Vaginal discharge. Sounds kinda gross, right? Definitely not the type of conversation topic you’d bring up at the dinner table. Possibly not even something you’d discuss freely with your girlfriends.
In fact, most of you are probably only reading this article because it’s the only way you feel comfortable learning about the issue – anonymously, without having to ask anyone questions, and without having to admit that you’ve experienced it.
But the fact is, despite the embarrassed silence that shrouds the topic, we’ve all experienced it – because vaginal discharge is normal and happens to most women. Yes, MOST women.
So here’s the part where we stop feeling uncomfortable about the issue and start answering the questions you may have felt too embarrassed to ask….
What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a fluid secretion from the vagina. It’s a natural part of being a women and one of the ways in which your body works to keep your vagina clean and healthy. Discharge starts from puberty (10-17 years old) and continues in varying degrees throughout a woman’s life, even through menopause (50+ years old).
Is my vaginal discharge normal?
Normal vaginal discharge is white or transparent, and has little or no odour, and occurs normally in most women. The amount may vary from a small amount of staining on your underwear to a larger amount that requires the use of a panty liner or pad. Discharge also varies throughout your menstrual cycle. “Most women experience some discharge both before and just after a period. There is also an increase in vaginal secretions during sexual arousal,” says Dr Leo Leader, Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales. “Normal vaginal discharge does not cause any symptoms or have a bad smell.”
My discharge is white – what does that mean?
As mentioned above, normal discharge can be white or transparent. If it’s white, has little or no odour and fairly fluid, it’s completely normal. If your discharge has a bad odour and you are experiencing pain or itching, it’s best to visit your doctor as you may have an infection.
My discharge is clear and sticky – what does that mean?
According to Dr Leader, at the time of ovulation, the discharge may increase and can become quite sticky and stretchy. This is normal. “Some women may also notice an increase in the discharge mid cycle; this is associated with ovulation (the release of an ovum) if the woman is not taking the oral contraceptive pill.”
My discharge is brown – what does that mean?
“A brown discharge may occur just before or after a period and can be normal,” advises Dr Leader. “A blood stained or brown discharge at any other time of month needs investigation.”
Discharge leaving you feeling icky down below?
No one likes feeling less-than-fresh down below, and vaginal discharge can definitely leave you with that wet, sticky and sweaty feeling in your underpants. If this is the case at certain points in your cycle, try wearing an ultra-thin liner to keep you feeling dry, fresh and clean throughout the day. Some women also prefer to use an intimate wash, specifically formulated to keep the vaginal area happy and harmonious. bh recommends: femfresh™ Sensitive Wash ($7 at Woolworths).
I always wear panty liners to keep me feeling fresh and clean.
Still blush when I ready these articles, but hey Vagisil Jasmine scented wash sounds excellent!
wow….the comments here sure do date back but even so this is still a relevant article.
Same here.
Relevant info for any age – Thanks BH
Good read
Very informative. Never used liners, but using bidet I think makes things super clean.
Very informative article.
We should be able to talk about things like this openly, it’s a natural part of being a woman!
A great informative article on what is normal and abnormal with Vaginal Discharge Thank You BH for dispelling the myths and stating the facts. That every Woman needs to know.
Great article normalizing what is a completely natural and normal part of being a woman (whereas most other things I’ve read focus on covering up, or worse – getting rid of!, it). Until the end, where it spruiks commercial money making products that are not only unnecessary but actually harmful to your body. You don’t need to clean the area with douches or similar (which if you are washing your vagina (as these products claim they are for) you are doing – vaginas are inside our bodies, it’s only the labia that are on the outside and that you would wash with a mild, unscented, soap in the shower for eg – it would be great if we could empower women to at least know the correct terms for their own bodies!), and doing so is not only unnecessary but also very harmful to your body. All of these so-called ‘feminine hygiene’ products are purely there to make the companies money and have nothing to offer women of any age, other than to prey on their insecurities and to keep us in our place – insecure about our natural bodies. Wish BH would stop accepting money from these companies that put profit above all else.
Carefree Barely There Liners are the best! Super thin and can even be worn with g strings. Unlike another brand I’ve tried, you can’t even feel these.
I can’t live without the unscented ones!
Exactly! I never heard about this topic at school or from family and friends. Also it’s necessary to know what’s normal and what could be a serious problem.
Same. I always use Carefree liners, they’re the best. So thin, able to wear with g strings and come in unscented. I’d feel so gross without them especially when exercising or in hot weather.
No matter where I’m going or what I’m doing I wear panty liners everyday to feel fresh and clean.
Great article – always important to focus on these topics
Panty liners are great for when this is an issue.
I have to use liners because otherwise my undies would be stained all the time.
Panty liners are amazing.
Tena’s long liners are good and help with confidence
Period panties girls! Saves having to buy liners all the time 😉
Great to know…
I generally wear liners every day
Use Modibodi undies, better than using disposable liners all the time.
I use modhibodi undies for discharge and I love them.
I can’t recommend them enough!
Interesting
Interesting article, I always wear panty liners.
panty liners really do help protect your underwear
Great article with info for girls of all ages to know.
Interesting to read. I was told by a hospital to only use water.
Interesting.
Great article to read.
I agree that a lot of women don’t know what’s normal because it’s not discussed. Anonymous articles like this are very informative for young women.
Excellent article,
Very informative.
That’s a very good and informative article.
very informative,Good article!!
Well said Hilary79! I.cant stand douches and scented vaginal cleaners, bringing a sense of.ahame when.there is.no.need! A shower every day, gently washing the labia and your body does the rest. Like my mum used to say, your vagina is like a self-cleaning oven, don’t put anything toxc in there!