Vaginal discharge: take your doubts and learn to identify each type

Vaginal discharge or vaginitis is one of the most common gynecological problems in women. It is an inflammation of the vaginal tissues, which start to produce an abnormal secretion. There are several types of discharge: caused by fungus, bacteria, flagellum, etc.

And, as each type of discharge has a different cause, it is important that the woman, whenever possible, seeks a gynecologist for him to make the diagnosis and indicate the specific treatment for each case.

However, as much as the woman is very attentive to her health, it is worth mentioning that not all discharge should be a cause for concern.

Regina Maura Zetone, gynecologist and obstetrician at Dr. Family, highlights that discharge is a very common symptom of women, being more common from adolescence until after menopause. It can be normal or pathological.

Domingos Mantelli (CRM-SP: 107.997), gynecologist, obstetrician and author of the book “Gestation: myths and truths under the obstetrician’s gaze”, emphasizes that discharge is not always synonymous with concern, however, it is usually pathological. “What a woman has, which is normal, is a colorless, odorless, non-itchy vaginal discharge, especially during the ovulation period. “It came out of that, it’s usually a pathological vaginal discharge and it needs to be treated,” he says.

What is normal discharge?

But then, how to know exactly if the discharge is normal or pathological? When is it necessary to seek medical help?

Regina explains that normal discharge, in general, is caused by hormonal action or the woman’s sexual arousal. “A ‘humidity’ that the woman feels, but which has no odor, no different coloring and does not cause itching or burning. There are women who consider this normal discharge as discharge and are bothered by it,” she says.

However, it is worth remembering: this physiological discharge of the woman should not cause concern.

José Luis Crivellin, gynecologist and obstetrician at Clínica Crivellin, points out that normal discharge is colorless, transparent, similar to an egg white, and is not accompanied by itching (itching), burning, or an unpleasant odor. “It is a physiological discharge in women and, normally, when a woman presents this type of secretion, it is because she is in her fertile period.”

“Running away from that, if you have itching, burning, unpleasant odor, it’s not normal. So the woman should look for the doctor to make the diagnosis, identify the cause of the discharge, and make a specific treatment for this type of discharge”, says the gynecologist.

Types of Discharge

“Pathological discharge is one that, in addition to being excessive, has a strong, sour or ‘damaged fish’ odor, or that causes itching, burning, discomfort in the vulva region, which has a yellowish color, like curdled milk (candidiasis or moniliase). ) or dark. The vulva can be very irritated, reddish and even have peeling and itching a lot”, remembers Regina.

So, if the discharge is accompanied by any of these symptoms, it’s time to seek medical help to identify the cause of the problem.

Below you know the main types of discharge and what they usually represent, according to professionals.

white discharge

Mantelli explains that, normally, white discharge, resembling curdled milk, is candidiasis. It means a Candida Albicans infection. “The symptom is mainly itching, but there is also irritation at the site. Treatment can be done by mouth (orally) and with vaginal cream,” she says.

According to Regina, another type is a grayish-white discharge. “And still, bullous, which can cause vaginal ‘gas’, with a foul-smelling (fishy) odor, which is bacterial vaginosis, usually caused by a bacterium called Gardnerella vaginalis”, she adds.

yellowish discharge

According to Mantelli, the yellowish discharge (may even be greenish) is normally caused by Trichomonas, it is trichomoniasis. “It can also be accompanied by local itching and irritation in the vulva and vagina. Treatment is also done with oral medication and vaginal cream,” she says.

brown discharge

Regina explains that brown discharge is this color because it contains blood. “A thorough colposcopy and pap smear should be performed for a better diagnosis. Some patients have ectopia of the uterine cervix mucosa, leaving the mucosa exposed to vaginal acidity and bacteria from the environment, with inflammation, infection, which can lead to bleeding and dark discharge. Others bleed during intercourse and then pass dark mucus,” she says.

Mantelli points out that brown discharge can be mixed, caused by a mixture of viruses and bacteria, or caused by something more serious, like gonorrhea or chlamydia, which are more aggressive pathogens. “Symptoms such as vaginal burning or discharge can occur, and very, very intense pelvic pain. Treatment is also with oral medication or vaginal cream, and often with intravenous antibiotics, in the most severe cases,” she says.

discharge with smell

Mantelli explains that smelly discharge is often called bacterial vaginosis. “It is described as an odor, the smell of rotten fish, very characteristic. Symptoms are: grayish discharge, itching (pruritus), burning in the region, cramps. It should be treated with oral medicine, vaginal cream and antibiotic,” he says.

Regina adds that to treat the problem, metronidazole or secnidazole is usually used orally and vaginally, for the couple always.

itchy discharge

Regina points out that any discharge caused by bacteria or fungi can cause itching and other discomforts and inflammation in the vulva. “Adequate treatment is done with antibiotics or antifungals orally and vaginally. These are typically very simple treatments,” she says.

In the table below it is possible to make a summary analysis of the main types of discharge and what they usually mean, according to information from gynecologist Domingos Mantelli.

How to prevent unwanted discharges

Discharges are not synonymous with poor hygiene. But some simple tips help a woman to avoid pathological discharges. Below, the gynecologist Crivellin cites the main precautions:

1. Avoid wearing synthetic clothes;
2. Give preference to cotton clothes. Mainly cotton panties;
3. Wash your panties only with coconut soap (do not use powdered soap, fabric softener);
4. Let the panties dry in the sun;
5. Try to wear more skirt or dress to have good ventilation of the genital region;
6. Sleep whenever possible without underwear;
7. Use condoms during sexual intercourse.

7 questions and answers about discharge

Check out the clarification for some common questions around the subject:

1. Does every woman have discharge?

According to Crivellin, most of the time, yes.

It is worth remembering that discharge is not always a cause for concern/health problem, as there is normal (physiological) and pathological discharge. Normal is a colorless, odorless, non-itchy vaginal discharge. If it comes with other symptoms, it is usually a pathological vaginal discharge that needs to be treated.

2. Is there an age at which a woman is more likely to have a discharge?

Regina points out that discharges are more common from adolescence until after menopause, and may be normal discharge or pathological discharges.

3. Does intimate soap prevent discharge?

Crivellin explains that if the soap has a pH around 4.5, it helps to prevent discharge and keeps the pH of the vagina around 4.5. “The important thing is that the woman only cleans the outside of the vagina, does not wash inside the vagina, and never showers”, he recalls.

4. Is sleeping without underwear really good for the vagina and helps prevent discharge?

“Yes, because women improve ventilation in the genital region. The ideal would be for the woman to sleep every day without underwear, only with a nightgown or pajamas”, says Crivellin.

5. Does using condoms cause discharge after intercourse?

Crivellin points out that no. “On the contrary! Condoms help prevent a woman from getting sexually transmitted diseases and also help prevent discharge,” he explains.

6. Are discharges identified in the Pap smear?

“Not necessarily. Pap smear is a test to prevent cervical cancer. That’s the purpose. So, sometimes, the cause of the discharge can be diagnosed, but the exam is not directed to this end”, explains the gynecologist Crivellin.

7. What is the relationship between candidiasis and vaginal discharge?

Crivellin explains that candidiasis is a discharge, caused by a fungus, and is the most frequent infection in women.

“This fungus, Candida, likes a hot and humid environment and, as Brazil is a country with a tropical climate, this discharge is so frequent in Brazilian women”, says the gynecologist.

“To avoid candidiasis, the same measures are recommended: not wearing synthetic clothes, not wearing tight clothes, wearing cotton underwear, wearing more skirts and dresses, etc.”, he concludes.

Now you know that, not always, discharge is a cause for concern. But, if it is accompanied by other symptoms, the ideal is to seek medical help to diagnose the discharge and indicate the appropriate treatment. Keep asking your questions and understand about vaginal cyst.

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.