Vaginal discharge: what are vaginal secretions?

Vaginal discharge, or leucorrhoea, is a natural phenomenon throughout the menstrual cycle. It's a natural secretion that maintains the balance of flora in the vagina. However, the appearance of vaginal discharge can vary, so how do we know when our discharge is abnormal, too thick or smelly?

What is vaginal discharge?

Thanks to the hormonal action of estrogen from the very first periods and puberty, women secrete a special whitish or transparent cervical mucus. This vaginal discharge flows from the cervix and into the uterus. protect against infection thanks to good bacteria that make them up. Visit white discharge ensure a healthy balance of vaginal flora. The appearance of leucorrhoea can vary according to several criteria:

• Phase of the menstrual cycle
• Hormonal variations
• Contraceptives, especially hormonal ones
• During pregnancy
• Infection, fungus or disease

Normally, leucorrhoea has the consistency andappearance ofeggwhite, with no disturbing odour. If more troublesome symptoms appear, don't hesitate to consult your gynecologist or health care professional: abnormal vaginal discharge should raise a red flag.

What are the different types of vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge should be clear or whitish and not malodorous. However, they naturally change in consistency according to the variations in the menstrual cycle and follow the following pattern:

• Thick, sticky discharge after menstruation
• More transparent, stringy discharge in the middle of the cycle, at ovulation
• Whitish losses at the end of the cycle, just before the periods

But leucorrhoea is sometimes abnormal and the discharge odorous, let's review the different aspects it can take.

White discharge

When vaginal secretions are white, more opaque and thicker, resembling curdled milk or dry yoghurt, this may be a sign of genital candidiasis. Vaginal mycosis can also sbe accompanied by a sensation of itching or pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). The fungus that causes it, Candida Albicans, is present in excessive quantities, and the natural vaginal flora is out of balance. Vaginal mycosis can be caused by a number of factors, such as pregnancy, antibiotics, sexual intercourse, skin irritation, hormonal changes, diabetes... l

Yellow or greenish discharge

Vaginal discharge can sometimes take on a different color. Creamy or yellow discharge may simply indicate oxidation on contact with air. There's usually nothing to worry about if there are no other symptoms.
On the other hand, if your leucorrhoea turns green, this may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomonas vaginitis. In this case, leucorrhoea is abnormally abundant, greenish in color, frothy and accompanied by an unpleasant odour. The parasite that causes this infection is transmitted after unprotected intercourse and requires treatment with antibiotics.

Brown losses

Sometimes, after the periods, brown or brown vaginal discharge can appear in the bottom of your panties. There's nothing to worry about: it's simply menstrual blood which, due tooxidation, has mixed with your vaginal secretions, making the color darker. On the other hand, if you notice brown discharge outside this period, with bleeding outside periods, this may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (chlamydia, gonorrhea...) or the development of cervical cancer.

Dew losses

Visit pink discharge are common around periods, when the first menstrual bleeding mixes with your vaginal secretions. It can also occur if you suffer from non-menstrual bleeding, which can be caused by hormonal contraceptives.
After violent intercourse, you may experience light bleeding due to irritation of the vaginal wall. If irritation bleeding recurs, consult your doctor.

What should I do if my vaginal discharge is smelly?

Vaginal discharge can often be the source of an odor that can make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. It's important to remember that every woman has her own odor, which is normal and natural, but not embarrassing! Our bodies are not sanitized. However, if you notice change and thethe smell of your discharge becomes too strong or unpleasantand is close to that of fish, you could be suffering from a bacterial vaginosis. This very common condition occurs when the vaginal bacterial balance is unbalanced, causing abnormally odorous discharge.
To restore a balanced vaginal flora, it is possible tomake changes to aspects of the following :

• Take care of your vulva and maintain good intimate hygiene, without douching, by using mild soaps.
• Wear cotton underwear, change regularly, and use menstrual panties during your periods, rather than irritating disposable pads.
• Make sure you tolerate your detergent well; it should be as natural as possible for clothes worn close to the body.
• Adopt a balanced diet, without too much sugar and fat
• Favour gentle, irritation-free intercourse
• Limit lthe use of lubricants, especially scented ones.
• Talk to your gynecologist about changing your contraceptive.
• Also check with your healthcare professional that you are not suffering from an STI, and if necessary treat with antibiotics.

Is vaginal discharge bleeding?

When we speak of vaginal discharge, we generally mean the cervical mucus secreted and s'discharged along the vaginal wall. It does not s'refer to the various types of vaginal bleeding that can occur outside periods.

Spotting

Spotting, or little "spots" of blood that can dot the bottom of your panties, is very light non-menstrual bleeding. It is generally benign, and can be brown if the blood s'has oxidized for some time in the vaginal cavity before s'flowing out. The causes of spotting can be as follows:

• New hormonal contraception, like a pill
• A sexually transmitted infection
• Pregnancy
• Ovulatory bleeding
• Pre-menopause
• Uterine polyps or fibroids
• Cervical abnormalities

Lochia

Lochia corresponds to post-delivery bleeding, which occurs before the return from childbirth and the return of periods. This vaginal blood loss can sspread over several weeks after ldelivery, while residual tissues and mucous membrane are evacuated. There's no need to worry as long as the volume gradually diminishes.

Vaginal discharge FAQs

What is normal vaginal discharge like?

Is it normal to have vaginal discharge every day?

What are abnormal losses?

You may also like :

• Periodic protection: which one to choose for your periods ?
• What are the symptoms of periods ?
• Contraception and periods : how to choose the right contraception?
• Lndometriosis, a chronic gynecological disease
• The first periods ? We explain everything!
• Can you do sports during periods ?
• Is periods still a taboo subject?
• The best apps for periods ! Free and paid
• Duration of periods and the periodic cycle in women
• Can you be pregnant and still have your periods ?
• periods disorders: how to manage them?
• periods colors: what does it mean?