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Vaginal discharge - what does it look like in healthy women?

The content of the article

Physiological vaginal discharge consists of two main elements: cervical mucus and exfoliated vaginal epithelial cells. Under normal conditions, the discharge is clear, sometimes with a slightly whitish or yellowish tint. The yellowness is especially noticeable after the discharge has dried on your underwear or panty liner.

Women should pay attention to changes in the consistency of secretions during the menstrual cycle. Such observations will help evaluate the discharge for infection and decide whether to visit a gynecologist.

What normal vaginal discharge looks like depends, first of all, on the hormonal balance of the body, that is, on the concentration of sex hormones secreted cyclically.

• At the first stage of the menstrual cycle, the dominant hormonal group is estrogen. This hormone creates the right conditions for sperm activity. Thin and clear mucus from the vagina (cervical mucus) facilitates the transfer of male reproductive cells to the egg. Of course, the greatest production of vaginal secretion occurs during the periovulatory period, which determines the high probability of fertilization at this time.
• In the next phase of the menstrual cycle, the so-called luteal phase, changes occur in the endocrine system - during this period progesterone dominates. The previously thin and clear cervical mucus becomes thicker, which inhibits or even prevents the transfer of sperm.

Normal discharge in girls that you don’t need to be afraid of

There are a number of criteria that distinguish normal discharge from pathological ones:

• Color. Normally, vaginal discharge should be clear, but a variation of the norm may be whitish or yellowish. Any other colors are a sign of disease.
• Consistency. The discharge should be homogeneous, mucous or creamy, without inclusions, lumps, grains, and so on.
• Smell. Each woman’s vaginal discharge has an individual odor; it may be slightly sour, but not obviously unpleasant, pungent, or strong.
• Quantity. Normally, no more than 2-3 milliliters of mucus should be released per day. This means that there should either be no wet spot on the laundry at all or its size should not exceed 1-2 centimeters. Increased vaginal discharge can be observed against the background of sexual arousal, after sexual intercourse, and also in the middle of the cycle against the background of ovulation.
• Irritation. Normal vaginal discharge should not cause irritation of the mucous membrane or skin, be accompanied by itching, burning or other discomfort, cause pain when urinating, and so on.

If these conditions are met, the discharge can be considered normal. Otherwise, it is better to undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist.

White discharge

1. A small amount (no more than one teaspoon per day).
2. Homogeneous structure with slight compactions.
3. Slightly thick, thin, mucus-like consistency.
4. Complete absence of odor or unsaturated sour odor of discharge.
5. No discomfort (itching, burning).

However, white discharge without odor and discomfort is not always considered normal. Find out from the article at the link when this sign indicates a violation.

Important! The easiest way to assess vaginal mucus is with a panty liner. You need to stick it on your panties for an hour and see the result. If the secreted secretion has formed a small spot with a diameter of 1 to 1.5 centimeters, then there are no signals of a violation. The shade can be one of the following:

• almost transparent;
• whitish;
• yellow;
• beige.

The appearance of yellow discharge on panties causes women the most worry. A stain on underwear of this color occurs after the whitish secretion dries due to a reaction with air. The yellowish color can be caused by opportunistic microorganisms that, after death, come out along with the vaginal fluid.

Feeling upset

Let's consider the main methods of disease prevention:

• caring for the external genitalia (girls under 1 year of age need to be washed after each diaper change, and older children should be taught to do this in the morning and evening);
• timely change of linen (for children under 1 year of age this occurs as it gets dirty, for older children - at least once a day);
• choosing underwear made from natural fabrics (cotton panties will help avoid irritation and chafing of the child’s genitals);
• use of special hygiene products (when washing, do not use ordinary soap. Buy a special gel for intimate hygiene that will not disturb the vaginal microflora);
• proper washing (avoid washcloths and any foreign objects - their hard surface damages the labia and soft tissues, and also accumulates many microbes that are dangerous to the child);
• correct selection of diapers for babies (choose only proven and tested brands; try different types of diapers to see the skin reaction and irritation);
• clean genital towels (after washing, pat your child's genital area dry with a clean, soft towel, but do not rub or touch the soft tissue).

All family members should monitor the child's health. Despite the fact that little girls are not sexually active, this does not exclude the presence of diseases of this system. There are cases where the pathology was transmitted to the child at birth (during passage through the infected birth canal), so it is important for pregnant women to monitor the condition of their body.

What affects the type of vaginal discharge?

Women often wonder if their vaginal discharge looks normal. Changes in color and consistency can be an important diagnostic element, allowing you to determine the type of intimate infection and its cause. For example, white vaginal discharge may indicate vaginal athlete's foot. And yellow vaginal discharge is a sign of infection in the genital tract.

Yellow discharge

The picture of cervical mucus depends not only on the active hormones. Color, consistency and smell are also determined by:

• emotional state of a woman;
• stressful situations;
• diet;
• pregnancy period;
• use of hormonal contraception;
• HRT is hormone replacement therapy for perimenopausal women.

Pregnancy

Diet

Discharge before menstruation

Discharge changes color and consistency before menstruation.
They first appear in young girls about a year before the start of their first menstruation. The maturation of the cell is accompanied by the secretion of yellowish mucus, which becomes liquid a few days before the onset of menstruation. The largest amount of discharge may appear a week before menstruation. Under stress, not only the amount of mucus changes, but also its color - it becomes darker.

During normal functioning of the body during menstruation, the discharge is homogeneous, odorless and does not leave marks on underwear.

If pain and burning or increased mucus volume occurs, you should visit a doctor.

Yellow discharge - what does it mean and when does it appear?

Yellow vaginal discharge is defined as physiological changes in vaginal discharge observed during an intimate infection.

Yellow vaginal discharge is observed only in a few situations.

• Trichomoniasis.
  One of the most common causes of yellow discharge is vaginal trichomoniasis - then the vaginal discharge is yellow-green, foamy with an unpleasant odor. Vaginal discharge is accompanied by pain, as well as indicators of inflammation in the form of redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva. It is worth emphasizing that vaginal trichomoniasis is associated with painful sexual intercourse.
• Cervical erosion.
  Yellow vaginal discharge is also a sign of erosion. In this case, the predominant color of vaginal discharge is green; yellow is only a tint. In addition to the abnormal color of the discharge, symptoms are added: burning and itching of the vulva, intermenstrual bleeding, contact bleeding or pain during intercourse.
• Atrophic vaginosis
  . With this disease, the vaginal discharge is yellow and very watery. In addition, patients are concerned about itching and redness of the labia. This pathology is a reflection of the low concentration of estrogen characteristic of women during menopause.

Dangerous discharge on a child's underpants

It is worth distinguishing between physiological and pathological discharges: the former were described in the table above, but with the latter the situation is more complicated. The girl’s discharge indicates infectious diseases and disruption of the pelvic organs.

Mom must understand that discharge cannot be ignored, even if this is the norm. If they appeared suddenly, and before that the girl had been ill with something or was in a stressful state (even if a little, but this is common in excited children), then you should contact a gynecologist.

The doctor will identify the presence of diseases, the causes of these infections in the girl’s body and advise on this matter. For diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary to know the nature of the discharge. H3: Purulent

Many mothers do not know what to do if a girl has purulent vaginal discharge. This cannot be called normal, because... vaginal pus is a sign of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.

This can be caused by a recent cold, dysbacteriosis, or in some cases a urological infection (this is detected through tests). Purulent discharge in a 9-year-old girl often occurs due to weak immunity. As a result of such disorders, the microflora in the vagina changes, which affects reproductive abilities in the future.

What does white vaginal discharge mean?

White discharge in girls under 16 years of age is the norm or symptoms of the development of vulvovaginitis. Also, curdled discharge can be caused by fungal infections.

If the disease is medically confirmed, in addition to taking prescribed medications, it is necessary to treat the child’s external genitalia daily with a decoction of chamomile or nettle and monitor the hygiene of this area (especially for girls under ten years old - the age at which puberty begins).

Yellow color, odorless

Discharge from the genital tract in girls is also a consequence of pathological processes in the external genitalia. Children easily introduce bacteria into the intimate area, which is why girls may develop yellow discharge.

If this is accompanied by burning and itching, and the vaginal secretion itself has no odor, then the child has bacterial vulvovaginitis. In girls, yellow discharge most often appears at the age of 12-17 years, when there is a period of hormonal surge in the body.

Little baby

Why does brown mucus appear?

If you find dark mucus in your child's panties, it may be pathological discharge from the reproductive system or menstrual discharge. Brown discharge in girls 11-13 years old most often occurs during the first period. However, a brownish spot in a 5-year-old girl should alert parents.

In this case, self-medication is ineffective and dangerous, because such discharge from the vulva in a little girl indicates the presence of a pathogen of a severe infection that has not yet manifested itself. If the skin around your vagina is dry or has a rash, go to the hospital immediately.

Abundant greenish color

Green discharge is a sign of a disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract. In such cases, gynecologists take a stool test for dysbacteriosis. This can be treated with antibiotics, and to prevent trouble, be careful about baby food and girls' hygiene.

Smelling, heavy discharge in adolescents is a sign of non-compliance (in such cases, it is recommended to change underwear and take a shower more often). H3: When does blood appear ? The presence of bloody discharge in girls is associated with a foreign body in the vagina. Foreign objects in the genitals damage the cervix, cause pain, and create cracks in the vaginal walls. In such cases, the child’s life is in danger, because every movement of the body increases the risk of damage and rupture of soft tissues. Any unwanted body in a child’s vagina is dangerous not only due to physical deformation, but also due to infection. To prevent serious consequences, immediately visit a pediatric gynecologist.

Reliable protection - mom

Home Remedies for Yellow Vaginal Discharge

Any abnormal vaginal discharge should be cause for concern. In such a situation, you should not self-medicate, since neither trichomoniasis, nor vaginal atrophy, nor erosion at home can be diagnosed, much less cured. It is advisable to immediately contact a gynecologist without waiting for severe complications.

If the problem does not include a sexually transmitted aspect, treatment will not involve the inclusion of drug treatment. In this case, regular over-the-counter medications will suffice. For example, a doctor may prescribe vaginal probiotics, which effectively eliminate some unpleasant female diseases. Also, such drugs are a kind of prevention, since they help restore the physiological bacterial flora, which allows protection against pathogenic microorganisms.

Vaginal probiotics

But, unfortunately, with yellow discharge, easy diagnoses are rare. Mostly it has to be treated with antibiotics. Advanced erosion requires cauterization. Without treatment, it can turn into cancer.

It should be remembered that consistency is important when implementing treatment. The treatment period should not be shortened, even if the symptoms disappear. In addition, you need to take care of perineal hygiene and use only medications intended for this purpose. During menstruation, it is recommended to avoid tampons, which increase the risk of infection.

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