Vaginal discharge: normal or disease? - Diseases

Vaginal discharge and diseases

Vaginal discharge begin in a year or two before the end of puberty and after menopause. Sometimes almost imperceptible, sometimes very intense, vaginal discharge make a woman feel uncomfortable, and to use panty liners. Small vaginal discharge can be considered the norm: they are found in the majority of women of reproductive age.

Determining norms vaginal discharge does not exist - it all depends on the age and the physiology of women. However, in some cases, vaginal secretions - flag certain gynecological disorders and diseases.

Vaginal discharge: what is considered the norm?

Generally, vaginal discharge for the first time appear in adolescent girls in six months or a year before the onset of menarche. Vaginal discharge turn into a regular event, and continue until menopause

Is a combination of mucous secretion glands located in the cervix, the bacteria and cells from the walls of the vagina and the cervical canal, vaginal secretions perform several functions. Vaginal discharge serve for cleaning, lubrication, moisturizing, protecting the vagina from harmful bacteria and appear almost daily. All come with the release of dead skin cells from the walls of the vagina. In this case, the liquid transparent or whitish, odorless.

Considered normal amount of vaginal discharge that does not exceed about a teaspoon. Normal color selections - from transparent to milky whitish, and texture - viscous, not dense. Normal vaginal discharge does not cause irritation or itching sensation in the vagina.

The amount, color and density of vaginal discharge vary with the menstrual cycle, stress, sexual arousal, receiving medicines and contraceptives, during pregnancy and lactation. All of these changes are absolutely normal.

• During ovulation, about 14 days before the onset of the next menstruation, vaginal discharge amount increases about 30 times, the texture becomes more viscous.
• By the end of the menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge becomes denser.
• The amount of vaginal discharge increases if a woman breastfeeds or sexually aroused.
• The smell of excreta changes during pregnancy or disregard the rules of personal hygiene.
• After menstruation for several days selection may be dark or brown.

Abnormal vaginal discharge

Abnormal vaginal discharge evidence of the changing balance of bacteria that normally exist in the vagina and cervical canal. Bacterial imbalance leads to a change in the amount, smell, color, consistency of vaginal discharge, as well as to other unpleasant symptoms - itchy to burning sensation in the vagina. Abnormal vaginal discharge may be a sign of infection and serious health problems. Discharge accompanied by abdominal pain and / or fever, require consultation with a physician.

The reasons for abnormal vaginal discharge may be different:

Bacterial vaginosis

Result imbalance growth of bacteria normally exist in the vagina, which leads to an excess of certain kinds of bacteria. The exact cause of this disorder is still unknown.

• Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include the appearance of white or gray vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain, itching or burning sensation in the vagina during urination, a slight swelling of the vagina or vulva.
• From bacterial vaginosis may suffer any woman - even a virgin.
• In some countries, especially bacterial vaginosis is common among pregnant women. As a result of illness or premature babies are born with low birth weight.
• Studies have shown that the greatest risk of the disease suffered by women with many sexual partners.
• In some cases, infection can lead to taking a shower.
• Treatment of bacterial vaginosis with antibiotics, and the same for pregnant women and for women not in labor.
• Bacterial vaginosis can recur even after treatment covered.
• Changing lifestyles and ordered sexual life helps to reduce the risk of disease.

Thrush (vaginal candidiasis)

One type of fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida. This fungus is in very small amounts, and there is a healthy vagina, but the overabundance of it causes vaginal infections.

• The symptoms of yeast infection is the appearance of white cheesy discharge, accompanied by intense itching and pain during or after urination.
• The smell of vaginal discharge may be normal.
• The risk of the disease in some cases increase showering, use of antibiotics, poor system name receive birth control pills, hormonal changes, hormonal therapy.
• Those most at risk appear women who suffer from diabetes or overweight, pregnant women, women in menopause.
• Vaginal candidiasis can be a sign of other health problems.
• Gynecological examination, study of secretions under a microscope and several other tests are used to diagnose candidiasis.
• In the treatment of thrush prescribed antifungal medications, ointments, tablets.
• Typically, strict observance of the course of treatment the symptoms of thrush is easily surmountable.
• Infection occurs again immediately after treatment or untreatable, may indicate HIV.
• Control the level of sugar in the blood Blood sugar - a very important indicator , Careful personal hygiene, comfortable, without detaching the skin underwear and clothing to help reduce the risk of thrush.

Atrophic vaginitis

The disease, which is considered the main cause of decline in levels of the hormone estrogen. Although the disease often affects women in menopause, atrophic vaginitis may occur before menopause.

• The main symptoms of atrophic vaginitis include inflammation and vaginal dryness Vaginal dryness: Causes and Symptoms , Itching and burning, the appearance of vaginal discharge yellow (sometimes with blood). In addition, often atrophic vaginitis is accompanied by frequent urination, inability to sit, stand and work.
• The most at risk of the disease in postmenopausal women, women who have undergone surgical removal of the ovaries, as well as women who take medical or hormonal drugs under treatment for breast cancer, infertility, endometriosis or fibroids.
• Stress, depression or abuse of physical activity can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels.
• Recently given birth or breastfeeding women are also prone to the appearance of atrophic vaginitis, since these periods decreased estrogen levels.
• The most effective treatments for atrophic vaginitis is to use creams with estrogen Estrogen - the key to bone health , Gels, lubricants, and hormone replacement therapy.
• Maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding use of vaginal sprays or gels, lubricants, sex without using contraceptives are considered effective preventive measures.

Cancer of the cervix or vagina

One of the rare causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. Vaginal cancer - a malignant tumor of the vaginal mucosa. Among the most common types of the disease include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma (glandular cancer), malignant meningioma, sarcoma.

• The main symptoms include the appearance of prolonged vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, difficulty or painful urination, pain in the vagina.
• The main risk factors that increase the chance of the disease are considered to be age, hormonal drugs (eg, diethylstilbestrol)
• In the diagnosis of cervical cancer or vagina using a variety of methods - pelvic examination, biopsy, colposcopy Colposcopy - how to prepare it properly? Smear from the cervix.
• Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the cancer, age and state of health of the woman. The main methods of treatment are considered to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy.
• In 2006, the United States proposed a new vaccine that can prevent cancer of the cervix or vagina.
• The main preventive measures include safe sex, limit the number of sexual partners, regular gynecological check-ups.

Basic rules of maintaining a healthy vagina

Personal care

• Cotton underwear
• Failure to close the laundry and clothing
• Healthy food
• The minimum amount of sugar in food received
• Increased consumption of yogurt
• Refusal of vaginal lubricants
• Safe Sex
• Disclaimer vaginal deodorants and sprays
• Disclaimer scented toilet paper