What is white discharge from the vagina?

The white discharge from a woman's lower body is called leucorrhea, which is the fluid that flows out of the vagina. It occurs every month, and most of the time it occurs about 14 days after the end of menstruation. The leucorrhea period is also called the ovulation period, so having sex at this stage is most beneficial for conception. However, there will be many changes in the texture of leucorrhea. The manifestations of physiological leucorrhea and rational leucorrhea are different, which require detailed understanding.

White vaginal discharge is a mixture of vaginal mucosal exudates, cervical gland secretions and endometrial gland secretions, and contains vaginal epithelial exfoliated cells, white blood cells and lactobacilli.

It is divided into physiological leucorrhea and pathological leucorrhea. Physiological leucorrhea is white, thin, paste-like or egg white-like, with no fishy smell. The amount varies and is related to the level of estrogen. When the ovaries gradually develop and secrete estrogen during puberty, vaginal secretions begin to be discharged, usually in the middle of the menstrual period, close to ovulation, due to the vigorous secretion of cervical endometrial glandular cells, cervical mucus is the main component. At this time, the leucorrhea increases, is clear and transparent, and is thin like egg white. 2 to 3 days after ovulation, the leucorrhea becomes turbid and sticky in small amount, which has no adverse effects on women's health. Pathological leucorrhea is caused by inflammation of the reproductive tract, especially vaginitis and cervicitis or cancer. The color, quality and quantity of leucorrhea will change.

Causes of symptoms

1. Physiological leucorrhea

2. Pathological leucorrhea

1. Non-inflammatory leucorrhea

2. Inflammatory leucorrhea

(1) Bacterial vaginosis

(2) Trichomonas vaginitis

(3) Fungal vaginitis

(4) Senile vaginitis

(5) Gonorrheal vaginitis

(6) Chronic cervicitis or cervical erosion

3. Leucorrhea caused by foreign body irritation

4. Cancerous leucorrhea

5. Other vaginal discharge

diagnosis

You should inquire in detail about the amount of leucorrhea, whether it stains underwear or requires a menstrual belt; the color of the leucorrhea; whether there is any special odor; the time of occurrence; whether it irritates the vulva and causes itching; whether there has been a diagnosis of pathological leucorrhea in the past; what kind of treatment has been received; whether the spouse suffers from urinary and reproductive system diseases, etc.

Differential Diagnosis

1. Physiological leucorrhea

Under normal circumstances, the amount and smell of leucorrhea vary from person to person, and publicity work should be done to eliminate concerns.

2. Pathological leucorrhea

1. Non-inflammatory leucorrhea

Any condition that can cause congestion in the pelvis and uterus can cause the cervical glands and endometrium to overfunction and secrete excessive mucus; at the same time, vaginal mucosal exudation also increases. For example, patients with pelvic tumors, retroflexed uterus, chronic diseases such as heart failure, tuberculosis, diabetes, anemia, and weak women often have more egg white-like secretions or white watery vaginal exudate.

In addition, mental stimulation can cause a continuous increase in secretions from the vulva, vagina and cervix, which is called "psychogenic leucorrhea". Patients often complain of discomfort such as moisture and itching of the vulva. The vulva of these patients is obviously moist, and they may even have acute or subacute eczema. The surface of the labia minora is gritty and uneven due to the protrusion of a large number of sebaceous glands.

If the above-mentioned hypersecretion continues for a long time, the cervical mucosa will be soaked by the corrosive alkaline cervical secretions, which may cause erosion, reduce the acidity of the vagina, and allow pathogenic bacteria to multiply. It may also lead to chronic cervicitis and pathological leucorrhea.