Vaginal discharge, discharge from the vagina, fluor genitalis, white discharge or vaginal discharge is a term often used to describe a symptom of disease in women, in the course of which there is a disturbed formation of the normally non-diseased vaginal flora.
What is vaginal discharge?
There are many reasons for pathological vaginal discharge – it is mainly determined by examining a sample in the laboratory. Vaginal discharge (discharge from the vagina), fluor genitalis or vaginal discharge is the natural discharge from the female sexual organ that occurs in every sexually mature woman and often accompanies her from the first period to the end of her life. The color, odor, consistency and quantity of the vaginal discharge can be particularly affected. Accordingly, a thorough examination by a gynecologist should take place to rule out complications and diseases of the female reproductive organs. Vaginal discharge serves to clean the vaginal canal and should not usually cause any discomfort. However, it is often one of the first indicators of vaginal disease – these manifest themselves in foul-smelling, painful or strikingly colored vaginal discharge and signal that the mucous membranes or other parts of the reproductive organ are diseased.
Causes
Reasons for abnormal vaginal discharge are many – they are mainly determined by examining a sample in the laboratory. Foul-smelling, increased discharge combined with irritated skin and itchy areas signal a fungal infection. Darkly discolored vaginal discharge could also indicate a sexually transmitted disease or venereal disease; in most cases, the odor of the discharge also changes negatively as a result. During the analysis, attention is also paid to the consistency, because each change can stand for a different condition. All these changes belong to the group of treatable diseases, which usually do not have to bring complications or unpleasant treatments, if they are detected in time. The situation is different if the vaginal discharge is bloody. This may be due to a simple injury to the mucous membranes, but is also considered a warning signal for advanced cervical or ovarian cancer. Cysts that are particularly inconveniently located can also cause bloody vaginal discharge.
Diseases with this symptom
- Vaginal fungus
- Ovarian cancer
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Vaginitis
- Cervical cancer
- Chlamydia
History
When vaginal discharge develops due to infections or similar conditions, the change usually occurs a few days or weeks after infection with the pathogen. The incubation period depends greatly on the particular pathogen – for some, the change in discharge begins immediately, while others take weeks to develop. However, if the disease is serious, the abnormal vaginal discharge is often one of the last symptoms to develop. In some cases of cervical cancer, it does not even show up in the final stages. Cysts, on the other hand, are initially accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen and do not lead to bleeding until they become problematic. If blood shows up in the vaginal discharge, it is safe to assume that the underlying disease has already reached an advanced stage and treatment is needed immediately.
Complications
Vaginal discharge may cause a strong odor. If the discharge smells particularly fishy, an infection may be present. The discharge may also be particularly heavy and therefore a sign of a disease. If the discharge is yellow or brown, it may be a bacterial infection. White, green or purulent fluor vaginalis or crumbly or lumpy discharge also indicates a disease. Inflammation may rise and cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries or inflammation of the uterus. Consequently, abdominal inflammation or infertility may occur. If it is a thick white discharge, it may be vaginal fungus. This is often accompanied by severe itching. If the discharge occurs long after menopause, it could be a tumor disease. If there are painful blisters in addition to the discharge, it may be genital herpes.Other complications associated with vaginal discharge may include redness, severe itching and burning pain. Frequent urination and burning when urinating may also occur. There may be whitish plaques on the labia or on the vaginal mucosa. There may be new, unusual pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, fever and a general feeling of illness may be present.
When should you see a doctor?
From the time of the first menstrual period, every woman develops vaginal discharge. As soon as this deviates from its normal appearance, which is different for every woman, the gynecologist should be consulted. It should be noted, of course, that it is altered shortly before menstruation as well as at the time of ovulation and does not follow any usual pattern even during pregnancy. Noticeable changes are a foul odor, a different consistency or a dark discoloration of the vaginal discharge. Such changes are usually related to diseases, for example bacterial infections, venereal diseases or diseases of the internal genital organs. A woman should be particularly careful if she notices blood in the changed vaginal discharge or if small blood admixtures are regularly present in vaginal discharge that appears normal. This indicates injuries and should be clarified by a doctor, as the woman cannot see for herself from the outside whether there is a problem. Women in a committed relationship should also be alert to any changes in vaginal discharge, as they are not protected against STIs. In addition to infection in a partner, there are other, albeit rather rare, ways of transmission. Infections of the genitals are unpleasant, but they are quickly treated effectively with antibiotics – the sooner the doctor’s appointment, the sooner other symptoms can be prevented and the basic problem quickly eliminated.
Treatment and therapy
If an unusual or pathological vaginal discharge occurs, the doctor should first examine it for pathogens of venereal and infectious diseases. Then it can be treated specifically with the appropriate antibiotic against it. For mild fungal infections, a cream is usually prescribed, which must be rubbed into the affected areas of the vagina. More severe infections are cured by an oral remedy. Other underlying diseases, on the other hand, must be treated with antibiotics, which are injected or administered intravenously to take effect. The vaginal discharge thus returns to normal, indicating the end of the disease. Cancer or cysts that cause bloody discharge are usually treated surgically. Problems caused by cysts are already resolved by this procedure and bloody vaginal discharge no longer occurs; cancer, on the other hand, requires individual follow-up treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgical removal of affected tissue are among the standard therapies a woman can expect in this case.
Outlook and prognosis
Vaginal discharge is not normally a cause for concern and is part of the body’s natural self-cleansing process. It therefore occurs in women throughout their lives and changes its color, consistency and quantity, especially depending on the female menstrual cycle. Due to its natural course, there is a decrease in vaginal discharge after menopause and the absence of menstrual bleeding. Diseases that lead to a change in vaginal discharge can be easily cured and treated in most cases. The discharge changes its smell and color in many cases of STDs. Gonorrhea, a chlamydia infection or syphilis are treated with antibiotics and generally have a good chance of being cured. A herpes genitalis disease is not considered curable. However, medication is administered so that in the event of an outbreak of the viral disease, the herpes blisters in the genital area recede and the symptoms are alleviated. Inflammations of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries are also easily cured with medication. Warts, fungal infections or abnormalities of the ph-value in the vagina can lead to a change in the vaginal discharge. These complaints are also well treatable within medical treatment. For all diseases, the sooner they are diagnosed and treated, the better the prospect of a speedy recovery. In the case of syphilis, early diagnosis and treatment are life-saving and vital.
Prevention
In many cases, pathological vaginal discharge does not have to occur at all, because there are effective preventive measures. Women should engage in sexual intercourse with strangers only with adequate protection: This is only offered by condoms or femidoms when used correctly. In this way, fungal and bacterial infections can be effectively avoided, and vaginal discharge will not develop any unhealthy properties even after intercourse. If cheating (cheating) has occurred within the relationship or the woman suspects it, she must address her partner about it in her own health interest alone and, if necessary, refrain from sexual intercourse or use mechanical contraception until she is safe. Even before the woman notices blood in the vaginal discharge, she should have regular gynecological examinations and a smear test of the cervix – this allows the dangerous cervical cancer to be detected early and treated without pain or complications.
What you can do yourself
In the case of vaginal discharge, proper intimate hygiene is important. Both inadequate and excessive hygiene (douching, aggressive intimate hygiene products and intensive washing) disturb the vaginal environment and irritate the skin. Only the external genital area should be washed with lukewarm water or soap-free wash lotions with a ph value of about 4 to 4.5. Good drying is important. The external genital area outside the labia minora can be cared for with a neutral skin lubricant. This keeps the sensitive skin supple and reduces minute injuries and inflammation. Proper cleansing after bowel movements is elementary. To prevent intestinal germs from entering the vagina, wipe from front to back. Tight, synthetic clothing and air-impermeable panties should not be worn during vaginal discharge. They promote the growth of fungi and bacteria in the external genital area and hinder the exchange of air. Pathogens can get inside and cause infections. Too much stress can promote vaginal discharge. Thus, attention should be paid to stress reduction and regular relaxation phases. During sexual intercourse, condoms and femidoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases and infections and thus also against vaginal discharge. A healthy lifestyle that strengthens the body’s defenses is also important. This includes abstaining from nicotine, only low or no alcohol consumption, regular exercise and a healthy, wholesome diet.