Patient's question:
What kind of discharge is considered normal? Is it normal to have milky, drop-like discharge like powdered milk? First follow-up question: My discharge is not much, intermittent, sometimes like mucus, sometimes milky and dripping a few drops, with no unusual odor. Second follow-up question: It's about a week before my period.Doctor's answer:
Hello, normal leukorrhea should be creamy white or colorless and transparent, with a slightly fishy smell or no odor. Its secretion volume and consistency are influenced by the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, exhibiting cyclical changes in quantity (more or less) and texture (thinner or thicker) throughout the menstrual cycle. Generally, leukorrhea decreases after the menstrual period. During ovulation, leukorrhea increases, becomes thinner, clearer, and resembles egg white in appearance, stretching into threads.① Purulent leukorrhea. Yellow in color, with a foul odor, most commonly seen in trichomoniasis, followed by chronic cervicitis. It can also be observed in endometritis, purulent cavity accumulation, vaginal foreign bodies, etc.
② Cheesy leukorrhea. Also known as curd-like, more common in candidiasis with accompanying vulvar itching.
③ Bloody leukorrhea. Blood is present in the leukorrhea, warranting caution against cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, etc. Cervical polyps, submucosal uterine fibroids, senile vaginitis, and intrauterine devices can also cause this.
④ Watery leukorrhea. Abundant and watery in nature, first consider endometrial cancer or fallopian tube cancer. When abnormal leukorrhea is observed, a detailed medical history should be taken, and a check for trichomonas or candidiasis in the leukorrhea should be performed. A thorough examination of the cervix, uterus, and pelvic area is necessary, with cervical smear, biopsy, or diagnostic curettage if needed. After identifying the cause, appropriate treatment should be administered.