White discharge when accompanied by unusual smell and consistency may be a sign of a vaginal infection such as candidiasis or a change in normal vaginal flora such as bacterial vaginosis. In these cases, the discharge is accompanied by other symptoms, such as burning and vaginal itching, and it is recommended to consult the gynecologist as soon as possible, so that the doctor can recommend the best treatment.
However, not all discharge is a sign of disease or infection, since it is normal for women to have small amounts of white or transparent secretion, fluid and odorless, which maintains vaginal lubrication. In addition, egg-like discharge may indicate a woman's fertile period.
Main causes of white discharge
White milk-like curds when accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, and burning sensation in the vulva and vagina can have different causes, including:
Vaginal Candidiasis
Vaginal Candidiasis is a very common infection in women due to the development of the fungus Candida albicans, which in addition to white discharge also causes itching in the genital area, burning when urinating, pain during intimate contact and redness in the intima.
- How to treat: Generally, the treatment is done with the use of antifungal medicines, in tablets, ointment or vaginal tablets, like Gino-canesten, Gyno-Dartarin or Fluconazol, for example. The treatment can last between 3 to 7 days and should be recommended by the gynecologist.
Understand better how the treatment of candidiasis is done.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a change in the normal vaginal flora, where there is a greater development of the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis, which can cause discharge of white, gray or yellow color, unpleasant smell similar to smell of rotten fish, itching and burning in the genital region.
- How to treat: Generally, treatment is done using antibiotics such as metronidazole, which should be prescribed by the gynecologist. In addition, during the recovery period, condom use is recommended.
Know what can cause and what are the symptoms of vaginosis.
When the discharge is yellow, brown or pink, it can be a sign of infections or sexually transmitted diseases, learn more about Know what each color of Vaginal discharge means.
Care to avoid White Bleeding
To prevent the onset of vaginal infections such as candidiasis or changes in the vaginal flora, there are some very important hygiene habits, which include:
- Avoid getting wet or wet underwear;
- Do not wear synthetic panties, opting for cotton pieces;
- Wear light clothing and avoid tight jeans and shorts;
- Avoid sweet foods and carbohydrate rich foods, as they reduce immunity by boosting the onset of infections;
- Do not use the vaginal douches directly over the genital area and wash the external region of the vagina using an intimate soap;
- Sleep without panties;
- After evacuating, always wipe from front to back to prevent fecal bacteria from entering the vagina and causing infections.
In addition, perfumed wipes or scented toilet paper can also harm a woman's intimate health, enhancing the onset of infections. Learn more about how to do intimate hygiene avoiding diseases and infections by clicking here.