Most women attentive to their intimate health have already been concerned when they noticed a certain change in volume, color or odor of the so-called “vaginal discharge”. Many question, for example, what a “pasty white discharge” can mean.
In fact, this type of doubt exists because not everyone knows exactly what the discharge represents, when it can indicate a health problem and when it is considered “normal”.
Mariana Halla, gynecologist and obstetrician, with medical residency and specialization in Endocrine Gynecology, member of the International Menopause Society-IMS, explains that “discharge” is the popular term that refers to the increase in vaginal secretion, when a woman has a fungal infection, bacteria or protozoa. “It can be white, yellowish and even greenish, causing itching, burning, pain and a bad smell,” she says.
Janio Serafim, a gynecologist at Hospital Santa Helena, points out that the discharge (or vaginitis) can have an unpleasant odor and cause symptoms such as vulvovaginal itching, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse or other symptoms.
The main causes of discharge, according to Serafim, are:
- Vaginal infections;
- Vulvitis and vulvovaginitis;
- Cervical or cervical infections;
- STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Frederico Corrêa, obstetrician gynecologist at Hospital Santa Lúcia and Clínica FertilCare, in Brasília, emphasizes that it is important to differentiate vaginal discharge from physiological vaginal secretion (which is normal and not associated with infections).
The main types of discharge
Frederico Corrêa explains that the types of vaginal discharge can vary depending on the cause, that is, the type of associated infection. “The most common discharges are those that occur due to the presence of infection with a fungus called Candida, and those that occur due to infection by bacteria or protozoa.” Below, Corrêa details the characteristics of these main infections that cause discharge:
Candidiasis: infection of the vaginal walls by the fungus, which can lead to a white, “cream-of-milk” discharge, without a foul odor, but usually associated with vaginal and vulvar itching (pruritus).
Bacterial vaginosis: a type of infection caused by bacteria present in the vagina, the most common being Garnerella vaginalis. “The discharge is abundant, with bubbles, has a grayish-white color, with a very fetid odor similar to ‘rotten fish’, not associated with itching”, explains Corrêa.
Trichomoniasis: infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan transmitted through sexual intercourse. “The discharge in this case is abundant, yellow-green in color, with a foul odor, it may be associated with not very intense itching and pelvic pain”, explains the gynecologist.
José Ferreira Gomes Neto, gynecologist at Grupo Santa and member of the Brazilian Society of Gynecology, reinforces that the most common discharges are caused by Candida and Gardnerella vaginalis.
Janio Serafim adds that another known type of discharge is associated with cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix, of viral, bacterial or parasitic origin). Such irritation can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV.
White, odorless, itchy discharge
Mariana emphasizes that it is very important to differentiate “discharge” (disease) from normal vaginal secretion. “Every woman has a small amount of fluid, odorless white secretion coming out of the vagina, this is good and keeps it lubricated. At the time of ovulation, about 10 to 14 days after the onset of menstruation, there is a large release of mucus, a kind of colorless gelatin, to facilitate sexual intercourse and the rise of sperm so that fertilization takes place”, she explains.
Frederico Corrêa explains that many of the cases described as discharge by women are, in fact, the externalization of secretions from the glands present in the uterus, cervix and vaginal wall through the vagina. “Therefore, the discharge of vaginal secretions without a foul odor, white or light in color – transparent, without itching, are absolutely normal and depend on several aspects such as the phase of the menstrual cycle, the use or not of contraceptives, the hydration status of the woman, among others.
“The volume of these vaginal fluids can vary at different times in the same woman. In these cases, there is no reason for concern. In the first phase of the menstrual cycle, the vaginal fluid is egg white and abundant, but after ovulation it becomes thick and whitish”, adds the gynecologist.
Thick white discharge with itching and irritation
Mariana says it’s possibly a yeast infection. “It is not normal and a consultation with the gynecologist is necessary”, she guides.
Frederico Corrêa reinforces that discharge with these characteristics is highly suggestive of infection by Candida, the fungus responsible for candidiasis. “In these cases, mainly due to vaginal irritation and itching, women tend to seek the health service more quickly. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, appropriate treatment should be carried out,” he says.
Corrêa also explains that the treatment of candidiasis should be done with antifungal drugs orally or vaginally in the form of creams or eggs. “Candida is a frequent infection in women and is closely related to immunity. It is very common, for example, after the use of antibiotics to treat other diseases, as it changes the vaginal flora and facilitates the growth of the fungus. Women with changes in immunity are more likely to have vaginal thrush,” she says.
Mariana highlights as preventive measures for this thick white discharge with itching and irritation (associated with yeast infection):
- Local hygiene measures: such as washing with soaps suitable for the area or glycerin.
- Avoid excess of these hygiene products and always rinse very well.
- Keep the genital area dry by avoiding long wet bikinis.
- Wash panties avoiding powdered soap, preferring coconut soap or those made for this purpose.
- Avoid very tight clothes in everyday life and sleep without panties.
- Moderate the consumption of sugar and refined white flour as they are real “food” for fungi.
Corrêa recalls that the fungus prefers warm and humid environments. Therefore, it reinforces the use of lighter, airy clothes, which help to reduce the risk of candidiasis. “Immunity care is also important to avoid recurrent infections,” she adds.
Can thick white discharge be a sign of pregnancy?
Gomes Neto points out that no discharge is a sign of pregnancy. “There’s cervical mucus that increases in quantity at the time of ovulation.” But it should not be said that this is discharge.
Frederico Corrêa points out that, in pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, the presence of white and thick secretion is common, especially in the first months of pregnancy. “The high level of progesterone, an important hormone in pregnancy, causes this change in the cervical mucus that acquires these characteristics. Nothing should be done about it, as this type of secretion is normal and physiological,” he says.
Janio Serafim recalls that, during the menstrual cycle, the amount, color and texture of cervical mucus change, thanks to hormonal fluctuations, as well as during pregnancy.
In suspected pregnancy, as Serafim guides, the woman should look for her obstetrician to make a specific evaluation and request the necessary tests.
7 Signs Your Discharge Isn’t Normal
Janio Serafim reminds us that not all vaginal secretions are diseases. The vagina has a combination of fluids and cells that are important in protecting it. However, a woman should be careful when:
- There is an increase in the volume of the vaginal content;
- The color changes from white and crystalline to grayish yellow, pus yellow, greenish yellow, green, yellowish white or other colors;
- The panties are damp every day, and can even be transferred to outer clothes;
- If there is a foul odor, especially during the menstrual cycle or after sexual intercourse;
- If you feel burning or pain when urinating;
- If there is vulvovaginal itching;
- If there is pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, or other symptoms.
Gomes Neto reinforces: the discharge is no longer physiological when it becomes symptomatic. “In other words, when a woman starts to feel itching (itching), burning, bad smell or an increase in the amount. Therefore, she should see her doctor for a gynecological exam.”
Now you know: vaginal contents should not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice changes in its volume, color or odor, in addition to symptoms such as itching and pain (when urinating, during sexual intercourse), do not hesitate to seek medical help to diagnose and treat the cause of the discharge.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.