Within certain limits, that of vaginal discharge is a physiological phenomenon, especially in certain periods of life. Let it be clear, first of all, that the vaginal mucosa is itself devoid of glands, which is why those secretions which we commonly call "leaks" are actually represented above all by the secretion of the uterine cervix.
At the time of ovulation, the vaginal discharge - in addition to being more abundant - becomes more alkaline and watery, and their viscosity decreases to facilitate the possible passage of spermatozoa and the fertilization of the egg cell. From the structural point of view, in fact, the cervical mucus appears as a microfilamentary structure woven into a net; during the various phases of the menstrual cycle, the meshes of this net tighten (viscous consistency) and widen (watery consistency), to hinder or facilitate respectively the ascent of the spermatozoa towards the uterine cavity and the tubas (where fertilization normally takes place ). In addition to becoming more lax, in the ovulatory phase the cervical mucus becomes more alkaline, in order to neutralize the typical acidity of the vaginal canal and increase the chances of sperm survival.
Physiological vaginal discharge appears white, transparent and filamentous, with an unpleasant odor and dissociated from itching, burning or irritation. As already mentioned, these losses can be registered at the time of ovulation (about half of the menstrual cycle), but also in coincidence with sexual excitement, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy and sometimes in the months preceding menarche (appearance of the first menstruation ).
Vaginal losses of a pathological nature tend instead to take on different characteristics, such as:
- yellowish and creamy leaks (gonococcal infection);
- foamy, greenish-yellow vaginal discharge associated with itching and irritation (Trichomonas);
- white, greyish, frothy leaks, of fetid odor especially after sexual intercourse or intimate hygiene (bacterial vaginosis, Gardnerella vaginalis);
- modest vaginal discharge well adherent to the walls, associated with intense, white and caseous consistency itching and burning, similar to a "soft cheese" (Candidosi);
- mucus purulent vaginal discharge, associated with pain during sexual intercourse (Clamydia, Ureaplasma urealyticum).
Many of these conditions are typically associated with sexually transmitted diseases and accompanied by discomfort of urination (dysuria). In addition to promiscuous and unprotected sexual relations, an important risk factor is given by excessive or insufficient intimate hygiene, which alters the normal vaginal flora and predisposes to infection.
| Causes that lead to an alteration of vaginal discharge |
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Vaginal discharge with traces of blood outside the menstrual period must always constitute an alarm bell and an invitation to an immediate gynecological consultation; they can in fact be a symptom of uterine cancer or other conditions (eg uterine polyps or pelvic inflammatory disease).
Alterations in defect of the vaginal losses are typical of the menopause, as a consequence of the decrease of the estrogens that accompanies this period of the life. Reduced mucus production deprives the vagina of its natural lubrication and can predispose to infections and pains during sexual intercourse.
