Discharge – an indicator of your vaginal health
Is my discharge normal?
Vaginal discharge may seem like a nuisance, but the mucus that sometimes leaves your underwear feeling sticky and wet is in fact your vagina’s ingenious, built-in cleaning mechanism. While most women experience vaginal discharge, the frequency, amount and texture of the fluid can vary considerably from person to person.
You may have noticed that it even changes during different points of your menstrual cycle. Right before ovulation the mucus typically becomes slippery and clear, like raw egg whites, and more abundant than normal. This is usually followed by a few drier days and then a return to the usual white, slightly sticky discharge. During ovulation and after your period, it’s not unusual to have some pink or brown spotting. However, if you at any time experience smelly, watery, yellow or thick white discharge, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right.
Normal discharge:
- is usually clear, white or light yellow
- is odourless or has a slightly tangy or sweet smell
- is thick, sticky and wet
Abnormal discharge
Discharge can be an important indicator of your vaginal health, so it’s good to get to know your mucus. For example, if you notice a thick white and lumpy discharge that resembles cottage cheese, it’s likely caused by a yeast infection, whereas an extremely smelly, watery discharge is a tell-tale sign of a bacterial problem. Smelly, green or yellow discharge can be a sign of a more serious issue and you should talk to your health professional if you experience this.
Is it possible to treat discharge?
It’s not possible to treat normal, healthy discharge and there’s really no need to. Yeast problems can easily be treated with a plant based gel like Multi-Gyn FloraPlus, which helps to relieve symptoms like discharge, itch, irritation and odour. For bacterial problems, try Multi-Gyn ActiveGel. The gel helps to quickly reduce discharge and odour. Both are specifically formulated to help support a healthy bacterial flora and maintain an optimal pH level in the vagina. You can buy Multi-Gyn FloraPlus and Multi-Gyn ActiveGel at your local pharmacy. If you’re not sure if your symptoms are due to yeast or something else, talk to your health professional.
Why do I get discharge?
Vaginal discharge consists of a slightly acidic mucus that is produced by the cervix and comes out of the vagina, cleaning out dead cells and bacteria in the process. Aside from cleaning the vagina, it keeps it moist and protects it against infection. A woman’s body produces about a teaspoon of discharge every day, starting about six months to a year before her first period. The flow is typically heavier during pregnancy, if you’re sexually active or if you’re on birth control. As you get older and enter menopause, your discharge may change or become less frequent, which in turn can cause vaginal dryness.
