Whys is it natural to have some vaginal discharge?
Vaginal secretion is the body’s natural way to clean and defend the vagina against infection and to provide lubrication. It is normal for there to be a little white fluid, which may leave a yellowish patch on underclothes. A woman in her reproductive years discharges about 2 grams of epithelial (surface) cells and about half a gram of mucus each day.
The volume of normal discharge will vary between women. Some may seem to have more than average and there may be no abnormality to account for it – this is called leukorrhoea. The epithelial cells are rich in glycogen, which is a carbohydrate. Lactobacilli are bacteria normally found in the vagina that are able to break down glycogen to lactic acid. The lactic acid keeps the fluid in the vagina slightly acidic and this protects against infections. Oestrogen tends to increase the amount of glycogen. Ultimately, the hormone environment alters the amount of normal vaginal discharge.
A number of factors will contribute to the volume of the normal discharge. These include the stage of the menstrual cycle, hormone medication (e.g. oral contraception or hormone replacement therapy increase vaginal discharge), sexual arousal and activity, and clothing. There is an increased fluid discharge around the time of ovulation (egg release); this occurs fourteen days before the next period is due. Pregnancy is associated with an increase in vaginal discharge.
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