Vaginal discharge is one of the most common complaints women have. Either there are a lot of allocations, or, conversely, they are sorely lacking. How to understand what is the norm and what is pathology? There is only one unequivocal answer – contact a gynecologist or dermatovenereologist. But still, you need to listen to your body and be able to see the very signals that it sends us.
The color, smell, texture, volume, density and even taste of the secretions change depending on the phase of the cycle, the onset of pregnancy, menopause, the postpartum period and, of course, with any diseases of the female genital organs.
For ease of perception, we highlight the five most common discharges that a woman can observe in herself.
1. Transparent and transparent white discharge
If such discharge is odorless and without subjective sensations, then they are a variant of the norm for a woman. At the same time, their volume and density may vary depending on the phase of the cycle. These physiological secretions consist of vaginal transudate (what seeps through the walls of the vessels of the vagina), dead cells, mucus, glandular secretions, sweat, lactobacilli and other microorganisms that are normal inhabitants of the vaginal microflora. Due to the presence of lactobacilli, a slight sour smell can sometimes be attached, but normally it is not very pronounced. Someone naturally has more abundant discharge, someone less – all these are variants of the norm and do not require correction.
2. White copious discharge
The most common variant of deviation from the norm is white, abundant discharge with a sour smell, itching, and sometimes a curdled consistency. They may be accompanied by redness, swelling and soreness of the genitals. Such secretions are a sign of the reproduction of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida – this is the well-known so-called thrush. And despite the abundance of advertising drugs for thrush, you can not treat it yourself. First you need to contact a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist, so that the doctor takes tests and confirms the presence of Candida fungi. Indeed, behind such a symptomatology, another, more formidable disease can be hidden.
3. Yellow discharge
In a small amount and in the absence of a smell, yellow discharge may be a variant of the norm. But more often, such discharge is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, increased density, itching, and soreness. This may be a sign of inflammatory and infectious diseases of gonococcal, trichomonas, chlamydial and other nature. If such discharge appeared after unprotected intercourse, you should immediately consult a doctor and be examined. But even if this is a variant of the norm for you, you need to make sure of this at the doctor’s appointment.
4. Green discharge
Green discharge is almost always a pathological type of discharge. A similar color occurs due to the attachment of foreign microorganisms, their active life and reproduction, and also due to the production of a large number of defender cells in our body – leukocytes that fight pathogenic microbes. The most common causes of green and green-yellow discharge are bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, gonococcal, chlamydial colpitis, cervicitis, urethritis, endometritis and many other inflammatory diseases.
5. Bloody or black discharge
Black and brown discharge is also a type of bloody (red). In addition to menstrual flow, all other options for the appearance of blood in the vagina are very dangerous. They can be both symptoms of various diseases (cervical ectopia, true erosion of the cervix, warts, polyps, cysts, cervical dysplasia, endometritis, endometriosis, various tumors), as well as signs of taking inappropriate hormonal contraceptives, menopause. Also, such complaints can be observed with increased dryness of the vagina, then blood appears after intercourse. In any case, this is an occasion for an immediate appeal to a gynecologist.
It is important to remember that a change in the color of the discharge in one direction or another is not an independent confirmation of any diagnosis – it is only a signal for the need to be examined by a doctor.
The doctor usually conducts a survey, examination in mirrors, performs pH-metry, if necessary, can take smears for the flora and sexually transmitted diseases, conduct cytological, cultural (crops), serological (blood) studies, ultrasound, etc. in no case do not self-medicate, only noticing changes in the color of the discharge. Firstly, these changes can be a variant of the norm, as mentioned above, and secondly, uncontrolled use of drugs can lead to unpredictable consequences, even if your mother, or sister, or girlfriend, or grandmother once took the same drugs. who had exactly the same symptoms. Be attentive to your health, listen to the signals and do not get sick!
Photo: Shutterstock
