In most cases, white, creamy discharge should not be a cause for concern. The usual thing is that it is due to the changes that take place during the menstrual cycle. However, sometimes it could also be a sign of a health problem.
Regarding this, it must be clear that vaginal secretions are normal. The problem begins with noticeable changes in color, texture, and smell. Likewise, you must be alert if it co-occurs with other symptoms such as itching, burning, or irritation. Do you want to know more about it?
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Vaginal discharge
The glands in the vagina and cervix secrete small amounts of fluid daily. These leave the body, and it is what is known generically as “vaginal discharge.” It usually is light or white and has a subtle odor.
The function of these fluids is to lubricate the vagina, clean and eliminate old cells and prevent infections. The latter is achieved due to the acidic environment that it causes in the area, which leads to the elimination of infectious agents.
It is estimated that almost all women secrete about a teaspoon of vaginal discharge a day. This increases after ovulation. The color varies between transparent, yellow, white, or even a little brown. This is highly dependent on the menstrual cycle and is considered normal.
White and creamy discharge
It is normal to have a creamy white discharge after ovulation. This occurs approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle. As noted before, it is a sign of intermediate fertility.
At the beginning of the period, there is also usually a white discharge, but it is sparser and has a less creamy texture. It is common for it to take on a yellow tone and look drier. It is the most minor fertile phase of the cycle.
Meanwhile, when ovulation occurs, the discharge becomes more transparent and elastic towards the middle of the period. This corresponds to the stage of most excellent fertility. After that, the white and creamy flow begins to segregate.
These changes in the appearance of the fluids should not worry you since they are part of standard processes. On the other hand, if the changes are very noticeable, especially if they are accompanied by irritation, itching, a foul smell, or any other symptom, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
The leading causes of white and creamy discharge
Creamy white discharge before menstruation is normal. It takes that aspect because it contains more white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria than at other times of the month. It is a mechanism of the body to clean the area of microorganisms and unwanted substances.
Another common reason why it appears in pregnancy. This flow is known as Leucorrhea due to the increasing hormonal levels recorded during pregnancy. The production of fluids increases since it increases the protection of the uterus and, in turn, of the baby.
In some instances, it can also appear during or after sexual intercourse. It is possible that this is the result of the lubrication of the vagina during intercourse, female ejaculation, or because the dates are close to menstruation.
Creamy white discharge: when is it abnormal?
As a general rule, when the white and creamy discharge has a bad smell, it means that there is a health problem. The same happens with other clinical manifestations, such as itching, irritation, or redness of the vaginal area.
This is almost always considered a sign of candidiasis, a fungal infection. However, it generates a lumpy flow, similar to cottage cheese. Possible causes of abnormal creamy white discharge are as follows.
bacterial vaginosis
This condition is a type of vaginitis caused by bacteria. It makes the creamy white flow more abundant. It can even acquire a grayish tone and a strong fishy smell. The latter is the most characteristic symptom of the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Diagnosis, this condition increases the risk of contracting STDs.
chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both men and women. In addition to generating flow with these characteristics, it causes a bad smell, burning when urinating, and pain during sexual intercourse. If it spreads, it causes pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, and fever.
According to one of the latest reports from the Spanish Ministry of Health, in 2019, 17,667 cases of chlamydia were diagnosed among men and women, with the majority of cases in people under 30 years of age. These figures reveal a clear upward trend compared to previous years.
Vulvovaginitis
A creamy white discharge accompanied by swelling and tenderness in the genital area could signify vulvovaginitis. This word refers to inflammation as such, but its cause is usually a fungal or bacterial infection. Sometimes, it is derived from using an irritating substance or garment.
Trichomoniasis
According to a publication by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted infection worldwide. When this condition occurs, the flow is disturbed. It goes from a white color to a greenish or yellowish tone. It is a sexually transmitted infection that causes lousy odor and vaginal itching.
Fistulas
The presence of fistulas or abnormal openings between the genital tract and the intestinal tract sometimes leads to changes in vaginal secretions. These are formed for one or more of the following reasons:
- Crohn’s disease.
- Damage to the vagina during childbirth.
- Radiation therapy in the pelvis.
- Tumor in the pelvis.
- Injury during pelvic surgery.
According to a Mayo Clinic publication, this condition can lead to complications. Fecal incontinence, vaginal irritation, foul odors, or abscesses are among the most frequent.
White and creamy flow treatment
Whenever bothersome symptoms accompany the white and creamy discharge, it is indicated to consult the gynecologist to explore the reasons and if there is a significant change in color or texture.
Treatment will depend on the cause that causes it. Often the doctor conducts an initial interview and reviews the medical history. Then, he proceeds with the physical examination and other complementary diagnostic methods.
Once this is done, he can suggest antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, or other treatments, depending on the case. It may be tablets or creams, according to what is required. Injection treatments are only applied on some occasions.
Final recommendations
It is rarely necessary to do a treatment for white vaginal discharge. In any case, it is better to consult a gynecologist if there are doubts or other symptoms such as bleeding, irritation, or pain. Although it may not be an emergency, it is better to intervene quickly.
Ideally, every woman should maintain good hygiene in the genital area, especially during menstruation. It is essential to practice safe sex. Using vaginal showers or other similar products or very tight clothing is not advisable. All this helps prevent difficulties.