Why do girls have discharge?
Regular vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy female reproductive system. Normal vaginal discharge contains a mixture of cervical mucus, vaginal fluid, dead cells, and bacteria. Females may experience heavy vaginal discharge from arousal or during ovulation.
What should vaginal discharge look and smell like?
There are three things to look out for: the color and consistency, volume, and smell.. Color and consistency. Clear and watery discharge is normal vaginal discharge. You might notice a bit more clear, watery discharge after exercising.
What is considered normal vaginal discharge?
The type of vaginal discharge you have is considered normal if it is clear or white in color, is thick and sticky, or is slippery and wet. It can also be normal if there is no strong or unpleasant smell. You may have more discharge if you’re sexually active, are pregnant, or are using birth control.
Why do I have so much discharge?
Why do I have so much discharge everyday all of a sudden?
- During pregnancy. After sexual intercourse, there is a possibility that you will get pregnant. ...
- During Ovulation. Apart from pregnancy, there are other times during your menstrual cycle you will have so much vaginal discharge for days.
- Sexual intercourse. ...
- You are stressed. ...
What does abnormal discharge look like?
Signs of Abnormal Discharge Bright yellow or green discharge could be a concern. Thick, clumped, or chunky discharge (like cottage cheese) or extra watery discharge can also mean something is amiss. Some other signs of infection include: Itching, discomfort, or rash.
What are the 5 types of discharge?
In general, there are five different types of discharges from the Army: Honorable; General, Under Honorable Conditions; Under Other than Honorable Conditions; Bad Conduct; and Dishonorable.
What are signs of normal discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle scent that is not unpleasant or foul smelling. It's also important to know that vaginal discharge changes over the course of a woman's menstrual cycle. These changes in color and thickness are associated with ovulation and are natural.
What kind of discharge should I look for?
Discharge that is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green usually signals a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. See a doctor promptly if vaginal discharge is thick or clumpy, or it has a foul odor.
What does yeast infection discharge look like?
Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.
What does creamy white discharge mean?
If thick, white discharge goes along with other symptoms, such as itching, burning and irritation, it is probably due to a yeast infection. If not, it is normal discharge. You may also notice an increase in thick, white discharge before and after your period.
How do you know if your discharge is unhealthy?
What Are the Signs of a Problem with Vaginal Discharge?a change in odor, especially an unpleasant odor.a change in color, especially greenish, grayish, or anything looking like pus.a change in texture, such as foamy or looking like cottage cheese.vaginal itching, burning, swelling, or redness.More items...
What causes too much discharge?
Excess vaginal discharge can occur as a result of arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge ranges in color from clear or milky to white. The consistency of vaginal discharge also varies from thin and watery to thick and sticky. Generally, healthy vaginal discharge should be relatively odorless.
What does normal arousal discharge look like?
Sexual arousal Sexual excitement is a common cause of white discharge. Normally, vaginal discharge is clear or milky white. This fluid cleans, protects, and lubricates the vagina.
Is being wet and discharge different?
Discharge is clear or white-ish in colour, and has a slight odour but nothing nasty. It can appear throughout your cycle. Arousal fluid has more of a slippery texture and is present only when you're sexually aroused or having sex.
What color is normal vaginal discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge is milky or white and is odorless. But sometimes, an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina can cause your discharge to change color.
What causes a lot of discharge?
Excess vaginal discharge can occur as a result of arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge ranges in color from clear or milky to white. The consistency of vaginal discharge also varies from thin and watery to thick and sticky. Generally, healthy vaginal discharge should be relatively odorless.
How many types of Virgina discharge do we have?
The 9 Types of Vaginal Discharge — Vaginal Discharge Explainer.
What causes female discharge?
The most common causes of vaginal discharge include: A vaginal infection (yeast or bacterial infection, trichomonas). The body's reaction to a foreign body (such as a forgotten tampon or condom) or substance (such as spermicide, soap).
How to measure discharge?
Measure the amount of discharge. Check the diameter of the stain on your underwear. If it’s about the width of a quarter, 2-pence, or 2 € coin, it’s normal. The actual amount will vary depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle and the level of hormones your body is releasing. Expect this to happen everyday. [8]
Why does my discharge smell so bad?
If your discharge is foul smelling, either the pH of your vagina is off and you have a yeast infection or you may have a different infection. Also, sometimes a vaginal infection can cause irritation around your urethra, which leads to burning. Thanks!
What causes clear discharge during menstruation?
Expect clear, watery discharge. Normal monthly hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can trigger clear and watery discharge. You might experience a large amount after exercising. Don’t worry if you see this in your underwear.
How does discharge change over time?
Expect your discharge to change over the years. The color, texture, and amount of your discharge will change over the course of your life. Any fluctuation in your hormone levels can trigger these changes. This includes puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, your sexual peak, menopause, and fluctuations caused by hormonal contraception. [10]
Why is my period discharge brown?
Don't be alarmed by brown discharge near the end of your period. This is a result of your uterus shedding old blood and tissue. Although the color may look worrying, it should return to a normal white or clear color after a few days.
Why does discharge change?
Changes in the appearance of discharge occur because your vagina is responsible for a number of different functions. This includes cleaning itself, staying moist, and fighting off potential infections. Keep track of your period so you will know when to expect certain changes. ...
What does brown discharge mean?
If you experience pain with brown discharge, you might have an ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg grows in the fallopian tube. This is a potentially deadly situation that must be treated as soon as possible.
What does normal vaginal discharge look like?
There are three things to look out for: the color and consistency, volume, and smell.
What does it mean when your vagina is itching?
However, if you notice that the color, consistency, smell, or volume seem different than usual, it may indicate an infection or other condition. If you have concerns about changes to your vaginal discharge, make sure to talk to your health care provider, especially if you’re also experiencing itching or burning.
How to check for abnormal vaginal discharge?
Here are three ways to check your vaginal discharge: Before you pee, wipe the opening of your vagina with white toilet paper. Check the color, odor, and consistency.
What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
Some medication for yeast infections is meant to be inserted into the vagina; some is meant to be taken orally. Treatment for bacterial vaginosis includes antibiotics, usually in the form of pills or creams.
What does it mean when your vagina is thick and itchy?
Thick, white discharge that’s similar to cottage cheese, along with itching and burning, might indicate that you have a yeast infection.
What to do if your vagina is burning?
Make sure to seek medical care if you’re worried about changes to your vaginal discharge. If you’ve noticed a change in color, odor, or consistency, or have other symptoms such as burning, itching, and pain, make an appointment with your health care provider right away.
Why is my discharge brown?
Reproductive issues such as polyps, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and cervical or endometrial cancer can cause brown or bloody discharge. Other symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. Yellow — This may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Why does my vagina discharge change?
There are a number of infections that cause vaginal discharge to change or become unpleasant. Many of these infections can be caused by having sex with someone who has the infection. Questions to think about when considering the causes of different types of infections include: Yeast Infection.
How is the infection treated?
How is the infection treated? Antibiotic pills or shots ordered by your doctor.
What does it mean when you have a clear discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a clear or whitish fluid that comes out of the vagina. Discharge is normal, but changes in the amount, consistency, color, or smell could indicate an infection or other problem.
What is discharge in the vagina?
Vaginal discharge is a clear or whitish fluid that comes out of the vagina. The uterus, cervix or vagina can produce the fluid. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
Is vaginal discharge considered unclean?
Normal vaginal discharge should not be thought of as unclean or unhealthy. It is a normal way for your body to discard fluid and old cells.
Is it normal to have a vaginal discharge?
Yes. Most women have vaginal discharge but not all discharge is normal. The amount of discharge is different for each woman. Some women have a little discharge now and then. Others have discharge every day. Your "normal" discharge might change many times throughout your life.
Can a vaginal infection cause a change in discharge?
You might notice irritation around the opening of the vagina. You might also notice changes before or after your period. Changes in vaginal discharge may or may not be a sign that you have a vaginal infection.
Why does vaginal discharge smell?
Yup, healthy vaginal discharge has a smell. The smell comes from the combination of cells and organisms in it. Tack on sweat from neighboring groin glands, too .
What does it mean when your vagina is discharged?
But your vaginal discharge is also a reflection of your health. Watch for discharge that occurs unexpectedly, which can be a sign of infection or disease. If your discharge changes significantly in color, consistency, amount, or smell, you might want to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. Likewise, if your discharge is accompanied with an itch or pelvic pain, it’s time to see your doctor.
What does it mean when your discharge is pink?
Pink discharge, ranging from a very light blush to the deep pink of a sunset, is often just a sign of the beginning of your cycle. But at other times, it can be a sign of a serious health problem.
Why does my period turn red?
But if you do see red throughout the month, it could be a sign of a health issue, like an infection.
Is yellow discharge normal?
Very light yellow discharge is more normal than you think. Sometimes the color is daffodil yellow. Other times it’s more of a greener chartreuse.
Is it normal to have white discharge?
A variety of white shades of discharge, from eggshell to cream, can be normal. Unless your discharge is accompanied by certain textures or smells, don’t fret too much.
Can pregnancy cause discharge?
Pregnancy: Pregnancy can also cause a change in hormones and increase how much discharge you have .
Can yogurt, garlic, or tea tree oil cure vaginal infections?
There is mixed evidence on the use of certain foods and supplements for restoring and/or maintaining the balance of healthy vaginal bacteria. There isn’t enough evidence to include the use of yogurt or Lactobacillus probiotics in formal treatment recommendations (9), although there may be some benefit for certain people and it’s unlikely to be harmful (13-14).
Did you know?
You may be more prone to getting an STI during your luteal phase (the second part of your cycle, after ovulation ), when your immune system may not be as strong (18). This happens as your body creates an environment that makes getting pregnant most possible, in which an egg can be fertilized and implant in your uterus, without your immune system getting in the way.
Why is my vaginal discharge unusual?
Unusual vaginal discharge may be a symptom of a bacterial imbalance, an infection or an STI, or in rare cases, cervical cancer. To keep your vagina healthy, avoid douching and use protection during sexual activity.
How does discharge change during ovulation?
It becomes creamy and whitish in the mid-to-late follicular phase (the first phase of your cycle). Just before and around ovulation, it’s likely to become similar to stretchy, wet, transparent egg white. Shortly after ovulation it usually changes back to dry/sticky. Read more about these changes here. Fluid can look white or slightly yellowish and paste-like on your underwear when it dries.
How to treat yeast infection?
You might try an over-the-counter treatment first. These usually come in the form of a vaginal pill/suppository or cream. If symptoms don’t go away after about a week, or if you have recurrent infections, see your healthcare provider. Yeast infections are usually not harmful, but you’ll want to be sure you don’t have something else if your symptoms don’t resolve. The application of a cold press can help to relieve itching. Note that treatments for yeast infections can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms (9).
What causes atypical discharge?
Atypical discharge can happen when the vagina’s microbial community gets out of balance. This means there is a decrease in the amount of “good” microbes and an increase in “bad” microbes (or an overgrowth of something that’s usually only present in small numbers).
Why is it important to know your typical smell?
Getting to know your typical smell is most important for identifying when something changes . If you use hormonal birth control, these typical patterns of vaginal discharge will stop, as the hormonal cycling is stopped.
Why is my discharge brown?
Blood turns brown when it is oxidized, or exposed to the air. Thus, brown discharge is simply oxidized blood mixed with your normal cervical mucus.
What is discharge in the vagina?
The term “vaginal discharge” refers to any non-period fluid that leaves the vagina. This includes vaginal fluid, cervical mucus, arousal fluid (the discharge produced when you are sexually aroused), day-old sperm from unprotected sexual activity, and dead cells from the cervix and vagina.
What is milky white discharge?
Milky white. Milky white discharge, known as leukorrhea, is the normal discharge secreted from the vagina over the course of the menstrual cycle. This discharge may change in color or texture throughout the menstrual cycle but usually remains clear, milky white, or off-white.
What color is vaginal discharge?
Different shades of clear, white, or off-white vaginal discharge can help you tell when you are the most and least fertile. Other times, vaginal discharge can have an unusual color, such as yellow, green, red, or brown.
Why does my vagina discharge?
Certain changes in your vaginal discharge can be a sign of pregnancy, infection, or another health problem. Keep an eye out for these unusual changes, which may warrant a visit to your OB/GYN.
Why is egg white discharge called egg white discharge?
As you may have guessed, “egg white” discharge gets its name because it resembles raw egg whites. Egg white discharge is clear, slippery, and stretchy. It has no odor and no color, and you may notice a greater volume of discharge than usual.
Why is my period red?
Periods can come early due to stress, hormonal changes, and more .
Overview
- Expect changes in appearance over the month. It’s completely normal for the appearance of your vaginal discharge to vary slightly over the course of your menstrual cycle. Changes in the appearance of discharge occur because your vagina is responsible for a number of different functions. This includes cleaning itself, staying moist, and fighting off potential infections.[2] …
- Inspect the clarity midway through your cycle. Clear, sticky discharge is common and comple…
Reasons for red or brown discharge
Reasons for white discharge
- Let’s be real: Many of us have experienced that moment when you pulled down your pants in th…
This is often followed by questions like, “Is it the time of the month?”, “What did I eat this week?”, and even “How was the sex last night?” - Many of these colors are common and not a reflection of illness. But even if you know you’re in t…
Well, wonder no longer. We put together a color guide that’s not only medically accurate, but also fun to look at. And even though there’s usually nothing to worry about, there’s also information on consulting a professional if you’re concerned.
Reasons for yellow-green discharge
- Irregular menstrual cycle or spotting: Some people simply have irregular periods and spotting. O…
A variety of white shades of discharge, from eggshell to cream, can be common. Unless your discharge is accompanied by certain textures or smells, don’t fret too much.
Reasons for pink discharge
- Vaginal lubrication: White discharge can occur for many of the same reasons as clear discharge…
Pale yellow to neon green
Reasons for clear discharge
- Diet or supplement use: This color is usually a sign of an infection, but if you know you’re probab…
Pink discharge, ranging from a very light blush to the deep pink of a sunset, is often just a sign of the beginning of your cycle. But at other times, it can be a sign of a serious health problem.
What underlying conditions can affect vaginal discharge?
- Sexual intercourse: Some people with vaginas may periodically experience light bleeding after p…
Clear discharge, which can also be whitish, is usually OK. It may have an egg-white like consistency. It’s also the go-to discharge a healthy body expels to rebalance itself — because the vagina is a self-cleaning organ.
Why does vaginal discharge smell?
- Ovulation: Is it about day 14 of your cycle? You’re probably ovulating and producing cervical muc…
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: Pregnancy can also cause a change in hormones and increase how much discharge you have. - Sexual arousal: During arousal, blood vessels in that vagina dilate and fluid passes through the…
When white turns to gray, like storm clouds or exhaust, consult a doctor or other healthcare professional (HCP). It could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is a common overgrowth of bacteria in people with vaginas.