What does it mean when vaginal discharge appears in clumps like paste, and what should be done about it?
Sep 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, clumpy, paste-like vaginal discharge may be caused by hormonal changes, prolonged lack of hygiene, trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, cervicitis, or other reasons. Treatment may include general care and medication under the guidance of a doctor. It is important to maintain proper intimate hygiene and practice safe sex, keeping the vulva clean and dry to reduce bacterial growth.
Under normal circumstances, clumpy, paste-like vaginal discharge may be caused by hormonal changes, prolonged lack of cleaning, trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, cervicitis, or other reasons. Treatment methods such as general care and medication can be adopted under the guidance of a doctor. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Hormonal Changes
During ovulation, women may experience hormonal fluctuations that increase cervical mucosal secretions, causing the vaginal discharge to appear clumpy and paste-like. It is important to maintain external genital cleanliness and dryness to prevent accumulation of secretions.
2. Prolonged Lack of Cleaning
If vaginal discharge is not cleaned for a long time after being expelled, it may dry and coagulate into thick, sticky clumps. Personal hygiene should be strengthened, including frequent changing of underwear and regular washing of the external genital area with warm water.
3. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is primarily caused by infection with Trichomonas parasites. The growth and reproduction of these organisms may disrupt the balance of vaginal microbiota, altering the characteristics of vaginal discharge, which may resemble curdled tofu. Symptoms may include itching, burning, and stinging. Medications such as metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets, or fluconazole capsules may be used as directed by a physician.
4. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is mainly caused by Candida infection, which may stimulate the vaginal mucosa to produce excessive discharge, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. It is typically accompanied by itching, burning pain, and increased vaginal discharge. Under medical supervision, treatments may include clotrimazole tablets, miconazole nitrate suppositories, or nifuratel-nystatin vaginal ointment.
5. Cervicitis
Cervicitis is often caused by bacterial, viral, or chlamydial infections, which may alter the nature and volume of cervical secretions, resulting in abnormally thick, sticky, and clumped discharge. It is commonly associated with abdominal pain and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). Treatments may include bao fu kang suppositories, cefixime dispersible tablets, or zhi dai xiao mi suppositories, as recommended by a doctor.
It is important to maintain proper genital hygiene and safe sexual practices, keeping the external genital area clean and dry to reduce bacterial growth.
