Women, since adolescence, are concerned about vaginal secretions. The younger ones, especially, are embarrassed and with doubts about the need to see a doctor. It must be said that this liquid that comes out of the vagina does not always mean that there is a health problem.
On the contrary, if the liquid is clear and odorless, there is no reason for concern. “It is absolutely normal for women to observe a fluid that accumulates in their underwear, which is light in color, without a bad odor and which varies in quantity throughout the menstrual cycle”, clarifies gynecologist Silvana Maria Quintana, second secretary of the SOGESP (Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the State of São Paulo).
This secretion, called vaginal discharge, is a liquid that is connected to the female genital tract, consisting of dead cells from the vagina, bacteria from the vaginal flora and mucus, which occurs in all women of reproductive age and happens due to the increase in the content of these fluids.
The volume can vary according to the phases of the menstrual cycle, from one woman to another and can happen due to diseases, such as infection of the cervix, vagina and/or vulva or even for physiological reasons, in periods when hormonal stimulation is greater, as in the period of ovulation, in the pre-menstrual period and during pregnancy.
However, if the amount of discharge goes beyond the underwear, has a color other than white, milky or transparent, has an unpleasant smell, or causes itching and vaginal burning, it is necessary to see the gynecologist.
“The doctor should do a gynecological examination and check the vaginal pH and the Whiff test (smell). If this type of discharge occurs more than four times a year, specific care is needed from a gynecologist who specializes in infections. The professional can also request more accurate tests to detect the problem”.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause of the discharge. If the evaluation indicates that the discharge is normal, there is no need for medication. If the discharge is caused by an illness, treatment will be based on medication.
The gynecologist warns expectant mothers. “Women who want to get pregnant need to be tested to see if they are disease-free. If there is an infection, it needs to be treated immediately to prevent future health problems in the baby.”
Women, since adolescence, are concerned about vaginal secretions. The younger ones, especially, are embarrassed and with doubts about the need to see a doctor. It must be said that this liquid that comes out of the vagina does not always mean that there is a health problem.
On the contrary, if the liquid is clear and odorless, there is no reason for concern. “It is absolutely normal for women to observe a fluid that accumulates in their underwear, which is light in color, without a bad odor and which varies in quantity throughout the menstrual cycle”, clarifies gynecologist Silvana Maria Quintana, second secretary of the SOGESP (Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the State of São Paulo).
This secretion, called vaginal discharge, is a liquid that is connected to the female genital tract, consisting of dead cells from the vagina, bacteria from the vaginal flora and mucus, which occurs in all women of reproductive age and happens due to the increase in the content of these fluids.
The volume can vary according to the phases of the menstrual cycle, from one woman to another and can happen due to diseases, such as infection of the cervix, vagina and/or vulva or even for physiological reasons, in periods when hormonal stimulation is greater, as in the period of ovulation, in the pre-menstrual period and during pregnancy.
However, if the amount of discharge goes beyond the underwear, has a color other than white, milky or transparent, has an unpleasant smell, or causes itching and vaginal burning, it is necessary to see the gynecologist.
“The doctor should do a gynecological examination and check the vaginal pH and the Whiff test (smell). If this type of discharge occurs more than four times a year, specific care is needed from a gynecologist who specializes in infections. The professional can also request more accurate tests to detect the problem”.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause of the discharge. If the evaluation indicates that the discharge is normal, there is no need for medication. If the discharge is caused by an illness, treatment will be based on medication.
The gynecologist warns expectant mothers. “Women who want to get pregnant need to be tested to see if they are disease-free. If there is an infection, it needs to be treated immediately to prevent future health problems in the baby.”