In obstetrics and gynecology departments across major hospitals, approximately one in ten women consulting for "excessive vaginal discharge" experience physiological increases—meaning normal cervical mucus and shedding of vaginal epithelial cells.
Vaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. Normal discharge appears white and paste-like or egg-white in consistency, highly viscous, odorless (without fishy or foul smells), and occurs in small amounts that do not interfere with daily life.
Under normal circumstances, the skin of the labia contains abundant sebaceous glands that secrete sebum to moisturize the genital area.
The Bartholin's glands, also known as the vestibular glands, secrete a colorless, clear, and slightly acidic fluid primarily to maintain the moisture of the vestibular mucosa.
Do not assume these fluids are sterile. In fact, vaginal secretions contain a large number of microorganisms. Under a microscope, you can identify over ten types of microbes, the vast majority being anaerobic bacteria. Lactobacilli are also very common, and Candida albicans is the most prevalent yeast. This diverse array of bacteria constitutes the normal vaginal flora, maintaining the vaginal environment.
Cervical mucus secreted by cervical glands is also a key component of physiological discharge. It is alkaline, resembles egg white in appearance, and possesses a similar viscosity.
The slightly acidic odor of vaginal discharge is important. In women of reproductive age, vaginal epithelial cells contain glycogen. Lactobacilli utilize glucose as a substrate, producing lactic acid through their own metabolism. This gives vaginal discharge a faintly sour scent. Lactobacilli, along with other vaginal microorganisms, form a complex that inhibits the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria through intricate interactions.
Therefore, excessive vaginal douching is generally inadvisable for women. This slight acidity is crucial for female health.
Why does vaginal discharge change color? Physiological discharge fluctuates with the ovarian cycle, primarily influenced by estrogen levels and pelvic congestion.