Almost every woman or girl experiences vaginal discharge in some way or another. Moreover, most women get concerned when their discharge differs from regular discharge. So, what does normal vaginal discharge looks like? Let’s find out.
A normal occurrence, vaginal discharge is common in the majority of women and girls. It is basically a mucus or fluid whose primary purpose is to maintain a sufficiently moist and clean vagina and in turn, protect it against potential infections. Most of the time, the vaginal discharge should not be a cause for alarm especially if it is clear or white, thick and sticky, slippery or wet, and most importantly, it does not have an unpleasant or strong smell. Women of all ages can observe vaginal discharge.
Another thing that women need to be aware of is that the amount, consistency, and color of vaginal discharge will vary depending on a couple of circumstances. For instance, a woman will experience heavier discharge when she is pregnant, if sexually active, or when she is on birth control. Keep on reading to learn when to expect what as far as the vaginal discharge is concerned.
Types of Vaginal Discharge
Stringy or stretchy discharge
Clear vaginal discharge is usually an ovulation sign and happens around the mid-cycle. You may want to take it as nature’s way of letting you know when to get busy (if you wish to conceive), or to keep off sex (if you are not looking forward to having a baby yet). As if that is not enough, clear vaginal discharge is normally accompanied by a heightened sex drive. The clear discharge is the best for ensuring smooth transportation of the sperm for the purpose of fertilization.
Thin and clear discharge
It is a little different from the stretchy or stringy discharge that is seen around day 14 of the menstrual cycle. It comes close to the beginning of your menstrual cycle. During this period, your discharge might also be clear and watery, or thin and milky white. Thin or watery discharge is mostly considered as a normal occurrence and could also be an indication that you are pregnant. Thin discharge is also very common during sexual arousal and intercourse as it generally acts as a lubricant for your vaginal walls. You needn’t worry as long as your vagina is not itchy, and the discharge does not produce a funky smell.
Thicker than usual
At times, your discharge will appear thicker than it usually is. As long as you do not experience itchiness or any form of discomfort, and the discharge does not produce a strong odor, it is a sign that you are coming to the end of a cycle phase associated with creaminess. The thickness of the discharge increases during the second half of your menstrual cycle. While thicker than usual discharge is pretty much normal, especially when a woman is on birth control, it could also be an indication of an existing problem linked to issues such as reaction to cosmetic products, or even an infection. However, if everything appears normal, apart from the super heavy discharge, you are good.
Brown or bloody discharge
Nearly every woman is familiar with this discharge as it happens as the bleeding comes to an end. However, some women also experience breakthrough bleeding particularly during mid-cycle. If you are noticing it for the first time, it could be that you are pregnant, your body is adapting to a new method of hormonal contraception or a sign of a health condition. Commonly, brown discharge gets its color from drops of blood and is and called spotting. It could also be a sign of early pregnancy. Speak to your doctor to help establish the cause.
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I do not have discharge!
So, you have been hearing your girlfriends talk about how they cannot lock white undies due to the heavy discharge, yet you do not have the same problem. You hardly see discharge and you are wondering if you are normal. By all means, do not stress about it! The presence or absence of discharge is not a determinant of womanhood. Some women experience heavy discharge frequently, while some women go through no discharge period for the prolonged duration even up to months which could be due to various reasons; you may not be ovulating, there could be a hormonal imbalance, total absence or little to no bacterial formation in your vagina. You only need to get worried and consult a gynecologist if the vaginal dryness irritates you, or if it interferes with your sexual life.
Abnormal discharge
A change in the balance of the bacteria present in the vagina impacts the smell, color, as well as the texture of the vaginal discharge. Some of the things that can cause the change include;
- The use of steroids or antibiotics.
- Cervical cancer.
- Diabetes.
- Oral contraceptives.
- Inflammation of the pelvis following surgery.
- Bacterial vaginosis – a bacterial infection of the vagina that’s most common in pregnant women or those who have more than one sexual partner.
- Vaginitis and yeast infections.
- Sexually transmitted infections or STDs.
- Menopause resulting in vaginal atrophy
When should I see a doctor?
With the passage of time, you will learn to recognize what is normal for you, and what isn’t. Don’t base what is normal for you with what is happening amongst your friends. Every woman is unique. Just learn to pay attention to your vaginal discharge so that you can identify a problem as soon as it happens. Discharge of abnormal colors like green or thick yellow should always be a matter of concern and you should immediately consult your gynecologist. Discharge with foul smell could be an onset of yeast infection and requires medical attention.
At times, changes in vaginal discharge signaling a health problem may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as itching and irritation, redness, rashness, inflammation, as well as pain. If you are unsure of what is happening to your discharge, don’t shy away from consulting a medical practitioner. It is better to be safe than sorry.
In a nutshell, information regarding normal vaginal discharge was elaborated. People are confused; for this purpose, we hope this information can help you learn more about the different colors of vaginal discharge and what your vaginal discharge says about your health.
One Worst Women’s Sexual Health Myth That Won’t Die
Some women believe that if they miss their menstrual cycle then that means pregnancy.
Many believe that missing your monthly cycle is an indication that you are pregnant. But sure enough not every time you miss means that you have conceived. Some women miss yet they have not even engaged in active sexual intercourse. Concluding that you are pregnant can be an outright fallacy that deserves to be corrected.
This is when gynecologists should come in to assist you to find out why you missed your period. There are times when you can miss your period especially after childbirth some women stay for months without their monthly periods and it’s because their bodies are still adjusting to the activity of childbirth. Others may miss their periods because they are stressed up, others because of too much exercise, others because of the change of climate and others who have lost a lot of weight may miss their periods too.
Ask Us Questions Related To What Is Normal Vaginal Discharge?
What does a normal vaginal discharge smells and looks like?
A normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or comes in a milky white form and has no an unpleasant odor, this is because the woman’s vaginal walls and her uterine cervix are known to contain glands, these glands produce a small amount of fluid which helps in keeping the vagina clean and free from infections and bacteria.
What are the possible causes of abnormal vaginal discharge?
A host of infections can change the amount, color and odor of one’s vaginal discharge. A number of these infections include bacterial vaginosis which is a condition that is caused by a disparity or short in the growth of bacteria that are present in the vagina.
The reason for this imbalance or short of bacteria is unknown. Another condition that causes abnormal vaginal discharge is Trichomoniasis which is an infection that is caused by a single-celled parasite that is called Trichomonas vaginals and is contracted by sexual intercourse.
Another reason why a woman may experience vaginal discharge is gonorrhea, which is a sexually-transmitted disease that can also be transmitted by sexual infection. Similarly, chlamydia is also a leading cause of abnormal discharge in women, it is a sexually transmitted disease and its symptoms may not be obvious but it leads to vaginal discharge may occur.
The last leading cause of abnormal discharge in women is a yeast infection which is often called candidiasis, this infection occurs when yeast in the vagina area overgrows, a situation that can be caused by the excessive use of antibiotics and other factors that may disturb the ordinary balance of bacteria in the vaginal area.
Things to know about vaginal discharge?
To prevent infections and bacteria, the practice of good hygiene is advised, besides practicing safe sex and the use of protection such as condoms and contraceptives is advised, in other to stay free of sexually transmitted infections and diseases.