A basic guide to vaginal discharge

Did you know that in ancient Greece and Rome, vaginal discharge was actually a big deal? It was considered one of the four bodily humors: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Maintaining a balance between these was thought to be the key to good health. Therefore, vaginal discharge was seen as something completely natural that helped keep the body in balance ❤️

When the Middle Ages arrived, with its emphasis on religious beliefs, discharge sometimes got a bad reputation and was associated with impurity or even sin. But thanks to scientific advances, we gained a deeper understanding of how the body works, which also led to increased understanding of vaginal discharge as an important part of the female reproductive system. Vaginal discharge has actually been part of women's lives for as long as women have walked the earth ❤️ but it is still, to some extent, surrounded by taboos and there are many misunderstandings to clarify.

So, what exactly is vaginal discharge and why does it occur?

WHAT IS DISCHARGE?

Discharge is not only a normal but also a necessary part of a woman's reproductive health. This natural secretion is the body's way of maintaining a healthy environment in the vagina. Discharge is simply the body's way of keeping the vagina in good condition. It also varies in color and consistency depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. From puberty to menopause, women experience changes in their discharge. It is normal for the amount and type of discharge to vary with age and hormonal changes. But what exactly is discharge, what does it consist of, and why is it so important for our health?

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COMPOSITION AND FUNCTION

Vaginal discharge consists of a complex mixture of fluids and cells that are constantly secreted from the inside of the vagina and cervix. This continuous process plays a crucial role in keeping the vagina both healthy and functioning optimally. The main components of this system include:

🌸 Fluids from the cervix and vagina

These help to moisturize and clean the vagina, contributing to the prevention of infections.

🌸 Shed cells from the walls of the vagina and cervix

These cells contribute to the natural cleaning process by removing dead cells from the vagina.

🌸 Beneficial bacteria

Primarily lactobacilli that keep the vaginal pH low, creating an inhospitable environment for harmful microorganisms.

🌸 Secretions from the glands of the cervix

This secretion changes in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle, affecting both fertility and serving as a natural barrier against infections.

CLEANING AND PROTECTION

Vaginal discharge is a superhero when it comes to keeping your vagina healthy and balanced. They play a very important role in both cleaning and protecting your intimate area. But how does this system work and why is it so important?

🌸 How the vagina stays clean

Your vagina can take care of itself and discharge is a big part of that job. They help by constantly sending out a mix of fluids and cells. This helps wash away old cells and things that shouldn't be there, keeping the vagina clean and reducing the risk of irritation and infections.

🌸 How the vagina stays healthy

For your vagina to feel good, a good balance of different bacteria is needed. Discharge helps with this by ensuring the vagina is slightly acidic, a pH level that the friendly bacteria (lactobacilli) like. These friendly bacteria produce lactic acid that keeps the not-so-friendly bacteria away. This protection is very important to avoid problems that can arise if the not-so-friendly bacteria take over.

🌸 Protection against unwanted guests

Discharge is a bit like a guard at the door to your internal reproductive organs. They help keep away bacteria and viruses that can cause trouble. When it’s time for ovulation, the mucus in the cervix changes to make it easier for sperm to get through. But the rest of the time, the mucus is thicker to stop bacteria and viruses from entering. It’s a smart way for the body to protect itself.

🌸 A way to keep track of health

If your discharge changes in amount, color, or smell, it can be a sign that something is wrong. For example, if you notice more discharge than usual or if it turns grayish and smells bad, it could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, which is when there is an imbalance among the bacteria in the vagina. By paying attention to these changes, you can get help in time if something is wrong.

Read the blog on how to prevent bad-smelling discharge, yeast & urinary tract infections here!

AN INDICATOR OF HEALTH

Changes in the color, smell, or consistency of discharge can often be the first signs that something is wrong with the body's health. For example:

🌸 Clear and watery or white and creamy - usually indicates normal discharge.

🌸 Yellow or green and foul-smelling - can be signs of an infection.

🌸 Pink or blood-tinged discharge - can indicate bleeding inside the reproductive system.

Read the blog about bacterial vaginosis – discharge that smells bad here!

UNDERSTANDING THE SMELL OF YOUR VAGINAL DISCHARGE

The smell of normal vaginal discharge is usually very mild and can be described as neutral or just slightly acidic, which is a result of the natural bacterial flora in the vagina. This acidity is due to the lactobacilli, good bacteria that dominate a healthy vaginal environment. The lactobacilli produce lactic acid which helps keep the vaginal pH low (between 3.8 and 4.5), contributing to a slightly acidic smell but also protecting against the growth of harmful microorganisms.

A mild, acidic smell is therefore completely normal and nothing to worry about. It can vary somewhat depending on the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, sexual activity, and personal hygiene. It is important to note that a healthy vagina is not odorless and that small variations in smell are normal and natural.

However, if the smell of vaginal discharge becomes strong, unpleasant, or changes character markedly, it may be a sign of an infection or imbalance in the vaginal environment. For example, a fishy smell may indicate bacterial vaginosis, a condition where there is an imbalance in the vaginal bacterial flora. A yeast-like or bread-like smell may instead indicate a fungal infection, such as candida. These changes in smell are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as unusual color or consistency of discharge, itching, or irritation.

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Vaginal discharge thus provides us with balance, protection, and renewal! The natural vaginal scent in discharge is nothing to be ashamed of but rather a sign that everything is working as it should. Throughout history, women's vaginal discharge has not always received the appreciation it deserves. So next time you notice discharge, take it as a reminder to send some love to the incredible intelligence of your female body ❤️

Take care & Stay Pussytive ❤️

/Fanny Falkman Grinndal

Business Manager Nordics

Peptonic Medical AB

fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se