Is it normal to have less vaginal discharge?

We all know that increased vaginal discharge in women is one of the symptoms of vaginitis, but recently some experts pointed out that too little vaginal discharge in women may cause vaginitis. Why is this? It is reported that if women have a significantly reduced or absent vaginal discharge, they may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as dizziness and tinnitus. If the vaginal discharge is too little for a long time, the vagina's self-defense function will be weakened, making it easy to get vaginitis. The editor will give a detailed introduction below.

Leucorrhea is a sticky white liquid that flows out of the vagina of women. It is a mixture of secretions from the Bartholin's glands, cervical glands, endometrium, exudate from the vaginal mucosa, and desquamated vaginal epithelial cells. Leucorrhea contains lactobacillus, lysozyme and antibodies, so it has the effect of inhibiting bacterial growth.

The amount of leucorrhea in normal women is usually related to physiological phenomena such as menstrual cycle and sexual activity. During sexual intercourse, the amount of leucorrhea will increase, which will lubricate the vagina and facilitate sexual intercourse. Generally, the amount of leucorrhea increases during the middle of the menstrual period and becomes thin and transparent; after ovulation, the leucorrhea becomes thick, turbid and less in quantity. There is an increase in leucorrhea before menstruation and during pregnancy.

If the leucorrhea is significantly reduced or absent, symptoms such as vaginal dryness, burning pain, loss of libido, discomfort or difficulty in sexual intercourse may appear. It may also be accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness in the lower limbs, irritability, etc. If there is too little leucorrhea for a long time, the vagina's self-defense function will be weakened, and women will be more susceptible to vaginitis.

Generally speaking, too little vaginal discharge is caused by ovarian dysfunction or decline and low sex hormone levels. It is common in patients with frequent miscarriages, prolonged breastfeeding, long-term mental trauma and various chronic diseases, such as chronic hepatitis, chronic nephritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, etc. After entering menopause, the gradual atrophy and loss of function of the ovaries can also lead to a lack of vaginal discharge.

How to prevent female vaginitis?

1. Wear less tight pants or jeans, and choose cotton underwear.

2. Regular check-ups: Even if you do not feel any discomfort, you should still have regular check-ups. It is best to have a comprehensive gynecological examination once a year.

3. Enhance immunity: insist on exercising, strengthen your physical fitness, get enough sleep, eat a reasonable diet, have a balanced nutrition, and eat more foods rich in vitamins.

4. In addition, it is not advisable to frequently use various liquid medicines to clean the vagina. Doing so will damage the vaginal environment, cause dysbacteriosis and induce vaginitis.

5. Don’t use sanitary pads on daily basis. Some women are worried that leucorrhea will stain their underwear, so they always like to use sanitary pads even if they are not menstruating. In fact, sanitary pads have poor air permeability and are not hygienic for long-term use. If you use sanitary pads that are not disinfected properly, the effect will be counterproductive.

The editor kindly reminds female friends that if the leucorrhea secretion is too little, active treatment should be sought. If the secretion is too low due to chronic diseases, you should strengthen your physical fitness while treating the disease and pay attention to supplementing protein and vitamins to enhance hormone secretion. Do more things that make yourself happy, learn to adjust your mentality, maintain a good mental state, and avoid excessive excitement and impatience.