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Each part of the body has its function, either to flow in the functioning of the organism or even to protect from risks of external invaders . With the change of any function, the body responds showing signs that something different is happening, and it is also so in the female intimate area, where vaginal discharge occurs.
The vagina naturally produces fluids, which are part of the lubrication of the vaginal walls and also the result of the female cycle, which with hormonal changes are adjusted to its functioning.
But the difference between these natural fluids in the vagina is noticeable when there is an increase in volume and in its characteristics such as smell and color. When this change occurs, the presence of vaginal discharge is confirmed.
The natural fluids in the vagina are produced by small glands present in the vaginal canal and have the function of protecting and eliminating dead cells or bacteria that try to affect the area, preventing infections.
What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge can have several causes, and its color and symptoms indicate the reasons. In some cases, it may be completely natural , due to hormonal disruptions or it may also indicate the presence of some gynecological disease.
Vaginal discharge are fluids with an amount greater than the natural moisture of the vagina. They are usually noticed by the presence in the panties, even due to the stains that result or by the distinctive and evident odor.
Natural vaginal discharge, which is transparent or slightly whitish in appearance, has no smell and does not cause symptoms such as itching or burning when urinating.
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge are those that are linked to the presence of any bacteria, fungi or gynecological disease. The most common occurrence is known as vaginitis, a vaginal inflammation caused by the presence of fungi and bacteria in the genitalia.
But it can also occur due to several other factors, such as hormonal disruptions, vaginal atrophy during and after the onset of menopause and even allergic reactions to hygiene or protection products such as spermicide or condoms. We will list the main causes, their forms of prevention and what treatment is indicated for each one.
Candidiasis
In the natural flora of the vagina there is a fungus called Candida. In addition to the vaginal area, it is present in the skin and intestines of all human beings. Because it is a natural fungus of the human organism, it does not cause symptoms and is not present, until for some reason the organism has its functions altered.
The main causes of changes in the functioning of the body are stressors, overuse of antibiotics, immunosuppressants, trauma and diabetes. With the occurrence
of these factors, Candida until then silent, begins to multiply and cause the discomfort and symptoms.
Symptoms of Candidiasis
With the proliferation of these fungi, the symptoms begin to become evident causing vaginal itching , burning in the vulva area and severe pain when urinating and sexual intercourse. Along with these symptoms, the vaginal discharge happens with a whitish, thick appearance and with a very strong characteristic odor, easily noticed.
Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis
The treatment of vaginal candidiasis is divided into two types, the complicated and the uncomplicated. Symptoms and details should be reported to the gynecologist who will indicate the appropriate treatment for the case.
The simplest candidiasis cases, considered uncomplicated, are those that occur in isolated cases, at most in 3 episodes throughout the year and in women considered healthy and who are not pregnant.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an infection in the genital area that can affect both men and women . Caused by a bacterium called Trichomonas Vaginalis, trichomoniasis can be totally asymptomatic or present symptoms such as vaginitis, cystitis or epididymitis.
Trichomoniasis is listed among STDs and its main form of transmission is during sexual intercourse. The cause is the presence of a parasite that is passed from person to person during sex.
IMPORTANT: Along with trichomoniasis, other diseases such as gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases may accompany.
In women, its severity is presented through intense inflammation in the vaginal area, known as vaginitis. The areas of the vagina most affected are: vulva, cervix and urethra.
Research indicates that around 50% of women affected, present the disease asymptomatically and have a completely normal vaginal PH, so the ideal is to ensure regular visits to the gynecologist and keep the routine exams up to date.
It is worth noting that even in cases of disease without symptoms, the infection can still be transmitted.
Risk factors
Among the biggest risk factors for the transmission of trichomoniasis are:
- Sex without a condom;
- Exchange of several unprotected sexual partners;
- Occurrence of other STDs;
- Low immunity;
- Constant use of swimming pool and bathtubs.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
In some cases, trichomoniasis may have no symptoms, but in the vast majority of cases, the most obvious symptoms of the disease are:
- Vaginal discharge with white, grayish, yellow or greenish color;
- Bad vaginal smell;
- Red genital area;
- Abundant itching in the vagina;
- Discomfort and burning when urinating and during sexual intercourse;
Treatment of Trichomoniasis
In case of suspicion or of noticing any characteristic symptom of the disease, such as bad vaginal odor and pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse, immediately seek your gynecologist for verification.
The confirmation of the diagnosis cannot be carried out only on the basis of the symptoms, therefore, some tests will be requested , including the pap smear . Tests for vaginal pH analysis, as well as cytology and culture tests may also be requested.
The treatment is considered common and offers greater efficacy orally, than through the application of gels, ointments and local creams. High, controlled doses of secnidazole, metronidazole or tinidazole will be requested. The treatment lasts for a week and during this period sexual intercourse must be avoided or totally protected with the use of condoms.
Only after performing the exams, your doctor will be able to indicate the best treatment, as well as the ideal dosage for the condition. Never interrupt the treatment and follow all medical instructions for the complete effectiveness of the treatment.
Vaginal discharge considered normal
The presence of discharge is not always an indication of a problem. The discharge can be a sign that your body is in good working order and that each phase is within the expected. So it is, when the presence of transparent discharge is observed, similar to egg white.
This type of discharge indicates that the woman is in her fertile period and usually disappears alone and has an average duration of 6 days.
Just like transparent discharge, pink discharge is also considered healthy. Usually, this type of discharge occurs as an indication of fertilization of the egg and even indicates a possible pregnancy.
It usually happens approximately 3 days after the sexual act and is accompanied by mild cramps, which pass naturally without intervention.
How to avoid discharge?
In order to avoid the appearance of recurrent discharge due to diseases and infections, it is necessary to have adequate intimate hygiene, always dry or sanitize the intimate area after using the bathroom and have sex in a safe way, using a condom.
Some other simple precautions can assist in prevention such as:
- Opt for cotton panties;
- Do not use daily panty protectors;
- Avoid the use of perfumed soaps, toilet paper and a handkerchief moistened with perfume
Vaginal cleaning should also be done with mild soap and it is not necessary to rub the intimate area. Excessive cleaning can remove the natural protections of the vagina, increasing the possibility of fungal and bacterial proliferation in the area.
In case of doubts regarding intimate health, talk to your gynecologist about the best care and what should be avoided. Do not forget the importance of routine consultations and having a pap smear every year or whenever requested by your doctor.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
