Having vaginal discharge is normal

The vagina is naturally lubricated by fluids eliminated by the vaginal and vulvar glands, and may present a clear, transparent or white secretion, without a strong odor, itching, inflammation, discomfort or other associated symptoms. Secretion may appear on certain days of the menstrual cycle and disappear on others.
 

This characteristic is normal and healthy, a sign that the vaginal flora (composed of bacteria and fungi) is in perfect balance, self-regulated and has an adequate pH.

When secretion is a sign of inflammation and / or infection
When there is a failure in the correction and balance mechanism of the vaginal flora, the population of bacteria and/or the population of fungi can increase, resulting in a yellowish, greenish or white vaginal secretion with a strong odor. This secretion is known as "discharge", which is longer lasting and in greater quantity than normal secretion, in addition to causing symptoms and complaints (such as itching, inflammation and burning during sexual intercourse). It is a very common problem, with a high prevalence among women, especially those with an active sex life.

​

This imbalance of vaginal flora can be caused by:

• Stress and dietary problems, which cause low immunity

• Use of medications that alter vaginal pH

• Use of antibiotics that reduce the population of bacteria in the vaginal flora, which favors the growth of fungi, especially candida (causing candidiasis)

• Sexual intercourse (due to friction, use of a condom or contact with male secretions)

• Chronic disease

• Sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia

 

How discharge is treated

The diagnosis of vulvovaginitis made by a gynecologist is basically clinical, considering the patient's symptoms, complaints and history, as well as the characteristics of the vaginal secretion evaluated during the gynecological examination

 

Treatment consists of the use of oral antibiotics (single dose or for 7 days, depending on the case) and the use of topical vaginal creams with broad-spectrum antibiotics/antifungals (which combat the most common bacteria to the most pathogenic), to alleviate the patient's symptoms.

​

In some cases, the partner must also be treated, especially in cases of repeated discharge, in which laboratory analysis of the secretion may also be requested to confirm the pathogenic agent.

 

The consequence of a major discharge not treated correctly

If the bacteria that are causing the discharge are sexually transmitted (such as gonorrhea and chlamydia) or are the most pathogenic bacteria present in the vaginal flora (such as Gardnerella vaginalis), and the condition is not treated correctly, it can lead to ascending infection, or In other words: the infection contaminates the uterus (causing endometritis) or the tubes (causing salpingitis).

​

This can cause female sterility and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the uterine tubes). One of the signs of infection in the uterus is feeling pain during sexual intercourse or during transvaginal ultrasound examination.

​

Main Myths

Is a Pap smear a test done to diagnose/treat discharge?

No! The main objective of the Pap smear is to screen for cervical cancer prevention. It is not the correct conduct in case of discharge.

Can using a public bathroom cause discharge?

Very rarely! Bacteria and fungi present on the toilet rim do not survive in the acidic pH environment of the vagina.

​

Can wearing a wet bikini for a long time cause discharge?

Very rarely! This may be one of the factors, but not an isolated factor. Normally, it is the sum of several factors that causes an imbalance in the vaginal flora, causing discharge.

​

Does using daily panty liner or intimate soap help prevent discharge?

No! For some women, daily panty liner doesn't make any difference, but for other women it can even be one of the factors in the occurrence of more frequent discharge or increased secretion, as it causes allergies or increased humidity. The use of intimate soap is absolutely irrelevant.

​

​

Ask all your questions in a clinical evaluation and orientation consultation.

 

​

​