Sensitivity of Vagina
The vagina is an elastic and muscular tube that extends from the cervix of the uterus to the vaginal opening in the vulva.. Its walls are formed of nerve endings, which are distributed unevenly, responding to touch and pressure. The sensitivity varies along the vagina: the upper part is less sensitive to light touch, while the lower part is more sensitive. The pressure in the vaginal canal is perceived by all parts of the vagina.
The sensitivity can vary from person to person. Sexual arousal causes increased blood flow to the genitalia, resulting in vaginal wetness. Vaginal wetness is related to a lubricant liquid that facilitates penetration during intercourse. Generally, the wetness is associated with the level of sexual arousal and several additional factors.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus which extends into the vagina. The cavity of the cervix is referred to as the cervical canal, which connects the uterus with the vagina. The opening of the cervix is normally tight and does not allow the penis to pass into the uterus during intercourse. Vaginal penetration allows the cervix to be touched, which may cause discomfort due to the pressure.
Vaginal Discharge
The vaginal discharge originates from the vagina. It consists of fluid and mucus that come from the cervix and lubricate the walls of the vagina. The production of this discharge is part of the body’s normal physiology.
The discharge is usually clear or whitish, with different appearances. Furthermore, it varies according to the amount of fluid and mucus. In addition, the level of the discharge may also change depending on the menstrual cycle because of the variation in levels of female hormones. The discharge can also be thin and runny, thick and sticky, or any consistency in between. Moreover, the vaginal discharge tends to be more liquid, slippery, and stretchy during ovulation due to the high levels of estrogen.
The number of bacteria that maintain the health of the vagina is part of the normal flora. Puberty involves changes in the lining of the vagina due to estrogen, which leads lactobacilli to dominate the vaginal flora. The Lactobacillus bacteria make the vagina more acidic by lowering the pH. The normal vaginal pH in women of reproductive age is 3.5–4.5.
Before puberty and after menopause, there is a decrease in the levels of estrogen, and therefore the vaginal epithelium becomes thinner and drier. In addition, the vaginal pH rises higher than normal. As a consequence of this imbalance, menopausal women may experience itchiness and vaginal dryness.
When a woman is sexually excited, vaginal discharge occurs so that the vagina can allow the entry of the penis. Furthermore, discharge increases during pregnancy due to high levels of female hormones. Vaginal discharge varies for each woman and can vary from one day to another.
The reasons why a person’s vaginal discharge may change are numerous. It can be normal or abnormal depending on different factors. The most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are vaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Vaginal candidiasis, which is due to the Candida albicans fungus, may lead to thick vaginal discharge with cottage-cheese consistency and severe itching.
Bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, affects the vaginal flora and causes a profuse, thin discharge with a fishy odor. Trichomoniasis is one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) characterized by frothy vaginal discharge, which can be green or yellow in color. All these disorders can be diagnosed based on the symptoms each presents and the vaginal pH test. Vaginal candidiasis, for instance, is diagnosed through a vaginal examination with the observation of thick vaginal discharge.
Furthermore, bacterial vaginosis tends to be positive on the whiff test, whereas the trichomoniasis infection is diagnosed by a microscopic examination of vaginal fluid. On the other hand, cervicitis is also able to cause abnormal vaginal discharge. Chlamydia trachomatis infection, gonococcal infection, and Mycoplasma genitalium infection are some of the microorganisms that cause cervicitis. The discharge from cervicitis is whitish or yellowish, occasionally with blood, and may cause irregular bleeding in addition to other symptoms.
Vaginal discharge that is not normal indicates that you either have a certain infection or something has gone wrong in your vagina. In case your vaginal discharge does not seem quite normal, it is highly advised to visit your doctor as soon as possible, especially if you notice that the discharge has a strange odor, brings some irritation or pain associated with it, or there are symptoms of discomfort in the lower abdomen, pain when urinating, etc.
To find out what type of discharge you have, the doctor may order some tests, including microscopic examination of the discharge, examining the vaginal pH level, etc. Keep in mind that it is always better to refrain from douching and washing your vagina in any way to preserve vaginal flora.