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Vaginal discharge is the result of secretions produced from small glands in the lining of the vagina and the cervix. All women have a little discharge starting a year or two before puberty and ending after the menopause.
How much discharge a woman notices changes from time to time and it will change quite a lot between periods. Different persons can have different volume of “normal” discharge depending on age, cycle periods, hormonal balance and sexual activities.
Normal discharge
The amount of discharge varies from girls to girls and from woman to woman. Different persons have different opinions of what is normal. But if it always involves using panty shields, or changing protection or underwear several times a day, then it is probably heavier than normal.
The amount of discharge is often influenced by hormonal changes in the woman's body. The week before a period, being pregnant or using the oral contraceptive pills are all typically associated with an increase in vaginal discharge. A normal physiological discharge is usually clear and/or transparent, creamy and/or very slightly yellow.
Discharge Evaluation
| Puberty |
Once you start puberty a white and/or clear discharge is normal. The vagina is self-cleaning. This same discharge increases the closer you get to ovulation and when you are sexually aroused.
You can have this normal discharge for weeks, months or even years before getting your first period. It will also continue after you get your period. You can wear a pantyliner if it bothers you. Some girls do produce more discharge than others.
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| Ovulation Discharge |
Soon after your menstrual cycle, you might notice a sticky or "tacky" vaginal secretion.
Immediately prior to ovulation, most women usually detect increased vaginal secretions that are wet and slippery (similar to the consistency of raw egg white). Clear and stretchy - this is "fertile" mucous and means you are ovulating. Generally, your body produces the greatest amount of this type of vaginal discharge is on the day of ovulation.
Immediately following the day of ovulation, your vaginal discharge gradually becomes thicker in consistency, and less is secreted. |
| Normal Discharge |
White/Thick - white discharge is common at the beginning and end of your cycle. Normal white discharge is not accompanied by itching. Clear and watery discharge - this occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising.
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| Endometriosis |
Brown discharge before and after period,
Painful period,
Infertility.
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| Yeast Infection |
White, cottage cheese-like discharge;
Swelling and pain around the vulva;
Intense itching.
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| Bacterial Vaginosis |
A white, gray or yellowish vaginal discharge;
A fishy odor that is strongest after sex or after washing with soap;
Itching or burning;
Slight redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva.
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| Trichomoniasis |
A watery, yellowish or greenish bubbly discharge;
An unpleasant vaginal odor;
Pain and itching when urinating;
Most apparent after your period.
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| Chlamydia |
Cystitis (burning feeling when you urinate),
Abnormal vaginal discharge,
Mild lower abdominal pain.
Can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease,
Infertility or serious problems with pregnancy.
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| Gonorrhea |
Thin, watery yellow or green discharge,
Bleeding between periods,
Pain during urination.
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| Genital warts |
Small white spots or lumps that are hidden inside the vagina or anus,
Slight bleeding or very rarely, an unusual colored vaginal discharge,
Itching (not always).
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