Many believe that a healthy woman should not have any vaginal discharge. But this is not so. Normally, every woman has a vaginal secret that protects the delicate mucosa from damage and infection. This is just as natural as the secretions of the sweat and salivary glands. The reason to consult a doctor may be a change in vaginal secretion by color, odor and quantity. Alertness should also trigger blood secretions that are not associated with menses.
The composition of the vaginal secretion
The vaginal discharge consists of dead cells of the epithelium, mucus secreted by the cervix and secretion from the genital glands. It also contains a local microflora, for example, lactic acid bacteria, which protect the genitals from infection. Normally, an acidic environment must be maintained in the vaginal secretion. It is she who helps to protect against bacteria. In a healthy woman, the secretions may be clear or whitish, liquid or more viscous. They do not smell and do not irritate the skin.
What is the secret of the vagina?
This is a natural function of the body, the role of which is to maintain the health of women. The vagina should not be dry, otherwise different bacteria can develop on its surface. Mucous secretions protect it from damage during sex. The sexual organs of a woman have the ability to purify themselves and maintain a supportive environment. By changing the vaginal secretion, it is possible to diagnose infections and inflammations in time.
Symptoms of the disease:
- if the allocation has acquired a greyish or yellowish color and the smell of stale fish - this indicates the development of vaginosis;
- thick white discharge, often flaky, resembling coagulated milk, indicate the appearance of a fungal infection;
- if the allocation is abundant, yellow-green in color, foam and have an unpleasant smell - this is a symptom of trichomoniasis .
But not always an increase in the amount or a change in the smell of the vaginal secretion indicates a disease. Genital organs are a self-cleaning system and slight changes in the nature of secretions can be related to nutrition, use of hygiene products or stress. But if such changes last more than 3 days or are accompanied by pruritus and pain - this is the reason for going to the doctor.
How to maintain a vaginal secret is normal?
Follow these recommendations:
- observe personal hygiene rules, use only mild detergents;
- avoid tight synthetic underwear and do not wear thong;
- use as little sugar as possible: the composition of the microflora is very dependent on nutrition, so eat more garlic, lactic acid foods and sour juices;
- regularly visit a doctor and on time treat all inflammations and infections;
- do only protected sex and do not use spermicide lubricant.