What is Discharge?
Discharge is the slimy fluid (secrete) that is always formed in the cervix, the vagina and in the small glands around the entrance to the vagina. The fluid contains, among others, defensive substances against bacteria that help keeping the entrance to the uterus, the Fallopian tubes and the ovaries free of harmful bacteria.
At the same time, the secrete makes sure that the mucous membranes do not dry up and that the sourness (the pH level) in the vagina is correct. Therefore, the discharge from your vagina protects you from attacks from harmful bacteria and at the same time keeps the vagina moist.
In your vagina several different bacteria and fungi are normally found. The entirely dominating bacterium is the lactic bacterium (Lactobacillus). As long as the lactic bacteria are dominant in your vagina, your discharge will be regular and not a nuisance.
However, if the lactic bacterium becomes the minority or disappears entirely from the vagina, your discharge will change and may be a nuisance. When the good lactic bacteria are gone, harmful bacteria and fungi can enter your vagina and change your discharge so that is bothers you.