Month by month, the woman undergoes hormonal changes, and this affects the vaginal discharge, which may be more abundant or present changes concerning its typical characteristics. Other times, vaginal discharge stops being expected due to some infection. The latter can happen in women with a white, thick, odorless, itchy discharge. These types of symptoms should be treated as soon as possible to know what may be causing them and what is the appropriate treatment in each case.
If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle in which we answer the question: “What is the cause of the white, thick, odorless, and itchy discharge?”.
How is the normal vaginal discharge?
The discharge originates from the vagina or the cervix and is visible when it exits through the external orifice of the vagina itself. Since the woman is in the reproductive stage, it is normal for there to be vaginal discharge, in this case, called physiological, and it is made up of:
- Dead cells.
- Mucus discharge
- Natural bacteria of the vaginal flora.
The daily flow volume is 1 to 4 ml. The physiological vaginal discharge allows to lubricate the vagina, moisten it and keep it clean and free from possible infections.
Throughout the menstrual cycle, its volume can be modified; it can increase due to hormonal changes promoted by estrogen, resulting in a more significant physiological vaginal discharge in case of being close to ovulation, days before menstruation, during pregnancy, or the use of estrogen-based birth control pills.
Physiological flow is described as:
- White, milky, or transparent.
- Thick.
- Slightly odorless, but not unpleasant.
If there are symptoms or signs of vaginal burning, pain, irritation, redness, or itching, it may be a sign that something is not right, and it is best to go to the gynecologist.
Why do I have white, thick, odorless, itchy discharge?
Abnormal or unphysiological vaginal discharge is called leukorrhea and can be related to vaginal infections, which bacteria or fungi can cause.
The white, thick, odorless, and itchy discharge is due to the presence of a fungus that, although it inhibits the natural flora of the vagina, tends to multiply uncontrollably until it causes the typical symptoms of candidiasis as it is medically known.
Usually, Candida is found in the normal vaginal flora without causing any symptoms until it begins to increase due to external factors. The signs of vaginal yeast infection are:
- Itching or itching
- Viscous flow.
- Without smell.
- White flow.
- Burning in the vulva.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Pain when urinating
At least once in her life, every woman has had a candida Albicans infection.
Risk factors for vaginal yeast infection
Some conditions favor the growth of this fungus:
- Poor hygiene.
- Warm weather.
- Tight underwear.
- Synthetic underwear.
- Weak immune system
- Use of corticosteroids.
- Obesity.
- Pregnancy.
- Use of antibiotics.
- Diseases, such as lupus.
- Use of wet clothing.
- Use of contraceptives.
- Menstruation.
- Use of towels for many hours at a time.
You likely have a yeast infection and have no symptoms until your immune system is affected for some reason.
Treatment of vaginal yeast infection
Not all vaginal infections are treated with the same drug. In addition, the specialist must identify each of them to carry out the diagnostic guidance and the effective treatment that it includes. The treatment of candidiasis consists of antifungals (clotrimazole, miconazole, isoconazole, fluconazole ) in vaginal ovules, ointments, or tablets. These medications should be used as directed by the doctor for the necessary days.
To prevent vaginal candidiasis, it is recommended to comply with some fundamental recommendations:
- Change your diet by reducing the consumption of alcohol, carbohydrates, and sugars.
- Glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.
- Change underwear after going to the pool or the beach.
- Avoid wearing very tight underwear and synthetic fabrics.
- Wash the genital area with mild soap and water.
- Sleeping without underwear as many times as possible.
- Avoid using tampons.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
- Increase the consumption of probiotics, such as yogurt to promote vaginal flora.
In the following article, you can discover effective natural remedies for vaginal yeast infection.
Now that you know what causes the presence of white, thick, odorless, and itchy discharge, you must bear in mind that in the face of these types of symptoms, you should consult with the gynecologist to examine you and rule out other possible vaginal infections.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to I have white, thick, odorless, and itchy discharge: why is it? We recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.