Types of Vaginal Discharge

Just like any other bodily feature, vaginal discharge varies considerably from one girl to another. It also changes throughout your menstrual cycle to support the reproductive process. While some variations are perfectly normal, others may be signs of a vaginal infection. So how can you tell if your vaginal discharge is normal or not? Follow our guide.

What’s a Normal Discharge like?

There are four criteria that help you identify the nature of your vaginal discharge.

1. Discharge Color: the normal color of discharge is usually transparent, or whitish. You may see dry and yellowish, and brown discharge after menstruation or during pregnancy.
2. Discharge Texture: normal discharge varies from pasty and sticky to transparent and stretchy, depending on what phase of the menstrual cycle you’re in.
3. Discharge Odor: normal vaginal discharge odor usually has a mild scent or no scent at all.
4. Discharge Quantity: normal vaginal discharge progressively varies in quantity from very little to quite a lot (during ovulation).

When should I worry about Discharges?

In your vagina, there are many types of good bacteria. They play an important role in protecting your reproductive system. These bacteria are usually called vaginal flora. But when pathogenic bacteria start multiplying in the vagina, they lead to vaginal infections.

As a warning sign, your vaginal discharge will change suddenly. A change in color or texture, a weird smell, or an unusually large quantity of discharge means that something is wrong, especially if associated with an itching sensation in your private area or soreness in your tummy.

Types of Vaginal Discharges

In girls, there are 2 common vaginal infections, which affect vaginal discharge as follows:

• Very fluid white vaginal discharge with irritation: If you have unusually watery white discharge, you may have a fungal infection or thrush. Almost all girls get a fungal infection at some point. It may be due to humidity in the vaginal area, which boosts the proliferation of bacteria.
• Greyish bad-smelling discharge: If your vaginal discharge suddenly turns grey and smells bad, it may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). This condition results from a bacterial imbalance in your vaginal flora. It may be caused by scented soaps, unsuited lotions, or bubble bath.

How can I treat an abnormal vaginal discharge?

You can’t treat abnormal vaginal discharge unless you know what’s caused it. That’s why a visit to your doctor is a must. To make a clear diagnosis, the doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and the symptoms you’re experiencing, and then collect a sample of your discharge to examine it.

Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal medicine, while bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics.

Preventing these infections is easy once you start adopting the right intimate hygiene routines. Discover how you can take care of your body.

References:

• https://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/fact-sheets/vaginal-discharge/index.html
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/basics/definition/sym-2005082
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321131.php
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/vaginal-discharge-a-to-z
• https://www.sutterhealth.org/pamf/health/teens/female/vaginal-discharge

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.