Thick, creamy, yellow, odorous, before or during periods… Types of losses and causes with our gynecologist.
All women have vaginal discharge but their appearance, color and smell should not be overlooked because they can reveal a health problem. Explanations with Dr Philippe Deruelle, gynecologist.
White discharge is a natural vaginal discharge in women. They are whitish or transparent and occur from the onset of the first period until menopause. “The scientific term for white discharge is “leukorrhea”: it is transparent to white physiological mucus.“, explains Philippe Deruelle. “All women have white discharge, which varies in quantity and texture depending on the person and the period of the hormonal cycle.“, he explains.
The white discharge is made inside the cervix. They are often more abundant around the 14th day of the cycle, at the time of ovulation. They allow the vagina to lubricate itself. Often, during pregnancy, they are more important. Having more white discharge is therefore not worrying. White discharge may vary in appearance. They can be more abundant, colored or more or less thick.
► Yellow discharge: if it becomes yellowish, especially associated with burning or itching: this is a sign of an infection.
► Milky white discharge: if it is very white and has the appearance of curdled milk, this may be a sign of a yeast infection.
► Odorous white discharge: if it becomes greenish and has an unpleasant odor (often associated with the smell of fish), this reveals an imbalance in the vaginal flora which is called vaginosis. The “good” bacteria in the vagina are too low in number. It could also be an STI like a trichomonas infection.
► Thick, creamy white discharge: If it tends to become more abundant, denser and more granular, especially with whitish clots and is associated with itching, this may be a sign of vaginitis.
► Abundant white discharge: the discharge varies in quantity depending on the woman. It depends on the secretion of estrogen. If you notice that they are very abundant, that they moisten or stain your underwear, talk to your doctor or gynecologist. This may involve poorly adapted contraception, for example. If the discharge is grayish and smelly, it may also be an imbalance in the vaginal bacterial flora which leads to vaginosis, for example.
If the losses seem abnormal to you compared to your habits or more abundant, do not hesitate to go for a consultation. Without alarming you: most of the time, changes in mucus are due to hormonal changes or a completely benign pathology. If you experience pain, burning, itching or abnormal odors, consult a healthcare professional. Do not panic at the idea of a vaginal tumor: they are very rare, and in general, they do not cause more white discharge. The people most at risk are elderly.
There is no treatment for white discharge, as it is natural. In the event of a pathology (mycosis, vaginosis, etc.), your doctor will prescribe a prescription treatment. It is important not to do too much personal hygiene, two per day maximum. “Avoid douching and preferably use a neutral PH soap“, advises gynecologist Philippe Deruelle. It is also advisable to wear cotton underwear.
Thanks to Dr Philippe Deruelle, gynecologist.
