Vaginal discharge, vaginal discharge are terms for everyday occurrences of moisture and discharge in the area of the female reproductive organs (vagina).
Causes
Vaginal discharge is a term for everyday occurrences of moisture and discharge in the area of the female reproductive organs (vagina). They derive from secretions that can take on a wide variety of characteristics: pure whitish, as it were milky, glassy or glassy-milky, purulent, purulent-mucous, purulent-watery, yellowish, frothy, greenish, or reddish. The amount of secretion changes. Sometimes it is only slight, but often women have such heavy discharge that they are constantly bothered not only by the sensation of dampness alone, but also by unpleasant accompanying symptoms such as soreness, burning, ulceration, and pain. The smell can be bland, slightly sweet or even malodorous, even stinky. It is understandable that when such signs appear, women turn to the gynecologist to be relieved of their discomfort. However, help is only possible if the cause of these various secretions is sought, if the actual source of the discharge can be determined. The event of the discharge takes place mainly in the area of the lower genital sections, namely in the cervical canal, in the vagina or vagina and within the vestibule of the vagina. But not always the whole section is affected, often only individual parts are the actual causes of discharge and affect the other areas. Here we will discuss the main sources of secretion and their probable causes.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Unusual vaginal discharge and itching, combined with burning in the vaginal area, may be signs of infection or inflammation. Burning when going to the toilet or pain during sex likewise indicate vaginal flora that is out of balance. Depending on the pathogen, other symptoms may appear. If the vaginal discharge is thin and light gray, bacterial vaginosis is suspected. The vagina feels dry despite the increased discharge. If an unpleasant to foul-smelling intimate odor of fish is added, the inflammation of the vagina by bacteria is very likely. White, crumbly vaginal discharge, coupled with severe itching, suggests a fungal infection. The discharge usually does not smell in vaginal mycosis (infestation by yeast). However, it may take on a slightly sour odor in some cases. If parasites (trichomonads) are the trigger for the inflammation, there is a yellowish discharge. Sometimes the vaginal secretion is also greenish to foamy and smells extremely unpleasant. Sometimes there is pain in the lower abdomen that cannot be precisely attributed. If the vaginal entrance is affected by vesicles that hurt a lot, the cause is probably a herpes virus infection. If vaginitis remains untreated, the pathogens can spread to the uterus and ovaries and cause further diseases.
Origin
One of the main sources of discharge is the cervical canal. This canal, about two to three centimeters long, is lined with skin rich in glands, although the number of glands and also their extent vary from individual to individual. In contrast, however, all of them are equipped with a mucus-forming covering layer. This mucous membrane in the cervix constantly produces mucus, which is closely related to a number of biological processes. Under normal conditions, the substance flowing out of the cervical canal is not produced in such quantity that it gives rise to the sensation of discharge or fluorine, as it is called in technical language, for the woman. However, conditions often develop in the cervix that increase the formation of mucus and thus become sources of discharge. The causes for this are manifold. These include scarring of the cervix caused by the act of childbirth, when the wounds heal poorly after delivery. Scar strands form and the originally tubular, smooth cervical canal shows clear tears, so that the delicate glandular mucosa no longer lies protected.Similar phenomena occur when the mucous membrane of the cervical canal, which is permeated by glands, occupies the surface of the cervix projecting into the vagina, either congenitally or as a result of childbirth. Even then, the sensitive glandular cells are exposed and react – irritated by the foreign environment – with increased mucus production. However, this increased secretion is generally still tolerable and remains within certain limits. Only when the exposed, easily vulnerable mucous membrane areas become additionally inflamed does a strong, sometimes purulent discharge, which can cause extraordinary discomfort, become noticeable. But even if the cervical canal is completely intact, increased mucus secretion can occur. This is because, apart from chronic irritation of the glands as a result of expired inflammations in the area of the cervix – the glandular tubes are preferred hiding places for all kinds of bacteria – nervous and hormonal causes play a very important role here.
Function of the vagina
The glandular mucosa in the cervical canal is influenced by the ovarian hormones and the nervous system. Therefore, the cervix can be stimulated to increased secretion in both hyper- and hypofunction of the ovarian glands and increased nervous excitability, similar to the stomach in nervous mucosal inflammation. Sensitive, easily excitable women are particularly susceptible to this. There is no doubt that mere sexual ideas and feelings can increase the secretion of mucus, which can be caused by erotic desires, reading, dreams and films. To the same extent, defense against unwanted partners, sexual conflicts outside and within marriage and partnership sometimes play a role not to be underestimated for the increase of mucus and thus for the development of the feeling of discharge. It should also be mentioned that, of course, benign or malignant tumors and tumor formations, cause mucous, watery, purulent, but in the case of cancer usually bloody secretions. For this reason alone, every woman should consult a gynecologist when discharge occurs, because only in this way it is possible to detect a cancerous tumor.
Structure of the vagina
Structure of the female reproductive organs in cross section. Click to enlarge. The vagina (vagina) is a muscular tube whose inner skin consists of a thick layer of several superimposed layers of flat cells (called pavement epithelium). Although there are no secreting glands in the vaginal wall, there is a whitish, often more pasty, sometimes whitish-fluid mass in the clearing that lies against the vaginal wall without causing the sensation of discharge. This substance, composed mainly of exfoliated vaginal wall cells and rod bacteria – so-called Döderlein’s vaginal bacteria, has great biological importance. It protects the upper parts of the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, abdominal cavity) against the penetration of pathogenic germs from the outside. This is done with the help of lactic acid, a relatively strong acid formed by the Döderlein bacteria from the sugar present in the exfoliated cells. However, this acid protection can be disturbed or even interrupted by various causes. For example, a large amount of alkaline mucus can flow from the cervical canal into the vagina and at the same time repeatedly weaken the acid that is formed. Foreign germs (pus germs) can also enter the vagina (vagina), either because a poorly closing entrance, as can occur after childbirth, offers no resistance, or because the bacteria enter the vagina with, among other things, irrigation fluids or rings to repair uterine prolapse and prolapse. Under such conditions, the vaginal contents multiply and also flow out of the vagina more, giving the woman the sensation of discharge. The more harmless changes of the vagina described so far are contrasted with those that are accompanied by simultaneous vaginitis. The discharge is then usually thin, watery or purulent, sometimes even bloody.
Vaginitis and discharge
This sometimes unpleasant-smelling discharge causes the feeling of sharpness or burning and soils the external genital organs and thus also the underwear.Microscopic examinations have shown that this secretion no longer contains Döderlein bacteria (lactic acid bacteria), but instead contains masses of pathogenic pus germs and a large number of white blood cells, which shows that the invading foreign germs have gained the upper hand and caused an inflammation. As a result, the vaginal wall is also very red, swollen with inflammation and very sensitive to pain. The causes of this clinical picture are just as manifold and often not to be found out at all. However, it is certain that in any case the activity of the ovaries plays a major role in it, as it regulates the function of the vaginal wall. Consequently, disorders in the ovaries can affect – in a negative sense – the vaginal defense mechanism. In addition, of course, all kinds of pus germs, as well as gonococci, are important for the development of such a disease. The pathogens of very persistent and painful vaginitis are also considered to be small flagellates, so-called trichomonads, and thrush fungi – the same pathogen that not infrequently causes white coatings in the mouth of young children. They make themselves especially unpleasantly noticeable by strong itching and burning. The inflammations can develop to ulceration, which, of course, must complicate the treatment. Not only the internal, but also the external genital organs consisting of folds and bulges, labia majora and minora, can cause discharge. The skin and mucous glands present in the bulges secrete sebum, fat, mucus and sweat, protecting the tissues from dehydration, descending urine, etc. These secretions are normally so small that a feeling of moisture does not occur. However, their increase and change also leads to discharge. In this process, the sensory nerves of the external genital organs play a major role, being the most sensitive to irregular wetting.
Other inflammation and eczema of the vagina.
In most cases, detailed examinations of the external and internal genitals succeed in identifying the cause of the discharge, which then gives the gynecologist the key to its elimination. Therefore, it is understandable that mucous or purulent watery discharge from the upper parts irritates and inflames the delicate and sensitive mucous membrane of the external genitals. This is especially true of purulent vaginitis caused by trichomonads and thrush fungi. Understandably, it also involves the external urethral opening, usually resulting in pain during urination. In the case of heavy, corrosive discharges, inflammation and eczema may even occur on the adjacent skin and thighs, complicating the clinical picture considerably. But the external genitalia can also become inflamed in isolation, in women of all ages. Causes in this case can be uncleanliness, a reduction in resistance in the case of severe general illnesses, and chemical or mechanical stimuli. Finally, the feeling of moistness on the external female genitals is also caused by abnormally strong secretions of the mucous glands present there. These glands are very much influenced by the nervous system, so that moods, nervousness, or sexual arousal may be responsible for a discharge.
Complications
Vaginitis with vaginal discharge can cause several complications. If the inflammation spreads to the cervix, it can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy and subsequently cause further complications. During sexual intercourse, there is a risk of infection of the partner. If vaginitis occurs during pregnancy, it may also cause premature labor or premature rupture of the membranes. In the most severe cases, vaginitis leads to miscarriage. Occasionally, the colpitis pathogen spreads to the child and subsequently causes severe health complications in the child. The vaginal discharge can lead to inflammation and occasionally cause a urinary tract infection. It is also accompanied by severe discomfort. When treating vaginitis with vaginal discharge, the risks come from the antibiotics prescribed. These can cause various side effects and allergic reactions. Typical are, for example, complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, headache and pain in the limbs, skin irritation and, rarely, damage to the liver and kidneys.Improperly used home remedies can also cause problems and may further irritate the vaginal environment.
When should you see a doctor?
As a rule, vaginal discharge is natural and therefore does not require medical treatment. It is also normal for vaginal discharge to change consistency and intensity over the course of the menstrual cycle. However, action is usually required if the secretion suddenly takes on a different color or has a noticeable odor. In the case of some bacterial infections or fungal infections, there is a possibility of spontaneous healing without medical treatment. If the vaginal secretion turns pink or brownish, this may indicate the implantation of an embryo in the uterus, the imminent onset of menstruation or ovulation. For this reason, it is sometimes advisable to wait a few days before consulting a doctor. If there is also inflammation or other symptoms such as pain and itching, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible. Self-treatment is not advisable. In young girls, vaginal discharge first appears some time before the first period (menarche). This is a natural process. However, to be on the safe side, this can be clarified with a gynecologist. A visit to the doctor is not absolutely necessary, but often advisable in the case of strong or weak vaginal discharge. These complaints are usually not related to diseases, but the gynecologist can prescribe preparations that alleviate them.
Treatment and therapy
This variety of causes makes it impossible to assess the discharge from a uniform point of view. This results in the need to research the cause or source of the abnormal discharge substance in each individual case, taking into account the overall personality (emotional life, condition of the nervous system, general diseases) of a person. In most cases, the exact examination of the external and internal genitals and organs and the microscopic examination of the secretions help to identify the cause of the discharge, which then provides the gynecologist with the key to its elimination. From the above it is obvious that there is no general remedy for vaginal discharge and also the treatment measures must be different depending on the type or cause of the discharge. However, in any case, it is important to identify and eliminate the source of the fluorine and restore the proper functioning of the reproductive organs and the normal structure of the vaginal wall. As already mentioned, finding the causes is significantly complicated, firstly, by their multiplicity and, secondly, by the fact that they may lie outside the reproductive organs. Let’s think of general diseases, such as cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, Graves’ disease, infectious diseases and pathological nervous conditions, which can also be considered as causes of discharge. Of course, all this also complicates the treatment, which must always be individual and does not allow any generalization. Therefore, full success is only certain if the patient follows all medical instructions and does not lose patience during the usually lengthy treatment.
What you can do yourself
Vaginal discharge and vaginitis is not an uncommon problem that can often be managed well with self-help. The prerequisite is an accurate diagnosis by the doctor. Once this has been done, self-help by the woman can in many cases replace another visit to the doctor if the appearance flares up again. The discharge and inflammation usually have in common a bacterial imbalance. The environment that is natural in the vagina can often be restored well with lactic acid bacteria. Suppositories or tablets that are inserted into the vagina are available for this purpose. Alternatively, a tampon coated with natural yogurt is a good help. It also cools the tissue, which is often reddened by the infection. Itching can also often be relieved in this way in a completely natural way. Hygiene is important when it comes to vaginal discharge. But many women overdo it in this context and upset the vaginal environment even more by using harsh cleansers. Mild cleansing, preferably with lukewarm water only, is completely sufficient here. In addition, when going to the toilet, care should be taken that wiping with the paper is always done from the vagina in the direction of the anus and not vice versa.Laundry is best washed at high temperatures and, of course, changed daily.
