Vaginal Discharge: Get the lowdown!

Vaginal Discharge: Get the lowdown!

Vaginal discharge is normally clear and odorless. You may notice this as a creamy or whitish stain on the underwear or panty liners in between periods. It may give off a slight smell as it reacts with the material of the underwear and panty liner. Vaginal discharge comes from the opening of the uterus called the cervix.

Facts on Vaginal Discharge

• On examination, it contains vaginal cells, bacteria, and dead tissue that come from the uterus, cervix and vaginal walls.
• It differs from woman to woman and also varies during the menstrual cycle.
• The discharge usually increases in amount and may be a little thin and stretchy when you are ovulating.
• A couple of days before your menses, you may notice that the discharge becomes a little brownish in color.
• It is influenced by SHHE ABC:

Observe these changes and try to time the pattern of your menstrual cycle with it. Try to note what is normal discharge for you.

If vaginal discharge appears to be abnormal, how does one proceed?
If you suspect your vaginal discharge to be abnormal, get an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will do a complete pelvic examination. A Pap smear will also be done to check the cervix. The doctor may ask you if you have a history of unprotected sex or had multiple sexual partners before. Having multiple sexual partners will increase your chance of having an infection which may explain the abnormal vaginal discharge. In the presence of cancer in the family, further tests or examinations may be done.

Vaginal pH
The vagina protects itself from infections through a low or acidic pH. It is the balance of organisms and bacteria as well as the lactic acid released by vaginal cells that keep the pH at a low level. This balance may be lost due to vaginal infections, poor hygiene or the use of contraceptives. When this happens, you may start getting vaginal itchiness and even changes in your vaginal discharge.

Why is vaginal discharge acidic?
The vagina is lined by a layer of cells that are as active as the organisms that live in it. Bacteria and cells in the vagina are responsible for its acidic pH. Estrogen released by the ovaries signals the vaginal cells to produce and release lactic acid. Certain bacteria like lactobacilli also produce lactic acid and together with the vaginal cells keeps the pH of the vagina acidic. Vaginal pH is normally 4.5 or lower.

Is it normal for bacteria to be present in the vagina?
The vagina has its own little world. Some of these bacteria are normal residents in the vagina. There are about 30 different types. They are very much welcome, too! A large portion of these bacteria is Lactobacilli. These bacteria work together to keep the vagina healthy by maintaining vaginal pH.

Facts about the vagina-friendly bacteria: Lactobacilli

• They are the most plentiful bacteria in the vagina.
• They help keep the vagina healthy by releasing hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide keeps in check the growth of other bacteria. Through this, a “normal” and “balanced” environment in the vagina is maintained.
• Lactobacilli produces lactic acid which contributes to the acidic pH of the vagina.
• The more number of lactobacilli in the vagina, the better. These bacteria protect the vagina from infections.

Can bacteria that normally reside in the vagina also cause disease?
In most cases, these bacteria and organisms living in the vagina may increase or decrease in number from time to time. When this happens, an infection may not always be present. However when the number of these bacteria increases, you may start experiencing vaginal itchiness, vaginal rash or changes in your vaginal discharge.

The bacteria residing in the vagina normally do not cause infections. Like any law abiding resident they live peacefully and try to do their job well. However, poor hygiene, hormonal imbalance and use of strong soaps when washing the area may change all these. When the skin of the vaginal area gets irritated by strong soaps or underwear material, do not scratch. Scratching may cause little wounds that can also disrupt this balance. The use of certain medications may cause other organisms to increase in number leading to infections.