Leucorrhoea is a specific vaginal discharge that performs the function of self-cleaning of the genital tract. They occur in sexually mature women and are associated with their ability to reproduce.

Normally, in a healthy woman, the amount of white discharge per day does not exceed 1 ml. If there are more of them, then this may be associated with the following physiological conditions:

1. Puberty in girls.
2. Ovulation.
3. Menstrual cycle. Their number increases before menstruation and decreases after it stops.
4. Pregnancy and postpartum period.

But you should be wary of opaque discharge, which has a pungent odor and is accompanied by itching and burning, as well as pain in the genital area. Such symptoms indicate the presence of a particular disease.

Abnormal white discharge in women is classified according to the location of the lesion. There are several types:

All these leucorrhoea are classified as pathological types, since their occurrence is associated with certain diseases.

They differ from normal discharge in color, the presence of a specific odor, as well as the presence of pain and other unpleasant sensations.

The main reasons for the appearance

Leucorrhoea appears in women for various reasons. If they are associated with physiological processes (puberty, pregnancy, ovulation, menstrual cycle), then there is no need to worry. The causes of pathological white discharge in women are:

Also, the cause of leucorrhoea in women can be non-compliance with personal hygiene rules.

Proper daily care of the reproductive system is mandatory for every woman.

Is odorless leucorrhoea discharge in women normal or pathological?

Vaginal discharge consists of uterine mucus, microorganisms that make up its normal microflora, as well as dying epithelial cells.

Such secretions occur in small quantities in the body of a healthy woman.

Sometimes there is a slight sour smell due to the presence of lactobacilli, but it may be absent altogether.

Leucorrhoea performs a protective function in a woman’s body - it prevents infection from entering the genitals. In some cases, their quantity may increase or decrease, and the consistency will thicken without changing the smell. This is often due to a number of reasons:

1. Hormonal surges due to puberty, ovulation, pregnancy, lactation.
2. Menstrual period.
3. Beginning of sexual activity or changing sexual partner. The discharge becomes abundant and thick, which indicates processes of adaptation to foreign microflora.
4. After sexual intercourse without using a condom, heavy discharge is observed, which sometimes contains clots. After a couple of hours, the leucorrhoea becomes more liquid.
5. Long-term use of hormonal-based contraceptives. In this case, the amount of discharge decreases (as with lactation), since the reproductive activity of women decreases.

But under some circumstances, odorless leucorrhoea may indicate the presence of pathology. If there is no discharge or if it appears in the form of curdled clots, if the color changes (from dirty white to dark brown), or if pain occurs in the groin area, you should be wary.

What does it mean to have itching and white discharge with an odor?

Normally, leucorrhoea should not be accompanied by itching and a strong odor. If there are such symptoms, this indicates the presence of diseases. First of all, thrush is a fungal infection of the external genitalia. It occurs due to the following reasons:

Also, leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor and itching accompany bacterial vaginosis. It is often confused with thrush, but they are not the same thing. These gynecological diseases have different origins and require different treatment methods.

Thick and thin white discharge in women

In a healthy woman, white discharge is normal. At the same time, they must have the following characteristics:

• be transparent or white;
• do not have any strong unpleasant odors;
• not be accompanied by itching and burning, as well as pain in the groin area;
• can be thick or liquid.

Thus, the consistency of leucorrhoea is not a direct indication of the presence of pathology. Thick and thin white vaginal discharge without additional symptoms is a sign of healthy functioning of the protective mechanisms of the female genital organs.

Treatment methods with medications and folk remedies

Treatment methods vary, from the use of medications to eliminating symptoms using traditional recipes. Drug treatment of pathological leucorrhoea occurs in several stages.

The first stage is aimed at eliminating the cause of abnormal leucorrhoea. Depending on the pathogen, treatment may be:

1. Antibacterial. Antibiotics are prescribed - Penicillin, Tetracycline.
2. Antiviral. Antiviral drugs are prescribed.
3. Antifungal. The most common fungal disease that affects the external genitalia is thrush. It is treated quite effectively with Fluconazole and Clotrimaxozole.

The second stage is aimed at getting rid of the symptoms of the disease and restoring normal microflora. Doctors also recommend adhering to a balanced diet and carefully monitoring the cleanliness of the genitals.

Some folk remedies are often used to treat leucorrhoea. They are used in several ways:

1. Douching with herbal decoctions. For this, St. John's wort, oak bark, mistletoe, calendula, eucalyptus and others are used.
2. Ingestion of decoctions and infusions. Juice from viburnum and barberry berries, tea from strawberries and nettles effectively combat leucorrhoea.
3. Baths based on herbs and plants.

Traditional methods are not always effective for treating a disease that causes leucorrhoea. They will only help relieve symptoms.

Prevention

It is better to prevent a disease than to treat it. Prevention of leucorrhoea in women consists of following a few simple rules:

• hygiene of the external genitalia (especially during menstruation);
• regular visits to the gynecologist;
• timely treatment of gynecological and other diseases;
• safe sex;
• use of high-quality contraceptives.

Leucorrhoea in women is a normal physiological process.

If they are accompanied by unpleasant symptoms (pungent odor, pain, itching and burning), you should consult a doctor. You should not neglect the disease or self-medicate.

The gynecologist talks about what kind of discharge should be alarming in the following video.

The appearance of white, thick vaginal discharge is a reason to consult a doctor. They may indicate the onset of a disease, in which early diagnosis will avoid the development of serious pathology and complications.

Norm

There are always discharges. This is a natural process, considered the norm: the secretion is secreted by the glands and, passing through the genital tract, they seem to cleanse the vagina. Normally, the discharge is mucous, transparent, and odorless. At different times of the menstrual cycle, the amount of discharge varies.

Increased discharge can be observed when using vaginal suppositories, overwork, stress, excitement and more. Some women normally have white, thick discharge that is odorless and does not cause any discomfort: there is no itching, burning, or body temperature.

The appearance of white discharge should be alarming: only a gynecologist can draw the line between normal and pathological. If white discharge is the result of some kind of illness, then urgent treatment is needed.

Changing selections

If the consistency changes, itching and other negative sensations do not occur in the form of irritation of the mucous membrane, pain when urinating, then this may be the norm.

White thick discharge may appear during sexual intercourse or immediately after it. This is a normal reaction of the body to the need to moisturize the vaginal walls.

An increase in the amount of secretion can be observed approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle. During this period, discharge comes out more often, especially when urinating. This phenomenon indicates successful ovulation, which occurred exactly on time.

White thick discharge may appear before menstruation: it may indicate shifts in the menstrual cycle. This nature of the secretion may indicate an increased release of progesterone, which is intensively produced by the body during the first period of pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, but there is discharge, this may indicate a hormonal imbalance. Before menstruation, the secretion will become more diluted, and after it, everything will return to normal.

Discharge in pregnant women

White thick discharge in women is observed during pregnancy until the twelfth week. After this period they become more abundant and liquid. And only from the third trimester the discharge becomes white again. During this period, this phenomenon may indicate the passage of the mucous plug: it clogs the cervix and protects the fetus from infection. The plug may come out immediately or leak out gradually over three days. In the first case, you need to immediately pack your things and go to the maternity hospital.

White thick discharge in women may indicate a change in diet or taking certain medications. Also, changes can be the result of diets: after losing a few kilograms, the body does not have time to rebuild, which is why the cycle is disrupted.

Discharge indicating illness

Thick white discharge that appears at any time should be alarming. They may be the norm, or they may indicate the emergence of pathology. Only a gynecologist can determine the exact cause of the disease. During the examination, the doctor takes a smear for analysis. This procedure is painless and quick.

Sometimes, during changes in the nature of the secretion, weakness and fever may occur. In this case, you should not postpone your visit to the doctor, because such discharge is a symptom of infection (if the temperature and weakness are not caused by other pathologies).

Discharge with a sour odor

The appearance of white, thick discharge with an acidic odor may indicate pathology. In general, the appearance of leucorrhoea is a normal process that occurs during the renewal of cells covering the walls of the genital organs. Dead cells slough off, mix with mucus and come out. Leucorrhoea contains discharge from the uterus. This feature allows you to determine the time of menstruation: before it, the amount of discharge increases. Therefore, white and transparent discharge that does not cause itching, pain, or burning is considered normal.

The appearance of a sour smell, as well as itching, may indicate candidiasis or thrush. It occurs for various reasons: hormonal imbalance, taking certain medications, during pregnancy, and poor personal hygiene. This disease can also occur due to the use of antibacterial hygiene products and toilet paper. Thrush often occurs as a result of stress, a change in climate zone, or dietary disturbances.

Pathological discharge

White, thick, odorless discharge is considered normal, but with poor hygiene, decreased immunity, and the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms, the vaginal microflora changes. Normally, it contains multiple opportunistic microflora, with increased proliferation of which inflammation occurs.

The following types of leucorrhoea should be of concern:

1. Abundant, white, cheesy consistency. When white, thick discharge and itching appear, women experience severe discomfort, especially when sitting. This is a clear sign of thrush.
2. Abundant foamy discharge of more than five milliliters per day.
3. Discharge of any color: brown, yellow, green and other shades.
4. Discharge with an unpleasant odor: sour, fishy, ​​putrid, onion smell, etc.
5. Any discharge in combination with itching, discomfort, dryness during sexual intercourse, redness of the external genitalia, as well as pain in the lower abdomen. You should consult a doctor if there is a burning sensation, pain during urination, or an increase in body temperature. When pain occurs during sexual intercourse or immediately after it.

If the discharge changes color, smell, quantity, or a feeling of discomfort appears, then these are all signs of pathology. In this way, the body reacts to inflammation of the reproductive system, and in order to determine the cause of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Types of discharge

In women, discharge can have different origins:

1. Tubal - appear when the tubes become inflamed. With pathology, a secretion accumulates in the fallopian tubes, which first penetrates the uterus, and then exits through the cervix into the vagina and out.
2. Vaginal. This species is considered the most “harmless”. With inflammation of the vagina, leucorrhoea can be white, yellow and other shades. Most often they have an unpleasant odor. A change in vaginal discharge may indicate thrush, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis and other ailments.
3. Cervical secretion. With inflammation of the cervix, pathological discharge occurs. The cause may be chlamydia, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis, etc.
4. Uterine discharge. They occur with endometritis. During inflammation, the secretion comes out through the channels and mixes with cervical and vaginal secretions.

Identification of disease by color

The appearance in women of white, thick discharge, odorless or with an odor, as well as white discharge of other colors, may indicate the presence of various pathologies. There are more than a hundred pathological conditions in total. No gynecologist can make a diagnosis based on the color and nature of the discharge. This is due to the fact that the same white thick discharge without itching appears not only with various ailments, but also normally. The same thrush can be combined with other bacterial infections. To identify the pathogen, it is necessary to carry out a bacterial smear culture, as well as be tested for STIs. These types of laboratory diagnostics help to identify the pathogen, which means the gynecologist will be able to prescribe the correct treatment. Although the color of the discharge may indicate what exactly was the possible cause of the disease:

1. Clear discharge in large quantities may be the result of chlamydia.
2. If the leucorrhoea is gray in color and has a strong fishy odor, it is bacterial vaginosis or gardnerellosis.
3. Greenish discharge. With this type, purulent processes occur in the genitals: the richer the green color, the stronger the inflammatory process. Leukocytes give this shade to the whites: the more of them, the stronger the inflammation and the brighter the color of the discharge.
4. Yellow leucorrhoea. This shade occurs when infected with Trichomonas. Most often, pathological microorganisms are localized in the vagina, where there are fewer leukocytes.
5. White. White, thick discharge without odor or itching is characteristic of both normal and pathological conditions. This type of leucorrhoea can indicate pregnancy, thrush and other ailments.

It is impossible to consider the shade of discharge as a diagnosis of pathology, because one symptom can be the result of different ailments.

When to see a doctor

If there is little discharge - no more than a teaspoon per day, then there is no need to worry. But if, with an increase in the amount of discharge, symptoms such as itching, burning, pain, menstrual irregularities, and changes in the color of leucorrhoea appear, then this indicates pathology. All these symptoms require an immediate visit to a gynecologist:

Treatment methods

If you have diseases of the reproductive system, you should contact a gynecologist, because only he will help determine the true cause of the disease and choose the right treatment regimen. For every problem in the intimate area associated with the appearance of pathological discharge, it is necessary to solve it comprehensively and step by step.

First, the doctor must determine the cause of the pathology, and the pathogen is identified. After this, the source of infection is eliminated: antibacterial drugs are selected, surgical intervention is prescribed, and local drugs are selected. At this stage, the pathogenic flora of the genital organs is destroyed.

At the next stage, the natural healthy microflora is restored. For this, the doctor selects hormonal medications, suppositories with lactic acid, develops a diet, etc. After normalizing the microflora, the functioning of the immune system is corrected: vitamins and physiotherapy are prescribed.

It is mandatory to take measures to improve blood circulation in the intimate area. This is usually done by prescribing exercise therapy and other procedures.

Hygiene

One of the ways to prevent certain types of pathologies is regular intimate hygiene. If you follow it, you can prevent inflammation of the genital organs.

The rules of personal hygiene are not only water procedures, but also wearing and timely changing sanitary pads, protected sex, and careful selection of a partner. A woman’s health depends on the woman herself - this should be understood. From an early age, girls must be taught to take care of themselves and their intimate area.

Smirnova Olga (gynecologist, State Medical University, 2010)

Vaginal secretion helps a woman assess the condition of the reproductive system. White discharge without odor and itching is considered normal in most cases. But under certain conditions, whitish mucus can be a sign of pathology, even in the absence of unpleasant sensations.

When secretion is normal

The vagina of a healthy woman secretes a special fluid with the following characteristics (see photo):

• has a volume of up to 5 ml per day;
• transparent, whitish or milky;
• has a uniform consistency;
• slimy, thick or viscous;
• has small seals (no more than 4 mm);
• has a slightly sour odor or no aroma at all;
• not accompanied by burning, itching, swelling and redness.

After drying, this secretion leaves a beige or yellowish stain on underwear or panty liners.

If the odorless, white discharge matches this description, then there is no cause for concern. But secretion can change during a certain period of the cycle for other reasons that are not related to pathology.

For heavy discharge without a pungent odor and white itching, the following factors are characteristic:

1. Excitation (presence of transparent and).
2. Reaction to male sperm.
3. Ovulation.
4. Fertilization process.
5. Stabilization of the cycle after menarche.
6. Use of drugs with hormones.

Scanty discharge

Small amounts of white discharge without irritation of the genitals can be caused by:

• the influence of hormones during the first half of the menstrual cycle (before the ovulatory phase);
• period of maturation of the corpus luteum;
• bad habits;
• the beginning of menopause;
• systematic douching;
• unsuitable intimate hygiene product.

Lack of secretion or its absence negatively affects the functioning of the entire reproductive system. The body cannot fully fight harmful bacteria and also produce the necessary lubricant.

Dense

The following can cause the appearance of harmless, thick, odorless, white discharge:

• hormones that predominate in the second half of the cycle;
• formation of lubrication during sex;
• cleansing the vagina from sperm;
• the first 12 weeks of gestation;
• severe stress;
• a large amount of cervical fluid secreted;
• incorrect underwear;
• release of leftover candles and creams.

These may be mushy or creamy marks on your panty liner. Odorless and itchy, such secretion does not require treatment. But if it is indicated for a long time, it is better to consult a doctor.

Watery discharge

The initial form of thrush or chronic candidiasis is characterized by white thick discharge without a sour odor and itching. The secretion may not only have a cheesy consistency. There is thick vaginal discharge that resembles cream or sour cream.

At the very beginning, the ingress of a pathogenic fungus is distinguished only by a whitish or light secretion. Additional symptoms appear when the immune system is weakened or while taking antibiotics. These medications kill not only harmful, but also beneficial lactobacilli, which block the proliferation of pathogenic organisms in the vagina.

With chronic thrush, the symptoms are dulled. It occurs again during inflammatory processes and other diseases that were caused by candidiasis.

Thick, odorless discharge can be caused by the following reasons:

1. Viral infection of the vagina.
2. Infection in the microflora.
3. Infection of the body with pathogenic bacteria.
4. The presence of harmful microbes in the pelvic organs.

It is in a woman's best interest to see a doctor and have a smear done. This is the only way to accurately determine whether an infectious, bacterial or fungal factor caused the unusual secretion.

Slimy consistency of vaginal fluid

The appearance of abundant, odorless white mucus often indicates infectious pathologies. The situation persists for two to three weeks, and only then does the unpleasant odor of leucorrhoea and discomfort arise.

Discharge can be caused by:

• gonorrhea;
• chlamydia;
• trichomoniasis;
• other STDs.

Immediately after infection, the woman notices the appearance of white, transparent discharge without an unpleasant odor. But the lack of timely treatment aggravates the disease. There is a fetid odor, pus, a foamy consistency of leucorrhoea, the transparency of the veins changes, provoking a green, bright yellow tint of vaginal mucus.

Cloudy leucorrhoea

Most often, due to inflammatory processes, vaginal fluid with a cloudy white tint begins to be released.

This could be inflammation:

• ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingoophoritis);
• cervix (cervicitis);
• vaginal glands (bartholinitis);
• labia (vulvitis);
• cervical mucosa (endometritis).

There is virtually no unpleasant odor in the early stages of these diseases. The following symptoms are well expressed:

• failure of the female cycle;
• delayed menstruation;
• painful urination;
• itching and burning;
• discomfort in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sex;
• increase in body temperature.

The inflammatory process can occur for the following reasons:

1. When there is no permanent sexual partner.
2. Due to unprotected sexual intercourse.
3. Due to violation of intimate hygiene rules.
4. As a result of various intrauterine interventions.
5. In case of infection or fungus.
6. After hypothermia.

Regardless of the pathogen, the cloudy shade of leucorrhoea is caused by an increased number of leukocytes. They are also found in normal discharge, but their number should not exceed 10 (for the vagina) and 30 (for the cervix).

Constant leucorrhoea

Systematic discharge similar in color to milk cannot be considered normal. In this case, the woman definitely needs medical help. Among the reasons for this symptom it is worth highlighting:

• improper genital hygiene;
• violation of metabolic processes;
• the presence of an inflammatory process;
• the presence of a foreign object in the vagina;
• incorrectly selected hormonal therapy;
• presence of benign tumors;
• presence of cancer;
• manifestation of an allergic reaction.

Treatment of discharge

Most white, odorless discharge in women does not require treatment. But for any complaints or ailments, it is better to visit a doctor. The nature of vaginal mucus and the time of its occurrence can only give a signal of a violation, but not help to establish the exact cause of the occurrence.

To begin with, an examination in a gynecological chair is enough. After this, the doctor will prescribe a smear test. The course of further examination will depend on the results of the assessment of biological material. You may need:

• blood and urine tests;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• visiting a urologist;
• examination by an endocrinologist;
• examination by other specialists.

A visit to additional doctors is explained by the fact that the occurrence of whitish secretion can be provoked by: diabetes mellitus; improper functioning of the thyroid gland; urological problems.

The production of leucorrhoea is essential for the reproductive system. They provide protection and normal functioning of the genital organs. Any change in vaginal fluid should alert a woman. In most cases, these are minor failures, but any disorder is easier to treat if diagnosed on time.

Moderate, non-discomfortable white discharge in women indicates the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Their intensity and consistency vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. This is due to normal physiological processes occurring in the body. If white vaginal discharge has acquired an unpleasant odor or changed structure, then it signals the development of pathology and is a reason to contact a gynecologist.

White vaginal discharge is observed in various situations. The consistency of normal secretion is thick and quite liquid, and its quantity is abundant and meager. Both of these options are considered normal.

The reasons why white flakes appear on girls' panties can be both pathological and natural. Such changes are typical for certain periods of the cycle and early stages of pregnancy. They can be triggered by intimacy and stress.

Ovulation

During certain phases of the cycle, the volume of secretion increases. Such changes are noted at the time of ovulation. In this case, a stretchy whitish odorless discharge appears in women, similar to egg white. Mucus, the color of milk, can be observed for several hours or a couple of days after the release of the egg. Over time, under the influence of progesterone, it acquires a thick consistency and is produced in significantly smaller quantities.

Early pregnancy

Whitish discharge in a virgin most often indicates the imminent arrival of regula, but if the woman has already had sexual experience, then such changes can signal pregnancy. Such symptoms appear due to hormonal changes in the body.

The amount of secretion gradually increases. Often, white discharge without itching or odor is observed throughout the first trimester. They are considered to be the absolute norm.

They can arise for various reasons, so we recommend that you study this issue in more detail.

Discharge during sexual intercourse

Appearing during intimacy are considered normal. When aroused, mucus begins to be produced, the volume of which increases significantly as desire increases and reaches its maximum amount upon completion of sexual intercourse. Viscous lumps should not cause concern - this is a natural phenomenon.

You also need to take into account that mucus has different characteristics depending on whether a condom was used or not. If intimacy was unprotected, then the secretion mixes with sperm and acquires an unusual smell and yellowish color. When using barrier contraceptives, the artificial lubricant of the condom comes into contact with the fluid secreted from the vagina - and quite thick leucorrhoea is formed.

Stress

Often, white discharge from the uterus is noted against the background of a delay, but fertilization has not occurred. Such changes can be triggered by stress. If a maximum of five days is observed, and the discharge itself is odorless, does not increase in volume and does not cause discomfort, then there is no reason to panic.

Signs of pathological discharge

When the immune system is suppressed, hormone levels change and antibiotic medications are taken, pathogenic microorganisms actively multiply, resulting in an inflammatory process.

The development of diseases is indicated by the following nature of the secretion:

• copious white discharge with a thick, cheesy consistency;
• foamy mucus;
• viscous discharge with a pungent, very unpleasant odor.

Attention should also be paid to accompanying symptoms. Regardless of whether odorless or odorless discharge is noted, it raises concerns if additional clinical manifestations are present. Itching, discomfort during urination and intimacy, redness of the genitals, pain in the abdomen and hyperthermia indicate the onset of the pathological process. Such changes are a reason to immediately consult a doctor.

Causes of pathological discharge

White thick discharge in women appears for both natural and pathological reasons. To identify the disease, you need to pay special attention to the consistency, smell, as well as the volume of secretion and accompanying symptoms. Such changes are often provoked by candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and a number of other diseases of the reproductive system. In this case, scanty and abundant white discharge requires immediate treatment.

Development of candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis (thrush) is a common disease. Its occurrence can be caused by hormonal disorders, non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene, taking antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Under the influence of these factors, Candida fungi actively multiply and the main symptoms of thrush begin to appear.

Initially, thick white discharge, odorless and itchy, with a cheesy consistency, may be observed. With further development of the pathology, additional symptoms appear. White vaginal discharge takes on a sour aroma. A woman suffers from burning and itching in the genital area. If a bacterial infection occurs, the secretion becomes gray or yellow.

Bacterial vaginosis

The development of pathology is caused by a violation of the vaginal microflora and the predominance of pathogenic microorganisms in it. Such changes occur due to suppressed immunity, intestinal dysbiosis, improper organization of the diet and wearing underwear made of synthetic materials.

As this disease develops, the skin in the vaginal area begins to itch, and a liquid secretion appears that has an unpleasant odor of rotten fish.

Bacterial vaginosis requires treatment. Lack of proper therapy can lead to inflammation of the appendages and genital organs, as well as infection into the vagina. The situation will worsen significantly.

Development of cervicitis

The occurrence of this disease is due to the onset of an inflammatory process that occurs in the part of the cervix that exits into the vagina. At the same time, an odorless mucous discharge begins to be released, in which an admixture of pus is often observed.

The causes of the pathological process, as a rule, are infections, damage to the uterus during childbirth and scars formed after surgery.

Pathology of the cervix

Thick, odorless and itchy discharge may appear due to the development of erosion of the cervix or the growth of a malignant tumor on it. In this case, the woman feels a mild nagging pain in the abdominal area. In addition, regardless of the period of the cycle, a milky, odorless daub is observed. Also among the symptoms of the pathology is an admixture of blood in the secretion after intimacy, but such clinical manifestations are rare. Often the disease is asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of diseases

To understand why odorless or uncharacteristic odorless white discharge appeared, the doctor first conducts an examination on the gynecological chair and studies the medical history. A swab is immediately taken to detect infection.

In addition, a number of additional studies are prescribed to help find out the exact reason for the appearance of secretion like milk:

• blood test to determine hormone levels;
• bacterial culture;
• PCR diagnostics;
• colposcopy.

Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes a course of therapy.

Treatment

If thick vaginal discharge is caused by thrush, then antifungal therapy is prescribed. It is also necessary to restore the normal microflora of the vagina, due to which it will be possible to suppress the activity of the fungus and eliminate the pathology.

In the case where odorless liquid discharge is caused by hormonal disorders, they resort to the use of medications that help normalize hormone levels. The therapy is quite lengthy. It often takes more than six months to achieve a goal.

When bacterial vaginosis is detected, antibiotics are used to suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, antifungal drugs are used to help restore microflora.

For cervical erosion, drug therapy is ineffective. In order to eliminate the problem, they resort to cauterization of the formation.

The course of treatment for cervicitis is selected depending on the reasons that provoked its appearance. Antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal medications are used in the therapy process. The affected areas are treated with antiseptic solutions. If the pathology becomes chronic, surgical intervention is resorted to.

The appearance of white mucus often does not indicate the onset of a pathological process and is considered normal. Signs of the development of the disease are an unpleasant smell of secretion, pain, itching and burning and other associated symptoms. When they appear, you need the help of a gynecologist. The sooner a problem is identified, the easier it will be to fix it.

Many women worry about vaginal discharge. In some cases, their anxiety is not in vain. Although a small amount of them is a normal physiological process. But often they are a symptom of some gynecological disease, so an accurate diagnosis can be made by a gynecologist after a thorough examination.

However, there is one very common condition in which discharge is a very characteristic symptom. When abundant white, thick, odorless discharge appears, itching in the vagina, periodic nagging pain in the lower abdomen, we can talk about the presence of candidiasis.

Vaginal candidiasis, or thrush, is an extremely common disease. It is caused by yeast-like fungi - candida. These microorganisms are always present in small quantities on the skin, mouth, intestines and vaginal mucosa, but do not cause much concern.

However, when certain conditions occur (pregnancy, diabetes, taking hormonal contraceptives, antibiotic treatment, immunodeficiency, wearing synthetic underwear and tight clothing), the growth of candida fungi increases and candidiasis occurs. Also, fungi can easily be transmitted from a sexual partner during any type of sexual intercourse.

Symptoms of thrush

Candidiasis is called thrush precisely because of the characteristic discharge. Abundant, white or yellowish in color, they are practically odorless. But as the disease progresses, the discharge takes on a cheesy consistency and smells like sour milk. The disease is accompanied by itching, which intensifies at night. In the chronic form, itching is often the only symptom, which becomes worse after sexual intercourse, as well as before menstruation.

Vaginal candidiasis in some cases occurs without any symptoms at all and is detected only during a routine examination. In other cases, one or another form of thrush is detected in 80% of women and girls.

The occurrence of the disease does not always depend on sexual activity. Young girls can also get thrush. The activity of candida fungi, in this case, can be provoked by the use of antibiotics, violation of personal hygiene rules, and failure of the hormonal system.

Infection is possible from the intestines. This is due to the close anatomical location of the anus and vagina.

There are three forms of vaginal candidiasis:

Candida carrier. In this case, there are no signs of the disease. But when examining a woman, according to test results (smear), an increased content of yeast-like fungi is detected. In this case, with a decrease in immunity, Candida carriage can develop into a clinically pronounced form of the disease with the appearance of symptoms of the disease.

Acute form. This diagnosis is made when the duration of the disease is no more than two months. In this case, characteristic signs of thrush are present: thick, odorless discharge, itching in the vagina, redness and swelling.

Chronic form of vaginal candidiasis. This form involves a disease duration of more than two months. At the same time, acute manifestations of symptoms subside and bother the woman less than in the acute form of the disease.

Recently, asymptomatic gynecological diseases, including those that are sexually transmitted, have been increasingly observed. There may not even be any discharge characteristic of most of them. With a hidden, asymptomatic course, there are no characteristic pains in the lower abdomen, menstrual irregularities or other symptoms. In this regard, every woman needs to visit a gynecologist for a preventive examination 1-2 times a year.

Treatment of candidiasis

Therapy consists not only of eliminating symptoms, but also preventing relapses of the disease. Symptoms of candidiasis are not difficult to cure. But in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease for a long time, serious treatment should be carried out.

Treatment of candidiasis requires an integrated approach. In the acute form, topical antifungal agents are used. These are special creams, ointments, suppositories, vaginal tablets. The most suitable drug is selected by the doctor individually for each woman.

For the chronic form of candidiasis, antibiotic therapy and antifungal drugs are used. In this case, the general microflora is treated, since candidiasis can develop from the intestines. Among the antifungal agents, the drug fluconazole can be noted. In severe cases of the disease and frequent relapses, itraconazole drugs are used.

Candidiasis often takes this particular, chronic and relapsing form, as fungi become resistant to many topical and oral medications.

Therefore, if quite recently treatment was carried out with just one tablet, now gynecologists are increasingly having to prescribe antifungal agents. In this regard, treatment is carried out according to longer schemes.

To avoid the appearance of such an extremely unpleasant disease as thrush, follow the rules of personal hygiene, strengthen your immune system and avoid contact with the source of infection. Be healthy!