White discharge can be caused by a vaginal infection, such as thrush, vaginitis, or bacterial vaginosis. However, it can also be normal, especially if it happens before your period and is not accompanied by other symptoms.
When the discharge has a strong smell, different consistency and is accompanied by other symptoms such as vaginal itching and/or burning, it may be a sign of infection. In these cases, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted so that an assessment can be carried out to identify the cause of the discharge and, thus, initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Although white discharge is more common in women, it can also appear in men, and is almost always indicative of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection. In these cases, it is important that a 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 for a woman to experience thick, milky white discharge before menstruating, considered part of the menstrual cycle and related to the hormonal changes during this period.
This discharge has no smell, is not associated with any other symptom and is mainly formed by leukocytes, aiming to protect the woman’s body and promote lubrication.
What to do: As it is a type of normal change in the menstrual cycle, it is not necessary to undergo any type of treatment.
2. Vaginal candidiasis
Vaginal candidiasis is a very common infection that arises due to the development of the candida fungus, most often Candida albicanswhich in addition to the pasty white discharge, similar to curdled milk, also causes itching in the genital region, burning when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse and redness in the intimate area.
What to do: It is important to consult a gynecologist so that the most appropriate treatment can be indicated, and the use of antifungal medicines, in tablets, ointment or vaginal tablets, such as Fluconazole, is normally recommended. Treatment can last between 3 and 7 days, according to the gynecologist’s instructions. Understand how candidiasis is treated.
Taking care of your health has never been easier!
3. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a change in the normal vaginal flora, in which there is greater development of bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis, which can cause white, gray or yellow discharge, an 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 perform a gynecological examination to confirm vaginosis and thus begin treatment. Treatment for the infection is through the use of the antibiotic Metronidazole, in the form of a pill or vaginal ointment, which should be used according to the doctor’s instructions. Furthermore, during the recovery period, the use of condoms and hygiene-related care is recommended.
4. Hit
Colpitis is an inflammation of the vagina and cervix that can occur due to bacteria, fungi or protozoa, resulting in milky white discharge, which can also be bullous, a bad smell in the intimate region in some cases, and the presence of small spots or spots. red and swelling of the cervix that are observed during gynecological examination. See how to identify the symptoms of colpitis.
What to do: The best option is to consult a gynecologist so that tests can be carried out to help confirm colpitis, such as the KOH test, pH test and colposcopy. Therefore, after confirming the diagnosis and identifying the infectious agent responsible for the inflammation, the best treatment can be indicated, with the use of antimicrobials in the form of an ointment or tablet being normally indicated.
5. Cytolytic vaginosis
Cytolytic vaginosis is a situation characterized by an increase in the amount of Lactobacilluswhich are bacteria naturally present in the vagina, which can happen due to an imbalance in the vaginal pH or be a consequence of the use of lubricants or tampons, for example.
Thus, as a result of the increased amount of these bacteria, it is possible to notice whitish vaginal discharge with a 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 Lactobacillus, and it may be recommended to take a sitz bath with sodium bicarbonate or use a vaginal suppository. Find out how to take a sitz bath with sodium bicarbonate for cytolytic 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 the doctor may recommend the use of medication. more specific.
6. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is also possible to observe small pasty white discharge, which happens as a result of hormonal changes typical of this period.
What to do: As this is a normal change, no treatment is necessary. However, it is important that the woman is monitored by a gynecologist to ensure that the pregnancy is proceeding 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, in addition to the discharge, redness on the penis, burning and pain when urinating. Know how to recognize the symptoms of trichomoniasis.
In the presence of symptoms indicative of trichomoniasis, it is important that a urologist is consulted so that the correct diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started, which can be done with the use of Tinidazole or Secnidazole, according to medical advice.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse during the treatment period and for the partner to undergo treatment, even if there are no apparent symptoms, to avoid a new infection.
How to avoid white discharge
As white discharge can be indicative of infections, it is important that women take some precautions to avoid changes in the vaginal microbiota and the development of infection, such as:
- Avoid keeping your underwear damp or wet;
- Do not wear panties made of synthetic material, opting for cotton items;
- Wear light clothing and avoid very tight jeans and shorts;
- Avoid sweet foods and foods rich in carbohydrates, as they reduce immunity, increasing the risk of infections;
- Do not use vaginal douches directly on the genital region and wash the external region of the vagina using an intimate soap;
- Sleep without panties;
- After having a bowel movement, always wipe from front to back to prevent fecal bacteria from entering the vagina and causing infections.
Furthermore, scented wet wipes or scented toilet paper can also harm a woman’s intimate health, increasing the risk of developing infections. Check out how intimate hygiene should be carried out to avoid infections.
