In other words, most vaginal discharge is good for you. Discharge is a natural way that your body protects itself. Women will have a normal discharge every 80 minutes during sleep. This is a normal physiologic function (men as well have an erection every 80 minutes during sleep).
In premenopausal women, it is normal to have about 1 teaspoon of white or clear vaginal discharge every day. [2] X Research source However, the amount and characteristics of vaginal discharge can vary from one woman to another.
Ovulation: During ovulation, there is usually an increased volume of discharge. This discharge is more clear, stretchy, and slippery. The purpose of this change is to allow easier passage of sperm during the time that an egg is ready for fertilization. [3] X Research source Menstruation: Discharge that is thick and white typically makes an appearance just before and after your menstrual cycle. [4] X Research source Pregnancy and post-partum: Pregnant women often notice an increase in the amount of discharge and a change in its consistency. This is especially noticeable in the last few weeks before delivery, when discharge can become thicker and more voluminous. After delivery, women will experience discharge termed “lochia. " This particular discharge consists of blood, small clots, and sloughed-off tissue from the lining of the uterus that built-up over the course of pregnancy. Over time, it will change into a watery, pink discharge and eventually subside. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Menopause: The normal amount of vaginal discharge typically decreases during menopause as estrogen levels fall. [6] X Research source Sexual arousal: Watery discharge that is clear or slightly white is a sign of sexual excitement. The purpose of this discharge is to provide lubrication to protect the vagina during sex. [7] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
If you don’t like the feeling of wetness on your underwear and clothing, consider wearing a panty-liner in your underwear. These can be purchased at grocery stores, drug stores and pharmacies, and convenience stores. You can also make your own pantyliners out of fabrics you have around the house, or bought from a craft store, if you want a cheaper and more natural solution.
White, thick, lumpy discharge that is itchy. Green and foamy discharge. Grayish, yellowish, brownish or greenish discharge. Foul-smelling discharge. Discharge accompanied by pain, itchiness or burning, bleeding, etc. Discharge that it is heavier or thicker than usual.
Bacterial vaginosis: This is the most common cause of abnormal discharge in women of childbearing age. Bacterial vaginosis is a mild vaginal infection caused by “bad” bacteria. Essentially there are “good” and bad types of bacteria and the good types help to regulate the growth of the bad types. In cases of bacterial vaginosis this balance is upset and there are too many bad bacteria. Symptoms include grayish-yellow, slippery, and fishy-smelling discharge as well as itching or burning in the vagina. Most discharges with odor are due to bacterial vaginosis. [9] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection): If your discharge is white but thick and lumpy (think cottage cheese), it could be a sign of a yeast infection. In addition to the change in texture and color, you may also notice itching and burning sensations. Yeast infections do not usually produce a strong scent. These infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection among women. They are particularly likely to occur after a regimen of antibiotics, in patients with diabetes or immunocompromised patients. [10] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Trichomoniasis: Discharge that is slightly green in hue and ‘frothy’ in texture is typically a symptom of trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is an infection with trichomonas, a single-cell parasite which is passed between sexual partners. This infection, the third most common infection that can affect your vaginal discharge, can also cause vaginal itching or pain. [11] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections): The common STIs chlamydia and gonorrhea can sometimes have the sole symptom of increased vaginal discharge. The characteristics of this discharge can vary, but it is often discolored (i. e. gray, yellow, green), thick, and foul-smelling. Women may also notice pain during sexual activity, as well as spotting or brown discharge afterward. [12] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Bacterial vaginosis, Candidiasis, and Trichomoniasis can also be spread sexually. Vaginal or cervical cancer: Keep in mind that cancer of the vagina or cervix is a very rare cause of abnormal discharge. [13] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Exposing the vagina to a new type of cleaning agent or hygiene product can have an effect on it. Chemicals found in detergents and fabric softeners, feminine sprays, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams or jellies or creams may irritate the vagina and/or the skin around the vagina. Medications, such as antibiotics, can also increase the possibility of infection. Any of these may be causing your symptoms and the changes in your vaginal discharge. Think about what you have used most recently and when your discharge began to seem different to you. Once you are able to narrow the potential cause down, try eliminating it and seeing if your symptoms disappear. For example, if you recently changed to a new laundry detergent, avoid using it for a while and return to your old brand. If your symptoms go away, then you may have found the culprit! If your symptoms persist, however, even after you’ve considered any new chemicals that may have recently been added to your environment, you should visit your doctor. [14] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Systemic illnesses that can also alter the balance of the vaginal environment. For example, women with diabetes have an increased risk of fungal infections (like yeast infections). [15] X Research source A not uncommon cause of vaginal discharge with a foul odor is a tampon that has been left in and forgotten. If you suspect that you may have left a tampon inside of yourself, you can do your own investigation. Begin by washing your hands and then squatting or placing one foot on the edge of your bathtub or toilet. Reach up inside your vagina as far as you can reach and feel around for anything. If you find a tampon but can’t locate the string to pull it out, then use your finger and thumb to grab onto it and pull it out. Make sure the tampon is still generally intact; if it has started to disintegrate and you are unsure that you pulled all of the pieces out, contact your doctor as nothing should be left behind. Note that if you feel all the way up to your cervix and find nothing, there is likely nothing up there. If you still suspect that there is something up there but that you couldn’t find it, contact your doctor, who can do a more thorough check for you. [16] X Research source
One exception here may be if you’ve had a yeast infection (Vaginal candidiasis) in the past and feel confident in your ability to self-diagnose this infection based on your previous experience. Treatments for yeast infection are readily available over-the-counter at pharmacies and drug stores and can be administered at home. However, if the infection persists after this over-the-counter, standard treatment for candidiasis, it is highly advisable that you visit your physician.
If you are currently menstruating, it’s best to wait until after your cycle finishes to see your doctor, if at all possible. But if there are significant symptoms, then be seen as soon as possible, even if menstruating. If you are visiting a walk-in clinic and not your regular doctor, be prepared to give a full medical history.
The External Exam — Your health care provider will examine the opening of your vagina and the folds of your vulva. In particular, your doctor is looking for abnormal discharge, cysts, genital warts, irritation, or other conditions. The Internal Exam (a) — The internal exam has two parts: the speculum exam and the bimanual exam. During the speculum exam, your doctor will gently insert a lubricated metal or plastic speculum into your vagina. The speculum separates the walls of the vagina when it opens. This should not feel painful but may feel slightly uncomfortable. Let your health care provider know if you do feel any pain. She may be able to adjust the size or position of the speculum. If there is a significant vaginal infection, the Pap test usually done at this time might be deferred, since the results of the Pap smear might be compromised. If so, you should return for a Pap test once the infection is cleared. In the Pap test, a tiny spatula or small brush to take a small sample of cells from your cervix. This sample will be examined to see if there are any cancerous or precancerous cells in the cervix. A sample of discharge from the cervix also may be taken from the vagina to test for STIs. In addition, your doctor will measure your vaginal pH and take samples of vaginal discharge for testing. [19] X Research source The Internal Exam (b) — The second test, the bimanual exam, involves your doctor inserting one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into your vagina while gently pressing on your lower abdomen with the other hand. This is a way to check for the size, shape, and position of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, which could affect your fertility and health. For example, an enlarged uterus could mean that you are pregnant or have fibroids, while pain or tenderness in the adnexa areas (ovary/tube) experienced during the exam could indicate an infection, cyst or possible mass. [20] X Research source Sometimes as part of a pelvic exam, your doctor may perform a rectal exam. In this instance, your doctor will put a gloved finger into the rectum to check for any tumors or other abnormalities. [21] X Research source
The technician will carefully examine the slide at both medium and high power for trichomonas, clue cells, and yeast. Trichomonas are fluid, flagellated organisms that can be identified by their characteristic twisting motion. Clue cells are unusual cells whose existence in the sample means that bacterial vaginosis may be present. Lastly, yeast may be identified on the slide as budding or branching forms and is indicative of a yeast infection. The presence of yeast can also be determined through the Pap test.
