you can also get sick if you use a non-sterile gynecological instrument. There are known cases of infection in the household way (through bed linen or when using common personal hygiene items). During pregnancy, infection causes a violation of the development of the fetus, can lead to premature birth, death of the child. During childbirth, an infection in the birth canal is transmitted to the child.

Often a woman may not know that she is infected with mycoplasmosis for several years. The infection is discovered in her by chance if she goes to the doctor about infertility or miscarriages. It also infects the sexual partner.

Abundant purulent discharge occurs in a woman in the chronic stage of the disease. In addition, there are constant pulling pains in the area of ​​​​the appendages, burning and itching during the emptying of the bladder. Condoms must be used to protect against sexual transmission.

A warning: Wearing tight synthetic underwear creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria that cause inflammatory diseases.

Video: Inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs. ultrasound diagnostics

Examination methods for purulent discharge

To establish the cause of pathological leucorrhoea, first of all, a smear study is carried out to determine the nature of the vaginal microflora, the detection of bacteria, viruses and fungi that caused the inflammatory process.

Bacteriological culture allows you to establish the type of bacteria, their sensitivity to various antibiotics.

Analysis of blood, smear (by ELISA, PCR) for latent infections makes it possible to develop the most effective treatment regimen.

Colposcopy, X-ray, ultrasound of the pelvic organs are performed to detect the site of inflammation.

Treatment of inflammatory processes and genital infections

In the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the female genitourinary system, the following are used:

1. Antibiotics. The course of treatment is usually 10-14 days.
2. Painkillers.
3. Antifungal drugs.
4. Means for eliminating vaginal dysbacteriosis that occurs while taking antibiotics.
5. Preparations for restoring the microflora of the vagina (lactobacilli).
6. Immunomodulators to enhance the body's ability to fight infection.
7. Antimicrobial agents are used both in the form of tablets and in the form of ointments and suppositories.

Treatment of specific infectious diseases in the presence of purulent discharge in women is usually carried out strictly according to the scheme, taking into account the mechanism of action of drugs on bacteria.

Of the folk anti-inflammatory drugs, aloe juice with honey (for tampons), a decoction of oak bark (2 tablespoons per 0.5 liters of boiling water) for douching, viburnum or barberry juice (for drinking) are used.