Vaginal discharge is a secretion from the female reproductive tract and serves as an indicator of overall health. The standard for discharge cleanliness accurately reflects the presence of vaginal inflammation. For instance, grades I–II indicate normal discharge, while grades III–IV signify abnormal discharge, suggesting vaginal inflammation.
The routine vaginal discharge examination is the most common test in gynecological checkups. It involves preparing a smear of the discharge for microscopic observation, assessing vaginal cleanliness based on the presence and quantity of vaginal bacteria, white blood cells (WBC), and other microorganisms.
Vaginal discharge cleanliness standards are as follows:
Grade I: Abundant vaginal bacteria and epithelial cells, no miscellaneous bacteria or white blood cells, clear field of view—indicates normal secretions.
Grade II: Moderate vaginal bacteria and epithelial cells, few white blood cells and miscellaneous bacteria—still considered normal vaginal secretions.
Grade III: Small amounts of vaginal bacteria and squamous epithelial cells, with relatively abundant miscellaneous bacteria and white blood cells, indicating mild vaginal inflammation.
Grade IV: Absence of vaginal bacteria, only a few epithelial cells, with a large number of white blood cells and miscellaneous bacteria. This indicates relatively severe vaginal inflammation, such as candidal vaginitis or trichomoniasis.
Thus, grades I–II indicate normal discharge, while grades III–IV signify abnormal discharge reflecting vaginal inflammation. Women should routinely monitor their vaginal discharge. Normal discharge is milky white, transparent, and viscous, varying with the menstrual cycle. Any change in discharge characteristics warrants attention.