Physiological and Pathological Vaginal Leaks

vaginal is in itself devoid of glands, which is why those secretions that we commonly call "leaks" are actually mainly represented by the secretion of the uterine cervix. This region of the uterus is particularly sensitive to hormonal variations, to which it responds by adapting the composition of its secretion, which is important - among other things - to maintain optimal lubrication and cleaning of the vagina.

not unpleasant and dissociated from itching, burning or irritation. These losses can occur at the time of ovulation (about the middle of the menstrual cycle), but also in conjunction with sexual excitement, oral contraceptives, pregnancy and sometimes in the months preceding the menarche (appearance of the first menstruation).

At the moment of ovulation, vaginal discharge - in addition to becoming more abundant - becomes more alkaline and watery, and its viscosity decreases to facilitate the eventual passage of spermatozoa and fertilization of the egg cell. From the structural point of view, in fact, the cervical mucus appears as a microfilament structure woven into a net; during the various phases of the menstrual cycle, the meshes of this network tighten (viscous consistency) and widen (watery consistency), to hinder or facilitate respectively the ascent of the spermatozoa towards the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes (site where fertilization normally takes place ).

As mentioned, 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.

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Foamy, green-yellow vaginal discharge associated with itching and irritation (infection with Trichomonas);

White, grayish, foamy discharge, with a fetid odor especially after sexual intercourse or intimate hygiene (bacterial vaginosis, infections from Gardnerella vaginalis);

Modest vaginal discharge well adhering to the walls, associated with intense itching and burning, white and of a cheesy consistency, similar to a "soft cheese" (candidiasis);

Mucus-purulent vaginal discharge, associated with pains during sexual intercourse (infections with Chlamydia o Ureaplasma urealyticum).

Many of these conditions are typically associated with sexually transmitted diseases and accompanied by urination disorders. In addition to promiscuous and unprotected sexual intercourse, an important risk factor is given by excessive or insufficient intimate hygiene, which alters the normal vaginal flora and predisposes to infection.

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Cervical cancer;

Cervicitis;

Chlamydia;

Genital herpes;

Genital warts;

HPV (human papilloma virus) infection;

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID);

Rectovaginal fistula;

Sexually transmitted diseases (for example, gonorrhea, candidiasis, etc.);

Vaginal atrophy;

Vaginal cancer;

Vaginitis;

Candidiasis (not necessarily transmitted sexually; for more information, see the dedicated article).

Vaginal discharge with traces of blood outside the menstrual period must always be an alarm bell and an invitation to immediate gynecological consultation; they may in fact be a symptom of uterine cancer or other conditions (for example, uterine polyps or pelvic inflammatory disease).

Defective changes in vaginal discharge are typical of menopause, as a consequence of the drop in estrogen that accompanies this period of life. Reduced mucus production deprives the vagina of its natural lubrication and can predispose to infections and pain during sexual intercourse.

For further information: Vaginal Leaks - Causes and Symptoms