Discharge with an unpleasant odor indicates the presence of an inflammatory process or infection in the vagina. The female body is designed in such a way that a certain amount of liquid secretion is always released from the vagina. Usually it is mild.

Normal vaginal discharge

Normally, no more than 5 ml of slightly thickened mucous secretion of a transparent or slightly yellowish color is released from the vagina per day. Its smell is neutral, sometimes slightly sour, since a healthy vagina maintains an acidic environment.

The reason for constant discharge is the natural physiological process of cleansing the vagina. The secretions include the secretions of the cervical glands, dead epithelial cells from the female reproductive organs, and bacteria living in them.

The lactic acid bacteria living in the vagina are responsible for disinfection in the vagina. They not only help cleanse the environment, but also maintain the balance of beneficial and opportunistic microflora.

In addition, thick mucus is periodically released from the cervix, which indicates that ovulation has occurred. Mucus discharges from this organ during sexual intercourse.

Vaginal discharge with an odor occurs before sex. They are caused by the production of a special fatty secretion by the sex glands in the clitoral area, which begins at moments of sexual arousal of a woman. The characteristic smell, sometimes quite pungent, that appears at these moments is natural and plays an enticing role for the sexual partner.

This smell becomes extremely unpleasant when a woman does not adhere to daily rules of personal hygiene and does not wash herself with soap.

When talking about natural vaginal discharge, one cannot help but think about menstruation. Within 5-7 days, bloody discharge occurs, sometimes with mucus and a characteristic bloody odor. If a woman does not use the toilet twice a day, does not change pads often, an unpleasant odor appears in the intimate area, which smells of rot.

Causes of unpleasant vaginal odor

An unpleasant smell of discharge in women can also be due to:

• inflammatory processes in the vagina;
• developing oncology;
• proliferation of pathogenic microflora;
• sexual infections.

Yellow vaginal discharge with an odor occurs with the intensive development of the inflammatory process (endothermite, andexitis) in the female organs. The reasons for them are unsuccessful abortion, difficult childbirth. Weakened organs are attacked by staphylococci, streptococci, and E. coli.

Sometimes the foul-smelling discharge is brown or brown in color. This indicates that erosion of the walls of the vagina, cervix or the uterus itself has begun.

Thus, an unpleasant odor from the vagina often occurs due to the development of vaginal dysbiosis (bacterial vaginosis). The reasons may be different: hormonal imbalance, uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs. As a result, the balance is disturbed, and opportunistic microflora actively develops.

The causative agent of vaginal dysbiosis is the overly active reproduction of the bacterium Gardnerella. The result is a watery, grayish discharge. The unpleasant odor of the discharge strongly reeks of rotten fish.

Usually, vaginal dysbiosis, apart from unpleasant symptoms, does not cause much harm. But when the immune system is weakened (after the flu, severe stress), inflammation of its walls begins in the vagina. Vaginosis turns into vaginitis.

The unpleasant smell of discharge in women begins with the open form of gonorrhea and syphilis. The discharge itself is bright yellow or greenish in color; they look like stringy mucus. But such symptoms may not be present. The latent form occurs especially often in the first months after infection.

Often a companion to such infections is trichomoniasis. Then the discharge is more liquid, with a grayish coating. The causative agent of the infection is Trichomonas, a pathogenic bacterium.

The “bouquet” can be complemented by chlamydia, also a sexually transmitted infection, the development of which is provoked by the proliferation of chlamydia. Then the smell from the vagina becomes downright foul.

In the presence of one or a combination of several similar diseases, the external genitalia are very itchy; When urinating, a strong burning sensation is felt in the vaginal canal. The more time passes from the moment of infection, the greater the irritation of the vaginal walls. Gradually, severe inflammation and erosion begins to develop.

Whitish, viscous mucous with cheesy patches of vaginal discharge, with an odor similar to sour cottage cheese, occurs in women with candidiasis (thrush). Causes of the disease: long-term use of antibiotics, poor intimate hygiene, weakened immunity.

As a result, Candida fungi, which are always contained in some quantity in the vaginal microflora, begin to actively multiply. As their number increases, irritation first begins, and then inflammation develops.

The danger of thrush is that it gradually spreads to other female organs. Also, in an advanced stage, Candida fungi germinate into organs not related to the genitourinary system.

Cannot run - treat

If you have vaginal discharge with an odor, you should see a gynecologist. Based on the results of an external examination and analysis of a vaginal smear, the correct diagnosis is usually made.

The prescribed treatment must be completed. Inflammatory processes and genital infections, which some women try to get rid of on their own, do not disappear. They often become chronic.

They still have to be treated professionally in the future. But untimely intervention leads to irreparable consequences - infertility.

In cases of sexually transmitted infections, hospitalization is required in some cases. In addition to drugs that kill pathogenic bacteria, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial agents are prescribed.

In cases of vaginal dysbiosis, treatment is complex. It is aimed at suppressing opportunistic flora, stabilizing and creating a normal balance of microflora in the vagina.

In addition to the main drugs, medications containing bifidobacteria are prescribed.

For inflammatory non-infectious diseases, treatment is based on restorative therapy. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medications are prescribed. In some cases, you should take a course of antibiotics.

To restore the body's strength, immunomodulators and multivitamins are prescribed.

The correct treatment regimen brings good results.

In a month or a month and a half, you can be completely cured, the unpleasant odor from the female organs disappears.

The discharge itself acquires normal consistency and color.

Herbs come to the rescue

The unpleasant smell of discharge in women, with the consent of the treating gynecologist, can additionally be treated using medicinal herbs and other folk remedies.

Many of them have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and cleansing properties.

Healing willow bark

The bark and thin young branches of willow help with many diseases of the genital organs. Traditional healers believe that this tree with a beautiful flowing crown is a female plant.

It is useful to drink a decoction and do sitz baths and douching from willow bark.

A decoction for oral administration is prepared as follows. A tablespoon of dry or fresh crushed plant bark is poured into a glass of boiling water.

A decoction for douching and baths is prepared like this. 2 tbsp. spoons of bark pour 300 ml of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes. Then simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Strain.

Birch leaves and buds

Birch leaves and buds have medicinal restorative properties for women's health. Decoctions of these parts of the tree are taken orally, and a steam of the leaves is used as sitz baths.

A decoction of the leaves is prepared as follows. 6 tbsp. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over a tablespoon of chopped fresh leaf. Leave until the medicine cools down. Take warm, half a glass 4 times a day.

A decoction of kidneys is prepared as follows. Brew a teaspoon of fresh buds with half a glass of boiling water. Leave until it cools down. Take 2 tbsp. spoons three times a day.

To prepare a steam for a sitz bath, you can use a new birch broom or a fresh leaf. The broom should be placed at the bottom of the basin and poured with boiling water. When the steam has cooled to such a temperature that you can sit in it, remove the broom.

If fresh birch leaves are taken, they should completely cover the bottom of a small basin. Steam them with boiling water. When the water becomes slightly hot, you can sit in the bath. After the procedure, the used leaves should be thrown away.

Calendula flowers

Calendula flowers have anti-inflammatory properties. They can be taken orally in the form of infusions, and infusions can also be used for douching, as medicinal tampons in the vagina.

This infusion is prepared for oral administration. Take 2 tbsp. spoons of dried or fresh crushed flowers; Brew them with a glass of boiling water. Leave for half an hour, strain. Take 3 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day.

For douching, the infusion is prepared as follows. 2.5-3 tbsp. Steam spoons of crushed calendula flowers with 250 ml of boiling water. Leave until the medicine cools down. Strain and consume warm (but not hot!).

Some herbalists advise treating women's bacterial diseases with the help of calendula flowers. The medicine for this purpose is prepared as follows.

Take equal parts of meadowsweet and calendula flowers (1 tbsp each); pour a glass of boiling water. Insist a little. Then cook the infusion in a water bath over low heat for a quarter of an hour. Use warm for douching.

Oak bark and garlic

Oak bark is used only as douching. To prepare the decoction, take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of crushed raw materials; pour a glass of cold water. Then cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Let it sit for another half hour. Use warm.

Some herbalists advise making an ointment that has a good anti-inflammatory effect. To do this, pimples are collected from oak leaves.

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 needs 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 related to 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 break down 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 in 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) into 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 the discharge of urine 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.

1. Every woman should have vaginal discharge, because this is how it cleanses itself and protects itself from external potential threats in the form of pathogenic microorganisms.

2. The average volume of discharge is about a teaspoon per day, but there may be permissible individual fluctuations. The volume of normal discharge can be affected by: pregnancy, emotional state, hormonal disorders (irregular menstrual cycle, diabetes, thyroid disease), changes in body weight, both upward and downward, climate change, frequency of sexual activity, exercise.

3. The main characteristics of correct discharge: white, mucous, odorless or with a slight sour-milk odor.

4. With a regular cycle, discharge varies depending on the phase of the cycle:

• after menstruation– white, liquid, there are few of them;
• closer to the middle of the cycle– similar to egg white;
• after ovulation– dairy;
• closer to menstruation Small lumps and mild itching may appear.

5. If you take contraceptives or do not have a regular cycle, the discharge will not change, there may be more of it and it is closer in appearance to diluted milk.

6. Incorrect discharge includes:

• appearance of odor (fishy, ​​rotten, sweetish);
• color (yellow, greenish, gray);
• consistency (thick, curdled, foamy, watery, creamy)

7. The main accompaniment of bad discharge is a local reaction of the mucous membrane: itching, burning, irritation and discomfort, pain during urination (during the entire act, and not at the end), swelling, redness, the presence of blisters or ulcers, pain and discomfort during sexual activity .

8. If there is unusual discharge, but there are no listed symptoms, the color and consistency may have changed for another reason. For example, the yellow spectrum of discharge - from pale yellow to dark brown and even black, as well as green shades up to brown tones - may indicate the presence of a small amount of blood in the discharge. The color of the shade is associated with the oxidation of iron in the hemoglobin of red blood cells in the acidic environment of the vagina and the degree of dilution of the blood with white discharge. Such discharge occurs after menstruation or a few days before it. The main thing is that there are no local reactions!

9. Blood in the discharge (or brown discharge) outside of menstruation is most often a manifestation of the disease (normally it can be in small quantities while taking hormonal contraceptives). What to do? An examination by a gynecologist and an ultrasound are required. In the middle of the cycle, it is normal to have slight spotting that accompanies ovulation, but a check is still needed. Discharge before and after menstruation - occasionally may be normal, but the presence of prolonged and constant discharge is a sign of a disease (endometriosis, polyps, etc.)

10. The main diseases in which the discharge changes:

• bright white curdled discharge with itching – thrush;
• gray-white discharge with the smell of fish or rotten meat - bacterial vaginosis;
• yellowish discharge of a thick consistency with a sweetish odor - aerobic vaginitis;
• yellowish watery foamy discharge with an unpleasant odor + itching + pain when urinating + pain during sexual activity - trichomoniasis;
• a similar picture, but the discharge is thicker and there are shades of green + pain in the lower abdomen - gonorrhea (but in 50% it can be asymptomatic);

11.Remember– not all altered discharge + itching = thrush, that is, without tests, by eye, you don’t need to make a diagnosis yourself and you shouldn’t take medications for thrush.

12. Combined suppositories (Terzhinan, Polygynax, Macmiror, Neopenotran) - can reduce symptoms, but not cure the disease. This is important! Like hexicon, which is essentially a simple antiseptic. They can be prescribed after tests are taken until the results are received, after which the main treatment is prescribed.

13. The gold standard for diagnosing the condition of the vagina will be a combination of a regular smear on the flora and an assessment of the quantitative composition of the vaginal microflora (femoflor 17 (in vitro) or florocenosis (cmd). The CMD laboratory has a comprehensive analysis number 310004, which includes everything listed, including STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis).

14.Contribute to disruption of flora: taking antibiotics, stress (emotional, in response to hypothermia, lack of sleep, fatigue), vaginal showers, cunnilingus, insertion of fingers into the vagina during masturbation, use of saliva as a “lubricant”, use of “toys”, anal sex, especially insertion penis from the rectum to the vagina.

15. Algorithm for evaluating your allocations:

• First of all, evaluate Smell(there is a smell, it is unpleasant) - there is a problem; there is no smell or it is fermented milk - no problem;
• Color– different from white and there is itching, burning and other local symptoms – a problem with the flora; there are no additional symptoms - most likely it is blood - in addition to an examination by a gynecologist, an ultrasound and a cytological smear are required.
• Consistency– we remember the cycle phase (on monophasic contraceptives there are no cycle phases): small and mucous – the beginning of the cycle, transparent viscous – the middle, milky – the second phase. Thick, creamy, foamy, watery - there is a problem with the flora. If there is discharge that is not white (greenish, yellowish, but there are no local symptoms), and the smear is normal - the color is changed by blood - look for the cause (cervical pathology, polyp, endometriosis, etc.).

16. If there was a long break in sexual activity, after the first sexual intercourse, even with a condom, the discharge may change and there may be unpleasant sensations when urinating - most often this is a reaction to sexual intercourse after a break, which goes away on its own within a couple of days, but can often lead to development of bacterial vaginosis. If it has not passed within two days, see point 15 for assessment of discharge.

17. What can prevent changes in vaginal flora?

• refuse vaginal showers (there is no need to wash the inside of the vagina), all movements during hygiene are only from front to back; wear thongs less often;
• in general, wear underwear less often (you should sleep without underwear) - air should flow into the vagina, since oxygen is necessary for lactobacilli - your main protectors;
• change tampons and/or pads more often; Do not use tampons if you have scanty bleeding.

Women experience whitish vaginal discharge during a certain period of the menstrual cycle. This phenomenon is normal and does not pose any health threat. However, the appearance of brown, greenish, yellow discharge, which has a specific unpleasant odor, indicates the development of problems in the genitourinary system. Before sounding the alarm, you need to understand the cause of the pathological condition, and then decide how to get rid of the discharge - with folk remedies or traditional medications.

Any vaginal discharge that begins spontaneously and does not resemble normal menstrual discharge indicates illness in the body. Doctors identify a number of factors that can cause leucorrhoea that is unusual for a healthy body:

Yellow discharge

Yellow discharge, as a rule, indicates quite serious diseases, which should not be treated without a gynecologist. Home therapy can distort the symptoms and nature of the manifestation of the pathology, as a result of which the attending physician may make an incorrect diagnosis. The reasons for such allocations are:

• adnexitis - an inflammatory process in the uterine appendages;
• colpitis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
• allergic reactions;
• salpingitis - inflammation in the fallopian tubes;
• erosive lesions of the cervix;
• trichomoniasis is an infectious process in the genitourinary system caused by Trichomonas;
• chlamydia is an infection that affects the reproductive system, the causative agent is chlamydia;
• Gonorrhea is an infection of the genitourinary system with gonococcus.

For these diseases, self-therapy at home can aggravate the condition, so consulting a doctor is necessary. You can use folk remedies for treatment only after agreement with your gynecologist.

Greenish discharge

Green discharge usually indicates problems with the genitourinary system. If such a symptom occurs, contacting a gynecologist should not be delayed.

Green discharge causes:

• infectious diseases: trichomoniasis, gonorrhea;
• mucosal diseases;
• decreased immune status;
• nervous overstrain;
• pregnancy;
• some medicines.

When the discharge is accompanied by pain, burning or itching, it is impossible to determine the cause of its appearance without laboratory tests.

Discharge with a sour odor and cheesy consistency

Often, acidic discharge appears along with itching; less often, a burning sensation is added to the symptoms. These signs indicate damage to the vaginal mucosa.

Thrush can also be the cause of the sour smell of leucorrhoea. Infection of the genitourinary system with a fungus causes the appearance of cheesy, abundant white discharge, which causes a lot of inconvenience to a woman.

Discharge mixed with pus

• trichomoniasis;
• lesions of the mucous membrane;
• inflammatory process in the ovaries.

For purulent leucorrhoea, qualified treatment with medications is necessary. When a woman simultaneously experiences vomiting and fever, therapy should be carried out in a hospital setting, since it is safer to treat any of the above diseases in this way.

Fishy smell of discharge

Unpleasant discharge with a fishy odor indicates the development of a bacterial or fungal infection. When the vaginal microflora is disturbed, gardnerellosis develops. Factors causing the disease are:

Discharge from the urethra

The cause of discharge from the urinary canal is urethritis. The disease is not dangerous if it is diagnosed in time and treatment is started.

Often, antibiotics and drugs with antifungal action are prescribed for urethritis. Traditional medicine helps well: baths, douching and others.

Therapy with folk remedies at home

To cure some gynecological diseases, it is not necessary to resort to taking medications. You can try to get rid of them using folk remedies and recommendations for normalizing your health.

Nutrition adjustments

The main factor that is responsible for the condition of the vaginal microflora is the correct diet, so it will not be possible to get rid of any pathological discharge without following certain rules.

During periods of exacerbation of gynecological diseases, the following products are prohibited:

• high in fat;
• canned food (both store-bought and homemade);
• roasted sunflower seeds.

Recommended products for consumption:

• freshly squeezed juices: carrot, spinach, celery;
• strawberries;
• blueberry fruit drinks;
• viburnum in any form;
• barberry berries.

Such products will not eliminate the cause of leucorrhoea, but will help get rid of discharge in combination with medical procedures.

Treatment of adnexitis at home

Douching agent:

• 10 g each of oak bark, nettle, sage, thyme, horsetail, arnica and chamomile flowers, pour 2 liters of boiling water;
• boil over low heat for five minutes;
• leave for half an hour;
• strain.

Douche at night for the first week every day, for the next 14 days - at intervals of 2 days.

You can use honey and propolis for treatment, which must be mixed in equal proportions and melted. Soak a cotton swab in the product, insert it into the vagina and leave overnight. In the morning, hygiene procedures are carried out with warm water.

How to treat colpitis?

With colpitis, a woman needs to be patient, since getting rid of the disease will not be possible quickly. For treatment at home, you can resort to douching with remedies prepared according to folk recipes.

Treatment of thrush

If a woman begins to have cheesy discharge, then this is probably a sign of thrush. The most effective way to treat it at home is baking soda with iodine and salt.. It is quite easy to prepare medicine for douching:

• Dissolve 2 large tablespoons of salt in 1 liter of hot water;
• after cooling to 40°C, add a large spoon of soda;
• add 10 drops of iodine.

The procedures are carried out twice a day for a week. Having completely gotten rid of discharge, itching and burning, you can continue treatment for two more days to consolidate the result.

Treatment of infectious diseases

For infectious diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, douching with any of the following folk remedies is effective. The course of treatment by any of the methods is 10 days.

1. Chop five cloves of garlic and add 200 ml of warm water. The product needs to sit overnight, after which it is filtered and douched twice a day.
2. For 0.5 liters of water you will need 20 g of dried St. John's wort. Brew the herb in boiling water for three hours, cool and use for douching twice a day.

Sitz baths have a good effect. To prepare the product, brew 25 g of femoral herb in 0.5 liters of boiling water for an hour. When the medicine is ready, you need to pour it into a bath of warm water and immerse yourself in it for half an hour. The procedure is best done at night every day for a week.

Treatment of urethritis

For urethritis, you can prepare a remedy for oral administration. 100 g of fresh parsley is poured with milk (the milk should completely cover the parsley). The container must be placed in the oven until the milk has completely evaporated. Divide the resulting mass into 5 equal parts and consume throughout the day at intervals of two hours. Course – 14 days.

Add a small spoonful of dry cornflowers to 250 ml of boiling water and leave for an hour. The strained infusion is drunk two large spoons three times a day for 10 days.

Treatment of salpingitis

For inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes, a decoction of plantain is useful. Add a large spoonful of herbs to 0.3 liters of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes. You need to take this remedy three times a day, 100 ml. Duration of therapy is 10 days.

You can use echinacea to prepare an alcohol tincture. You need to pour two large spoons of the herb into 0.25 liters of alcohol and leave for 3 days, then add 200 ml of water and take 5 drops at an interval of three hours. You need to take the medicine for five days.

When treating gynecological diseases, it is very important to make sure that traditional therapy does not harm health. To do this, you need to visit a gynecologist and identify the true cause of the discharge. Traditional medicine can be used only after approval of such measures by the attending physician.

Discharge in women is one of the indicators of the health of the reproductive system; by its nature one can judge whether there are any problems. Yellow discharge with an odor is quite common in women; you should know what their occurrence may indicate, whether they can be present normally.

Normally, discharge is usually always present; white or transparent mucus with a faint sour odor is considered the healthiest. The color and smell of the secretion are determined by the activity of the vaginal microflora, in which various bacteria are present. In addition, the mucus contains epithelial cells lining the surface of the vagina, the secretion of glands located in the mucous membrane.

The discharge is usually not very large; the amount of it, if it stains the laundry, can be dealt with using a regular panty liner. They do not cause itching or burning. However, their smell and quantity may vary slightly depending on the period of the menstrual cycle. At the beginning of the cycle there are usually fewer of them, the sour smell is less pronounced, by the end of the cycle there are more of them, the smell is more intense.

White-yellow discharge with an odor may be normal. If it gets on linen or exposed to air and the environment, the secretion may turn yellowish, this happens quite often. At the same time, the smell should not be sharp or unpleasant. Then this type of vaginal secretion can be considered healthy.

Important! The nature of the discharge can also change under the influence of various drugs.

Yellow discharge with an odor without itching and other symptoms of infectious lesions can also be considered a normal condition, but it is advised to be concerned about the state of health in general. The color of the secretion can usually change due to decreased immunity, frequent stress, due to taking various medications, and poor nutrition.

This does not directly indicate diseases of the reproductive system, but in general it should be alarming. If the color and smell of the discharge changes, but there are no diseases, you need to switch to a healthier diet, strengthen your immune system, and learn to cope with the effects of stress.

In other cases, especially if the discharge occurs with an unpleasant odor, or there are other symptoms of diseases of the reproductive system, you should consult a doctor. There is a possibility of serious pathologies occurring.

During pregnancy, a yellow tint of discharge should alert you, since any deviations from the norm during pregnancy can be extremely dangerous and threaten the health of the unborn baby. If you experience an unpleasant odor or other symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor; this may indicate an infection and other problems with pregnancy.

If it seems that yellow discharge is not a sign of normal functioning of the reproductive system, you need to consult a doctor and determine the exact cause of the changes. In general, the following symptoms may be a cause for concern:

1. The discharge takes on a yellow color, which is closer to greenish than white.
2. The structure and consistency of the secretion changes. The mucous character disappears, the discharge becomes more liquid or dense. Also an unhealthy symptom is the appearance of foamy secretions, heterogeneity, and clots.
3. The smell of the secretion becomes sharply unpleasant. The sourness is always present, but the appearance of a rotten smell and other unpleasant shades should alert you.
4. The occurrence of itching, burning, and other symptoms of disease. With various infections, rashes on the mucous membrane, ulcers, and spots can also occur. Also, unhealthy discharge may be accompanied by dryness.

If such symptoms occur, you should definitely consult a doctor; they indicate the possible development of the disease. You should not try to combat the symptoms by more frequent washing, using pads and other means. If infection or other diseases occur, such measures will not help.

Important! Moreover, the use of panty liners and cleansers with fragrances and fragrances can negatively affect the condition of the microflora.

There are many diseases that lead to yellow discharge. It is worth listing the most common ones that gynecologist patients most often encounter:

1. Trichomoniasis. This infection is sexually transmitted and when it occurs, a foamy discharge appears, often with a fishy odor. Itching, burning, and discomfort during sexual intercourse and urination also usually occur.
2. Gonorrhea. With this infectious disease, which is sexually transmitted, the discharge smells of rot and usually takes on an almost green tint.
3. Cervical erosion, other diseases of the reproductive system, in which an inflammatory process occurs. In this case, the discharge may be extremely thick, bloody, and there may be no pronounced unpleasant odor. Over time, with some diseases, blood may appear in the secretion; it can occur in the middle of the menstrual cycle. In inflammatory processes, there is usually an increase in temperature, pain in the abdomen and lumbar region.

These are the main causes of yellow secretion and unpleasant odor. You should be especially alarmed if blood clots appear in the discharge, they turn brown and have an unpleasant odor. Such symptoms may even indicate cancer.

The occurrence of such symptoms after childbirth may indicate an infection acquired during the birth process; you need to consult a doctor to find out the exact cause. Also, due to hormonal fluctuations, changes in discharge after pregnancy may be normal.

How to treat

For most diseases that cause such symptoms, treatment at home is acceptable, but before starting it, you should definitely consult a doctor. It is necessary to accurately determine the pathogen; if an infection occurs, they usually take a smear and perform an ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

Treatment depends on the underlying disease that caused these symptoms. Various creams and suppositories are usually used; they are used for microflora disorders and infections. You may need to take various medications in pill form, and it is usually important to improve your immunity. Sometimes it is necessary to take various anti-inflammatory drugs if a focus of inflammation occurs.

Surgical intervention is rarely required; it may be necessary for extensive inflammatory diseases and the occurrence of tumors. Usually this can be avoided. In any case, self-medication is not recommended for gynecological diseases.