Cervical mucus plug and leucorrhea are similar but different. They have different sources. Cervical mucus plug belongs to the mucus secreted by cervical canal cells, while leucorrhea belongs to vaginal fluid discharge. There are certain differences in their properties. Cervical mucus plug is more transparent and thinner, while leucorrhea is relatively viscous. Both of them play a role in protecting reproductive health from the invasion of pathogenic bacteria.
1. Cervical mucus plug is a mucus secreted by cervical canal cells, which has two major functions. Generally, cervical mucus plug is relatively thick and sticky, like a cork blocking the cervical canal. It separates the uterine cavity from the outside world, namely, the uterine cavity from the vagina, preventing bacteria and viruses in the vagina from entering the uterine cavity or pelvic cavity, thus leading to the occurrence of endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
2. Leucorrhea belongs to vaginal fluid discharge, which is composed of vaginal mucosal secretions, cervical glandular secretions, and endometrial glandular secretions. It contains exfoliated cells of vaginal epithelium, white blood cells, and some non-pathogenic bacteria.
3. Cervical mucus plug has a protective role. During ovulation, under the action of estrogen, the mucus secreted by cervical canal cells will increase, and its properties will become thinner, like the clear nasal mucus flowing during a cold. At this time, it is conducive for sperm to pass through the cervical canal, reach the uterine cavity, and combine with the egg for fertilization. Therefore, this cervical canal mucus plug has a certain protective effect on the body.
