Why do girls secrete mucus like snot? Mucous discharge, like snot: transparent, white, yellow, brown

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 participate in the formation of vaginal secretions. Physiological vaginal discharge is present in all women and girls after puberty, and in postmenopause their amount 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 for irrigation, protection and cleansing of the vagina. The presence of such discharge in the vagina is necessary and is not a pathology. A change in the nature of the usual discharge occurs due to harmless reasons or signals serious problems.

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

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

- the amount of discharge does not exceed their usual norm 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 “normal” can vary significantly. For some women, increased or scanty amounts of vaginal discharge are considered normal if their character does not change throughout life and if they are not accompanied by pathological symptoms.

The external characteristics of the discharge are also not always interpreted correctly by patients. Sometimes the discharge changes its appearance when interacting with air and leaves marks on the underwear of a “not its” color. If the discharge comes into contact with chemicals found in hygiene products, it can also change its 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 its composition is dominated by lactobacilli and squamous epithelial cells. Representatives of conditionally pathogenic microflora are present in the vagina in minimal quantities (about 2%): gardnerella, mycoplasma, anaerobic bacteria, staphylococci, streptococci and fungi. To prevent unwanted microflora from multiplying, a constant acidic environment with a pH of 3.8 - 4.5 is maintained in the vagina with the help of lactobacilli.

The nature of vaginal contents can be affected by:

— Natural cyclical hormonal fluctuations affect vaginal discharge, changing not only its quantity, but also its consistency. On the eve of menstruation, the amount of vaginal discharge increases and it becomes more viscous.

The most popular reason for visiting a gynecologist is heavy and unpleasant vaginal discharge of an unusual type. Leucorrhoea can have a wide variety of colors (from white to red), consistency (jelly, “cottage cheese” or foam) and be accompanied by unpleasant sensations and pain. In some cases, leucorrhoea is 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 leucorrhoea. Discharge does not have “strength”, it only has quantity, so it is more correct to replace strong vaginal discharge in the formulation of complaints with heavy 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 leucorrhoea most often does not cause difficulties; a simple laboratory study of quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of vaginal secretions (“flora smears”) helps to determine the source of the disease.

Therapy for pathological vaginal discharge involves eliminating the source of the disease and restoring normal parameters 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 discharge (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 desquamation of “old” cells and the proliferation of new cells. Lactobacilli interact with the surface cells of the vaginal epithelium, they break down the glycogen they contain into lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, resulting in an acidic environment in the vagina. Unwanted microflora cannot multiply in an acidic environment, so its amount in the vagina remains minimal.

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

However, leucorrhoea does not always mean that the disease is localized specifically in the vagina. Based on the place of origin, they are distinguished:

- 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 swollen, their lumen narrows, the inflammatory secretion 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. They occur predominantly during inflammatory processes in the endometrium.

— Cervical (cervical) leucorrhoea is the result of increased secretion of the cervical glands during inflammation.

— Vestibular leucorrhoea is produced by the glands of the vestibule of the vagina.

In girls, in 55% of cases, the appearance of leucorrhoea 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 it is physiological. Only 30% of girls and adolescents have pathological vaginal discharge, and most of it is infectious in nature.

During pre- and postmenopausal periods, leucorrhoea is associated with atrophic processes in the mucous membranes or cancer. Sometimes the appearance of leucorrhoea in elderly patients is associated with prolapse of the genital organs.

Leucorrhoea against the background of foreign bodies in the vaginal cavity can be profuse, purulent and have an unpleasant odor. Staying hygienic tampons, a vaginal ring (pessary) in the vagina for too long, as well as foreign objects introduced from outside can cause leucorrhoea.

There is probably not a single woman who has not experienced changes in the nature of vaginal discharge, but not every one of them required medical help. The presence of provoking factors does not always lead to the appearance of leucorrhoea. In healthy women with a good immune system and normal hormonal status, deviations from the normal parameters of the vaginal environment are compensated by the body’s internal resources. However, sexually transmitted infections in even the healthiest patients require therapy.

White vaginal discharge

The appearance of vaginal discharge may not always reliably indicate the true cause of its appearance. Physiological vaginal discharge sometimes has a whitish tint, but due to its small amount, a woman may not know what it looks like and begins to pay attention to it only when its amount increases due to 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 bothered by any other subjective sensations, and after examination it is not possible to establish the presence of a pathological process.

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

A pathological process can be suspected if the patient complains of atypically thick and unpleasant white vaginal discharge accompanied by itching, burning or a feeling of discomfort. Such discharge most often indicates excessive proliferation of fungal microflora, that is, the appearance of vaginal candidiasis. The source of the disease is Candida fungi. They may be present in small quantities in the vagina, and their growth is inhibited by lactobacilli. If the normal composition of the vaginal microflora is disrupted, the fungi begin to actively vegetate, displacing beneficial microorganisms.

Vaginal candidiasis is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. Patients complain of abundant and thick white vaginal discharge. Characteristic white inclusions in the form of crumbs or flakes give the whites of 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 intensifies in the evening and often does not subside throughout the night, not allowing the woman to rest.

Upon examination, the vaginal mucosa always shows signs of severe inflammation (swelling and redness) with characteristic white “films”. Attempts to remove such plaque are accompanied by severe trauma to the mucous membrane and the appearance of blood. Heavy discharge irritates the inflamed mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva, causing a burning sensation. If the inflammatory process spreads to the urethra, the patient may experience complaints associated with urinary disorders.

Often, patients with vaginal candidiasis can clearly indicate the cause of leucorrhoea. The most common of these is the incorrect use of antibiotics.

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

The diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis is usually not difficult. 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 vaginal candidiasis involves the use of antifungal drugs and restoration of normal vaginal pH. Successful treatment of candidiasis does not guarantee relapse of the disease.

Yellow vaginal discharge

Most leucorrhoea is 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. An infectious process in the vagina can be provoked by “own” microorganisms (the case when opportunistic microbes become the cause of the disease) or pathogens from outside (genital infections).

A sign of an infectious process in the genitals is a yellow, purulent discharge. Long-term purulent discharge acquires a greenish tint.

Abundant, watery, yellow or yellow-green vaginal discharge may indicate trichomoniasis. The disease is caused by Trichomonas and is venereal. In addition to leucorrhoea, the patient is bothered by pain, itching, burning and urinary dysfunction. A distinctive sign of trichomonas inflammation is the foamy appearance of leucorrhoea and an unpleasant, stale odor. If the disease is not cured on 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 unfortunate consequences of gonorrhea is.

Leucorrhoea does 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, profuse purulent vaginal discharge is accompanied by severe fever and pain.

It should be noted that leucorrhoea can have a yellowish tint of different origins. 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 identification of a specific pathogen indicates the cause of the disease.

Brown vaginal discharge

Blood colors 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 its characteristic color. Typically, 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 be destroyed before it comes out.

The most common cause of brown discharge is menstrual irregularities. Typically, the patient experiences spotting, dark, brown vaginal discharge of varying duration during any period between menstruation. Sometimes such discharge replaces normal menstruation.

The appearance of slight brown spotting vaginal discharge is not always a sign of 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 discharge is short-term and is not accompanied by any subjective unpleasant sensations. If spotting brown discharge bothers a woman constantly, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

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

Intrauterine contraception (“spiral”) in some cases provokes spotting:

- in the first time after the insertion of the IUD, the uterus perceives it as a foreign body and tries to free itself;

— the uterine mucosa at the site of “attachment” of the spiral may be slightly injured.

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

Minor brown discharge may appear briefly after douching or overly aggressive sexual intercourse due to microtrauma of the mucous membrane. Spotting brown or pink discharge from the vagina after an abortion or cauterization of cervical erosion also indicates the presence of injuries to the mucous membranes of the vagina and uterus. As a rule, such discharges are temporary and disappear on their own.

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

Pathological discharge from sexually transmitted infections may contain a small amount of dark blood. The intense inflammatory process caused by sexually transmitted 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 endometrial fibroids.

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 normal (uterine) pregnancy and abdominal pain of varying intensity. Often this condition is mistaken for a threatening miscarriage. An interrupted ectopic pregnancy threatens the patient’s life and requires immediate surgical intervention.

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

Clear vaginal discharge

Transparent vaginal discharge without color or odor in a small amount corresponds to the concept of normal. Typically, 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 body.

There is no strict standard for discharge. 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 clear discharge begins to bother a woman constantly, leaves stains on her underwear or is accompanied by unpleasant subjective sensations; in this situation, the reason for such changes should be understood.

A slight presence of fresh blood is indicated by short-term pink vaginal discharge. Therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations can provoke minor violations of the integrity of the mucous membrane; blood from the surface of microtraumas enters the vaginal secretion and turns it pink.

“Cauterization” or “freezing” of cervical ectopia 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 vaginal discharge of a short duration.

Mucous discharge from the vagina

Light vaginal discharge of a mucous type without pathological impurities and odor, which does not cause itching, burning or discomfort, is the norm. Sometimes mucous discharge becomes more viscous and stringy, and in appearance resembles egg white.

The mucous appearance of vaginal discharge is due to the cervix.

Clear and thick cervical (or cervical) mucus forms in the cervix, sometimes called a “plug.” It is produced by the cells of the cervical canal mucosa and performs important functions:

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

- thanks to the mucous cervical secretion, sperm entering 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. To ensure that sperm can easily enter the uterus, at the time of ovulation the density of cervical mucus decreases and it flows into the vagina. Therefore, the amount of vaginal mucous discharge during 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 determine the presence of dyshormonal disorders.

The Billings method is based on studying the viscosity of cervical mucus at different periods of the cycle. At the end of the next menstruation, the vagina is “dry” - there is practically no discharge. Towards the middle of the cycle, the mucous discharge becomes so viscous that it can be easily stretched between two fingers. The period of ovulation (middle of the cycle) is accompanied by an increase in vaginal discharge, it becomes liquid. Then the discharge becomes viscous again, and then disappears completely. If the cervical mucus indicators do not change, we can assume. This method cannot reliably determine the presence of hormonal abnormalities and is indirect.

Bloody vaginal discharge

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

Discharge of blood from the vagina, not associated with menstrual bleeding, always indicates the presence of a disease. Important diagnostic criteria are the duration of bleeding and their quantity. 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 procedures: taking smears, aspiration biopsy of the endometrium, diagnostic curettage, laparoscopy, and so on.

— Mechanical disruption of the integrity of the integumentary epithelium during douching, use of a gynecological speculum during examination, or insertion 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 mucous membrane easily vulnerable, so they can sometimes be accompanied by slight bleeding.

— A slight discharge of scarlet blood from the vagina after an abortion is associated with injury to the mucous membranes of the uterus and cervical canal. Normally, their intensity should decrease until they completely stop on their own.

The most common causes of significant vaginal bleeding are:

— Menstrual cycle disorders. In the absence of ovulation, the cyclic processes of the uterus and ovaries are disrupted, 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 significant size prevent the muscular wall of the uterus from contracting properly and cause prolonged menstruation or intermenstrual bleeding.

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

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

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

Sudden heavy bleeding against the background of a sharp deterioration in health appears in emergency conditions that threaten the life and health of a woman. Most often these are:

— Submucous (submucosal) fibroids of the uterine body. Sometimes fibroids grow into the uterine cavity in the form of a node, causing severe bleeding and pain. The most dangerous complication of submucosal fibroids is uterine inversion.

— Retention of parts of the fertilized egg after a medical abortion or spontaneous miscarriage. Pieces of remaining tissue prevent the uterus from contracting, causing bleeding. A similar situation occurs after childbirth, when a piece of the placenta remains in the uterus.

— Interrupted ectopic pregnancy.

— Complications of pregnancy: premature spontaneous termination of pregnancy, 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.

If untimely bleeding occurs, you should immediately visit a doctor.

Vaginal discharge with odor

Microorganisms present in the vagina during their life processes release chemical compounds with different odors. In healthy women, there is an individual, subtle odor in the area of ​​the external genitalia. Normally, he should not bother a woman. Increased vaginal odor often signals problems.

The simplest reason for the appearance of unpleasant-smelling discharge is a violation of the rules of intimate hygiene. If they disappear after normal hygiene procedures, there is no need to worry.

The smell of vaginal discharge is perceived differently by patients, since everyone’s sense of smell is not equally developed. However, there is a group of diseases that have a characteristic, unique smell of vaginal discharge.

Discharge from sexually transmitted infections has an unpleasant odor. With trichomoniasis, an unpleasant, pungent odor accompanies copious, foamy discharge.

The sour odor 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 copious 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, the number of lactobacilli decreases and the pH changes, which is fertile ground for the development of dysbiosis. Instead of lactobacilli, opportunistic microflora begins to multiply in the vaginal environment; the more of it, the more pronounced the symptoms of the disease, including vaginal odor.

The unpleasant odor of vaginal discharge in patients with bacterial vaginosis is associated with the activity of anaerobic bacteria: they produce amines. As amines break down, they release a “fishy” odor. If the disease occurs in an erased form, the amine test reveals a specific vaginal odor: the contents of the vagina are mixed with an alkali solution, which destroys amines, and a “fishy” odor is obtained.

Despite the heavy discharge, during examination for bacterial vaginosis there are no signs of local inflammation; this 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.

Discharge of urine from the vagina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continuous leakage of urine into the vagina causes inflammation of the mucous membrane with toxic compounds. Signs of severe inflammation appear – , . Long-term inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina provokes the development of a purulent process. In this case, vaginal discharge becomes purulent and acquires an unpleasant odor. A long-standing vaginal infection through the fistula cavity can enter the urinary tract and cause.

Diagnosis of genitourinary fistulas begins with a vaginal examination, which makes it possible to detect the opening of the genitourinary fistula and pronounced changes in the vaginal mucosa. Ultrasound and urological examinations help clarify the diagnosis. Urogenital fistulas are eliminated surgically.

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

A woman’s discharge is normal if it does not cause her discomfort and there are no deviations in the nature of the menstrual cycle. Any change in the color, volume, or smell of discharge is perceived as a sign of disease. But in some cases this is not a pathology. Therefore, it is important to know when to go to the doctor immediately, and when to take changes calmly. If clear, snot-like discharge appears, you need to pay attention not only to its color, but also to the smell and consistency, and if in doubt, consult a doctor immediately.

Content:

What discharge is normal?

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

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

Normally, snot-like discharge should have the following indicators:

1. They should be transparent, slightly white or beige in color.
2. They should not have an unpleasant odor. A slightly acidic aroma may be present due to the presence of beneficial lactobacilli in the vaginal microflora, which prevent the spread of infection.
3. The mucus should not foam, contain lumps or blood.

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

When is the appearance of mucous leucorrhoea considered normal?

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

At the entrance to the vagina there are the so-called Bartholin glands, which produce mucus to eliminate “vaginal dryness”. At the moment of sexual intercourse, the production of lubricant increases sharply, and the woman develops abundant, transparent leucorrhoea, stretching like snot.

Sometimes odorless mucous discharge may appear regardless of the phase of the cycle as an allergic reaction to any foods or medications. The sensitive reproductive system in women can react with the appearance of such leucorrhoea to a change in the environment and climate.

Note: Sometimes normal mucous secretions contain minor traces of blood, which quickly disappear. They appear at the time of ovulation (rupture of the follicle), as well as at the time of implantation of a fertilized egg into the mucous membrane of the uterus (endometrium. This is the so-called implantation bleeding. Bloody leucorrhoea can be the norm in the first months after starting to take birth control pills or installing an IUD.

Discharge during pregnancy

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

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

Discharge after childbirth

After childbirth, the discharge gradually turns from copious bloody mucus, reminiscent of menstruation, into stretching, colorless, odorless snot. If a woman is breastfeeding, then she has scanty, thick, transparent, yellowish discharge. After the restoration of menstruation, the discharge takes on a normal appearance.

Discharge during menopause

During this period, hormonal changes occur due to the cessation of normal functioning of the ovaries. Normal mucous leucorrhoea becomes scanty. Vaginal dryness and thinning of the mucous membrane often lead to inflammatory and infectious processes in the genitals. In this case, pathological discharge appears, which disappears after appropriate treatment.

The danger is usually caused by spotting mucous leucorrhoea with blood. At this age, bleeding is most often a symptom of cancer.

Video: Normal and abnormal vaginal discharge

Causes of pathological leucorrhoea that resembles snot

Signs of pathology are:

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

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

Bloody discharge

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

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

Uterine fibroids. This is a benign tumor inside or on the outside of the uterus. The pathological development of tissues and blood vessels leads to the constant appearance of blood in the mucous leucorrhoea, which has nothing to do with menstruation and is not associated with the processes of the cycle.

Endometriosis– abnormal development of the endometrium, pathological proliferation of the vascular network, swelling of the mucous membrane, throwing of its particles into the ovaries, peritoneum and other organs. With this disease, blood clots and particles of damaged endometrium can be seen in the mucous secretions. Due to internal bleeding, they are usually brown in color. They can be either abundant or scanty (smearing).

Polyps The endometrium or cervix are formations on a thin stalk that are easily damaged and bleed.

Malignant tumors uterus or ovaries. Streaks of blood and lumps appear due to tissue destruction.

Comment: When benign or malignant neoplasms appear in the uterus, clear mucous discharge mixed with blood can turn into heavy intermenstrual uterine bleeding.

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

Mucous leucorrhoea with unusual symptoms

The smell and color of the discharge, similar to snot, changes when inflammatory processes occur in the body after surgery, as a result of decreased immunity, hypothermia of the body, or disruption of the vaginal microflora due to taking antibiotics. The peculiarity of pathological discharge is that it appears without any connection with the processes of the cycle and continues after menstruation, when the mucus should be the thickest and produced in an insignificant volume.

Vulvovaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingoophoritis– all these are inflammatory diseases of the internal and external genital organs, the manifestation of which is the presence of copious foul mucous discharge of yellow or green color.

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

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

Bacterial vaginosis– disruption of the microflora composition in the vagina. A snot-like, fishy-smelling leucorrhoea appears.

If any signs of pathology appear in the discharge, you must visit a gynecologist. Here an examination will be carried out to determine the cause, and adequate treatment will be prescribed.

Video: Yellow discharge in women after sex

Vaginal discharge is observed in almost all women: it protects the vagina from drying out. The question is which ones are considered normal, and in which cases vaginal discharge is a symptom of a serious illness.

The following discharge is considered normal:

• Colorless (transparent) discharge or whitish. When they dry, they leave yellowish marks on the underwear. This discharge is considered normal, despite the fact that for some women even it causes discomfort. Panty liners can be used to provide more comfort.
• Discharge without a specific odor. The discharge of a healthy woman should not have any odor at all.
• A small amount of mucus. The presence of copious mucus is almost always a cause for concern.

If clear or white mucus appears from a woman’s vagina during sexual arousal, then this is not considered a deviation from the norm, but the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. It is also normal for copious vaginal mucus to appear after sexual intercourse.

If a woman has pain in the lower abdomen, itching appears, and the mucus from the vagina has a strong unpleasant odor and an uncharacteristic color (yellow, white, green), then most likely the woman has some kind of infection and will need medical help.

But before starting treatment, it is necessary to identify the reasons for the appearance of atypical mucus secreted from the vagina.

Causes and treatments

There may be several reasons for the appearance of excessive mucus from the vagina, depending on the nature and consistency of the mucus secreted. It is important to know that in almost all diseases of the female reproductive system, vaginal discharge, like snot, differs not only in color, but also in a sharp, unpleasant odor.

Among the most common causes of excessive vaginal mucus are the following diseases:

• Cervical erosion.

With cervical erosion, as a rule, in the second half of the menstrual cycle, discharge appears in the form of snot - it is white or light yellow. If you suspect erosion, it is important to consult a gynecologist in a timely manner. As a rule, treatment of erosion requires not only the use of vaginal suppositories, but also cauterization of the areas affected by erosion - a procedure that can only be performed by a doctor.

• Neoplasms.

In this case, the presence of polyps or cancer is implied. In the presence of neoplasms, the discharge becomes very liquid, predominantly yellow. The presence of polyps requires surgical intervention, and it is not possible to independently determine the development of a cancerous tumor, therefore, at the slightest suspicion of neoplasms, it is necessary to undergo a full examination.

• Bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis refers to diseases that disrupt the natural microflora of the genital organs. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria that, once on the mucous surface of the female genital organs, begin to actively multiply. As a result, the woman begins to be bothered by copious yellow-green mucus, which is accompanied by a very unpleasant odor, reminiscent of the smell of raw fish.

As a rule, gynecologists prescribe vaginal suppositories and gels to treat bacterial vaginosis. The most effective drugs are: Clindamycin (suppositories) and Metronidazole (gel). However, each woman’s body is individual, and the doctor can prescribe certain medications only after an examination: the gynecologist will prescribe the dosage and period of use of the medications. In severe cases of bacterial vaginosis, complex treatment may be needed, and drugs such as Trichopolum and Ornisid Forte will come to the rescue.

• Candidiasis.

In everyday life, this disease is called thrush, due to the nature of the mucus secreted from the vagina - with candidiasis, it becomes white, it is distinguished by a cheesy consistency and an unpleasant sour smell. The disease itself occurs due to the proliferation of candida (fungus) in the vagina. Women are most susceptible to developing thrush during a period when their immune system is weakened. Contrary to popular public opinion, candidiasis is not sexually transmitted, but for a woman, thrush is fraught with consequences in the form of itching and burning.

At the initial stage of candidiasis, it is enough for some women to be treated with vaginal suppositories such as Clotrimazole and Isoconazole. In a more advanced form of the disease, medications such as Flucostat, Flucanazole, Intraconazole, Mikomax, Irunin will come to the rescue.

• Inflammatory process in the female genital area (often inflammation of the appendages or inflammation of the ovaries).

This is perhaps one of the most common causes of heavy vaginal discharge. At the same time, mucous discharge in women is like snot: it is yellow or green in color and purulent in nature. In this case, the release of copious mucus from the vagina is accompanied by aching pain in the lower abdomen.

Diseases associated with inflammation such as chronic endometritis and chronic endocervicitis are common. With endometritis (inflammation of the mucous layer of the uterus), as well as with chronic endocervicitis (inflammation of the cervical canal of the cervix), the mucus secreted by the vagina has a pale scarlet or light brown color.

In addition to heavy discharge during inflammation, a woman may experience an increase in body temperature, headache, weakness, and chills. All of the above symptoms are the body’s reaction to the inflammatory process. If the woman’s condition does not improve, then it is better not to take risks, but to call an ambulance service, since in this case surgical intervention by doctors will be required.

• Sexual infections.

Urogenital trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. At the initial stage of trichomoniasis, the vaginal mucosa becomes noticeably red and itchy. In this case, the mucus secreted from the vagina has a sharp unpleasant odor and foamy consistency. If this disease is not recognized in time and treatment is not started, trichomoniasis can become chronic.

The presence of chronic trichomoniasis will be indicated by the nature of the mucus secreted - it will become very thick, milky or yellow in color. It is quite difficult to determine the presence of a dangerous sexually transmitted infection on your own, and only a doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination, because sexually transmitted infections can cause irreparable harm to the female body, including infertility.

Every woman should understand that by the nature of vaginal discharge alone it is almost impossible to determine the real cause of its occurrence. Self-medication is fraught with consequences: by incorrectly diagnosing herself, a woman risks worsening the situation - the disease can become more severe.

Some women stop treatment as soon as mucus stops coming out of the vagina - this approach is fundamentally wrong - it is important to eliminate not only the discharge itself, but also the original cause of its occurrence. Only a doctor can determine the exact duration of drug treatment.

In what cases is the appearance of discharge considered normal?

It is fair to note that not only diseases, but also the following factors can contribute to the appearance of uncharacteristic mucus from the vagina and pain in the lower abdomen:

• Use of hormonal contraceptives.

In this case, the secreted mucus has a brown tint, i.e. there is a bloody admixture. This is a completely natural phenomenon, and if, apart from the discharge itself, nothing else bothers the woman (pain in the lower abdomen, itching, unpleasant odor), then there should be no cause for concern.

• Ovulation.

During ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the ovary), a woman may also experience slight pain in the lower abdomen, and the mucus secreted from the vagina becomes light scarlet. If pain in the lower abdomen becomes very severe during ovulation, you should consult a doctor.

• Pregnancy.

The appearance of small amounts of white or clear mucus during pregnancy can be explained by changes in the endocrine system of the pregnant woman's body, such as an increase in the concentration of estrogen or progesterone.

But copious mucus from the vagina and severe pain in early pregnancy indicate that there is a threat of miscarriage. Therefore, if you have heavy vaginal discharge, you should urgently consult an experienced gynecologist. Ignoring such symptoms is fraught with consequences in the form of placental abruption or miscarriage. The red enzyme secreted by the vagina in the form of mucus (bloody vaginal discharge) is most often a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Thus, if the mucus secreted from the vagina does not have a pungent odor and is transparent in color, and the woman herself feels well, then there should be no cause for concern: this phenomenon is typical for every healthy woman, and their presence indicates the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. But vaginal discharge, similar to snot, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, may be a sign of a serious illness. Therefore, you should not resort to self-medication without knowing the exact diagnosis: only a doctor can prescribe the appropriate course of treatment after a complete examination!

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

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

Discharge after menstruation

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

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

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

Normal discharge

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

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

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

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

Types of vaginal discharge

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

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

Watery discharge

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

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

Purulent discharge

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

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

Transparent selections

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

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

Mucus discharge

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

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

Bloody discharge

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

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

White discharge

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

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

Brown discharge

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

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

Yellow discharge

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

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

Black discharge

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

Pink discharge

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

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

Dark discharge

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

Orange discharge

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

Gray discharge

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

Foamy discharge

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

Discharge flakes

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

Brown discharge

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

Creamy discharge

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

Colorless discharge

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

Cloudy discharge

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

Sticky discharge

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

Light discharge

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

Green discharge

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

Treatment of discharge

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

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

Vaginal discharge in a child

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

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

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

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

Discharge in newborns

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

Causes of discharge

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

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

Discharge from a cold

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

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

Discharge during menopause

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

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

Discharge during defecation

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

Taste of discharge

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

Salty discharge

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

Acid discharge

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

From the moment the process of puberty begins and until the reproductive function completely subsides, women experience a characteristic secretion from the vagina. Most often, clear, odorless discharge is observed, like snot, which, as a rule, is considered to be a normal variant. However, such symptoms often signal pathological processes occurring in the body.

From the vagina are of no small importance in the functioning of the reproductive system. They help moisturize soft tissues and protect them from possible damage during intimacy. In addition, the secretion helps maintain normal acidity and the bacterial environment in the vagina, thereby preventing the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the cavity of the reproductive organ.

Thick transparent leucorrhoea contains secretion produced by special glands and liquid that penetrates from the lymph nodes and blood vessels through the walls of the vagina. Natural, mucous discharge with streaks is viscous in consistency. The level of density and transparency directly depends on the concentration of mucins and proteins.

Why does mucous discharge appear?

Like snot, in most cases it appears for natural reasons, but sometimes it indicates the onset of a pathological process.

The intensity and nature of secretion depend on many factors. As a rule, transparent stretchy mucus is observed during the period of ovulation and after successful fertilization. Often, a viscous, snot-like discharge appears as pathologies develop.

When is the appearance of mucous leucorrhoea considered normal?

The nature of vaginal secretion, depending on the period of the menstrual cycle, undergoes certain changes. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and the predominance of estrogen or progesterone. Colorless, stringy discharge is noted immediately after the end of the regulation. Then there is a gradual liquefaction of the mucus.

At the moment when the process of ovulation begins, the appearance of mucous leucorrhoea is considered normal. During this period, the most favorable conditions for fertilization are created. As soon as it is completed, the mucus discharge becomes somewhat different. The secret gradually thickens.

Odorless and itchy discharge may appear during sexual intercourse. They are caused by the production of natural lubrication.

Discharge during pregnancy

Dense translucent discharge is often observed against the background of a delay in menstruation. Such changes signal successful fertilization and are considered a normal physiological phenomenon. Abundant due to the fact that significant hormonal fluctuations begin to occur in the body. It can be observed throughout the first trimester and closer to childbirth.

Normally, this mucus does not contain clots or blood impurities. Pain and discomfort are also not observed. The presence of concomitant symptoms is an alarming signal and often indicates an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Discharge after childbirth

After childbirth, the appearance of bloody mucus, similar to menstruation, is noted, instead of which, over time, mucous discharge with streaks is observed. There is no odor from the secretion and there is not even a slight feeling of discomfort.

If a woman continues to breastfeed her newborn, she will experience clear discharge with a light yellowish tint, which, after lactation is completed and the menstrual cycle is restored, takes on its usual appearance.

Discharge during menopause

In a woman’s body, with the onset of menopause, a change in hormonal levels begins to occur, as a result of which the ovaries cease to function normally. In this case, spotting translucent white discharge is noted.

Due to vaginal dryness and thinning of its mucous membranes, the risk of an inflammatory or infectious process increases. This in turn provokes the appearance of pathological mucus. It can be eliminated only after proper therapy.

May vary, so it is worth reading additional material on this issue.

Causes of pathological leucorrhoea

Mucus discharge in women, like snot, is an alarming symptom in the following cases:

• viscous mucus with a rich yellow, brown, green or gray color;
• uncharacteristic, rather pungent odor;
• blood streaks are visible in the transparent mucus;
• secretion of a curdled or foamy consistency, accompanied by itching;
• copious secretion.

Inflammatory diseases, hormonal disorders and infections can provoke the appearance of such symptoms.

Bloody discharge

A change in the color of the secretion and the appearance, as a rule, indicates damage to the organs of the genitourinary system, the presence of neoplasms or inflammation. The causes of such symptoms are the following pathologies:

1. Erosion, leukoplakia or cervical dysplasia. With the development of these diseases, the mucous membranes become damaged, and ulcers, cracks and keratinized areas form on the neck. They bleed during walking and when changing body position. Often this causes pain and secretion with blood, which is noted after intimacy. The reasons for the development of these diseases lie in hormonal imbalances and damage to organ tissue.
2. Myoma. This is a neoplasm localized on the internal or external part of the reproductive organ. At the beginning of this pathological process, blood in the leucorrhoea is observed regardless of the phase of the cycle and has nothing to do with regulation.
3. Endometriosis. This disease is characterized by excessive growth of the endometrium and damage to neighboring organs. At the same time, the secretion changes its consistency; it contains particles of the uterine layer and blood.
4. Polyps. These are neoplasms that can be localized on the cervix and endometrium. They are an easily damaged and bleeding growth on a thin stalk.
5. Malignant formation. Blood lumps and streaks are noted due to the destruction of the affected tissues. There is a risk of uterine bleeding.

Mucous leucorrhoea with unusual symptoms

The appearance of pathological leucorrhoea is caused by inflammatory processes, suppressed immunity, hypothermia and disruption of the vaginal microflora. The secretion may acquire an uncharacteristic smell and color tint. Its peculiarity is that the appearance of mucus does not depend in any way on the menstrual cycle. It is observed even after the end of regulation, when it should be as thick as possible and produced in minimal quantities.

Unusual symptoms are observed in the following cases:

1. Inflammatory diseases occurring in the genitourinary system (cervicitis, salpingoophoritis, vulvovaginitis and endometritis). When they develop, discharge is observed in the form of green mucus, which has a very unpleasant aroma.
2. Candidiasis. The development of pathology is due to the active proliferation of Candida fungus. Clinical manifestations are quite pronounced. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are the acquisition of a white color by the secretion, an unpleasant sour odor and a cheesy consistency.
3. STD. If they develop, a change in the nature of the mucus is also noted. It becomes foamy, heterogeneous and acquires an uncharacteristic color (gray in case of chlamydia, and yellow-green in case of gonorrhea, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis).
4. Bacterial vaginosis. The microflora changes its composition, and as a result, a gray secretion appears, which has the smell of rotten fish.

When a doctor's help is needed

The viscous white secretion itself is not dangerous. There are many physiological reasons why it appears. The reason for visiting a gynecologist is considered to be the acquisition of an uncharacteristic aroma by mucus and a change in color.

Also alarming symptoms are pain, severe burning, hyperthermia, itching, and general deterioration of the condition. If such clinical signs appear, it is strongly not recommended to postpone a visit to the doctor.

Vaginal secretion is one of the main indicators of women's health. Changes in its nature and volume cannot be ignored. Only with careful monitoring of mucus secretion will it be possible to identify problems in a timely manner and quickly eliminate them.