Vaginal discharge is normal – most women and girls get it. Vaginal discharge serves an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system where glands inside your vagina and cervix make small amounts of fluid or mucus. This fluid flows out of the vagina each day, carrying out old cells that have lined the vagina. This is your body’s way of keeping your vagina moist, clean and healthy, and protecting it from infection.

Most women and girls will know vaginal discharge as the white or clear liquid that appears in their underwear. Although some women have discharge daily, others may get discharge in their knickers on the occasion and this can cause obvious panic, especially when you experience a lot of it or the consistency changes out of nowhere.

Vaginal discharge is a common occurrence in women. It’s important to know that vaginal discharge is normal and comes in a range of textures, smells and colours, depending on what’s going on with your body. While it may not always be pleasant, it is a natural process that helps to keep the vagina clean and healthy. However, it is important to know what is normal and what is not when it comes to vaginal discharge because sometimes it can be a sign that there’s something else going on with your health. Here’s what you need to know about vaginal discharge…

What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a fluid that is produced by the glands in the cervix and vagina. This fluid helps to clean the vagina, lubricate the vaginal walls, and prevent infections. The amount, colour, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary depending on a woman’s menstrual cycle, age, and overall health.

What causes vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy occurrence in people with female reproductive organs. It is produced by the glands inside the vagina and cervix and its function is to keep the vagina clean and moist. What causes a woman to discharge and the amount, colour, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary depending on various factors:

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can cause changes in the amount and consistency of vaginal discharge. For example, the discharge may become thicker and stickier during the first half of the cycle, and clearer and stretchier during ovulation.

Sexual arousal

Sexual arousal can also cause an increase in vaginal discharge. This is due to increased blood flow to the vaginal area, which leads to an increase in the production of vaginal fluids.

Infections

Certain infections, such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause changes in the colour, consistency, and smell of vaginal discharge.

If a person experiences a change in the colour, consistency, or smell of their vaginal discharge, or if they experience other symptoms like itching or burning, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnancy discharge

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause an increase in vaginal discharge, which helps to protect the developing fetus and prevent infections.

Menopause discharge

Menopause causes a decrease in the production of estrogen, which can lead to a decrease in vaginal discharge.

Types of vaginal discharge:

There are several types of vaginal discharge that a person with female reproductive organs may experience. The appearance and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary depending on various factors, including menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and sexual activity, among others. Here are some common types of vaginal discharge:

Clear and watery discharge

This type of discharge is usually normal and can occur at any time during the menstrual cycle. It may increase in volume during sexual arousal.

Thick and white discharge

This type of discharge is often seen at the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle. It can also be a sign of a yeast infection.

Thin and stretchy discharge

This type of discharge is often seen during ovulation and is a sign that a person is fertile.

Yellow or green discharge

This type of discharge can be a sign of an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Brown or bloody discharge

This type of discharge can occur at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle and can also be a sign of a vaginal infection or another health issue.

It’s important to note that if a person experiences a change in the colour, consistency, or smell of their vaginal discharge, or if they experience other symptoms like itching or burning, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

What is normal vaginal discharge?

Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or white and may be slightly sticky or slippery. The amount of discharge can vary throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. For example, during ovulation, the discharge may be more abundant and have a thinner consistency. Additionally, the discharge may be slightly acidic, which helps to keep harmful bacteria at bay.

Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or white and may be slightly sticky or slippery. The amount of discharge can vary throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. For example, during ovulation, the discharge may be more abundant and have a thinner consistency. Additionally, the discharge may be slightly acidic, which helps to keep harmful bacteria at bay.

What is not normal?

There are several signs that indicate that vaginal discharge may not be normal. These include:

• A change in colour: If the discharge is yellow, green, grey, or brown, it may be a sign of infection.
• A change in consistency: If the discharge becomes thick, clumpy, or cottage cheese-like, it may be a sign of a yeast infection.
• A foul odour: If the discharge has a strong, unpleasant odour, it may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or other infections.
• Itching or burning: If the discharge is accompanied by itching or burning, it may be a sign of a yeast infection or other infections.

Vaginal discharge is a natural occurrence. However, certain things can affect when and how much discharge you’ll experience. If you’ve noticed an increased amount of discharge, it could be due to these reasons:

• Ovulation
• You’re about to get your period
• You participated in sexual activity
• You exercised

What is normal vaginal discharge?

The majority of the time, vaginal discharge is nothing to stress over. It’s more abnormal not to have any discharge!

Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy occurrence for people with female reproductive organs. It is a fluid that is produced by the glands inside the vagina and cervix, and its main function is to keep the vagina clean and moist.

The amount, colour, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary depending on where a person is in their menstrual cycle, their age, and their overall health. Generally, normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky white, and may be thin or slightly thick and sticky. It may also have a mild odour that is not unpleasant.

However, if a person experiences a change in the colour, smell, or consistency of their vaginal discharge, or if they experience other symptoms such as itching or burning, it may be a sign of an infection or other health issue. In such cases, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

What does healthy discharge look like?

Healthy vaginal discharge can vary in appearance, texture, and amount depending on a person’s menstrual cycle, age, and overall health. However, in general, healthy vaginal discharge is usually:

• Clear or milky white in colour
• Thin or slightly thick and sticky
• Odourless or may have a mild, musky odour
• Consistency can range from watery to creamy

It’s important to note that vaginal discharge may change throughout a person’s menstrual cycle. For example, during ovulation, the discharge may become clearer and stretchy, resembling egg whites. This is normal and indicates that a person is in their most fertile period.

If the colour, texture, or smell of vaginal discharge changes significantly, or if a person experiences other symptoms like itching or burning, it may be a sign of an infection or other health issue. In such cases, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can perform a pelvic exam and may order laboratory tests to determine the cause of the abnormal discharge. In most cases, vaginal infections can be easily treated with antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other treatments.

What is abnormal discharge?

When to see a doctor

If you experience more discharge than usual or if it is accompanied by certain symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor,

Some of these symptoms include:

• A strong odour
• Pelvic pain
• Burning
• Swelling of the vagina
• Itching or irritation
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Painful urination
• Bumps or sores
• Pink or brown discharge not associated with your menstrual cycle

What colour is yeast infection discharge?

The colour of vaginal discharge can vary depending on various factors, including menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and sexual activity, among others. In the case of a yeast infection, the discharge is usually thick, white, and clumpy, with a texture similar to cottage cheese. However, the colour of the discharge may not always be an accurate indicator of a yeast infection. In some cases, the discharge may be yellow or green, which could indicate a different type of infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

It’s important to note that if a person experiences a change in the colour, consistency, or smell of their vaginal discharge, or if they experience other symptoms like itching, burning, or discomfort during urination or sex, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Only a healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of the vaginal discharge and recommend the appropriate treatment.