What does the discharge from the vagina indicate?

What does the discharge from the vagina indicate?

The reason for most women to see a gynecologist is vaginal discharge.
The latter is a physiological norm, indicating neither unhygienic nor any pathological process.

The amount, consistency and even color of the discharge depends on the woman’s age, her hormonal background profile, sex life and many other factors. Discharge from the first menstrual period to menopause is the norm for a woman.

Vaginal discharge usually occurs at the age of 10-12 years. It is associated with hormonal shifts and physiological sexual maturation. At this time the discharge is thin and mucous, transparent, whitish or yellowish in color, almost odorless. This discharge moisturizes the walls of the vagina and protects it from infection. As soon as the menstrual cycle acquires a regular character (so to speak, is formed), the intensity and character of the discharge changes depending on the phases of the cycle.

In addition to color, attention should be paid to the consistency, quantity and odor of the discharge. The discharge may be thin, jelly-like, cheesy, or frothy.

In general, mucous discharge is the physiological norm. It is secreted from different parts of the genital system. The uterine glands secrete a certain amount of mucus in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. In addition to the uterus, the source of the discharge is its glands; The vagina does not have mucus-secreting glands, although its walls are rich in pores that absorb moisture, especially during sexual arousal. ) From the glands, all these secretions, joined by the ruptured cells of the vaginal mucosa, gather at the exit of the vagina. This discharge has no odor, is not accompanied by itching and burning, it is scarce and physiologically characteristic of the female genital system. The discharge ensures the presence of vaginal microflora.

What amount of discharge is considered the norm?

There is no specific answer to this question. However, somewhat more discharge is typical for girls and young women. Discharge is excreted in larger quantities, usually before and after menstruation, as well as during pregnancy and after childbirth. Small discharge or no discharge is observed in women who have their ovaries excised, as well as older women in the late menopausal period (so-called dry vagina).

Deviation from the norm of discharge is considered a pathology in terms of both quantity and quality.

Vaginal discharge is not always caused by infection, it also changes:

• After the start of sex life
• After changing sexual partner
• After changing the hygienic means
• After changing underwear
• Due to a reaction to a condom or partner’s sperm

White discharge

White discharge of uniform consistency is usually excreted in women in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. During ovulation (the phase of follicle rupture and ovulation) the amount of discharge increases, and may even acquire a yellowish tinge. At the end of the cycle the white discharge may become beige and thicken. White discharge from the vagina is excreted intensively during sexual arousal, after sex and during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester). It is noteworthy that during the norm it is not accompanied by itching, burning and other discomforts. Otherwise, it may be vaginal candidiasis (lactation). The latter is characterized by intense curdled yellowish-white discharge accompanied by severe itching of the genitals.

Yellow discharge

Yellowish discharge is one variant of the norm, however, if its color is sometimes unusual or even accompanied by lower abdominal pain, itching, and burning, it may be an indication of activation of pathogenic microbes. The yellow color of the vaginal discharge is provoked by bacteria – staphylococci, streptococci, intestinal sticks. The reason may be a decrease in immunity, taking certain medications, an acute viral infection, an allergic reaction, the use of synthetic underwear or a violation of the rules of intimate hygiene. Some venereal diseases (chlamydia, trichomoniasis) are also characterized by a yellow discharge and may be asymptomatic.

Brown discharge

Brown discharge from the vagina (if it is not detected immediately before or after menstruation) often indicates a pathological process and should be the basis for a full-fledged gynecological examination.

If a brown discharge is detected in a woman before menstruation, it may be an indication of cervical and vaginal trauma. It is sometimes caused by taking hormonal contraceptives (this is especially common when you stop or get used to the medication). A brown discharge in the middle of the menstrual cycle may be a sign of ovulation or childbirth, as well as the presence of abnormal processes in the uterus (myoma, benign and malignant tumors). A brown discharge at the end of the cycle may even be a menstrual discharge, starting earlier than usual.

Red bloody discharge

If the bloody discharge from the vagina is not menstrual bleeding, has not developed after defloration, should be the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor. Sometimes this symptom is a sign of a sexually transmitted infection or an abnormal change in the uterus (endometriosis, polyposis, etc.). Bloody discharge from the vagina during pregnancy is alarming, even if the woman does not experience any other discomfort, the bloody discharge indicates misplacement of the placenta or premature rupture, which poses a risk of “miscarriage”.

Green discharge

Green discharge from the vagina develops due to the excess content of leukocytes, which, in turn, indicates an inflammatory process in the cervix, fallopian tubes or ovaries. If the cause of the pathology is bacterial activation, bacterial vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) and a change in the vaginal microflora are assumed. This disease requires immediate treatment, it is identified by its characteristic odor (spoiled fish) and sticky consistency.

Trichomoniasis can also be a cause of green discharge. It is often asymptomatic, therefore, the diagnosis is confirmed in the laboratory.

Thus, a normal physiological discharge from the vagina is somewhat relative, in case of any suspicion of deviation from the norm it is necessary to visit a doctor and conduct appropriate examinations, because only the color, quantity and consistency of the discharge can not determine this or that particular disease.

See also: Endometriosis