Vaginal discharge is not a topic that is often discussed. If people even think about it, it is usually out of annoyance: dirty underpants again. This physical phenomenon is clearly present from puberty onwards. The woman’s body produces estrogen and progesterone, which triggers all kinds of changes. One of these is the development of the so-called white tide. A good thing too, because it keeps the vagina healthy.
The secretion has various functions, says uro-gynecologist Manon Kerkhof of Curilion, an expertise center for women’s care. “It ensures that the mucous membrane in the vagina does not dry out, which prevents tears and wounds.
It also helps remove dead cells and is necessary for healthy acidity. It contains good lactic acid bacteria, so-called lactobacilli. The lactic acid gives the discharge a slightly sour smell and taste, which is why the vagina tastes and smells a bit sour and has a low pH value. This is essential for health because it keeps the vaginal environment in balance, and most disease-causing bacteria do not like an acidic environment.” This discharge is produced by the vaginal walls and cervix. In addition to that ‘basic secretion’, there is also the moisture that sexual arousal brings. “Then, glands on either side of the opening of the vagina produce a clear fluid, a natural lubricant.”
Vaginal discharge: slightly different
The odor, texture and appearance of vaginal discharge are influenced by many factors, including the hormonal cycle. “Shortly before ovulation, the vaginal discharge is stringy, slimy and transparent. This facilitates the transport of sperm cells. After ovulation, the discharge becomes thicker and yellower,” explains uro-gynecologist Kerkhof. “The discharge can also change during pregnancy, and during the period when you are breastfeeding the amount of discharge is often much smaller. Just like after menopause, the vagina can even feel dry.” Also of influence are the use of medication, such as the contraceptive pill or the use of a diaphragm. In short: the amount and substance of vaginal discharge can vary from person to person and from day to day.
A healthy vagina produces discharge, so it is certainly not a sign of poor hygiene. Self-knowledge is useful. Knowing what your vaginal discharge normally smells like and what color and consistency it is will help you know when something might be wrong and it’s time to see the doctor.
Teaspoon
On average, a woman produces half to a whole teaspoon of white discharge per day. How much exactly varies per person.
Do’s & don’ts
It is therefore important for your health that bacteria and fungi remain in balance in the vagina. How do you keep the balance? Urogynecologist Manon Kerkhof: “It is important not to wash the vagina with soap, not to use panty liners and not to wear synthetic underwear. Then it becomes warm and sultry there and that increases the risk of infections. Never wash inside the vagina, there is no need for that. The vagina keeps itself clean so only wash the external part, the vulva. Pointing the shower head at it and spraying it with lukewarm or warm water is sufficient. Also do not use products such as a vaginal douche or intimate spray. Soap and special remedies are counterproductive because they disrupt the environment in the vagina. If the skin of your vulva is dry or irritated, for example due to shaving, apply unscented Vaseline-paraffin ointment to the skin. There is a special version for intimate use. Dabbing vegetable oil with a cotton ball also helps.”
The effect of the transition
It is often claimed that during and after menopause the vagina is drier during sex. Urogynecologist Manon Kerkhof: “This is not true. The vaginal mucous membranes are under the influence of estrogen and the amount of estrogen decreases sharply during menopause because the ovaries no longer produce this hormone. This indeed makes the vagina drier. But the moisture that comes from excitement can still be generated. On average, it takes a little more time and effort to become aroused. So take the time to become sufficiently sexually stimulated. For example, through longer foreplay, an erotic book or a female-friendly erotic film. Fantasize about it and only proceed with penetration when you feel that you are sufficiently moist. Sex can still be just as satisfying after menopause as before.” Extra tip: if necessary, use a silicone-based lubricant and not a water-based one, because that dries out. Treatment with estrogen cream can also provide a solution. Be well informed by your GP or gynecologist.
No STD
A healthy vagina contains millions of bacteria, yeasts and fungi. But if the balance is disturbed, certain bacteria or fungi can take over. This can often be seen and smelled in the discharge. Urogynecologist Manon Kerkhof: “If white, sticky pieces come out of the vagina, this may indicate a fungal infection. Itching and burning with swelling of the mucous membranes or labia are also symptoms. If the vagina is not acidic enough, certain bacteria can gain the upper hand, resulting in bacterial vaginosis. You can recognize this by a fishy odor and a grayish discharge.” Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are not STDs. “These conditions are not sexually transmitted, they are caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora. This can be caused by anything: soap, shaving gel, condoms, diaphragm, synthetic underwear. Or by wearing panty liners. But the use of medication such as contraception, antibiotics, antihistamines for allergies, and your health also have an influence. Diabetes, for example.”
Although yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis are not STDs, they can be the result of sex. “Semen is alkaline and can disrupt the acidity in the vagina. It helps to have sex with a condom for a while, so that the vaginal environment can recover,” says Kerkhof. Although these conditions are annoying, they are harmless. They often disappear on their own after a few days. If not, your GP can prescribe a remedy. Don’t be embarrassed, says Manon Kerkhof. “The GP has seen everything before and is not surprised by anything.” Also go to the doctor or request a self-test if you suspect an STD. “Changes in the color, texture, odor or amount of vaginal discharge can be symptoms of STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. And an STD does not disappear on its own.”
Do/don’t go to the doctor
Normal changes in discharge that are not a cause for concern:
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Slimy protein that you can stretch between your fingers: ovulation is coming.
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Increased amount of discharge with the same odor, color and consistency as normal: hormonal conception or pregnancy may be the cause.
Go to the doctor if you have these symptoms:
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Lots of thin, gray-white discharge with a fishy odor: this could be a signal that you have bacterial vaginosis, where the flora in the vagina is out of balance.
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Mushy, lumpy white discharge with a normal odor: could be a sign of a yeast infection.
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Increased amount of vaginal discharge, often with a yellowish-white color: may indicate an infection with chlamydia, mycoplasma or gonorrhea. Gonorrhea often produces more yellow-green discharge than chlamydia and mycoplasma.
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Discharge with blood outside menstruation, from brown spots to pink, dark or fresh blood in the discharge: the cause may be a sexually transmitted disease, a hormonal imbalance in your cycle or cell change in the cervix. Always see a doctor if you have unexplained bleeding.
Source: The miracle underneath everything about the vagina, Nina Brochmann Ellen Støkken Dahl.
