Vaginal discharge, one of the most common gynecological problems, occurs due to disruption of the vaginal flora. Normally, there is a balance between harmless microbes naturally present in the vagina and lactobacilli, which make the vagina acidic.
As a result of the change in the balance of the vaginal environment, these harmless microbes, which are found in small amounts in the vagina, increase, lactobacilli decrease, vaginal pH changes, and vaginal infections occur. and discharges occur.
What are the Situations that Deteriorate the Vaginal Flora?
Hormonal changes, humid and stuffy genital area due to heat, menstrual bleeding or frequent sexual intercourse, in environments outside the home in the summer months. Spending time, using unhygienic toilets, frequently swimming in the sea or pool, wearing wet swimsuits and bikinis, dehydration, insomnia, use of drugs such as antibiotics, birth control pills, steroid drugs, systemic diseases such as diabetes, use of alcohol-based cosmetic products, genital area previous surgeries
What is Normal Vaginal Discharge?
Physiological natural discharges are transparent, almost white in color, have a consistency similar to egg white, and sometimes have a slight odor or are odorless. Sometimes it leaves slight moisture on your laundry. It does not cause complaints of itching, pain or burning during sexual intercourse.
Physiological discharges are seen in the reproductive age when active hormone production continues. Before menstruation, as a result of sexual stimulation, the secretions of the glands in the cervix are normal during pregnancy to protect the pregnancy and the baby.
What are the Types of Vaginal Discharge?
The structure of vaginal discharge may differ depending on its causes. Common types of vaginal discharge and the factors that cause discharge are as follows:
White discharge: Odorless white discharge is usually experienced at the beginning and end of the menstrual period. In addition, white discharge in a cut tissue and smelling bad may be due to yeast infection.
Transparent discharge: It usually occurs after physical activities and is considered normal. Transparent and flexible discharge is a sign of ovulation.
Brown discharge: Brown vaginal discharge experienced during or after the menstrual period; pain v If it is not accompanied by itching, it is considered normal. The cause of brown discharge between two menstrual periods is thought to be primarily ovulation bleeding. Pregnant women experiencing brown vaginal discharge in the first weeks may be a sign of miscarriage. In case of brown discharge during pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Yellow discharge: It can often be a sign of infection. If the yellow vaginal discharge has a bad smell and there is a feeling of itching and pain in addition to the discharge, it is necessary to consult a doctor and apply the necessary treatment methods. The cause of yellow vaginal discharge can often be a sexually transmitted infection called trichomoniasis.
Green discharge: An infection called trichomoniasis causes green vaginal discharge in some women. Women who have green discharge problems should consult a doctor without delay.
What Are the Infections That Cause Vaginal Discharge?
If the discharge is dark yellow, green, brown, bloody, foamy, foul-smelling, and is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, burning during urination, and abnormal bleeding, it indicates a genital infection in most cases.
- Fungal infections - Candida Albicans - there may be complaints of itching and burning along with odorless discharge in the form of milk curds.
- Bacterial vaginosis; There is a transparent, usually colorless, foul-smelling, fishy, copious discharge. The smell is felt more clearly during intercourse.
- Trichomonas Vaginitis: There may be complaints of frothy, yellow-green discharge and itching. It is a sexually transmitted infection and partner treatment is also required.
Can Uterine Cancer Be Symptomed by Vaginal Discharge?
Cervical (cervix) cancer may be symptomatic by foul-smelling or bloody discharge. In the presence of this complaint, a doctor should be consulted urgently. Having a normal gynecological examination and taking a smear test at least once a year ensures early diagnosis of cancer.
What Should Be Considered to Ensure Genital Hygiene?
One of the first precautions to be taken against abnormal vaginal discharge, which is usually due to infection. Genital hygiene should be ensured in the best possible way.
- Synthetic nylon, colored and dyed underwear can reduce air flow to the vaginal area. White, pure cotton underwear should be used.
- Tight clothing can tighten the groin and genital area, disrupt its ventilation and irritate it. Loose clothing should be preferred.
- Perfumed and dyed soaps, laundry detergents and fabric softeners should be used to clean underwear. It is useful to iron with a hot iron.
- The genital area must be kept dry. Humidity causes increased itching. Underwear should be changed at least twice a day.
- Hands should be washed regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- To prevent bacteria from entering the vagina, wiping should be done from front to back when cleaning the genital area. The inside of the vagina should not be washed with water.
- Bubble baths or other scented products that may irritate the vagina and urinary tract should be avoided.
- It is necessary to avoid using excessively hot bath water.
- The use of condoms is useful in protecting against vaginal discharge and infections.
- Care must be taken in the selection of sexual partners.
When Should You Seek a Gynecological Examination?
- If the amount of vaginal discharge has increased compared to normal
- If there is bloody discharge
- If the discharge is smelly
- If the discharge is green, brown, yellow or pink red
- If it is thick, cheese-like or clot-like
- If there is abdominal pain and fever in addition to the discharge
- If there is pain, redness, burning and itching in the vulva along with discharge
In these cases, it is recommended to see a doctor immediately. If these are neglected, more serious problems may occur.
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