Vaginal discharge is part of the normal cleansing process of the female body: with the vaginal secretion, dead cells, blood, pathogens and sperm are transported to the outside. Nevertheless, discharge becomes a problem for many women. One to two years before puberty, it begins and accompanies the woman until menopause – one more, the other almost unnoticed.
Discharge as a protective mechanism
Fluor genitalis, as the vaginal secretion is also technically called, is part of a defense process to protect the vagina and ultimately the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries from (ascending) infections – after all, the reproductive organs of healthy women are repeatedly exposed to potentially pathogenic germs from outside, especially during childbearing years. If the vaginal environment, the vaginal flora, is out of balance, pathogenic germs and bacteria have an easy time of it.
Discharge: normal, heavy or colored – what does it mean?
Pathological vaginal discharge
A visit to the gynecologist is advisable for the following signs:
- Suddenly increased discharge
- Discharge after menopause or suddenly changing during pregnancy.
- Change in color and consistency (cloudy-grayish, reddish or brownish, greenish, yellowish-mucilaginous, foamy, friable) and / or odor (eg, fishy).
- Itching, redness, and other skin changes and/or swelling and/or soreness or pain in the genital region (or lower abdomen)
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain/burning during urination.
Visit the gynecologist if you have one or more of the symptoms described above. The vaginal infection itself is unpleasant, but at first usually not dangerous. However, the pathogens can continue to rise and lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Special case pregnancy
Pregnancy represents a special case: Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women are particularly at risk for infections, which can then in turn harm the unborn child. The gynecologist will ask you about the exact symptoms and accompanying complaints and then perform an examination with the vaginal mirror (speculum). He will examine the labia and vagina for redness, skin changes and pain, and assess the color, odor and consistency of the secretion. Often these aspects already give him clues to the trigger.
The further procedure depends on the suspicion – if a colonization with pathogens is suspected, vaginal secretions are taken, the pH value of which is determined and which can be coated with a substance and examined under the microscope. In addition, it is then sent to the laboratory if necessary.
Treatment of vaginal discharge
The therapy directed depends on the cause of the pathological discharge: in the case of a vaginal fungus (vaginal mycosis), medications (antifungals) are available in the form of suppositories, vaginal tablets or creams; in the case of a bacterial infection (such as the venereal diseases gonorrhea or syphilis), antibiotics are given; in the case of herpes infections, special virus-inhibiting agents are given. Supporting the medically recommended therapy, there are other measures to stimulate the metabolism of the vaginal mucosa:
- 15-minute abdominal massage in the morning and evening.
- A cool sitz bath in the morning and a full body-warm bath in the evening (10 minutes each). Chamomile extract or tea tree oil added relaxes and disinfects.
- A 10-minute warm mud bath three times a week activates the metabolism and inhibits inflammation.
- You can also prepare a decoction of goose cinquefoil or white deadnettle flowers (pour 50 g with 1 liter of hot water, infuse for 10 minutes). With the strained, cooled decoction, they can rinse your vagina three times a week.
