vaginal discharge

 vaginal discharge


Within certain limits, that of vaginal discharge is a physiological phenomenon, especially in some periods of life. First of all, it is clear that the vaginal mucosa is itself free of glands, which is why those secretions that we commonly call "losses" are in fact represented above all by the secretion of the uterine cervix. Vaginal Losses This region of the uterus is particularly sensitive to hormonal variations, to which it responds by adapting the composition of its secretion, important - among other things - to maintain optimum lubrication and cleansing of the vagina.

At the time of ovulation, vaginal discharge - in addition to being more abundant - becomes more alkaline and watery, and diminishes its viscosity to facilitate the possible passage of sperm and fertilization of the egg cell. From the structural point of view, in fact, the cervical mucus appears as a microfilament structure woven into the network; during the various phases of the menstrual cycle, the meshes of this network tighten (viscous consistency) and widen (aqueous consistency), to hinder or facilitate respectively the ascent of the spermatozoa towards the uterine cavity and the tubes (location where fertilization normally occurs) ). 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 survival of the spermatozoa.

Physiological vaginal losses appear white, transparent and filamentous, with a not unpleasant odor and dissociated from itching, burning or irritation. As already mentioned, these losses can be recorded at the time of ovulation (about half of the menstrual cycle), but also in coincidence of sexual excitement, intake of oral contraceptives, pregnancy and sometimes in the months preceding the menarche (first menstrual appearance ).

Vaginal losses of a pathological nature tend to take on different characteristics, for example:

    yellowish and creamy losses (gonadococcal infection);
    foamy, greenish-yellow vaginal discharge associated with pruritus and irritation (Trichomonas);
    white, grayish, frothy, odorous odor losses especially after sexual intercourse or intimate hygiene (bacterial vaginosis, Gardnerella vaginalis);
    modest vaginal discharge well adherent to the walls, associated with intense itching and burning, white and of a caseous consistency, similar to a "soft cheese" (Candidiasis);
    mucoid-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 in 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 result in an alteration of vaginal discharge

    Bacterial vaginosis
    Cervical cancer
    CERVICITIS
    Chlamydia
    Genital herpes
    Genital warts
    Gonorrhea
    HPV infection (human papilloma virus)
    Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
    Rectovaginal fistula
    Sexually transmitted diseases
    Vaginal atrophy
    Vaginal cancer
    Vaginitis
    Candidiasis

    Vaginal losses with traces of blood outside the menstrual period must always constitute an alarm bell and an invitation to immediate gynecological advice; they may indeed be symptoms of uterine cancer or other conditions (eg uterine polyps or pelvic inflammatory disease).

Alterations in defect of vaginal discharge are typical of menopause, as a consequence of the decrease in estrogen that accompanies this period of life. A reduced production of mucus deprives the vagina of its natural lubrication and can predispose to infections and pains during sexual intercourse.