Acıbadem Eskişehir Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Meliha Kovancı Bayraktaroğlu gave important information about vaginal discharge, which is common in women and is considered quite natural and normal.
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Meliha Kovancı Bayraktaroğlu pointed out that vaginal discharge is natural and normal and said, “Being overly hygienic, for example, using soap, excessive washing disrupts its natural environment and can cause infectious agents to develop rapidly. When you notice symptoms, consult a doctor and follow only the treatment recommended by your doctor.”
Stating that discharge can be seen in women of all ages, Dr. Bayraktaroğlu said, “Discharge is common at all ages, especially from adolescence to the 50s. Normal and natural discharge manifests itself with itching and pain. Normal discharge is transparent, odorless and in an amount not exceeding half a teaspoon.”
Pointing out that the flora of the vagina, that is, its natural environment, consists of bacteria and microorganisms, Dr. Bayraktaroğlu said, “The substance secreted by lactobacilli prevents the formation of other harmful microbes. In this way, self-hygiene is provided. However, as everywhere, habits such as excessive hygiene, for example, using soap and excessive washing disrupt the natural environment. Especially some of the diabetes and autoimmune diseases and diseases that disrupt body resistance such as pregnancy, that is, diseases that weaken the body's immunity, prepare the ground for infection, “he said.
“Bad odor, dryness and painful sexual intercourse are the main symptoms”
Pointing out that conditions such as pain with discharge, deterioration of the tissue, swelling and dry shedding are indicators of inflammation, Dr. Bayraktaroğlu stated that the patient applies to the doctor with “pain in the groin, bad odor, painful sexual intercourse, burning, dryness and burning after urination”. He added that a culture test is performed if deemed necessary after the examination and the diagnosis is made accordingly.
Emphasizing that lactobacilli, which form the natural environment, prevent other microorganisms from causing disease by creating an acidic environment in the vagina, Dr. Bayraktaroğlu stated that the flora in this region, that is, the natural environment, is disrupted due to reasons such as pregnancy, collapse of the general immune system, frequent washing, antibiotic use, the use of scented tampons, scented pads and vaginal sprays.
“Fungal infection is itchy and off-white in color”
Pointing out that not every discharge is an infection, Dr. Bayraktaroğlu said the following: “The most common type of infection recently is fungal infection called 'candida'. For example, a fungal infection looks like a white milk cut, cheese fracture and is itchy. And some of the causes of this infection are uncontrolled antibiotic use, hormone imbalances, diabetes and apparatus used for unwanted pregnancy. Yellow, green and odorous discharges are seen in bacterial infections. During the examination, the appearance of the vagina and cervix also allows us to determine the causative agent of the infection, and we must pay attention to our personal hygiene in order to prevent infection”.
“If left untreated, it affects other organs”
Dr. Bayraktaroğlu underlined that untreated infection affects the uterus and other organs in the abdominal cavity, therefore early diagnosis is important. Dr. Bayraktaroğlu said that oral antibiotics, medication and vaginal creams are used in treatment; and that sexual intercourse should be avoided in case of infection. Stating that bleeding may occur during and after sexual intercourse, Dr. Bayraktaroğlu explained that painful sexual intercourse and burning during urination are the main symptoms of infection.
“Specialist examination required at least once a year”
Dr. Bayraktaroğlu stated that pregnancy will not occur in case of advanced infection involving the uterine tubes; In addition, it is absolutely necessary to consult a physician in this process as it will cause the risk of premature birth and miscarriage during pregnancy.
Stating that the treatment lasts from 1 week to 6 months depending on the underlying cause, Dr. Bayraktaroğlu said, “The treatment lasts at least 7 days and at most 3-6 months. Periodic treatment should be applied in resistant cases and frequent infections. We recommend a specialist examination at least once a year.”
“Wear cotton underwear, change frequently”
Pointing out the importance of taking precautions against vaginal infection, Dr. Bayraktaroğlu stated the following:
“Changing underwear frequently, not using daily pads, avoiding tight clothing, wearing cotton underwear, keeping the area dry and most importantly using condoms during sexual intercourse are among the main precautions. The use of patterned, scented and flora-incompatible pads can pose a risk of infection. Although pool water does not enter the vagina, the chemicals used for the pool can disrupt the natural structure of the vagina. It is also very important not to leave the treatment unfinished after starting treatment.”
