VAGINAL SECRETIONS

Umm Iman : Sometimes I feel the presence of secretions (or discharges) coming down from me. What are they ?

Dr Ahmad :

The vaginal secretions represent the source of most of the complaints that the gynecologist and the obstetrician is confronted with. He also has to confront the problem of determining the amount of the discharges. However, we can divide up the secretions into the following :

1. Continuance of wetness : this is occasioned by a slight secretion.

2. The soiling of the underwear : this is caused by medium secretion.

3. Discharge requiring putting a menstruation towel : this is caused by abundant secretion.

The importance of this subdivision lies in the fact that it helps in the diagnosis, as some cases are distinguishable by the amount of secretion involved : e.g. the trichomonas inflammation.

At this stage, Umm Iman asked me : Is it natural that the reproductive apparatus of any woman contain secretions ?. I answered her : Yes. These secretions are necessary and have both determined and crucial functions

Umm Iman : What is the function of all these secretions ?

Dr Ahmad :

These secretions prevent the dryness of the tissues that surround  them. They give them vitality. They also contain the "glycogen" substance, which interacts with some of the germs that may be present in this area. This leads to the transformation of these discharges into acidic ones. And this, in turn, leads to the killing of the germs.

Umm Iman : What is the source of these secretions ?

Dr Ahmad :

The source of these secretions is a group of glands located in the cervix. They occur as a sort of perspiration or leaking produced by the  (internal) coating which covers the vaginal walls.

Umm Iman : How do I know if these secretions are normal ?

Dr Ahmad :

Normal secretions are distinguished by the fact that they do not have any odour and are not accompanied by a bent to scratch (scratching) or any kind of pain. They appear before the monthly period or directly after it, and during ovulation. Their amount is little.

Umm Iman : Is it natural that a great deal of secretion occurs during  sexual intercourse between spouses ?  Is this normal ?

Dr Ahmad :

Yes. This secretion is normal. It facilitates sexual intercourse. Its amount increases with the increase in the woman's sexual arousal and excitement.

Umm Iman : Are there any other normal secretions ?       

Dr Ahmad :

Yes. There are secretions during the pregnancy period; they are caused by the great amount of hormones and the development of the uterus. There are also post-delivery and post-abortion discharges.

Umm Iman : When do these normal secretions stop ?

Dr Ahmad :

These secretions stop at the menopause age (stoppage of menstruation or menopause). At this age, the monthly period menses disappear as the two ovaries deteriorate leading to the stoppage of hormonal secretions and, therefore, to the disappearance of normal discharges (or secretions).

Umm Iman : When do these secretions constitute a sign that an ailment is  present ?

Dr Ahmad :

When these secretions have a bad smell or are tainted, they are not normal. The smell ranges from slight to very bad (when germs are present). In this case, the doctor must be consulted right away.

Umm Iman : What are the reasons behind vaginal secretions ?

Dr Ahmad : 

The reasons for vaginal discharges are the following:

a) During childhood

1. Poor hygiene.

2. Some cases of microbian infection causing the inflammation of the throat.

3. The Monilia and the Trichomonas vaginitis, even though this is rare.

4. Gonorrhea. It occurs as the result of an infection caused by general running waters or by sanitary towels, or by the underwear of the affected mother.

5. Some anal worms

6. A foreign body inserted by the girl in her reproductive apparatus.

Symptoms :

1. Burns while urinating; burns in the vulva.

2. Reddening of the vulva skin.

3. Some discharges causing the soiling of underwear (for the most part, this symptom is the first that the mother observes).

b) During the fertility age :

* Functional reasons (Physiological reasons): Examples : during ovulation; before the monthly period; during pregnancy. Also, the use of  birth control pills may lead to an increase in cervical secretions. During sexual excitement and sexual intercourse.

* Organic reasons : The most important reasons are the following :

a) The Trichomonas vaginitis : The infection is, in most cases, transmitted by the husband during sexual intercourse. However, it is possible that it be transmitted via public baths, or in gynecological clinics (especially when the tools used are not disinfected).

Symptoms :

A great amount of smelly discharges, accompanied by reddening and burns, which appear all of a sudden.

However, these symptoms may have a clinical antecedent for the patient. The infection may appear for the woman at any time, although this happens  mostly during pregnancy. Oftentimes, it is difficult to examine the vagina as this is very painful. A great amount of yellow discharges leaning towards green are present, containing small gas bubbles. The wall of the vagina is  red and inflamed.

Diagnosis :

It is made easy by the symptoms and the examination of the vagina. It can easily be made while undertaking a microscopic analysis on a sample, using a drop of a salty solution, since the causing fungus appears.

b) The Monilias inflammation : This infection is caused by a fungus.

The women who have diabetes are more prone to it, during pregnancy. It  infects women who take birth control pills or who were treated with antibiotics a short while before its inception.

Symptoms :

Severe itching accompanied by thick and coagulated vaginal discharges, resembling curdled milk in thickness. Some grey coverings may form on the  vaginal wall. The examination is often very difficult because of the severe  inflammation. It is possible to diagnose the disease through the elicitation of symptoms and microscopic analysis.