Why does the pH value of leucorrhea appear high during routine examination?

We all know in junior high school chemistry class that if the pH value is greater than 7, it can basically be determined to be alkaline. On the contrary, if it is less than 7, it often represents acidity. Not only does water have a pH value, but so does women's leucorrhea. Leucorrhea is also an important indicator of women's physical health. So, what is the reason for the high pH value of female leucorrhea in routine examination?

Routine examination of leucorrhea

Purpose of examination: Leucorrhea is a mixture of vaginal mucosal exudate, cervical canal and endometrial gland secretions, and its formation is related to the action of estrogen. It is used to check for the presence of Trichomonas and Candida in the vagina, and can also determine the cleanliness of the vagina.

How to understand the routine test report of leucorrhea

Operation: No special operation is required. The doctor just needs to take some secretions from the vagina.

Laboratory report - including 5 items

pH value: The normal pH value is around 4.5. The vagina is weakly acidic, which is the self-cleaning function of the vagina and can prevent the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. If you suffer from trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis, the pH value will rise and may be greater than 5 to 6.

Vaginal cleanliness: It is divided into four degrees, degrees I to II are normal, degrees III to IV are abnormal leucorrhea, indicating vaginal inflammation.

Fungi and Trichomonas: After the leucorrhea is processed, the presence of Trichomonas or fungi can be detected under a microscope. If Trichomonas or fungi are present, they will be indicated by “+”. This symbol only means that you have been infected with Trichomonas or fungus, and does not indicate the severity of the infection.

Amine test: a method for checking for bacterial vaginosis. The diagnosis is made by a positive reaction to the amine test in the vaginal discharge.

Clue cells: a way to test for bacterial vaginosis. Many bacteria gather around the vaginal epithelial cells, making their edges blurred. These are clue cells, the most sensitive and specific sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Cervical cancer smear

Purpose of examination: To observe the morphology of exfoliated cells and screen for vaginal and cervical infections, cervical lesions, and cervical cancer. It can also indirectly understand estrogen levels.

Operation: The doctor scrapes cells and secretions from the junction of the squamous epithelium and columnar epithelium of the cervix, where cervical cancer is most likely to occur. The doctor then spreads the secretions evenly on a glass slide or stores them in a liquid specimen bottle and sends them to the laboratory for cytological examination.