Discharge – often uncomfortable, rarely dangerous

Vaginal discharge is part of the normal cleansing process of the female body: dead cells, blood, pathogens and sperm are transported to the outside with the vaginal secretion. Nevertheless, discharge becomes a problem for many women. It sets in one to two years before puberty and accompanies the woman at least until menopause – some more, others almost unnoticed.

discharge as a protective mechanism

Fluor genitals, as the vaginal secretion is also known in technical terms, is part of a defence process to protect the vagina and ultimately the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries from (ascending) infections – after all, the sexual organs of healthy women, especially of childbearing age, are repeatedly exposed to potentially pathogenic germs from the outside exposed. If the vaginal environment, the vaginal flora, gets out of balance, pathogenic germs and bacteria have an easy time of it.

 

Abnormal vaginal discharge

A visit to the gynaecologist is advisable if you have the following symptoms:

• sudden increased discharge
• Discharge after menopause
• Vaginal discharge that changes suddenly during pregnancy
• Change in colour and consistency (cloudy-greyish, reddish or brownish, greenish, yellowish-slimy, frothy, crumbly) and odour (e.g., fishy)
• itching, redness and other skin changes and swelling and soreness or pain in the genital area (or lower abdomen)
• pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain/burning when urinating

Visit the gynaecologist if you have one or more symptoms described above. The vaginal infection itself is unpleasant but usually not dangerous at first. However, the pathogens can continue to rise and lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Discharge during and after menopause

The discharge can change during menopause. Spotting often occurs. These show up as a slimy, brownish discharge that can occur before, after, or instead of your period.

With advancing age, the vagina often becomes drier because less discharge is produced. Especially after the menopause, many women suffer from vaginal dryness, which in turn increases their susceptibility to infections. After menopause, the likelihood of pathological discharge increases, so women should pay particular attention to the secretion’s colour, smell or composition. Clear, watery discharge after menopause, on the other hand, is expected.

 

Special case of pregnancy

Pregnancy is also a particular case: Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women are particularly at risk of infections, which in turn can damage the unborn child. The gynaecologist will ask you about the exact symptoms and accompanying complaints and then examine with the vagina mirror (speculum). He examines the labia and vagina for redness, skin changes and pain, and assesses the colour, smell and consistency of the secretion. These aspects often give him clues as to the trigger.

The further procedure depends on the suspicion – if colonization with pathogens is suspected, vaginal secretions are removed, the pH value of which is determined and which can be coated with a substance and examined under the microscope. In addition, it is then sent to the laboratory if necessary.

Treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge

The therapy depends on the cause of the pathological discharge: In the case of vaginal thrush (vaginal mycosis), medication (antimycotics) is available in the form of suppositories, vaginal tablets or creams, and antibiotics are used in the case of bacterial infection (such as the sexually transmitted diseases gonorrhoea or syphilis) and given, with herpes infections special virus-inhibiting agents.

In support of the medically recommended therapy, there are other measures to stimulate the metabolism of the vaginal mucosa:

• 15-minute abdominal massage in the morning and evening.
• A cool sitz bath in the morning and a body-warm full bath in the evening (10 minutes each). Chamomile extract or tea tree oil relaxes and disinfects.
• A 10-minute warm mud bath three times a week activates the metabolism and reduces inflammation.
• You can also prepare a decoction of cinquefoil or white deadnettle flowers (50 g, pour 1 litre of hot water over it and leave to stand for 10 minutes). You can rinse your vagina three times a week with the strained, cooled brew.

Strengthen vaginal flora and vaginal environment.

Many women struggle again and again with pathological discharge and regularly occurring inflammations. Especially then preventive measures are recommended to strengthen the vaginal environment. Many of them also positively affect the intestinal flora and the general immune system. This includes a balanced diet with lots of vitamins (especially vitamin C and zinc ), whole grain products, and little sugar and dairy products. Drink enough – why not have a glass of aloe vera juice daily?

Word has got around that substances used in microbiological therapy not only help with intestinal cleansing but also support the vaginal flora. This also includes, for example, probiotics, i.e. living bacteria (in this case mainly lactic acid bacteria ), which can not only be eaten as yoghurt but which are also available as finished preparations in pharmacies – also either in the form of food supplements or as tablets and suppositories, the to be inserted into the vagina.

 

Hygiene measures for the vaginal flora

Of course, basic hygiene measures should not be forgotten: daily changing of underwear made from natural materials that are not too tight, not using intimate sprays, and regular cleaning of the genital area, but only with mild detergents. Take care of your external intimate area with a neutral skin fat or a special cream for the genital area – this keeps the sensitive skin supple and resistant to minor injuries and inflammations.

By the way: Some authors also see smoking as a possible trigger for constant vaginal infections – wouldn’t that be a good reason to stop?

Low risk to the vaginal flora

Numerous studies show that the following factors – contrary to popular belief – do not hurt the vaginal environment:

• The proper use of tampons and panty liners (these may, therefore, continue to be used even if an infection is present). The only exception is the – rare – allergy to the ingredients. Perfumed panty liners particularly trigger this.
• Bathing and swimming – water does not usually enter the vagina. Possible exceptions:

1. Suppose a tampon is used while in the water. In that case, water can get into the vagina – presumably via the withdrawal thread (wicking effect) and the mechanical expansion of the vaginal opening: the more significant the tampon, the more considerable the amount.
2. For some women, the chlorine in swimming pool water irritates the mucous membranes. This, in turn, means that pathogens already present but kept in check can spread. On the other hand, chlorine kills most pathogens (e.g. flagellates) quite well, i.e. the risk of infection is shallow.
3. There have been anecdotal reports of certain flagella bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) being transmitted by being in a hot tub. These germs are primarily found in hospitals, especially in humid environments such as rinsing solutions, hot water pipes, and disinfectants. They have also been transmitted to children’s hospitals through contaminated bath toys. But As a rule, only “risk patients” are affected, i.e. people whose immune system is weakened, who have just had an operation, etc. However, it is conceivable that women who have an impaired and sensitive vaginal flora can become infected with it in the whirlpool.