Under normal circumstances, vaginal discharge serves a self-cleansing and protective function. However, if discharge resembles paste, it indicates an underlying condition. So what causes paste-like vaginal discharge?
What causes paste-like vaginal discharge?
1. Candidal Vaginitis
Also known as vaginal candidiasis, its prominent symptoms include increased discharge and intense itching of the vulva and vagina.Severe cases cause extreme discomfort and distress, potentially accompanied by frequent urination, painful urination, and dyspareunia.
Typical symptoms include thick, white, curd-like discharge; highly edematous vaginal mucosa with adherent white, flaky membranes that peel off easily, revealing eroded mucosal bases or shallow ulcers beneath. Severe cases may leave ecchymoses.Another group of patients presents with copious watery or purulent discharge without white flakes. The vaginal mucosa shows moderate redness and edema, without severe itching or burning sensation, only a moist sensation in the vulva.
2. Nonspecific Vaginitis
Nonspecific vaginitis causes a sensation of heaviness and burning in the vulva and vagina. There is significant desquamation of the vaginal epithelium, with marked hyperemia and tenderness of the vaginal mucosa. Severe cases may present with generalized fatigue, lower abdominal discomfort, and profuse purulent or serous discharge. When discharge flows out and irritates the urethral opening, it may cause frequent urination and dysuria.
Abundant abnormal vaginal discharge results from excessive secretions flowing into the vagina due to cervical redness and swelling. Additionally, marked cervical tenderness and uterine tenderness indicate cervicitis, both contributing to increased secretions that drain through the cervix into the vagina. Therefore, abnormal discharge test results alone should not diagnose vaginitis; they must be interpreted alongside gynecological examination findings.
What to Do About Abnormal Discharge
1. Change underwear frequently to maintain hygiene
Women should change and wash their underwear regularly. Do not substitute panty liners for changing underwear. Do not wash underwear with other clothes; use specialized underwear soap. Air-dry underwear in sunlight to ensure cleanliness and freshness.
2. Avoid excessive vaginal cleansing
The vagina possesses self-cleansing properties. Frequent use of vaginal washes disrupts the natural bacterial balance, increasing susceptibility to infections and abnormal discharge.Since men may not directly experience symptoms, they often resist treatment, leading to recurring pain and itching in women. It is crucial to persuade partners to undergo concurrent treatment.
4. Maintain hygiene in public spaces Avoid sharing clothing in communal settings and minimize overnight stays outside the home to prevent infection.
5. Dietary Adjustments
Abnormal vaginal discharge is categorized into heat-type, spleen deficiency-type, and kidney deficiency-type. Dietary adjustments can address discharge abnormalities caused by different underlying causes. For example: - Women with heat-type discharge may benefit from consuming fried ginkgo nuts with tofu. - Those with spleen deficiency-type discharge may find relief by eating pepper-flavored eggs. - Kidney deficiency-type discharge can be regulated by consuming lotus seed and water chestnut porridge.