General Medical Information

Physiologic Discharge

Michele D. Wilson

A physiologic discharge frequently occurs in the newborn female due to intrauterine exposure to maternal estrogens. The discharge is characteristically white, mucoid, and without odor. It persists for approximately 1 week. After the first few days, the discharge may become bloody, due to withdrawal of estrogen stimulation to the endometrial lining of the uterus. After the newborn period, there is no visible vaginal discharge in a healthy prepubertal female. Then, during puberty, physiologic leukorrhea begins in response to increased levels of circulating estrogens. It develops weeks to months before the onset of menarche and may persist for several years. It generally is described as a copious, clear-to-white colored vaginal discharge with a tenacious consistency and without odor. The discharge is composed of desquamated vaginal cells, vaginal transudate, and endocervical mucus. The discharge is completely normal. Reassurance of the patient and her family is the only required treatment.