where does discharge come from

Discharge, specifically vaginal discharge, comes from glands inside the vagina and cervix. It is a mixture of liquid, cells, and bacteria produced constantly by the cells of the vagina and cervix. The majority of the fluid is mucus from cervical glands, combined with transudate (fluid) from the vaginal walls and secretions from glands such as Skene's and Bartholin's glands. The discharge also contains exfoliated epithelial cells from vaginal and cervical walls and bacteria that normally inhabit the vagina. Vaginal discharge serves to lubricate and protect the vagina by keeping it clean and fighting infection. Its composition and amount vary naturally throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal influences, particularly estrogen and progesterone. The discharge usually exits the body through the vaginal opening and can vary in consistency and color depending on different physiological and developmental stages. In summary, discharge originates from the cervix, vagina walls, and specific glands, and consists mainly of mucus, vaginal fluids, cells, and bacteria important for vaginal health.