That irritating white stuff on underwear women sometimes notice is white discharge. There is no reason to worry because it is the perfectly normal secretion that regularly occurs during various parts of a menstrual cycle. Normal white discharge can be white milky (creamier), which happens a few days before the period; thick white (cloudy-white) after sex; white but heavier than usual as a result of using contraceptive pills or sensitivity to chemicals; and super heavy white at the end of the cycle.
On the other hand, there are abnormal variations of white discharge. It can be a thick, white, cheesy, usually foamy and bad-smelling secretion that is a result of a yeast infection. When the discharge is white, grayish, or yellowish and accompanied by a bad, fishy odor, it is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Any change of color, smell, and consistency of secretion is almost always an indication of a medical problem that requires a visit to a doctor.
Possible Causes of Abnormal White Vaginal Discharge
1. Stress
Very often a reason for an unusual secretion is emotional stress. One of the ways a female body reacts to a stressful situation is to produce more white and creamy discharge than usual. The real reason this happens is unknown, but it is possible that a hormonal imbalance affects the amount of secretion.
2. Yeast infection
During a lifetime, approximately 75% of women get genital candidiasis (Yeast infection) at least once. This infection is the most likely possible reason why is there white stuff on the underwear. When a disorder of estrogen hormone levels occurs, it causes a reduction in the number of lactobacilli bacteria, which keeps the vagina healthy by killing harmful organisms. That is the moment when the candida albicans fungus starts to grow out of control and causes the yeast infection. There are a few more reasons which affect the number of lactobacilli and lead to this condition:
- Antibiotics
- Corticosteroids
- Stress
- Weak immune system
- Diabetes
- Birth control pills
- Pregnancy
- Sleep disorder
Noticing thick white, cheesy, often foamy, and always bad-smelling discharge means that a yeast infection has developed. This secretion is almost always accompanied by itching and burning sensations. Once the woman gets this infection, it is very likely that this will happen again.
2. Bacterial vaginosis
This is the most common type of infection in 15 to 44 year-old-women, is caused by bacterial overgrowth in the vagina. The causes of this disease can be:
- Overuse of antibiotics and vaginal medications
- Changing sex partners too often and unprotected sex
Only 25-50% of women suffering from bacterial vaginosis will wake up in the morning and ask themselves 'Why is there white stuff on my underwear?' because this disorder usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the discharge will be white, thin, sometimes dull gray and usually smelly. This scent is a specific, fishlike, and foul, and often accompanied by itching in the vaginal region and burning during urination.
3. Trichomoniasis (Trich)
Approximately 70% of women and almost half of men have a problem with this SDI at least once in a lifetime. Apart from sexual contact, this disease can spread by sharing bathing suits and towels. One of the recognizable symptoms of this SDI is frothy, smelly, greenish-yellow discharge and itching in the genital area. Only in rare cases does vaginal secretion stay clear to milky white.
Medications for the Underlying Diseases That Cause Vaginal Discharge
- For stress
There are many prescription medications for stress, such as sedative or antidepressant medications. But in most cases, lifestyle change is a very successful therapy. Just stop, calm down, and try to breathe deeply.
No matter how strange it sounds, every exercise will help because physical stress relieves mental stress. Or just take a walk through the park (best with a dog). Some supplements, such as valerian, lemon balm, green tea, or omega-3 fatty acids, can successfully reduce stress. On the other hand, reducing caffeine intake is recommended.
- For yeast infection
Given that every yeast infection is different, only the doctor can suggest an appropriate therapy for each case. Treatments will depend on the severity of the symptoms.
For uncomplicated infections, it is enough to take a prescribed or over-the-counter antifungal vaginal cream or ointment. Usual antifungal medications for this infection are Lotrimin (clotrimazole) and Gynazole (butoconazole).
Two or three doses of Diflucan (fluconazole) or long-term local applications of antifungal medication are necessary for complicated yeast infections with severe symptoms. Sometimes treatment may include tablets, suppositories, antifungal cream, or ointment.
- For bacterial vaginosis
Treatment of this infection is often unnecessary because it can appear and disappear without apparent reason. However, a woman with severe symptoms of discomfort should visit a doctor and apply prescribed therapy to avoid complications.
Some doctors consider that all women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms, should receive treatment. In 90% of cases, antibiotic therapy is effective, but sometimes the infection can recur within a few weeks. The drug of choice is Metronidazole. As alternative antibiotics, when the disease recurs or in cases when Metronidazole is ineffective, Clindamycin and Tinidazole can be used.
Ways to Prevent White Vaginal Discharge
Prevention is the easiest way a woman never has to ask a question: 'What is the white stuff in my underwear every day?' It is not always possible to prevent bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection, and consequently the appearance of abnormal vaginal discharge, but here are some tips which can help.
- Keep the vagina clean and dry
Take a shower daily and wash the genital area regularly, but avoid a hot bath.
- Women's laundry
Wear 100% cotton underwear, which doesn't hold moisture and heat and keeps the vagina dry.
- Too tight clothing
Jeans, pantyhose, and pants should be comfortable and not too tight to decrease the amount of moisture around the vagina.
- Douching
Avoiding douching will reduce the risk of infection by keeping bacteria in the vagina balanced. However, good hygiene habits will keep the vagina healthy.
- Scented products
Don't use strongly scented soaps, bubble baths, detergent, tampons, fabric softener, and sprays. They can irritate the mucous of the vagina and create a suitable environment for the development of infection.
- Antibiotics
Too frequent use of these drugs will create the conditions for developing the yeast infection.
- Condom
Practically the only way to prevent the spread of bacterial vaginosis and STIs is using a condom. However, it can't entirely prevent yeast infection because this disease appears as a result of an imbalance of bacteria and yeast regularly present in the healthy vagina.
Summary
Why is there white stuff on my underwear? The answer to this question is: White discharge is a regular way for the vagina to stay healthy and clean. However, any change in the color, smell, and consistency of secretion is almost always an indication of a medical problem that requires a visit to a physician.