Vaginal discharge, also called leukorrhea, is a fluid that usually looks clear or whitish and comes from the vagina. It’s a natural cleaning process in the female reproductive system. Glands in the vagina, uterus, and cervix produce this fluid throughout the day. It helps remove dead cells and bacteria, which you might sometimes see in your underwear. This keeps the vagina clean and prevents infections. More: Feminine Yeast Infections: Symptoms & Treatments
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Usually, vaginal discharge is normal. The amount can change, and so can its smell and color, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. It might smell different if you’re pregnant or if you haven’t been keeping up with personal hygiene. People assigned female at birth can have different amounts of discharge—some more, some less.
If the color, texture, smell, or amount of your discharge changes from what’s normal for you, it could signal a problem. Most causes of abnormal vaginal discharge can be treated with medication. More: How pressure to be cool can lead women to disregard their needs?
Normal vaginal discharge looks this way
Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or white and shouldn’t have a bad smell. Its thickness might change during your menstrual cycle. Here are some other things to know:
- Texture: It’s normal for it to vary from watery and sticky to thick and gooey. Hormones in your body cause these changes, but infections can also affect the texture. Chunky, foamy, or discharge that comes with itching and changes in color may signal an infection.
- Color: Healthy vaginal discharge can be clear, milky white, or off-white. Dark yellow, brown, green, or grey discharge might indicate an infection or another issue.
- Smell: Vaginal discharge may have a slight odor, but it shouldn’t be strong or unpleasant. If your discharge smells fishy or foul, and you notice changes in texture or color, it could mean there’s a vaginal infection.
- Amount: Some people have more vaginal discharge than others. Factors like pregnancy, birth control pills, or ovulation can affect how much discharge you have. If there’s a sudden change in your discharge amount, it might indicate a problem.
But…your vaginal discharge could indicate an infection if:
If it makes you itch.
It causes swelling.
It has a bad or fishy smell.
It’s green, yellow, or gray.
It looks like cottage cheese or pus.
It causes pelvic pain or pain when you pee.
Treating and preventing
Treatment for it depends on its cause. If a yeast infection causes abnormal discharge, doctors usually prescribe antifungal medications. These can be pills or creams inserted directly into the vagina. Antibiotic pills or creams are typically used to treat discharge caused by bacterial vaginosis. For infections like trichomoniasis, medications like metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) are often prescribed.
To prevent vaginal infections and abnormal discharge, follow these tips:
- Keep your vagina clean by washing with mild soap and warm water externally. Avoid putting soap inside your vagina.
- Avoid douching, scented soaps, feminine products, sprays, and bubble baths in your vaginal area.
- Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from entering your vagina and causing infection.
- Wear underwear made of 100% cotton and avoid tight clothing to help keep your vaginal area dry and healthy.
By following these guidelines, you can help maintain vaginal health and reduce the risk of abnormal discharge and infections. More: Self-Care: Why Spa Visits Are Essential for Well-being?
Sources: WebMD i Cleveland Clinic
