What is Vaginal Discharge? Vaginal Discharge Treatment

Vaginal discharge is one of the main reasons why women apply to a gynecologist. Wetness of the vagina is necessary for the health of the woman.

What are Vaginal Discharges?

Vaginal lubricity is provided during sexual intercourse, lip parts are not irritated against friction during walking or exercise, germs in the vagina are thrown out. Vaginal dryness occurs as a result of decreased secretion of vaginal fluid due to the lack of estrogen hormone with menopause. Dark yellow, green, brown, bloody, foamy, foul-smelling discharge, accompanied by symptoms such as pain, burning during urination, and abnormal bleeding, indicates genital infection in most cases.

The Difference Between Normal Vaginal Discharge and Abnormal Discharge How to Tell?

Natural (physiological) discharges are clear and liquid egg white-like, odorless. It does not cause itching and does not cause pain or burning sensation during sexual intercourse.
Physiological discharges are seen in the reproductive age when active hormone production continues. For example;

• Before menstruation,
• As a result of sexual stimulation,
• The secretions of the glands in the cervix during pregnancy are normal to protect the pregnancy and the baby.

If the discharge has increased compared to normal, if there has been a change in its appearance, structure, and smell, vaginal examination and culture should be performed to understand microbial vaginitis.
If the discharge is dark yellow, green, brown, bloody, foamy, foul-smelling, If it is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, burning during urination, and abnormal bleeding, it indicates genital infection in most cases.

What are the Causes of Non-Physiological (Natural) Vaginal Discharges?

• Bacterial vaginosis (Gardnerella vaginitis, non-specific vaginitis): It is characterized by a foul-smelling, slightly yellowish vaginal discharge with abundant gray-white foam. Vaginal discharge typically has a fishy odor. There is also pain during intercourse. Oral and vaginal (especially metronidazole and ornidazole group) antibacterial drugs are used in its treatment.

• Mant Pineal infections: Odorless, cheesy or milky-white discharge from the vagina is associated with a yeast infection. Patients complain of burning and itching. Tetraconazole or Miconazole are used in the treatment.

• Trichomonas infections: Trichomonas vaginalis microorganism is transmitted by sexual intercourse and causes vaginal infection. It is characterized by yellow or greenish, foamy, foul-smelling profuse vaginal discharge and vaginal burning, itching in the vulva. Metronidazole and Antibiotic therapy are used in the treatment.

• Gardnerella discharge: It is similar to trichomonas, has an odor and is yellowish green in color. But it is not foamy like trichomonas.

• Brown vaginal discharge: In sexually transmitted diseases such as cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID), perimenopause, menopause, or gonorrhea (gonorrhea)

• Thrush - Candida albicans: It is a yeast infection caused by a type of fungus. It is seen in moist areas of the body such as the vagina and mouth.

Vaginal discharge may also be due to a tumoral formation. The character of the discharge is slimy and abundant, with fine lines of blood on it.

• Uterine cancer; Apart from infection, although it is rare, the foul-smelling bloody discharge should suggest cervical cancer. The bad smell here is due to tissue damage.

• Cancer of the ovarian ducts: There is a broth colored discharge and patients experience lower abdominal pain.

How is Vaginal Discharge Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made with a well-received history and physical examination findings. Microorganisms are also detected in vaginal culture and smear test.

How to Treat Vaginal Discharge?

Appropriate antimicrobial treatment is performed according to the infection agent. In addition, local treatments to reduce pain and edema, hygiene and treatment of the spouse are also basic principles.

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