Vaginal discharge is one of the most common reasons women book a visit to their gynaecologist. Depending on the appearance and characteristics of the discharge, it can be an indication of either a bacterial or viral infection, but it could also just be a symptom of the normal workings of your body. So, when should you worry?
What kind of vaginal discharge is normal?
A normal vaginal discharge is white in colour and has a thick, sticky consistency – it doesn’t have a foul smell and isn’t accompanied by any irritation, itching or burning. Scientifically speaking, normal discharge is made up of vaginal epithelial cells mixed with material from sebaceous, sweat and Bartholin’s glands, as well as secretions from the cervix.
Normal vaginal pH levels usually fall between 3.8 and 4.2 and the amount of discharge varies from woman to woman, increasing during ovulation, pre-menstruation and pregnancy.
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Where does the discharge come from?
Let’s begin with a quick lesson in female physiology. The vagina itself doesn’t have glands to produce any fluid – its moist state is maintained by secretions from the cervical glands and fluid coming from the blood vessels in the connective tissue layer of the mucous membrane.
The cervix, which forms the neck of the uterus, is about 2cm in length and lies at the top of the vaginal canal. Oestrogen and progesterone stimulate the secretion of mucus in the lining of the cervix canal. Additional fluid is produced by what doctors refer to as Skene’s ducts – these ducts are situated on each side of the urethral opening and they produce additional secretions during moments of sexual arousal.
Then there are the Bartholin’s glands that lie posteriorly on each side of the vagina, which further secrete mucus during sexual stimulation to serve as a lubricant for the vagina, especially during sex.
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Why do we have vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is the body’s way of keeping the vagina healthy and clean. Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle in response to oestrogen and progesterone levels in your body. These changes determine the fertile period prior to ovulation and stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicles.
During this time the cervical mucus changes from dry and sticky to a slippery, clear and stretchy mucus, and helps the sperm move from the vagina into the uterus. By tracking these changes, a woman can determine when intercourse is most likely to result in conception.
Alternatively, women who wish to prevent pregnancy with natural methods can monitor these changes to determine which days of the menstrual cycle she should abstain from sex.
When to worry about vaginal discharge
Now that we understand what a normal vaginal discharge is and why we have it, let’s consider some deviations from the norm to determine whether we should be making that doctor’s appointment.
When discharge becomes foul-smelling or is accompanied by symptoms like itching or burning, it might be indicative of an infection. The most common infections associated with a discharge are thrush (yeast infection or candidiasis) and bacterial vaginosis.
Thrush can be diagnosed with a quick physical examination and sample testing by your doctor. These infections can usually be eliminated with a short course of antifungal medication such as topical antifungal creams and suppositories administered directly into the vagina.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the pH levels and healthy bacteria in the vagina are disturbed, leading to an infection. Using antibiotics, harsh soaps and even having sex can produce a state that encourages bacterial growth. Bacterial vaginosis usually presents as a thin, white or greyish discharge with an unpleasant ‘fishy’ smell.
It can be treated with over-the-counter-topical medication or oral antibiotics. If you suspect you have bacterial vaginosis, a visit to your doctor is the way to go.
Abnormal symptoms may also point to sexually transmitted infections, which definitely warrant a doctor’s visit. If you’re experiencing any burning, itching, painful urination or painful sex, soreness, redness or inflammation, or an odd-smelling, greenish-yellow and sometimes frothy discharge, you should get yourself checked out.
Don’t let vaginal discharge cause you worry – learn what’s normal and what’s not with BabyYumYum. Our gynaecologist-approved resources will put your mind at ease.