Vaginal mucus, or discharge, is the secretion that comes from the cervix and vaginal walls. The most important aspects of this discharge are its texture, color, and odor, although these vary from woman to woman. However, in a healthy woman, the discharge is typically watery, slightly sticky, and has an appearance and color similar to egg white.
Why might it stain your underwear?
This is normal; every woman’s underwear is stained with different shades of white. Generally, the more watery discharge is clear or white. When it dries, the fluid evaporates and leaves a whitish or yellowish residue, which may crust over.
This is completely normal, as long as your flow is:
- Odorless or with a slightly salty smell.
- It is not accompanied by burning or itching.
Otherwise, you should consult your doctor to make sure everything is alright.
Composition of vaginal discharge
All mucous membranes need hydration. The reason the vagina maintains good health is thanks to the viscous layer of vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge is composed of the following:
- Secretions or mucus that are generated by the uterine skin; the endometrium and the Bartholin’s valve.
- Dead cells from the cervix and vaginal epithelium.
- Fluid that passes through the walls of blood vessels; which are responsible for carrying blood to the organs of the reproductive system.
- A large number of bacteria colonize the vagina.
- Secretions that are produced by the sebaceous and sweat glands of the vulvar vestibule.
- To sum it all up; vaginal discharge is composed of mucus, water, and cells that are normally found in your body.
- Furthermore, vaginal discharge is completely normal and not unpleasant. It’s as natural as saliva in the mouth.
- When is vaginal discharge indicative of disease?
- Normally, vaginal discharge is odorless; white or clear; thick and sticky or slippery and stretchy.
- However, if the flow is unusual, it may indicate:
- Candidiasis : in this case the discharge is lumpy.
- Bacterial vaginosis: this is the discharge that generates the famous fishy smell.
- Trichomoniasis : this discharge is yellow or greenish and frothy.
- You should consult a specialist if you experience:
- Bloody discharge.
- Pain in the lower abdomen; when you are urinating.
- Large increase in flow.
- Changes in color, smell, or texture.
- Irritation or itching of the skin in the intimate area.
- Remember; this discharge is super normal and plays a big role in the female reproductive system.
