Vaginal discharge is a natural physiological process that begins at puberty and ends with menopause. The primary component of the vaginal microbiota is lactic acid bacteria. These maintain an acidic environment in the vagina, which is hostile to pathogenic microbes.
Throughout a woman's life, the nature of vaginal discharge varies and may be influenced by:
Phases of the menstrual cycle
Pregnancy and postpartum period
Breastfeeding
Presence of intrauterine devices
Age
Sexual behavior
Stress
Personal hygiene practices
Use of various chemical products
Tight synthetic underwear
Medications taken
Contraceptives, etc.
Depending on these factors, the volume, clarity, and thickness of discharge can vary. Normal discharge is clear and watery. It may appear slightly white or yellowish. Healthy discharge does not cause itching, burning, or other unpleasant sensations in the vaginal area or external genitalia. The normal pH for women of reproductive age (including during pregnancy) ranges from 3.7 to 4.5.
How Does Pathology Manifest?
Most gynecological diseases are accompanied by abnormal vaginal discharge, burning, itching, and other discomforts.
Many women dismiss abnormal discharge as unimportant and delay seeing a gynecologist, hoping it will resolve on its own. While spontaneous recovery may occasionally occur in nonspecific conditions with a strong immune system, this is rare.
Vaginitis (Colpitis)
This is a common condition, accounting for 60% of cases where women notice abnormal discharge. Vaginal inflammation may be caused by infections (specific colpitis, more common in reproductive-age women) or other factors (nonspecific colpitis, often due to conditional pathogens entering from the gastrointestinal tract).
It can also occur in young girls (due to improper hygiene), pregnant women, and postmenopausal women (due to natural aging processes). The types of vaginitis vary based on the cause, with each type having its own clinical signs.
Regardless of the type, treatment is always necessary.
Types of Vaginitis:
Trichomonas Vaginitis – Caused by Trichomonas protozoa, transmitted via unprotected sexual contact or contaminated personal hygiene items.
Candidiasis (Yeast Vaginitis) – Caused by overgrowth of Candida fungi. May be sexually transmitted or occur due to weakened immunity. Symptoms: itching, burning, swelling of the labia, increased discharge, and discomfort during urination.
Atrophic Vaginitis – Occurs due to decreased estrogen levels, often after menopause. Symptoms include dryness, itching, burning, yellowish discharge, and reduced sexual function.
Aerobic (Nonspecific) Vaginitis – Caused by aerobic bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus) when beneficial flora decreases. More common in girls and postmenopausal women due to low estrogen. Risk factors: poor hygiene, tight synthetic underwear, anal intercourse. Symptoms include yellowish discharge, itching, and burning. It increases the risk of uterine appendage inflammation and pregnancy complications.
Bacterial Vaginosis – Characterized by heavy white or gray discharge with a fishy odor, itching, burning, painful intercourse, and burning during urination. Often linked to a change in sexual partner, use of medications, or lowered immunity. It is caused by a mix of bacteria. In 40% of cases, cervical conditions like ectopy, ectropion, or cervicitis are also found.
Brown Discharge
Brown discharge a few days before menstruation may indicate the presence of blood. It may also occur due to mechanical damage to the vaginal lining and be accompanied by:
Genital pain
Discomfort during intercourse
Swelling
Redness of the external genitalia
Other causes include endometrial polyp hyperplasia or, after intercourse, cervical cancer and related precancerous changes.
Diagnosis
Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis based on clinical signs, physical examination, and tests such as:
Vaginal flora smear
STI tests (ELISA, PIF)
Pelvic ultrasound
General blood and urine tests
If inflammatory discharge recurs:
Cultures may be needed to assess antibiotic sensitivity
Repeat pelvic ultrasound
Repeat general blood and urine tests
Treatment
Medical treatment depends on the underlying cause and is always supplemented with the physician’s recommendations.
Prevention
General guidelines:
Maintain proper intimate hygiene
Promptly and correctly treat urogenital infections
Visit a gynecologist for a check-up every 6 months
Note: Douching is not recommended, as the vagina cleanses itself naturally. Aggressive cleansing disrupts the natural flora and increases the risk of infections.
See a doctor in time and stay healthy!