Odorous and itchy discharge in women

In the anatomy of the female genital organs, everything is arranged so that the secretory glands secrete mucus, which maintains healthy microflora and ensures their cleanliness. Vaginal discharge is a normal process, as long as it is transparent without a pronounced unpleasant odor. A change in color, the appearance of odor and itching are a sure marker that something is wrong with your health and it is time to see a gynecologist or venereologist.

Causes odorous discharge and itching

There are various reasons for the disruption of the beneficial microflora of the genitals, from a banal violation of intimate hygiene to serious diseases. The main reasons for the appearance of an uncomfortable state of the intimate area may be:

• changes in hormonal levels - affects the increased proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, which causes an inflammatory disease;
• decreased immunity - promotes active growth of microorganisms and fungi;
• pathologies of the reproductive system – sexually transmitted diseases, vaginitis, candidiasis;
• cancer of the vagina, endometrium, cervix.

Risk factors

Frequent changes of sexual partners and unprotected sex contribute to the development of gynecological and venereal diseases. Other risk factors include:

• hypothermia, which reduces the body's protective properties;
• taking antibiotics that provoke dysbacteriosis, and with it thrush;
• pregnancy, during which the vaginal pH changes;
• diabetes mellitus type 2;
• frequent douching;
• allergy to pads and other intimate hygiene products, washing powders, condoms;
• urinary incontinence in bedridden patients.

Pathogenesis

In a healthy woman, lactobacilli predominate in the vaginal microflora (their average value is 3.8-4.2), creating a protective background for the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. Also, a high level of estrogen maintains the thickness of the mucous membrane, which provides local protection.

An imbalance of these factors becomes fertile ground for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria or direct infection with sexually transmitted infections (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, etc.).

Symptoms

The symptoms of disorders are hard to miss, as they are not only visible, but also detected by the sense of smell. This is very depressing for women, because for most, the absence of any body odor is a sign of cleanliness and grooming.

The first signs of pathology manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the causes that caused them:

• white discharge with an unpleasant odor and itching is caused mainly by vaginosis and candidiasis. The latter is provoked by the Candida fungus, it corresponds to the presence of cheesy flakes, severe itching, a burning sensation, especially during sexual intercourse and urination. In this case, the discharge has a sour, yeasty smell. Normalization of the vaginal flora will relieve; [ 1 ]
• discharge with an odor without itching or burning is a reason to see a doctor, since even normal leucorrhoea that accompanies sexual intercourse, the establishment of the menstrual cycle or the stabilization of hormonal levels does not produce an unpleasant "stench", which means that we are talking about health problems;
• yellow discharge with odor and itching most often indicates the progression of an inflammatory process, a bacterial infection. In order for the disease not to become chronic and not to cause reproductive disorders, it is necessary to make a timely diagnosis and begin treatment;
• greenish discharge with odor and itching - this shade is caused by the presence of leukocytes in large quantities and is a clear sign of acute inflammation;
• Discharge with itching and a fishy smell indicate vaginal dysbacteriosis (gardnerellosis). Vaginal microflora is disrupted by gastrointestinal tract dysfunction, taking antibacterial drugs, hormonal contraceptives, frequent hot baths, douching; [ 2 ]
• brown discharge with odor and itching - the color itself may indicate that menstruation has not yet completely stopped, but the odor and itching are signs of gynecological diagnoses: endometriosis, [ 3 ] ectopic pregnancy, [ 4 ] polycystic ovary syndrome; [ 5 ]
• Discharge with the smell of onions and itching accompany hormonal surges that occur in women during pregnancy, menopause, after sexual intercourse and indicate the proliferation of a fungal infection.

Diagnostics odorous discharge and itching

In addition to taking your medical history and examining you in a mirror, your doctor will take vaginal discharge for analysis:

• pH of the vaginal environment using indicator paper;
• KOH (with potassium hydroxide) for the detection of trichomonas vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis;
• preparation of a wet anatomical specimen – the material is examined in saline solution using a microscope to detect motile trichomonads;
• bacterial culture - cultivation of secretions for fungi and trichomonads;
• serological blood test.

Among the instrumental methods, an ultrasound examination of the genitals may be required.

Differential diagnostics is carried out between all possible pathologies and sets the task of accurately determining the pathogen - the culprit of vaginal discharge with a change in their color, the presence of an unpleasant odor.

Treatment odorous discharge and itching

The treatment protocol depends on the diagnosis. Thus, in vulvovaginitis, which is the predominant cause of unusual odor and itching, antibiotics are prescribed to both sexual partners at the same time, local and general therapy is combined, factors leading to relapse of the disease are eliminated, and normal vaginal microflora is restored.

Other medications used for discharge include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihistamine, hormonal, enzyme, vitamin, and biologically active supplements.

Medicines

An effective remedy for combating protozoa and anaerobic bacteria is metronidazole.

Metronidazole - has several dosage forms: tablets, vaginal suppositories. For trichomoniasis, one tablet is prescribed 2 times a day for both women and men (sexual partners), even if one of them has no symptoms. Women also use suppositories (1 per day). The course of treatment lasts 10 days.

Non-specific vaginitis requires seven-day therapy of 2 tablets twice a day.

Tablets can be prescribed to children from 6 years of age. During pregnancy, the drug can be used if necessary, since there is no data on the teratogenic effect (animal studies have not revealed it). During breastfeeding, it is interrupted for therapy.

Metronidazole can cause a number of side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, tinnitus, increased liver enzymes.

Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to imidazole group drugs and other components of the product.

Clotrimazole - refers to antimicrobial and antiseptic agents. It is produced in the form of vaginal tablets, suppositories, solutions, ointments and creams. Not used for children under 12 years of age, pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Tablets are inserted into the vagina one at a time twice a day for 3 days or once for a course of 7 days, like vaginal suppositories.

When treating with the drug, allergic reactions, peeling in the genital area, discomfort, burning, and swelling of the mucous membrane are possible.

Pimafucin is a local antifungal drug, an antibiotic, used to treat thrush. The suppository is inserted deep into the vagina in a lying position at night. Repeat 3-6 days. Pimafucin can be used by children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The product can cause irritation, a burning sensation. Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its components.

Iodoxide is an iodine-containing preparation in the form of suppositories with antimicrobial and antiseptic action. It is used vaginally once a day for a week. Contraindicated for children, women during lactation and after the second month of pregnancy. Minor local reactions, the appearance of hyperthyroidism in existing thyroid diseases are possible.

Itching can be relieved by applying a corticosteroid to the vulva, such as 1% hydrocortisone, as well as antihistamines (tavegil, suprastin, edem, etc.).

Tavegil - tablets are taken before meals once or twice a day, starting from 6 years (0.5-1 pc.), after 12 years and adults a whole. The maximum single dose is 2 tablets, daily - 6. Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to take the drug. Tavegil can cause side effects such as increased fatigue, dry mucous membranes, nausea, tachycardia, shortness of breath.

Vitamins

What vitamins should you take to help your body get rid of unpleasant symptoms faster, strengthen your immune system, and prevent relapses, because even with a balanced diet it is difficult to meet the necessary need for them?

These include: vitamin A (improves blood circulation, has antioxidant properties), C - increases immunity, and its better "work" will be facilitated by vitamin E. B6 is very important for women. They are taken during or immediately after meals, washed down with water.

It is best to consult a doctor and choose a vitamin and mineral complex that will contain a full range of elements useful for the sexual sphere.

Physiotherapy treatment

After the acute period of diseases of the reproductive system has been relieved, physiotherapeutic treatment can be used. It includes douching with medicinal solutions, inserting tampons soaked in them into the vagina, as well as such physical procedures as vaginal magneto-, laser therapy, darsonvalization, etc.

Folk remedies

Folk recipes are tasked with providing additional healing effects, which mainly consist of douching with solutions based on medicinal plants. They are not recommended to be carried out during acute periods, but only at the stage of the infectious process subsiding.

Decoctions are prepared from anti-inflammatory, antiseptic herbs, which include chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort, eucalyptus leaves, and sage.

In addition to douching, you can soak tampons in decoctions and place them in the vagina for 3-4 hours.

Homeopathy

In the pharmacy chain you can buy homeopathic remedies that can help with vaginal discharge with odor and itching, but only after consulting a doctor.

Among them:

Agnus Cosmoplex S – torpedo-shaped suppositories, used rectally, starting from the age of twelve, 1 piece 3 times a day. When the condition improves, switch to twice a day: morning and evening, the course of treatment is 5-12 days. Not prescribed to children under 12 years old, pregnant women, during lactation.

The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its components, as well as in cases of cancer, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatism, AIDS, and systemic blood diseases.

Gynekoheel is a complex homeopathic preparation in the form of oral drops, used to treat inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs. Prescribed starting from the age of 12. The recommended dose is 10 drops under the tongue or dissolved in 10 ml of water and held in the mouth when swallowing. Take three times a day 20 minutes before meals or an hour after a course of up to 5 weeks.

The drug may cause allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to bee, wasp, and hornet stings.

Remens - well-known drops help women not only in the climacteric period, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the genitourinary system. Take 10 drops 3 times a day for six months. Side effects are unknown, there is no information about harm to pregnant women and during lactation.

Candida Yeast – at the first signs of candidiasis, chew one tablet every 2 hours. When improvement occurs, reduce the dose to 4 tablets per day, for girls aged 2-12, reduce by half, the course of treatment is 2 months. If there is no positive dynamics within a week, stop treatment.

Complications and consequences

The appearance of an unpleasant smell of discharge (usually weak, barely noticeable), other symptoms that are not typical of a healthy state of the genitals, requires immediate treatment, otherwise consequences and complications are inevitable, their transition to a chronic stage, loss of reproductive function.

Prevention

Important preventive measures to avoid sexually transmitted infections and inflammations and, as a result, the appearance of foul-smelling discharge are proper intimate hygiene, refusal to douche without a doctor's recommendation, use of barrier methods of contraception in the absence of a regular partner you trust. You should also avoid hypothermia and promiscuous sexual relations. Regular visits to a gynecologist for preventive examinations will help prevent many problems with the health of the genital area.

Forecast

Timely response to the problem gives a favorable prognosis. It can be unfavorable only for pregnant women with a recurrent nature of the disease and consist of termination of pregnancy, placental abruption, infection of the fetus.