Vaginal discharge: normal or pathological

When there is no reason to worry

Yellow, odorless discharge does not always indicate the presence of a disease. The physiological causes of this phenomenon are pregnancy, menopause, intimacy without the use of contraception, the first days after the end of menstruation. Yellow vaginal secretion, which does not have a distinct odor, is a sign of ovulation, a reaction to the use of tampons, a consequence of douching with a furatsilin solution. Also, vaginal discharge having the indicated characteristics occurs after washing the genital tract with a chamomile solution.

Pathological leucorrhoea

Foaming, watery or very thick, viscous discharge with a strong unpleasant or nauseating odor is considered pathological. They may have an unusual color (from greenish to brown) and consistency; as a rule, they are more liquid. The number of such discharges is much greater than usual. Sticky leucorrhoea leads to irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs, causing burning and itching. Salty leucorrhoea appears when an alkaline environment forms in the vagina, which may indicate the presence of a bacterial infection and inflammation.

What factors can contribute to the formation of discharge in the intimate area? The appearance of pathological leucorrhoea can be triggered by a decrease in immunity, both local and general, failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, long-term use of antibiotics and hormonal imbalance. These factors lead to increased proliferation of opportunistic organisms, which under normal conditions, being in the vagina, do not cause harm, which ultimately leads to an inflammatory process.

If any suspicious discharge appears, especially if it is combined with itching, dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, redness of the genitals, pain in the lower abdomen, pain and burning during urination and increased body temperature, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Unusual discharge due to delayed menstruation also deserves special attention.

Causes

All reasons for the appearance of yellow discharge are divided into natural, which are not caused by health problems, and pathological. In the first case, the symptom is a consequence of a physiological state. These include recent childbirth, the onset of menopause, and the body’s reaction to an implanted intrauterine device. In the second case, the condition is associated with disorders present in the body or an incorrect lifestyle.

After an abortion

Yellow discharge after termination of pregnancy indicates the onset of the inflammatory process. Its causes are the introduction of pathogenic microflora into the genital tract during curettage. This is facilitated by insufficient cleaning of the instruments used and contaminated gloves of personnel. Less commonly, the inflammatory process develops as a result of the transfer of pathogens from neighboring organs. For example, if a woman has cystitis, pyelonephritis, or digestive problems. Symptoms of the onset of the inflammatory process after an abortion:

Significant increase in body temperature
Unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen
Vaginal itching or feeling of dry vaginal mucous membranes
Insomnia, difficulty finding a comfortable body position
Bloating
Indigestion, discomfort during urination

After an abortion, a woman is prescribed antimicrobial drugs, the action of which helps to avoid the development of an inflammatory process in the genitals.

During pregnancy

Yellow discharge in small quantities is acceptable during pregnancy. But provided that the woman is not bothered by:

Itching inside the vagina
Increase in body temperature to low numbers
The appearance of blood streaks in the discharged masses
Chills, general discomfort
Tugging sensations in the lower abdomen
Aches in the lumbosacral region

The secretion has a pasty consistency, begins in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and in 90% of cases stops on its own. The symptom is explained by hormonal changes in the body, which also affects the function of the ovaries. As a result, the glands produce secretions (including yellow ones). Leucorrhoea creates favorable conditions for the entry of an infectious pathogen and the development of inflammation. Therefore, when vaginal discharge appears, hygiene procedures should be performed even more carefully, eliminating secretion in a timely manner.

After childbirth

After childbirth, the uterus contracts and cleanses. The inner layer of the reproductive organ is rejected, parts of the placenta and blood clots are released. The discharge that occurs in women during the postpartum period is lochia. They are fragments of intrauterine tissue and do not have a distinct odor. The woman observes this discharge as the organ takes on its prenatal size. At first, the lochia is dark in color, then lightens and turns yellow. If by that time the woman has already been discharged home, she needs to visit a gynecologist to make sure that restoration of the genital tract is not complicated by inflammation.

During menopause

The appearance of odorless vaginal secretion during menopause is a normal phenomenon and indicates hormonal changes in the body. Additional symptoms of the condition:

increase in pressure
feeling of a rush of heat to the body
dizziness
periodic feeling of shortness of breath

Yellow discharge during menopause does not require elimination. It is enough just to take care of personal hygiene. Then the secretion does not dry to the mucous membrane, causing an unpleasant odor from the groin area and itching of the genitals.

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Infections

Infection occurs during sexual intercourse, less often - through contact and household means, due to the use of personal items of a sick person. A favorable condition is weak immunity, which is facilitated by hypothermia, psycho-emotional stress, and poor quality nutrition.

Additional signs of infection in the urogenital tract, in addition to odorless discharge:

Increased body temperature
Itching in the vagina
Pain during intimacy
Aches in the lumbosacral region
The appearance of an unpleasant odor from urine, burning and stinging during urination

In addition to the woman, her sexual partner should be treated for a urinary tract infection. If therapy is not carried out completely, the symptoms of the pathology will be masked, and the inflammation will take a chronic course, which is dangerous with complications.

Organ diseases

Yellow secretion indicates damage to the appendages or uterus. The reasons for the development of pathologies are hypothermia, frequent abortions, excessive activity during sexual intercourse, and prolonged abstinence. Additionally, inflammation of the appendages and uterus is promoted by poor personal hygiene and the introduction of pathogenic microflora from other sources.

Signs of the listed diseases:

Increased body temperature to high limits
Constant body aches
Lack of appetite, weakness, dizziness
Copious vaginal discharge with a thick consistency

After a short period of time, the secretion takes on an unpleasant odor - putrid, fishy, purulent. The color of the discharge may vary depending on the type, location and stage of the disease.

Neoplasms

They are divided into benign and malignant types. The reasons for the development are hereditary predisposition, stress, consumption of products with a high content of dyes, stabilizers, thickeners. The tumor process is a consequence of hormonal imbalance resulting from numerous pregnancy terminations, stress, and changes in climatic conditions.

Associated symptoms, except yellow discharge:

Impaired urine flow, constipation. Observed when the ureters and intestines are compressed by large tumors.
Weight loss of at least 10% of previous body weight. Occurs when malignant tumors appear.
Psycho-emotional changes.
Weakening or complete absence of libido.

An increase in body temperature due to the development of tumors rarely occurs. Symptoms of the tumor process resemble the manifestations of many other diseases. Differential diagnosis of neoplasms of the urogenital tract is carried out with intestinal pathologies, ectopic pregnancy, and spinal diseases.

Cervical erosion

It is the appearance of a defect in the mucous membrane of the cervical uterus. The reasons for the development are previous childbirth, a history of multiple abortions, excesses during intimacy, a displaced intrauterine device. Vaginal dysbiosis also causes pathology: the vaginal environment corrodes the cervix. Bleeding wounds form on its mucous membrane.

Symptoms of cervical erosion:

Discharge of blood after intimacy; intense production of pink-colored leucorrhoea
Pain during intercourse
Discomfort during urination
Unpleasant odor from urine, change in color to a more saturated one

Cervical erosion is the stage preceding the formation of a cancerous tumor. A bleeding defect of the mucous membrane is detected during a gynecological examination on the chair. Therefore, after childbirth or termination of pregnancy, all women should visit their doctor for a follow-up examination.

Taking contraceptives

Uncontrolled use of tablet contraceptives leads to hormonal imbalance. One of its manifestations is the increased production of pasty, odorless vaginal secretion. The symptom is also observed if the dosage of the contraceptive drug prescribed by the doctor is exceeded or the regimen is not followed. There may be no additional symptoms of the disorder. At the same time, hormonal imbalance can only be confirmed in a laboratory way - by studying a woman’s blood sample.

After gynecological manipulations

Yellow discharge may occur after taking a smear, examination using gynecological speculum, or bimanual examination. The sign is caused by non-compliance with the sterility regime by the staff or by the woman’s failure to perform personal hygiene. As a result, a complex of symptoms develops, which include:

Pain in the lower abdomen extending to the sacral and coccygeal region
Burning sensation when urinating, strong odor from urine
Vaginal secretion has a waxy tint; subsequently the color may become more pronounced. This is directly related to the progression of the infectious-inflammatory process.
Increase in body temperature to low limits
Systematic itching in the vagina
Psycho-emotional instability associated with unpleasant sensations in the urogenital tract

If the pathological process is not eliminated, it covers the mucous membrane of the vagina, bladder, and can spread to the tissue of the uterus and appendages. In this case, the patient is advised to be hospitalized in a hospital department and undergo treatment under the supervision of doctors.

How diseases affect the color of discharge

There are more than 100 reasons that affect the color and nature of the discharge. To establish an accurate diagnosis, the gynecologist will not be sufficient only by the appearance of the discharge; confirmation of the diagnosis by laboratory diagnostics will be required. With a high degree of probability, vaginal candidiasis can be determined by a smear. The disease is characterized by copious, curd-like white discharge. But in a large number of cases, thrush is accompanied by other infections. Therefore, the true cause will be determined by smear tests, bacterial culture and STI testing. But still, the color of the discharge can indicate to the specialist in which direction to look for the root cause of the ailment.

Clear, foamy leucorrhoea may indicate chlamydia.
White - can be either a variant of the norm or a symptom of thrush. You should visit a doctor if the discharge has become stronger, curdled, and accompanied by a burning sensation and itching.
Yellow - in most cases, they signal trichomoniasis.
Pink leucorrhoea is normal during ovulation. If they are accompanied by discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, this may be a sign of cervical erosion.
Brown discharge indicates normality if it appears after the end of menstruation or during the onset of sexual activity (the first sexual intercourse in virgins is accompanied by rupture of the hymen and bleeding). They are considered pathological when the cycle fails, as well as during pregnancy.
A gray tint with a fishy odor is a sign of gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis).
Green discharge - signals an inflammatory process in the cervical canal or uterine cavity.

What to do and how to get rid of unpleasant discharge? First of all, you should find the cause and identify the causative agent of the infection. After this, it will be possible to select the optimal treatment regimen and prevent relapse of the disease.

Possible complications

Conditions that are manifested by the secretion of a waxy color from the vagina are dangerous for the development of complications. These include:

Infertility
Adhesive process in the pelvic cavity
Hormonal imbalance
Chronic inflammation of the urogenital tract
Metastases to the lungs, pelvic bones, distant organs (with tumors of the urogenital tract)

Also, such conditions are dangerous for the development of endometritis, adnexitis, anemia, and hypovitaminosis. Inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries is listed; decreased level of hemoglobin in the blood, insufficient amount of vitamins in the body.

Which doctor should I contact?

To establish the nature of the secretion and the root cause of its appearance, you need to contact a gynecologist. A doctor of this profile identifies and eliminates diseases of the female reproductive system. To exclude concomitant pathology, the patient may be referred for a consultation with a urologist. This is due to the similarity of clinical manifestations of some pathologies of the urinary system. If secretion from the genital tract is caused by the presence of a tumor, you will need to visit an oncologist.

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Diagnostics

To find out the root cause of yellow vaginal discharge, a woman should undergo a full diagnosis. The most informative types of research:

Laboratory analysis of urine (general, to determine pathogenic microflora), blood (clinical, biochemical, to determine hormones).
Ultrasound of the bladder, uterus, appendages.
Laparoscopy. The method involves manipulation with a special instrument and examination of the pelvic cavity using a microcamera.
Vaginal smear to determine microflora.
MRI or CT. It is carried out only when there is doubt about the degree of development of the tumor or inflammatory process.
Blood test for tumor markers.
Biopsy. Taking a tissue sample for subsequent histological examination. Allows you to determine the origin of the tumor - malignant or benign.

The doctor receives a significant amount of information from interviewing the woman and examining her in the gynecological chair.

Treatment

In 90% of cases, the patient is indicated for hospitalization; in other cases, therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. Cervical erosion is removed with a laser beam and liquid nitrogen. Cauterization of a wound with low voltage electric current is used occasionally and only in clinics with limited technical capabilities. Electrocoagulation has a risk of side effects and a high probability of recurrence of erosion.

Inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system, including those arising after gynecological manipulations, are eliminated by:

Antibiotic therapy. Taking into account the severity of the disease, antibacterial drugs are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets.
Douching the genitals with decoctions of medicinal plants.
Physiotherapeutic techniques. Therapeutic effectiveness is characterized by UHF, electrophoresis (including the use of the drug Lidaza), and magnetic therapy.
Treatment of the urogenital tract with antiseptic agents.
Diet therapy. It is recommended to avoid salty, sour, spicy foods and foods, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks. The listed nutrition irritates the lining of the organs of the urogenital tract and interferes with recovery.

If yellow discharge is associated with the presence of a tumor, the patient is prescribed chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation exposure. But provided that the stage of tumor development allows the use of conservative treatments. When the characteristics of the tumor suggest excision only, the patient undergoes surgery with or without subsequent chemotherapy.

With postpartum yellow lochia, a woman needs to take care of her hygiene and rinse her genital canals with an antiseptic solution. Miramistin and Chlorhexidine are characterized by therapeutic effectiveness. After an abortion, the patient is prescribed antibacterial agents Doxycycline and Metronidazole. The drugs promote rapid healing of the inner uterine layer, preventing its inflammation.

Forecast

Directly depends on the timeliness of qualified treatment and willingness to follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Prognosis for a woman’s health, taking into account the root cause of the appearance of yellow discharge:

Sluggish inflammation of the appendages and uterus that occurs after an abortion can lead to adhesions and subsequent infertility. In this case, the health prognosis is unfavorable. With timely detection of endometritis or adnexitis and treatment in a comprehensive manner, the pathology is not aggravated and is completely eliminated.
Hormonal levels disrupted due to chaotic use of birth control pills are difficult to correct. The patient should prepare for the fact that the process of restoring balance will take from 3 months to six months. But after undergoing therapy, the prognosis for the woman’s health will be favorable. In particular, her reproductive function will not be affected.
Cervical erosion can be easily eliminated and, with timely treatment, does not pose a threat in terms of degeneration into a cancerous tumor.
Inflammations of the genital organs that arise after gynecological manipulations can be quickly eliminated. If the pathology is eliminated comprehensively, the health prognosis is favorable and the patient’s reproductive function is not in danger.
Hormonal imbalances that occur during pregnancy have a favorable outcome. But provided that the woman regularly visits the gynecologist and follows all his recommendations.
With neoplasms, the health outlook is different. The prognosis depends on the stage of the tumor process at the time of treatment. If the patient has not sought medical help for a long time, and the tumor has reached stage 3 or 4 (when metastases already appear), the prognosis is unfavorable.
If inflammation occurs in a woman during the postpartum period, delay in treatment is dangerous for the development of endometritis and infertility. In this case, the prognosis for the patient's health is unfavorable. At the initial stage of inflammation, the pathological process can be easily eliminated with medication.
During menopause, the appearance of vaginal discharge should not cause concern. The prognosis for a woman’s health is favorable: the symptom is caused by spontaneous hormonal changes occurring in the body.

The prospects for a complete recovery are influenced by the woman’s age, immunity status, presence of chronic diseases, family history, and regularity of sexual activity. The fact of previous abortions and childbirths is of no small importance.

Before ovulation

Before the fertile period, the concentration of estrogen in the female body increases, which increases the amount of vaginal secretion, making it liquid and mucus-like. Without this hormone, normal follicle formation in the ovary is impossible.

As the release of the egg approaches, or rather a few days before, the cervical fluid becomes viscous and sticky, continuing to grow in quantity. And unfavorable conditions remain for the movement of male cells, since the woman’s reproductive system is not yet ready for fertilization.

How many days in advance do they start?

Secretion associated with the pre-ovulatory period begins differently in all women. Some do not have cervical mucus, while others report a thin and heavy vaginal discharge. Both options are considered normal. Gynecologists say that under ideal conditions, characteristic secretion appears a week before the expected fertile period, and shortly before it acquires the characteristics of cervical fluid, which is also noted after ovulation. Norm:

clear, white discharge;
homogeneous state of mucus;
stretchy and sticky character;
slight sour smell.

a clot of pus, blood;
foamy or curdled consistency;
itching, burning and swelling of the labia
sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
watery yellow, green secretion.

With blood

Bloody or brown discharge before ovulation is considered dangerous. They are no longer associated with menstruation and are not yet caused by rupture of the follicular sac.

The exceptions are women who take OCs and use an intrauterine device.

The color is influenced by the type of pathology: from pale pink, red, to brown, brown and even black. If we describe the consistency, we observe:

Vaginal secretions help a woman determine ovulation, but this is not the most accurate method of calculation. If pregnancy is undesirable, it is better to use special tests or monitor your basal temperature for 2–3 months.

Prevention

To avoid the development of conditions that are accompanied by odorless yellow discharge, you should:

Carry out daily hygiene measures, including changing underwear.
Avoid frequent douching unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor for treatment purposes.
Approach the issue of abortion with the understanding that it represents stress for hormonal levels and the risk of introducing pathogenic microflora into the urogenital tract. If you do not want to become pregnant, choose the most suitable method of contraception together with your gynecologist.
Avoid hypothermia.
Avoid excesses during intimacy.
Arrange working and rest conditions for health benefits and avoid stress.
If there is severe discomfort during menopause, avoid exposure to the sun and drinking coffee. Monitor blood pressure, sleep at least 8 hours, improve the psycho-emotional situation in the family. If possible, do not interrupt sexual activity - this will have a beneficial effect on the state of the hormonal system.
If you have a hereditary predisposition to the appearance of tumors, regularly donate blood to determine tumor markers.
Do not use contraceptives unless prescribed by a gynecologist.
After childbirth, termination of pregnancy and tumor removal, undergo regular medical examination. To do this, you should visit the doctor according to the schedule established by him.

To avoid the development of diseases that provoke the appearance of yellow discharge, women need to monitor the quality of their diet and avoid casual sexual intercourse.

Conditions in which women experience yellow vaginal discharge are physiological and pathological. 90% of diseases that cause waxy vaginal secretion are eliminated conservatively. To do this, antibiotics are administered, the genital tract is washed with antiseptic solutions, and it is recommended to temporarily abandon intimate life. If you visit a gynecologist once every six months, all disorders that are accompanied by yellow discharge are detected at an early stage of their development. This increases the likelihood of eliminating the pathology without surgery.

Changes in discharge during the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle consists of several sequential processes:

The formation and maturation of eggs surrounded by protective capsules (follicles).
Ovulation is the rupture of the dominant follicle and the release of the egg into the fallopian tube.
The movement of the egg through the tube (within 1-2 days), when fertilization is possible.
Fixation of the embryo in the uterus, if fertilization has occurred, or death of the egg.
Rejection of the endometrium (menstruation) if pregnancy does not occur.

All these processes and the associated secretions during ovulation are regulated by hormones. Before ovulation, the main role is played by estrogens, and after it - progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum, which is formed in the ovary. There is a connection between vaginal discharge and the process of ovulation.

Dry period. Immediately after menstruation, a woman begins the so-called “sterile” (“dry”) period, when there is no discharge. The cervical canal of the cervix is closed with a plug of thick mucus, which provides protection against infection entering the uterus.

Ovulation is approaching. As the eggs mature, the plug gradually liquefies and some of the mucus comes out. In this case, the woman experiences thick white sticky discharge.

Fertile period. At this time, the cervical mucus thins enough to allow sperm to enter the uterus. This happens 3 days before ovulation. At the moment when the egg leaves the protective capsule (follicle), it can be fertilized within 1-2 days. Before ovulation, the discharge changes in composition. At the same time, an alkaline environment is created in the uterus, which promotes the preservation of sperm.

During ovulation. Directly during ovulation, the discharge has a consistency similar to egg white.

Addition: If they are scanty during ovulation, then the likelihood of sperm entering the uterus is low. Thick mucus limits sperm motility. In order for fertilization to occur, the discharge must be watery and viscous.

If the cell is fertilized, then within 5-7 days after ovulation it is implanted in the endometrium. These days, spotting light brown discharge may appear. Such discharge may be a sign of pregnancy. In some cases they are very scarce or completely absent.

If fertilization does not occur, then 1-2 days after ovulation the egg dies. The mucus thickens, again forming a plug inside the cervical canal.

On the eve of menstruation, the discharge becomes liquid, as uterine mucus is added to it.

During menstruation, endometrial rejection is associated with damage to the blood vessels that penetrate it, which causes bleeding.

Video: On what days does pregnancy occur. Methods for determining ovulation

What does discharge in the middle of the cycle mean?

Such discharge can serve as a warning about the onset of “dangerous days” when an unwanted pregnancy occurs. From them you can find out about the onset of the fertile period, during which a woman has a chance to become pregnant.

The nature of the discharge during ovulation allows us to understand how possible fertilization is. Unusual color, smell, or consistency of discharge indicate pathology.

Deviation options

The absence of leucorrhoea in the middle of the cycle indicates that ovulation is not occurring. This condition occurs within 3 months after an abortion, within 1 year after childbirth, and also during premenopause. Sometimes completely healthy young women have normal cycles alternating with anovulatory ones. If the absence of ovulation is observed systematically, this is considered a pathology. The cause may be hormonal imbalances or improper metabolism.

If brown spotting does not disappear after ovulation, and menstruation occurs with a delay of up to 40 days or more, this is often the result of insufficient progesterone production. In this case, the fertilized egg cannot implant in the endometrium, since it does not mature to the required condition, and the pregnancy is terminated. The cause of insufficiency may be the use of hormonal contraceptives, certain medications, uterine curettage, menopause.