White discharge with a smell. An alarm or a signal?

White discharge with odor is the most common reason that the fair sex is visited by a gynecologist. Are such processes normal or is it a signal that in the woman's body everything is not as safe as it seems at first glance?

Types of excreta

They can be physiological or pathological. In the first case, this phenomenon is observed from the very first menstruation in girls and it is associated with the normal functioning of the organs of the reproductive system. With the beginning of the development of female hormones, the ovaries and all other organs of internal secretion become active. Slime, sweat and fat begin to stand out quite actively from the cervix and its glands, as well as from the external genitalia. The constantly renewing mucous membrane of the vagina and the cells that have worked their time periodically die and separate. All of the above components in their mixing form white discharge with odor. They are typical even for absolutely healthy women.

Pathological discharge is a consequence of diseases of the genital organs, most often they are infectious in nature and occur in the form of inflammation. In this case, they must begin their immediate treatment. White discharge with odor can indicate neoplasm of genitals, endometriosis, dysbiosis, malfunctions in the hormonal background and many other ailments.

Pathological discharges are divided into two groups:

1. Associated with sexually transmitted diseases.
2. Not related to sexually transmitted diseases.

The first group is characterized by the following features:

• Moderate or poor white discharge with a specific odor of fish - gardnerellez.
• A small amount of secretions, which is purulent and not accompanied by pronounced symptoms - gonorrhea.
• The substance to be separated is liquid, foamy, the smell is strong and unpleasant - acute trichomoniasis.
• A substance that is a mucus and pus in a relatively small amount - chlamydia.

The allocations characteristic of the second group are as follows:

• The branches are thick, the texture and odor resemble cottage cheese, they are accompanied by irritations, and in some cases, swelling of the skin around the genitals - thrush (vaginal candidiasis).
• White discharge, itching, burning and heat in intimate places in combination with an unpleasant odor can be symptoms of nonspecific colpitis.
• Abundant white or yellow-green sticky compartments, intensifying after intercourse - bacterial vaginosis.
• With bloody discharge from the vagina, you can talk about such diseases of female genital organs as fibroid or cervical erosion, endometritis, pregnancy pathology.

When should I not worry?

• Normal are similar to a jelly or creamy discharge in the second half of the cycle, in the days of its completion the amount of the substance being separated can slightly increase.
• Do not worry about the white (or transparent) discharge found after unprotected intercourse - it's sperm.
• White liquid branches in the morning after intimate relationships without a condom are also not pathologies.
• As a variant of the norm, a brown smear is considered in the first few months after the beginning of the use of hormonal remedies.

An unpleasant odor of discharge in women is an occasion to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Only a specialist can accurately determine the cause of this unpleasant phenomenon, therefore, one should not engage in self-healing. However, remember that white discharge with odor is not always a consequence of a particular ailment. Do not worry before the time, because all the diseases - from the nerves.