Vaginal mucus (or vaginal fluid) is a secretion secreted by the cervix and vaginal walls. Its main characteristics are its texture, color, and odor, which vary from woman to woman. In a healthy body, the discharge is watery, slightly sticky, and resembles raw egg white in appearance and color.

Why can drafts leave stains on underwear?

It’s normal: All women experience discharge that stains their underwear in varying shades of white. The most watery discharge is clear or milky. As it dries, the liquid portion evaporates, leaving a whitish or yellowish layer that may harden. This discharge is completely normal if:

There is no or only a slight salty smell .
It is not accompanied by burning or itching .
(If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor to check your condition.)

Composition of vaginal discharge

All mucous membranes need hydration. Vaginal health is maintained by a thick layer of secretions, composed of:

Secretions or mucus produced by the cervix, endometrium, and Bartholin’s glands.
Dead cells of the columnar epithelium of the cervix and vaginal epithelium.
Fluid that passes through the walls of blood vessels supplying the reproductive organs.
A large amount of bacteria colonizing the vagina.
Secretions from the sebaceous and sweat glands at the entrance to the vulva.

In short, vaginal discharge is mostly mucus, water, and cells normally present in the body. It’s a natural phenomenon, as normal as saliva in the mouth.