What does normal vaginal discharge look like? The dangers of abnormal discharge
What does normal vaginal discharge look like? The dangers of abnormal discharge
If you have some basic knowledge of physiology or pay attention to changes in your body during daily life, you will know that women have vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a normal physiological phenomenon unique to women and is also an indicator of gynecological health. How much do you know about your body's vaginal discharge?
What does normal vaginal discharge look like and what is its function?
Vaginal discharge is a complex mucus substance composed of secretions from the vaginal mucosa or endometrium, shed epithelial cells from the vagina, or vaginal secretions. Normally, healthy women have vaginal discharge, and it also changes throughout the menstrual cycle, following the changes in the cycle.
After menstruation ends, vaginal discharge often becomes "invisible" and sometimes you may not feel its presence. During ovulation, the discharge becomes thin and watery, gradually becoming sticky and capable of stretching. The color also changes from white and transparent to a pale yellow or light yellow.
The reason why the discharge becomes thin and increased during ovulation is to facilitate the entry of sperm into the uterus. In addition, the discharge also plays a lubricating role during sexual activity.
What could be the reasons for abnormal vaginal discharge?
Pay attention to the color or shape of vaginal discharge when going to the bathroom or taking a shower. When the discharge changes to grayish-yellow, yellowish-white, grayish-white, or even has a reddish color, it indicates abnormal discharge.
According to Associate Professor Pang Zhanjun from Southern Medical University Southern Hospital, when the discharge becomes grayish-yellow or yellowish-white, foamy, and thin in consistency, accompanied by itching symptoms in the external genitals, it may be a sign of trichomonal vaginitis. This is a common disease that many women experience when they do not pay attention to personal hygiene. In this case, the disease can be identified by the color and shape of the discharge as well as other symptoms in the genital area.
If the discharge is grayish-white, has a fishy odor, and there is mild itching in the external genitals, it may be bacterial vaginosis. When the discharge becomes purulent and yellow or yellowish-green, accompanied by a foul smell, it is often caused by bacterial infection leading to vaginitis or cervicitis. It may even be a combination of vaginal or cervical cancer with infection. In this case, it is necessary to seek gynecological examination at the hospital, identify the cause, and receive targeted treatment.
When vaginal discharge appears blood red, with blood mixed in, it is a more serious condition. Doctors remind that it may be cervical or endometrial cancer. Additionally, if an intrauterine device is in place, it may also cause the presence of bloody discharge.
In conclusion, vaginal discharge not only signals menstruation and ovulation but also serves as an indicator of the health of women's genitals. Women of reproductive age can identify their ovulation period through changes in vaginal discharge, increasing their chances of conception. Healthy women can also judge diseases by observing the appearance and color of vaginal discharge combined with other bodily symptoms.
If you have some basic knowledge of physiology or pay attention to changes in your body during daily life, you will know that women have vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a normal physiological phenomenon unique to women and is also an indicator of gynecological health. How much do you know about your body's vaginal discharge?
What does normal vaginal discharge look like and what is its function?
Vaginal discharge is a complex mucus substance composed of secretions from the vaginal mucosa or endometrium, shed epithelial cells from the vagina, or vaginal secretions. Normally, healthy women have vaginal discharge, and it also changes throughout the menstrual cycle, following the changes in the cycle.
After menstruation ends, vaginal discharge often becomes "invisible" and sometimes you may not feel its presence. During ovulation, the discharge becomes thin and watery, gradually becoming sticky and capable of stretching. The color also changes from white and transparent to a pale yellow or light yellow.
The reason why the discharge becomes thin and increased during ovulation is to facilitate the entry of sperm into the uterus. In addition, the discharge also plays a lubricating role during sexual activity.
What could be the reasons for abnormal vaginal discharge?
Pay attention to the color or shape of vaginal discharge when going to the bathroom or taking a shower. When the discharge changes to grayish-yellow, yellowish-white, grayish-white, or even has a reddish color, it indicates abnormal discharge.
According to Associate Professor Pang Zhanjun from Southern Medical University Southern Hospital, when the discharge becomes grayish-yellow or yellowish-white, foamy, and thin in consistency, accompanied by itching symptoms in the external genitals, it may be a sign of trichomonal vaginitis. This is a common disease that many women experience when they do not pay attention to personal hygiene. In this case, the disease can be identified by the color and shape of the discharge as well as other symptoms in the genital area.
If the discharge is grayish-white, has a fishy odor, and there is mild itching in the external genitals, it may be bacterial vaginosis. When the discharge becomes purulent and yellow or yellowish-green, accompanied by a foul smell, it is often caused by bacterial infection leading to vaginitis or cervicitis. It may even be a combination of vaginal or cervical cancer with infection. In this case, it is necessary to seek gynecological examination at the hospital, identify the cause, and receive targeted treatment.
When vaginal discharge appears blood red, with blood mixed in, it is a more serious condition. Doctors remind that it may be cervical or endometrial cancer. Additionally, if an intrauterine device is in place, it may also cause the presence of bloody discharge.
In conclusion, vaginal discharge not only signals menstruation and ovulation but also serves as an indicator of the health of women's genitals. Women of reproductive age can identify their ovulation period through changes in vaginal discharge, increasing their chances of conception. Healthy women can also judge diseases by observing the appearance and color of vaginal discharge combined with other bodily symptoms.