White discharge can be caused by a vaginal infection, such as candidiasis, vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis. However, it may also be normal, especially if it happens before menstruation and is not accompanied by other symptoms as it helps keep the vagina lubricated.
When the discharge has a strong smell, different consistency and is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching in the vagina and/or burning, it may be a sign of infection. In such cases, it is important for the gynecologist to be consulted to make an assessment that allows identifying the cause of discharge and thus starting the most appropriate treatment.
Although white discharge is more common in women, it can also emerge in men, being almost always indicative of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection. In such cases, it is important that the urologist is consulted.
6 main causes of white discharge
The main causes of white discharge in women are:
1. Normal menstrual cycle
It is normal that before menstruating the woman has milky and thick white discharge, considered part of the menstrual cycle and related to the hormonal changes of this period.
This discharge has no smell, it is not associated with any other symptom and is mainly formed by leukocytes, aiming at the protection of the woman’s body and the promotion of lubrication.
What to do: As it is a type of normal change in the menstrual cycle, no type of treatment is required.
2. Vaginal candidiasis
Vaginal candidiasis is a very common infection that arises due to the development of the fungus of the genre Candida SP., More often Candida albicansthat besides the pasty white discharge, similar to curdled milk type, also causes itching in the genital region, burning when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse and redness in the intimate region.
What to do: It is important to consult the gynecologist for the most appropriate treatment to be indicated, and the use of antifungal remedies, in tablets, ointment or vaginal tablets such as fluconazole. Treatment can last between 3 to 7 days, according to the gynecologist’s guidance. Understand how candidiasis treatment is done.
3. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a change in normal vaginal flora, where there is a greater development of bacteria Gardnerella vaginaliswhich can cause white, gray or yellow discharge, unpleasant smell similar to rotten fish, itching and burning in the genital region. Learn how to identify the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
What to do: It is recommended that the gynecologist take the gynecological exam to confirm vaginosis and thus be started treatment.
Treatment for the infection is done through the use of the metronidazole antibiotic in the form of a tablet or vaginal ointment, which should be used as directed by the doctor. In addition, during the recovery period, condom use and hygiene care is recommended.
4. Vaginitis
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina and cervix that can be caused by bacteria, fungi or protozoa. This condition can cause a creamy white flow and, in some cases, with a bad smell.
Other frequent symptoms are itching, burning, pain when urinating and/or during sex, and a feeling of discomfort in the genital region.
What to do: Vaginitis treatment depends on your cause and should be guided by the gynecologist, and the use of antifungal, antibiotic or antiparasitic drugs in the form of tablets, ointment or vaginal eggs may be recommended.
In addition, it is important to avoid using products that alter vaginal pH, maintain a good intimate hygiene and give preference to cotton underwear to favor recovery.
5. Struck
Colpitis is an inflammation of the vagina and cervix that may happen due to bacteria, fungi or protozoa, resulting in milky white discharge, and may also be bullous, stench in the intimate region in some cases, and the presence of small points or red spots and swelling of the cervix that are observed during gynecological examination. See how to identify the symptoms of colpitis.
What to do: The most suitable is to consult the gynecologist to do exams that help confirm colpitis, such as the KOH test, pH and colposcopy.
Thus, after confirmation of the diagnosis and identification of the infectious agent responsible for inflammation, the best treatment may be indicated, and the use of antimicrobials in ointment or compressed is normally indicated.
6. Cytolytic vaginosis
Cytolytic vaginosis is a situation characterized by the increase in the amount of Lactobacilluswhich are bacteria naturally present in the vagina, which may happen due to a vaginal pH decay or a consequence of the use of lubricants or inner absorbent, for example.
Thus, as a result of increasing the amount of these bacteria, it is possible to notice whitish vaginal discharge of sticky and homogeneous consistency. See other symptoms of cytolytic vaginosis.
What to do: In this case it is important to follow the gynecologist’s recommendations to promote vaginal pH balance and normalize the concentration of Lactobacillusit can be indicated to perform a baking soda seat bath or make use of vaginal suppository. Learn how to make the sodium baking soda seat for cytolitical vaginosis.
In cases where cytolytic vaginosis is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain when urinating and/ or during sexual intercourse, redness and itching in the genital region, it is possible that there is an associated infection, so that the doctor may indicate the use of more specific medications.
7. Pregnancy
During pregnancy it is also possible that small pasty white discharge be observed, which happens as a consequence of the typical hormonal changes of this period.
What to do: As it is a normal change, no treatment is required. However, it is important that the woman is accompanied by the gynecologist to ensure that pregnancy is happening correctly.
White discharge in man
The presence of white discharge on the penis is usually a sign of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause, besides discharge, redness in the penis, burning and pain when urinating. Learn to recognize the symptoms of trichomoniasis.
In the presence of symptoms indicative of trichomoniasis, it is important for the urologist to be consulted to make the correct diagnosis and the treatment began, which can be made using Tinidazole or Sechnidazole, according to medical advice.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid sex during the treatment period and the treatment of the partner, even if there are no apparent symptoms to avoid a new infection.
How to avoid the white discharge
Since white discharge may be indicative of infections, it is important that the woman has some care to avoid change in vaginal microbiota and infection development, such as:
- Avoid getting damp or wet underwear;
- Do not use panties of synthetic material, opting for cotton pieces;
- Wear light clothes and avoid the jeans and shorts too tight;
- Avoid sweet and carbohydrate foods as they decrease immunity by enhancing the emergence of infections;
- Do not use vaginal showers directly over the genital region and wash the outer region of the vagina using an intimate soap;
- Sleep without panties;
- After evacuating, always clean from the front to back, to prevent fecal bacteria from entering the vagina and causing infections.
In addition, perfumed wet wipes or perfume toilet paper can also impair women’s intimate health, increasing the risk of infections. Check out how intimate hygiene should be done to avoid infections.
Source: www.tuasaude.com