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Table of Contents
1. What is Vaginal Discharge?2. Does Vaginal Discharge Change? What will Affect Vaginal Discharge?
3. How does Vaginal Discharge Change? What are Normal and Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
4. What is the Normal Amount of Vaginal Discharge?
5. What are Roles of Vaginal Discharge?
6. How to Maintain Normal Vaginal Discharge?
7. Vaginal Discharge VS Cervical Fluid VS Sexual Fluid
8. FAQ
Source: Medical Centric in Youtube
Vaginal discharge is not a topic that is often discussed. Even many women feel embarrassed when talking about it. However, almost every woman will have discharge, and it is a very common physiological phenomenon. Today, let us learn everything about vaginal discharge with Medical Centric.
What is Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge, also known as leucorrhea, is a normal physiological phenomenon of the female reproductive system. It is secreted by the cervical glands, vaginal mucosa, and Bartholin's glands etc. The main components include mucus, exfoliated cells, bacteria, and their metabolites. Vaginal discharge is the body's response to hormonal changes, and it is also a mechanism to protect the vagina from various diseases.
Does Vaginal Discharge Change? What will Affect Vaginal Discharge?
Yes, vaginal discharge is always changing. Its color, texture, smell or amount will change with the influence of many factors. These changes may be normal physiological phenomena or may be a hint of pathological conditions. The following are common reasons for changes in vaginal discharge:
①Hormone levels
The effect of hormone levels (especially estrogen and progesterone) on vaginal discharge is very significant, especially in different stages of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, etc.
- Menstrual cycle
At different stages of the menstrual cycle, the hormone levels will change significantly in women's bodies, which will affect the amount and quality of vaginal discharge.
- Pregnancy
The level of progesterone will rise sharply during pregnancy, , which will stimulate the vagina and cervix to secrete more fluid to protect the vagina from infection and keep the vagina moist.
- Menopause
During this period, the estrogen level will decrease for women, and the amount of vaginal secretions will decrease.
②Infectious factors
The vagina is easily infected by bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. It will cause a series of health problems and result in abnormal changes in the color, odor, and texture of secretions.
③Lifestyle habits
- Improper diet may lead to reduced secretions, such as: high-sugar diet, lack of sufficient water, etc.
- Long-term stress or mood swings may affect hormone levels in the body, thereby indirectly affecting secretions.
- Excessive cleaning or the use of irritating chemicals (such as soaps, sprays, etc.) may destroy the natural flora of the vagina, resulting in abnormal secretions.
④Drug effects
Long-term use of antibiotics, antidepressants, antiallergic drugs or contraceptives may affect the amount and texture of vaginal secretions.
⑤Sexual behavior
When sexually excited, the female pelvic cavity is congested and the glandular secretion of the vaginal wall increases, which will increase the secretion and play a lubricating role.
How does Vaginal Discharge Change? What are Normal and Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
As mentioned above, the amount, color, smell, and texture of vaginal discharge will constantly change due to the hormone levels in the body. The following are some normal changes in vaginal discharge:
|
Stage |
Time |
Discharge volume |
Discharge color |
Discharge texture |
Discharge odor |
|
Menstrual period |
1-5 Day |
The minimum, mainly included menstrual blood |
Bright red, dark red or brown |
thin or with small blood clots. |
Healthy discharge usually has no strong odor or only a slight natural odor |
|
Follicular phase |
6-14 days, before ovulation |
Start increase |
similar to egg white |
thinner, clearer |
|
|
Ovulation |
around 14th day |
the maximum |
egg white |
The discharge is the most moist, transparent, and has a stringy feel |
|
|
Luteal phase |
15-28 days |
Start decrease |
milky white |
sticky or less,and may be cheese-like. |
|
|
Pregnancy |
/ |
increase |
milky white or transparent |
thicker |
|
|
Sexual behavior |
/ |
increase |
milky white or transparent |
Watery or mucous |
Normal vaginal discharge is colorless or milky white, small in amount, and odorless. However, vaginal discharge can easily become infected by bacteria or fungi and become abnormal. So what color and smell does abnormal vaginal discharge have?
|
Causes |
Discharge volume |
Discharge color |
Discharge texture |
Discharge odor |
Symptoms |
|
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) |
increased discharge |
grayish or yellow |
/ |
fishy smell |
/ |
|
Fungal infection |
/ |
white |
cheese-like,sticky in texture |
/ |
Itch and burn |
|
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) |
/ |
yellow or green |
/ |
peculiar smell |
pain or discomfort during urination |
|
Cervicitis |
increased discharge |
yellow or green |
thinner in texture |
/ |
pain or discomfort |
|
Endometritis |
increased discharge |
yellow-green |
/ |
bad smell |
abdominal pain, fever and other symptoms |
|
Allergies or irritation |
increased discharge |
/ |
/ |
/ |
vaginal or vulvar itching and burning sensations |
What is the Normal Amount of Vaginal Discharge?
We mentioned earlier that the amount of vaginal secretions is also one of the criteria for judging whether it is healthy. So what is the normal amount of vaginal secretions?
In 1985, a group of researchers studied the amount of discharge women have during their menstrual period. They had women use tampons for eight hours at night and measured the wetness they produced. The average discharge was about 4.6 milliliters (nearly a teaspoon). This is completely normal. Generally speaking, normal vaginal discharge is about 1 to 4 milliliters per day. The amount of discharge changes constantly during different physiological stages, such as during ovulation, when vaginal discharge increases.
What are Roles of Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge plays an important role in women's physiological protection, functional maintenance, and health defense. Let's take a look at it together
①Lubricate the vagina
Vaginal discharge can maintain the lubricity of the female vagina and reduce friction. It can not only avoid mechanical damage during sexual intercourse, but also reduce the stimulation of clothing friction on fragile tissues in daily life.
②Maintain an acidic environment
Normal discharge contain lactobacilli, which can convert glycogen into lactic acid and keep the vaginal pH in an acidic environment (3.8-4.5). We all know that an acidic environment can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and prevent infection.
③Self-cleaning effect
When secretions/discharge flow, they will bring out the shed vaginal epithelial cells, menstrual blood residues, foreign microorganisms and other impurities from the vagina. Its continuous flow can play a flushing role and keep the inside of the reproductive tract clean.
④Assist reproductive function
On the one hand, the vaginal discharge will become thinner and transparent during the female ovulation period, which can help sperm penetrate the cervical mucus into the uterus and increase the chance of conception. On the other hand, the discharge will become thicker and block sperm from entering the uterus during the non-ovulation period. In general, discharge can help balance the relationship between conception and defense.
⑤Reflect health status
The amount, color, texture and smell of vaginal secretions can reflect the health of the female reproductive system. For example, normal secretions are usually transparent or white and have no odor. If it is abnormal, such as yellowing or greening, odor or accompanied by itching and other symptoms, it may indicate infection or other health problems.
How to Maintain Normal Vaginal Discharge?
Maintaining healthy vaginal secretions is very important for women's overall health. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Daily personal hygiene
Wash the vulva with warm water every day. At the same time, avoid using products containing irritating ingredients such as soap, shower gel, sanitary spray or fragrance. If you want to use cleaning products, unscented, non-irritating female special care liquid is recommended. It is also worth noting that do not frequent flushing of the vagina. Because it will cause excessive cleaning, which will cause vaginal flora imbalance and infection.
- Pay attention to menstrual hygiene
During menstruation, it is recommended that women change sanitary napkins every 4-6 hours to avoid long-term use and bacterial growth. And girls need insist on washing the vulva with warm water every day during menstruation.
- Sexual hygiene
On the one hand, using condoms can not only prevent sexually transmitted diseases during sex, but also reduce the risk of infection; on the other hand, the vulva should also be cleaned after sex.
- Wear breathable clothing
It is recommended to choose breathable cotton underwear and loose clothing. Because tight pants or synthetic underwear may cause vaginal moisture and increase the chance of bacterial growth. At the same time, change clean underwear every day, especially in hot weather.
- Healthy lifestyle
Maintain the healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, adequate sleep and moderate exercise. These help to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid antibiotics
Antibiotics may destroy beneficial bacteria in the vagina and cause bad secretions. If antibiotics are needed, it is recommended to be used under the guidance of a doctor and supplement with probiotics after use.
- Regular examinations
The regular gynecological examination once a year is needed, including routine examination of leucorrhea, cervical smear, etc.; At the same time, if abnormal secretions occur, be sure to seek medical attention in time.
Vaginal Discharge VS Cervical Fluid VS Sexual Fluid
The female reproductive system secretes a variety of fluids, including vaginal discharge, cervical fluid, and sexual fluid. We often confuse them. Let's distinguish them from the sources, properties and functions:
|
|
Vaginal discharge |
cervical fluid |
sexual fluid |
|
Source and composition |
composed of vaginal mucosal exudate, cervical gland secretion, endometrial secretion, labia majora sweat gland, Bartholin's gland fluid |
secreted by the glands in the cervical canal |
secreted by the Bartholin's glands |
|
Properties |
viscous texture, and egg white-like during ovulation. |
viscous texture, similar to gel |
thin texture, and strong fluidity. |
|
Color and smell |
milky white, without odor. |
transparent or milky white. |
Colorless or light white, without odor |
|
Function |
Clean and Lubricate the vagina, maintain vaginal acid-base balance |
Helps sperm pass through, prolongs sperm survival time, and protects the cervix |
lubricate the vagina and facilitate sexual life. |
|
Time |
continuous secretion |
increases during ovulation |
Secreted only during sexual excitement or orgasm |
|
Relation |
Vaginal discharge= cervical fluid+sexual fluid+ other fluids |
||
FAQ
①Is it normal to have vaginal discharge every day?
It is normal to have vaginal discharge every day! Vaginal discharge is one of the body's natural protective mechanisms. Vaginal discharge secreted every day helps clean the vagina, keep it moist, and prevent infection.
②Do all girls have vaginal discharge?
No. We have mentioned above that changes in hormone levels can cause vaginal discharge. During puberty (10-15 years old), female ovaries begin to develop and secrete estrogen, which promotes the development of reproductive organs. And vaginal discharge begins to appear at this time. As age increases, the estrogen level in the body decreases significantly especially after menopause (45-55 years old), and the amount of vaginal discharge will decrease, or even disappear completely. In addition, some bad living habits and diseases can also cause the disappearance of vaginal discharge.
③Is vaginal douche bad for women?
Vaginal douche refers to the infusion of liquid (water or special douche solution) into the vagina to remove discharge, bacteria or odor. It is a common gynecological care operation, mainly used for treatment, cleaning and preoperative preparation. However, it is not suitable for daily use because it may interfere with the natural environment of the vagina. There is a self-cleaning mechanism in the vagina that removes unwanted substances and bacteria through secretions. If vaginal douche is too frequent or the wrong liquid is used, it may destroy the beneficial flora in the vagina (such as lactic acid bacteria), leading to problems such as bacterial vaginosis and fungal infections.
④Is vaginal odor the same as vaginal discharge odor?
No. Vaginal odor refers to any odor emanating from the vagina, including normal mild odors and abnormal strong odors. Under normal circumstances, the vagina will have some slight odor, such as sour or fermented smell, which is produced by the normal flora in the vagina (such as lactobacillus); Vaginal discharge odor specifically refers to the abnormal odor of vaginal discharge (leucorrhea), such as fishy smell, foul smell, etc., which usually indicates infection or other pathological problems.
⑤Does frequent use of panty liners help keep your vagina dry?
Frequent use of panty liners does not really keep your private parts dry, but may have an adverse effect on vaginal health. First of all, panty liners are usually made of non-breathable materials. Long-term use will keep your private parts in a humid and stuffy environment, which is prone to breeding bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of infection. Secondly, the chemical ingredients in panty liners (such as fragrances and fluorescent brighteners) may irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions, leading to itching or redness of the vulva. If you want to stay dry, it is recommended to choose cotton, breathable underwear or change underwear in time.
⑥What should I do when there is too much vaginal discharge? How should I deal with it correctly?
Many women will feel confused and panic about the sudden increased vaginal discharge, and don't know what to do. First of all, you need to determine whether the discharge is normal. If the discharge is just increased and there is no odor or abnormal color, this is normal and is usually caused by physiological changes, such as ovulation. You just need to pay attention to vaginal hygiene and change underwear frequently; if the secretion increases and is accompanied by odor, itching, abnormal color (such as yellow-green, tofu-dregs-like) or blood, it may be caused by gynecological inflammation or disease, and you need to seek medical attention promptly.
