What is normal vaginal discharge?
while vaginal discharge can sometimes be cloudy, your understanding of what's normal needn't be! Discharge is common to all women and helps vaginas stay healthy by regularly flushing them out and maintaining their pH. Most women have some vaginal discharge throughout their menstrual cycle — even very young women who have not begun menstruating can have vaginal discharge. It is common to notice some discharge after using the bathroom or to find wet or dried discharge on your underwear. You can also go exploring and use your fingers to find out what your discharge looks and smells like on any given day. This kind of self-check can be useful — familiarizing yourself with how you normally smell or taste at various times of the month can help you to identify when your scent or flavor is off.
Here are some key ways to determine if your vaginal discharge is normal or if you have cause for concern:
Color
Normal
Clear or whitish discharge (may be yellowish when dried)
Cause for concern
Yellow or greenish discharge, or discharge that suddenly changes color
Scent
Normal
Mild scent or none at all
Cause for concern
A strong, foul, sometimes "fishy" odor, or a sudden change in odor
Texture
Normal
Can vary from "paste" like and somewhat sticky to clear and stretchy, depending on where you are in your cycle and whether you are aroused
Cause for concern
Clumpy or lumpy discharge, with "cottage cheese" like texture
Volume
Normal
Can vary from very little to quite a lot (particularly when ovulating or aroused)
Cause for concern
Sudden changes in volume, particularly if other symptoms are present
As you can see, it is normal to have some variation in vaginal discharge during your menstrual cycle. In addition, different women can have different levels of discharge. Pregnancy and hormonal birth control methods may also make discharge heavier than normal.
Changes in the color, consistency, amount, and/or smell of vaginal secretions that are unlike your normal monthly changes may be a reason to be concerned. Infections are more likely to occur immediately before and during your period, when the vaginal environment is at its least acidic. Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be accompanied by itching, vaginal redness or soreness, rash, burning sensation when peeing, and/or pain. If you have any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to see your health care provider for an exam and treatment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by noname12sg
why is it that some females have this discharge during intercourse or even before? is this a healthy sign?
|