Discharge in women with an unpleasant odor treatment. What does smelly vaginal discharge mean? Purulent discharge after childbirth

A woman during childbirth receives powerful stress, from which she recovers for at least several days, and sometimes months.

At this time, her entire nervous system becomes very sensitive and sometimes it seems to her that an unpleasant smell comes from her after childbirth, and sometimes this can actually happen.

If it seemed to a woman that after childbirth there was a discharge with an unpleasant odor, it is urgent to understand the causes and exclude the development of certain diseases.

Unpleasant odor after childbirth - causes

It is considered normal if, within 6-8 weeks after childbirth, a woman continues to have discharge that is not accompanied by unpleasant sensations (itching, irritation, unpleasant odor). After the completion of the discharge, all women who have given birth will have a scheduled examination by a gynecologist to assess the condition of the uterus, cervix, vagina and sutures, if any, were imposed after childbirth. If there is a discharge with an unpleasant odor, then you should consult a doctor immediately, as this is a sign of an inflammatory process or some diseases.

rotten smell

In the first days after childbirth, vaginal discharge (lochia) is the most abundant, has a bright red color and a characteristic smell of blood. By about the 10th day, their number noticeably decreases, the color becomes former or yellowish and a slightly rotten smell may appear, which, with proper hygiene, is not too noticeable. Such discharges are considered normal.

Fishy or sour smell

The appearance of abundant secretions of white or gray color with an unpleasant smell of fish or a sour smell most often indicates a violation of the vaginal microflora caused by physical or medical intervention.

The most common postpartum disease with these symptoms is bacterial vaginosis. The likelihood of getting this diagnosis increases if antibiotic treatment has been performed, stitches have been applied to ruptures in the vagina or cervix, and if personal hygiene has been violated.

With discharge with a sour smell and the presence of other symptoms (white curdled discharge, or lochia mixed with such discharge, itching), we can talk about candidiasis. This disease appears during a period of reduced immunity and is caused by a change in the composition of the vaginal flora. Unlike vaginosis, thrush requires the treatment of both partners, since there is a possibility of re-infection, even if the first time candidiasis occurred on its own.

Pungent putrid odor, lochia mixed with pus

During childbirth, especially if they did not take place in a sterile maternity ward, but at home or in unsanitary conditions, there is a high probability of introducing an infection into the birth wound. The introduced infection, depending on the location (vagina, cervix or uterine cavity, abdominal periuterine cavity) can cause a number of diseases - endometritis, parametritis, perimetritis, puerperal colpitis, puerperal ulcer, postpartum peritonitis. Diseases of this group are either acute or chronic. Acute forms are characterized by the rapid development of the inflammatory process on the affected organ, accompanied by severe pain, fever and accumulation of pus, which from time to time comes out with the usual vaginal discharge, but has a sharp putrid odor. Chronic forms are characterized by a violation of the cycle, pulling pains, body temperature may remain unchanged or be slightly increased for a long time.

After childbirth, discharge with an unpleasant odor - possible consequences

The consequences of the unpleasant odor of vaginal discharge are far beyond aesthetic limits and can be dangerous to a woman's health.

Ordinary vaginosis, for example, irritates the mucous membrane and makes the genitourinary system vulnerable to various infections. That is why bacterial vaginosis rarely occurs without concomitant diseases, and, in the end, leads to inflammatory processes in the uterus, tubes and ovarian appendages. In the future, this may affect miscarriage, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and cause infertility.

In the case of inflammatory processes of postpartum wounds (in the vagina, on the cervix or in the uterine cavity), the consequences can be much more deplorable. The infection spreads deep into the body and first affects the remaining organs of the genitourinary system, and then the entire body, causing a disease called sepsis. Sepsis can develop literally in 1-2 days from a mild stage of the disease to septic shock with a fatal outcome. Therefore, after childbirth, you need to carefully monitor your health and come to the gynecologist on time for scheduled examinations.

Bad smell after childbirth - what to do

When an unpleasant odor appears after childbirth, it is urgent to identify the root cause of the changed nature of lochia. It is impossible to do this at home, so you need an urgent consultation with a specialist.

When contacting a gynecologist with a question about postpartum discharge with an unpleasant odor, a woman can expect:

Routine gynecological examination and smear on the flora;

Blood and urine tests;

Testing for STDs;

Passing a smear by the PCR method;

Ultrasound procedure.

First of all, the doctor asks the woman about how the birth went, whether there were any complications, and examines the pregnancy and childbirth management card. Then he necessarily examines the woman on the gynecological chair, simultaneously assessing the condition of the uterus and ovaries.

If there is a suspicion of inflammation of the uterine cavity (loose, enlarged), an ultrasound scan is prescribed, the results of which reveal the disease and the causes that caused it (remnants of the membranes or placenta, blood clots, etc.).

The efficiency of research and the doctor's decision on surgical intervention or the appointment of drug treatment is of no small importance, therefore, in case of an unpleasant smell of discharge after childbirth, you need to contact trusted specialists. It is best if this is the same doctor who observed the pregnancy.

Discharge with an unpleasant odor after childbirth - is it possible to breastfeed

The appearance of discharge with an unpleasant odor after childbirth in itself is not a contraindication for breastfeeding, it is important to identify the cause of this odor and it is important to prescribe adequate treatment to the nursing mother.

Thrush

A separate case is worth considering thrush. This is a fairly common disease that is difficult to treat and recurs with the slightest violation of therapy.

The peculiarity of candidiasis is its transition from one type to another, i.e. vaginal thrush, the presence of which was suspected by the unpleasant smell of discharge, can easily transform into thrush on the nipples, which is also transmitted to the infant in the form of oral candidiasis.

In case of infection of the child by the mother during childbirth or breastfeeding, it is necessary to treat both with the exception of contact of the mucous membranes during the treatment. Many see this as a direct threat to breastfeeding, but in fact there is a way out. The child can continue to eat expressed breast milk if, before pumping, the nipples are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and the sterility of dishes and milk bottles is monitored. In this way, lactation can be maintained until the treatment is completed and the results of the tests of the mother and baby are received, confirming the recovery.

Important! Even in the absence of external signs of the disease, it is necessary that the doctor remove this unpleasant diagnosis with the help of tests. The fact is that thrush bacteria multiply rapidly in a warm, humid environment, especially when the mucous membranes of different people interact, so even while in the recovery stage, it is easy to accidentally restart the disease.

Inflammatory processes

To answer the question about the advisability of breastfeeding while the mother is infected with infections, you need to figure out what milk actually consists of. If you do not go deep into chemistry, milk contains immune factors in its composition. This means that if a nursing mother falls ill with any disease for which the body is able to produce antibodies and fight the disease, these antibodies also enter her milk, unlike an infection. In fact, it turns out that the baby takes the medicine for the disease along with the mother's milk, but it is unrealistic to become infected with any infection through milk. Thus, the fact is once again confirmed that breast milk cannot be harmful to the child and was created to protect his immunity by any means.

If we are talking about the unpleasant smell of discharge after childbirth, then the possible inflammatory processes are in the organs of the genitourinary system and have absolutely nothing to do with breast milk. Only the treatment that the mother receives can affect the ability to continue breastfeeding in this case. In the case of postpartum inflammatory processes, treatment may be limited to the additional administration of natural hormones that are produced in the body of a woman (for example, oxytocin in endometritis). In the case when it is impossible to do without taking antibiotics, it is necessary to warn the doctor that the child is breastfed, because in most cases it is possible to choose a relatively safe type of medication that does not significantly affect the body of the newborn.

Important! No matter how busy you are, no matter how much attention a newborn child requires, the appearance of an unpleasant odor after pores requires an urgent consultation with a doctor, since in some cases it can be a matter of life and death.

There is nothing more delightful and wonderful than the birth of a child. The woman is waiting for a long 9 months. During this period, she does not have a period. The placenta is formed in the uterus, which nourishes and supports the development of the baby.

Childbirth can take place in different ways. Most babies are born naturally. But often there is a need for a caesarean section. Regardless of the course of the process, every woman is observed With they are not all. In most cases, this symptom indicates a pathology. This article will tell you about why there is discharge with an unpleasant odor after childbirth, and how to get rid of them.

Norm

After the baby is born, the final stage of childbirth begins - the discharge of the placenta. In its place, a large wound surface is formed. It is from this area that the bleeding begins. This process is normal and usually does not require medical intervention. An important condition is a small loss of blood, as well as the normal well-being of the woman in labor.

Subsequently, the discharge becomes less abundant. They last from 4 to 8 weeks. At first, lochias have a rich red hue, later they turn brown. By the end of the second month, a woman can detect only minor sanious discharge.

Word to specialists

Doctors say that after childbirth it can be a variant of the norm. After all, the placenta was in the reproductive organ for a long time, and now it has separated from its wall. Together with bloody discharge, its remnants come out. They do not always have a neutral smell. Often women complain about a specific "flavor".

In most cases, this situation does not require any intervention. Experts recommend to improve the outflow of blood more often to apply the baby to the chest. After all, lactation contributes to the rapid contraction of the uterus. Also, in some cases, a woman is prescribed medications, for example, Oxytocin.

Doctors advise after childbirth in the first days to lie more on the stomach. Thus, the outflow of blood from the reproductive organ improves. It is also necessary to monitor the regularity of the chair. You need to empty the intestines 1-2 times a day. If you can’t do this on your own, then you need to use medicines. If you have a discharge with an unpleasant odor after childbirth, then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Consider the main causes of the symptom.

Violation of the outflow of blood

If in a very meager volume there is a month after the birth of discharge with an unpleasant odor, then some kind of obstacle may be the reason for this. Sometimes it happens that the uterus stops contracting for some reason. This pathology is often encountered by women who do not breastfeed. Also, the cause of blood retention can be congenital and acquired malformations of the genital organ, for example, the presence of a septum.

Often, women in labor after a cesarean section experience a violation of the outflow of blood, because in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe scar, the tissue cannot be fully reduced. Such women are required to take drugs based on oxytocin.

Poor hygiene

If discharge with an unpleasant odor appeared after childbirth, then perhaps the woman does not pay enough attention to her hygiene. A new mom needs to wash herself after every trip to the toilet. Use gentle intimate hygiene products or baby soap. If you have then it is very important to apply antiseptics. Otherwise, an infection may join.

Instead of sanitary pads, doctors advise using disposable diapers. They need to be changed as often as possible. Remember that it is not enough for a woman after childbirth to wash the perineum once a day.

Infection

If a woman has appeared after childbirth, then this may indicate inflammation. Doctors call this pathology endometritis. The inflammatory process can develop for many reasons: infection during sanitation, poor hygiene, the use of tampons, and so on.

In most situations, the inflammatory process has to be treated with antibiotics. These may be drugs based on amoxicillin, metronidazole or other substances. It must be remembered that during the period of therapy it is worth temporarily stopping breastfeeding.

Remains of placenta

A month after childbirth, it may be a sign of the presence of residual placenta in the uterus. However, this pathology is manifested not only by one symptom. In most cases, the woman begins to feel very ill. She develops weakness, malaise, dizziness, abdominal pain and fever.

Treatment in this situation can be only one - curettage. The procedure is performed under anesthesia. During the manipulation, the doctor cleans the remaining tissues and sanitizes the uterus. In especially severe situations, complete removal of the reproductive organ is indicated. Therefore, do not delay contacting specialists. Do not bring the situation to a deplorable outcome, take care of yourself.

Summarize

If you suddenly have discharge after childbirth that has an unpleasant odor, then you need to urgently contact a gynecologist. Many women try to cope with this symptom on their own by douching. However, by doing so, you make yourself even worse. Indeed, during douching, the infection can spread to the fallopian tubes, and subsequently to the ovaries.

Also, doctors do not advise taking antibacterial drugs on their own. After all, bacteria are not always the cause of the symptom. Only a specialist can determine why exactly you are worried about the unpleasant smell of secretions. All the best to you and a speedy recovery!

The female reproductive system is a complex mechanism, the work of which depends on many factors. You can determine whether it is functioning normally by the nature of the vaginal discharge. If they change their color or smell, then you should not hesitate to visit a doctor, as such changes may indicate the development of various pathologies. It should be noted that in gynecological practice, most often women complain of white discharge with a smell from the vagina, which cause them a lot of discomfort. Whether they are a sign of pathology or not, we will consider below.

What do you need to know?

The vaginal secret is a kind of lubricant that performs several functions at once. It protects the mucous membranes from drying out and injuries, and also helps to cleanse the vaginal cavity from pathogenic microorganisms, with the accumulation of which various diseases begin to develop.

The secret released from the vagina contains:

• Mucus produced by the glands of the cervical canal.
• dead epithelial cells.
• Microorganisms that make up the vaginal microflora (more than 12 species).

Normally, in women, the vaginal flora is represented by lactic bacteria, which help maintain the acid-base balance. It is because of them that women can periodically observe discharge with a sour smell.

In the vaginal microflora, there are other microorganisms related to opportunistic pathogens (fungi, viruses, bacteria). With a decrease in protective forces or the impact on the body of other factors, their growth is activated. And since the mucous secretion secreted from the vagina provides a cleansing function, due to the large number of these microorganisms, its color and smell can change significantly. And if you do not respond to this in a timely manner, various pathologies begin to develop, which lead to the appearance of serious health problems.

The mucous secret can change its character not only due to pathological conditions, but also as a result of natural changes in the body. And if in the first case specific therapy is required, then in the second it is not needed.

Physiological causes

As mentioned above, the work of the female reproductive system is very complex and depends on many factors, and therefore the smell is not always a sign of the development of pathological conditions. Normally, the vaginal secret must meet the following requirements:

• Be watery or have a slimy consistency.
• Stand out in an amount of no more than 4-6 ml per day (in the absence of pathological processes, they are almost invisible and do not require the use of daily pads).
• To be transparent or white (in the latter case they are simply called white).
• Be odorless or exude a sour aroma.
• Do not provoke irritation in the perineum.

If you find white discharge with a smell, you need to conduct a small analysis of the latest actions. An unpleasant aroma from the intimate area may appear for the following reasons:

• Douching (they have a negative effect on the acid-base flora).
• Frequent stress.
• Abuse of alcoholic beverages.
• Engaging in unprotected intercourse (a sour smell may appear due to male sperm entering the vagina).
• Improper nutrition (diet and the lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet causes a deficiency in the body of vitamins and minerals, which also adversely affects the work of the reproductive organs and the secret they secrete).
• Taking antibacterial drugs.

Moreover, an unpleasant smell, doctors often cause the presence of hormonal disorders. They can occur against the background of the onset of pregnancy (when it occurs, the level of progesterone significantly exceeds the level of estrogens) and long-term use of hormone-containing drugs.

Important! It must be understood that if the discharge appears against the background of physiological changes in the body, then they do not have a sharp aroma. They exude a sourish or sweetish smell. At the same time, there are no other signs of infectious processes or inflammatory diseases (hyperemia, burning sensation, etc.). If a woman observes a strong white discharge and a specific smell emanating from them, then you should immediately go to a specialist, even if there are no third-party symptoms, since they are not typical for all diseases.

Pathological causes

Vaginal discharge with a specific odor in women is not considered the norm, especially if they provoke discomfort in the vagina. The main signs of the development of pathologies of an infectious or inflammatory nature are:

• Swelling of the labia minora.
• The appearance of rashes and pustules.
• Itching and burning.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.

Naturally, each disease has its own clinical manifestations, so it is not at all necessary that when pathological processes occur in women, all these symptoms are observed at once. In some cases, in addition to the abundant discharge of a white vaginal secretion, there are no other clinical manifestations at all. An example is a disease such as cervicitis.

This pathology is characterized by inflammation of the cervical canal and does not manifest itself at all in the initial stages of its development. The only thing that a woman can observe with cervicitis is a liquid discharge that has a slightly sour smell. Other symptoms appear already when the disease is fully played out. In this case, patients often complain about:

• Drawing pains in the lower abdomen.
• Painful menstruation.
• The presence of blood streaks in the whites.
• Brown discharge occurring outside of menstruation.

As a rule, the main pushes for the development of cervicitis are factors such as:

• Mechanical damage to the cervical canal (childbirth, abortion, surgical interventions, rough sexual intercourse, etc.).
• Inflammatory processes in the vagina.
• Cervical erosion.

But in addition to cervicitis, there are many other diseases, with the development of which there are fetid discharge from the vagina.

Candidiasis

More often, unpleasantly smelling discharge in women occurs due to the development of thrush, which is provoked by fungi of the genus Candida. They are part of the conditionally pathogenic vaginal microflora and are activated under the influence of various factors:

• Stress.
• Prolonged use of antibiotics (more than 10 days).
• Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
• Reduced immunity, etc.

For candidiasis, the following symptomatic picture is characteristic:

• The appearance of abundant secretions, resembling granular cottage cheese in their structure.
• Feeling of wetness in the perineum (a daily pad helps to cope with this symptom).
• Itching and burning in the intimate area.
• Cutting when urinating.
• Has a strong sour odor.

With the development of candidiasis, the secretion released from the vagina may be a yellowish tint, resembling kefir or flakes in its structure. But the clinical manifestations of the disease in all cases are the same.

gardenerelez

Another pathology that develops against the background of the reproduction of microorganisms that are part of the conditionally pathogenic microflora is gardnerella. When their growth is activated, the mucous membranes of the vagina become inflamed, which leads to the appearance of copious secretions of a white or greenish hue.

The waste products of these microorganisms accumulate in the vagina, as a result of which the mucous secret begins to smell like a rotten egg or fish. The development of gardnerellosis is also characterized by the appearance of other unpleasant symptoms, such as hyperemia of the labia, itching and burning.

STDs (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, etc.) are also manifested by an unpleasant odor from the intimate area and abundant discharge. Their shades can be different - white, yellow-green, green, etc. The vaginal secret itself exudes a strong smell of rotten meat, and provokes irritation of the labia. For example, syphilis, which is also transmitted directly through sexual contact, manifests itself as a small rash in the intimate area, which is very itchy and causes a lot of discomfort.

endometriosis

In girls and women, this disease is quite common. It is characterized by pathological growth of the epithelial layer of the uterus beyond its limits. This is manifested not only by the appearance of copious discharge with an unpleasant odor, but also by such symptoms as:

• Pain in the abdomen, aggravated during sex.
• Violation of the cycle (menstruation may go more often and longer than usual or be absent for a long time).
• The appearance of a brown daub outside of menstruation.

Endometriosis is dangerous because it can easily provoke the development of uterine cancer. When such a complication occurs, women develop dark brown (almost black) discharge that has a putrid odor. At the same time, the pain syndrome is constantly growing, and over time, even strong painkillers do not help get rid of it. The only treatment for endometriosis is surgery.

Allocations depending on the menstrual cycle

If a woman passed all the necessary tests, and she did not reveal any pathological processes, the question of why whites with an unpleasant odor appear arises by itself. In fact, there is nothing wrong with them. As a rule, in the absence of gynecological diseases, such a vaginal secret often occurs only in certain phases of the menstrual cycle, and is observed for no more than two days.

Often, women notice an increase in whiteness during the period of ovulation, which is caused by the active production of sex hormones responsible for the release of the egg from the follicle and its transportation to the uterine cavity. The appearance of an unpleasant odor in this case is caused by an increased level of estrogen in the body during this period.

Also, many women notice this kind of discharge in themselves 2-4 days before the onset of menstruation. In this case, their appearance has the following reasons: the cervix prepares for the upcoming menstruation and actively cleanses the vagina of pathogenic bacteria (when menstruation occurs, the cervix opens slightly and becomes vulnerable to various infections), releasing several times more mucous secretion than usual. After a couple of days, such a vaginal secret smoothly flows into menstruation.

What to do?

Every woman should understand that her health depends only on her. If a lady noticed an increase in the vaginal mucous secretion and the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the intimate area, she should immediately go to the doctor. What for? And because there are many diseases that can manifest with similar symptoms, and they all have different treatments.

Only after an individual examination and obtaining the results of the analysis, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and decide how to treat the disease. Sometimes surgery will be required, and in some cases it will be possible to do without it by undergoing a course of drug therapy, for example, antifungal or antibacterial drugs.

Remember! In no case should an unpleasant odor and whiter intensification appear, douching and taking any medications without a doctor's prescription. This can only aggravate the situation and provoke the occurrence of serious complications.

Every woman today is well aware that the presence of vaginal discharge is the norm, while they should not have an unpleasant odor or abnormal color. In this case, discharges that do not cause discomfort in the form of itching or burning are considered the norm. If they have changed color, texture and acquired an unpleasant odor, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

Normally, they should not smell at all, or a slightly sour smell should be present, since they consist of cervical mucus, dead epithelial cells, blood elements, as well as some microorganisms that create an acidic environment in the vagina, providing disinfection.

Causes of discharge with an unpleasant odor

A change in the smell of vaginal discharge in most cases is a sign of some kind of inflammation. This is due to pathogens, waste products usually give such an unpleasant odor.

Sometimes, nevertheless, it is not infections that are to blame for the unpleasant smell of discharge, but the woman herself, who does not properly observe hygiene or does not remove the tampon in time. In addition, thick, foul-smelling mucus discharged the day after sexual intercourse most likely indicates the release of sperm from the vagina.

In addition, it must be said that during the decay of tumor tissues, an unpleasant odor is also formed, which occurs due to purulent and bloody secretions.

Another cause of bad breath can be a rectovanineal fistula, which causes intestinal contents to enter the vagina. However, this cause is quite rare.

Sour-smelling discharge

The sour smell of discharge is characteristic of a change in the microflora of the vagina. This is usually due to the presence of thrush or dysbacteriosis. This is the most common cause of sour smell. Most often, with these diseases, their other symptoms also occur, such as curdled discharge in consistency, as well as burning and itching.

Fish-smelling discharge

The most obvious cause of the smell of rotten fish in the discharge is bacterial vaginosis, which is a consequence of dysbacteriosis. When such a smell appears, a woman should in no case postpone a visit to the doctor, since this disease can lead to endometriosis, sepsis, abscess or bartholinitis. In this case, the woman is prescribed antibiotics.

Discharge with smell during menstruation

During menstruation, an unpleasant odor may also appear, however, most often this is a sign of insufficient hygiene. The more abundant the periods, the more attention should be paid to hygiene, change pads in time and wash with warm water. An unpleasant smell during menstruation usually indicates that there is blood left on the genitals.

Treatment of discharge with an unpleasant odor

Treatment of discharge with an unpleasant odor is prescribed depending on the disease that caused them. So, for example, thrush, which gives a characteristic sour smell, is cured by antifungal therapy aimed at eliminating the yeast-like fungi that caused it.

In the event of trichomonas colpitis, which gives a fishy smell, a woman is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.

DISCHARGE WITH ODOUR FROM THE VAGINA

A healthy woman should have sexual secretions. Sexual discharge should be moderate and have a mucous character. Genital secretions should not have an unpleasant odor. In the second phase of the cycle (approximately 2 weeks before menstruation), the discharge should intensify and the woman may experience, outside the state of sexual arousal, a feeling of slight moisture in the vulva.

Normal secretions do not have a pleasant smell, do not cause discomfort, do not cause itching, burning and irritation of the genital organs. This is usually a natural smell, not the result of neglect of personal hygiene, and it occupies not the last place in the awakening of a healthy sensuality. Vaginal discharge consists of peeled cells of the skin of the vagina and mucus that impregnates its walls. The natural secretions of a healthy vagina have the consistency of milk and the smell of curdled milk.

Causes of unpleasant vaginal odor

Normally, the genital female organs have a slight specific vaginal odor, but if hygiene is observed, it is completely invisible. Its change occurs with inflammation of the vagina, which is often the result of infection. The mechanism is simple: in the course of their life, pathogens decompose nutrients and emit gases with a very bad smell.

There are two main pathological odors

1. Acid secretions. With dysbacteriosis or thrush, the acidity of the microflora changes. The sourish unpleasant smell of discharge in women just indicates this problem. In addition to this symptom, abundant discharge in the form of flakes, similar to curdled milk, is also disturbing. The mucous membrane of the vagina is irritated and inflamed, a burning sensation is felt inside it and in the area of ​​the labia. For the treatment to be successful, smear microscopy and microflora analysis are necessary.

2. Rotten secretions. The unpleasant smell of secretions, reminiscent of stale and rotten fish, occurs with bacterial vaginosis. The disease has a second name - gardnerellosis. It manifests itself as a result of dysbacteriosis, and the smell is so intense that even those around you can feel it. Bacterial vaginosis is fraught with serious complications: endometriosis, abscesses, bartholinitis, sepsis. Prompt medical attention and antibiotic treatment are required to avoid complications.

Healthy female vaginal discharge has the following parameters:

• Quantity - approximately 1 - 4 ml per day (spot diameter on a daily pad is from 1 to 5 cm)
• Consistency - thick (both slightly and very thick)
• Color - from transparent or whitish to yellowish (both light and dark yellow)
• Structure - homogeneous (like not very thick sour cream) and / or lumps of 2-4 mm
• Smell - from complete absence to sourish (normal vaginal discharge has an acidic pH of 4.0 to 4.5)
• Itching - absent.

Normal vaginal discharge is made up of: mucous secretion of the glands located in the cervix, exfoliated epithelial cells from the walls of the vagina, the cervical canal and a large number of bacteria that normally live in the vagina and the lower half of the cervical canal.

The presence of lactic acid sticks and the acidic environment they create is a condition for the natural cleansing and disinfection of the vagina. The traditional advice of our grandmothers to wash the vagina for hygienic purposes does not stand up to criticism, because this destroys its own bacterial-milk flora and creates ideal conditions for various infections. A healthy woman should never rinse (dry) the vagina, as this is an unhygienic and unsafe procedure.

In addition to milky secretions with the smell of yogurt, a significant amount of clear mucus appears from time to time in a healthy vagina. It is abundantly secreted from the cervix during ovulation, as well as during moments of intense sexual arousal.

In the region of the foreskin of the clitoris, as well as in its immediate vicinity, at the base of the labia minora, there are small sebaceous glands that produce fatty substances that are abundantly secreted during sexual arousal. The intense smell of these sexual secretions is usually associated with the sexual activity of the partner and has an exciting effect on the man.

If a woman does not wash her labia with warm water and soap, then redness and irritation of the skin may occur as a result of the fermentation of the mixture formed from fatty secretions of the sebaceous glands, vaginal secretions and mucus coming from the cervix. It is clear and without further explanation what an unpleasant smell of secretions spreads in this case. It must be remembered that sexual smells cause a completely opposite reaction of a partner if a woman neglects personal hygiene.

Speaking about the specific smells of sexual secretions, one cannot fail to mention the smell of menstruation. The menstrual period requires a woman to redouble her energy in personal hygiene. With heavy bleeding, it is necessary to change pads more often and wash thoroughly so that there is no blood left on the genitals that has an unpleasant odor.

However, if for one reason or another, the number of beneficial bacteria in a woman's vagina decreases, then the harmful bacteria take over. That's when certain diseases develop. Often, they are asymptomatic and their only sign is discharge, itching, and an unpleasant odor of vaginal discharge. So, for example, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor can be with gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis).

In the case when the sexual discharge is yellowish or greenish in color, thick and grayish, the sexual discharge has an unpleasant odor and is accompanied by burning and itching, redness and soreness - most likely this is infection with a sexually transmitted infection. Such infectious diseases can lead to very unpleasant consequences for the health and reproductive function of the female body.

Bacterial vaginosis- profuse gray-white or yellow-green sticky discharge, with the smell of rotten fish.

Vaginal discharge with a smell, discharge with the smell of fish, rotten. - a signal indicating that you should urgently visit a doctor and take tests, a smear for the vaginal microflora.

Therefore, if you observe discharge, itching, smell of the genitals - do not postpone a visit to the gynecologist!

If white discharge is caused by bacterial vaginosis, doctors recommend, in addition to medications, agents that normalize the composition of the vaginal microflora. For example, Multi-Gyn ActiGel: its active part is a complex of bioactive polysaccharides obtained from a gel-like extract of aloe leaves. It blocks the attachment of pathogens to the vaginal mucosa and thus neutralizes them, helping to restore the healthy microflora of the female reproductive system.