Vaginal discharge serve an important function in the female reproductive system. The liquid, which is produced and placed in the vagina to the cervix cancer, outputs the dead cells and the bacteria. Due to this the vagina is cleaned and the body defends itself against various infections. Thus, vaginal discharge - a normal and necessary phenomenon, without which it is to keep clean the genitalia would be much more difficult.

The void volume, as well as their flavor and color can change (normal color vaginal fluid - from clear to milky white) during the menstrual cycle. For example, the discharge becomes more after ovulation Ovulation - How to determine as accurately as possible? , Lactation and sexual arousal. The smell of discharge can vary significantly in pregnant women. In women who are not too careful personal hygiene, vaginal discharge may also smell change - however, there is not the secretions, namely hygiene.

Such changes should not be a cause for concern. However, if the color, smell and consistency of secretions are significantly different from the norm, and especially if it is accompanied by itching and burning in the vagina Burning in the vagina: find the cause It makes sense to consult a doctor - all this may indicate infection and other disorders.

Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge

Any changes in the natural microflora of the vagina The microflora of the vagina: purity   can affect the color, odor and consistency of vaginal secretions. Here are just some of the possible causes of abnormal discharge:

• Antibiotics and steroids;
• Bacterial vaginosis - bacterial infection that is particularly common in pregnant women and in women with multiple sexual partners;
• Birth control pills;
• Cervical cancer;
• Chlamydia, gonorrhea Gonorrhea - self-ruled   and some other diseases, sexually transmitted diseases;
• Diabetes;
• Douching, the use of scented soap, shower gel and bubble bath;
• Pelvic infection after surgery;
• Pelvic inflammatory disease;
• Trichomoniasis - a parasitic infection that is usually (but not always) is transmitted through sexual contact;
• Vaginal atrophy, thinning of the vaginal walls during the menopause;
• Vaginitis, vaginal irritation and external genital organs;
• Fungal infections.

The following table describes the most common changes in the nature of vaginal discharge and lists the possible causes of these changes.

Diagnostics

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should as soon as possible to see a doctor. He will examine your medical history and ask a number of questions, such as:

• When you started abnormal vaginal discharge?
• What color is your selection? Do they have an unusual odor or consistency?
• Do you have other symptoms, such as itching, pain or burning in the vagina or around the vagina?
• How many sexual partners you have, and do you have sex with them without a condom?
• Do you make douching? If so, how often, and what this means to use?

Next, the doctor will do a pelvic examination and Pap analysis. In some cases, the diagnosis also requires a blood test.

Treatment

Further treatment will depend on what exactly the cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. For example, yeast infections are usually treated with anti-fungal drugs - gels or ointments that are applied to the vaginal wall. For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis antibiotics are used in the form of tablets or ointments.

If a patient diagnosed with trichomoniasis, in most cases, appointed drugs such as metronidazole or tinidazole.

The following guidelines will help to avoid vaginal infections, which sometimes become a cause abnormal discharge:

• Wash your face regularly with mild soap or gel, and warm water;
• Do not use scented soaps, cosmetics and vaginal douching. In particular, it is recommended to avoid vaginal deodorants and fragrant foam bath;
• Wiping crotch toilet paper, work out in the direction of movement from the vagina to the anus, to prevent the ingress of bacteria in the vagina;
• Wear underwear made of pure cotton and avoid too tight-fitting clothes.

Bacterial vaginosis - is a common pathology, which throughout his life almost every woman faces. Despite the fact that bacterial vaginosis is not a serious health hazard, this disease can bring discomfort, so it should be treated by a gynecologist.

Causes of bacterial vaginosis

In the vagina of healthy women are inhabited by many different bacteria that co-exist peacefully. Normally, the vagina should prevail lactobacilli, which protect the female genital organs from infections due to lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. If the number of lactic acid bacteria for some reason reduced, the vagina begin to multiply pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria. This phenomenon is called dysbiosis. Especially often starts to actively proliferate bacteria gardnerella - as a result there is a disease like bacterial vaginosis. Also, in such conditions may develop fungal infections, such as thrush is known to many.

Why is the number of lactic acid bacteria may be reduced, and the number of opportunistic organisms, respectively, increase? The main causes of vaginal dysbiosis Dysbacteriosis vagina - how to fight?   relate:

• Hormonal factors, such as oral contraceptives or pregnancy;
• Long-term use of antibiotics. Antibacterial drugs kill not only the "bad", but also "good" bacteria, including lactobacillus. That's why after a course of antibiotics, doctors necessarily recommend means to facilitate the restoration of the normal vaginal flora;
• Use of intrauterine contraception. IUDs significantly increase the risk of vaginal dysbiosis;
• Hygienic procedures. Douching, particularly using weakly alkaline solutions detrimental effect on lactic acid bacteria and promotes the development of bacterial vaginosis. Ironically, it is through douching women often try to deal with the symptoms of this disease, as the foul smell of genitals, and as a result achieve the opposite effect;
• Stress. The emotional state may influence hormonal and hence the state of the vaginal microflora The microflora of the vagina: purity ;
• Frequent change of sexual partner. Although bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease and is not transmitted through sexual contact, frequent change of partners can provoke change in the balance of bacteria in the vagina;
• Using contraceptives containing nonoxynol-9. This spermicide has the ability to change the microflora of the vagina;
• Wearing tight synthetic underwear abuse "nonbreathers" gaskets for every day. Given the lack of oxygen killed lactobacilli and pathogens become active.

Development and symptoms

Often the disease is asymptomatic - half of women do not even realize that they have bacterial vaginosis. But the main symptom is vaginal discharge Vaginal discharge   with an unpleasant odor, which is often described as "fishy." Such allocation can be continuous or intermittent, thick liquid, slimy or sticky. Quite rare in people suffering from bacterial vaginosis there are violations of urination, itching and local discomfort.

Despite the fact that he often dysbiosis vagina does not affect the quality of life and its complications can be very serious. In particular, this disease increases the risk of adverse pregnancy. May develop inflammation in the pelvic area, may be abnormal uterine bleeding Uterine bleeding outside of menstruation - a sign of a serious breach , Premature rupture of membranes during labor, postpartum endometritis. Children in women with bacterial vaginosis, often born weakened. If bacterial vaginosis is not treated, it eventually may even lead to infertility.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment of bacterial vaginosis consists of two stages. First, you must get rid of excess of pathogens, and then - to normalize the vaginal flora, creating optimal conditions for the breeding of lactic acid bacteria. Treatment can be performed by receiving drugs inside or locally: the most effective is, of course, a comprehensive approach.

After analyzes are assigned specific antibacterial drugs affecting precisely those pathogenic bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. In addition, topical treatment is used: in the vagina are special gels that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The main tools for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis are such preparations as "Metronidazole" and "Clindamycin". At the same time often prescribed vitamin to improve immunity.

The second stage of treatment - normalization of the vaginal flora. For this purpose the probiotics - that is, the same drugs in which normal intestinal microflora in the intestinal dysbiosis - "Linex", "Bifidumbacterin", "Lactobacterin." Some probiotics taken orally, others are injected directly into the vagina.

Prevention of bacterial vaginosis is to eliminate the disease provoking factors, as well as timely treatment of intestinal dysbiosis. It is better to leave the luxurious underwear made of synthetic fabrics for special occasions, and on ordinary days to wear underwear made of soft cotton breathable. A good prevention is the regular intake of probiotic agents.