Produced by your uterus, cervix, and vagina, the discharge is mainly made up of cells and bacteria and helps clean and lubricate the vagina
As women get older, they would notice a white discharge – from their vagina between menstrual periods. While according to doctors, it is normal to have some vaginal discharge - the amount, colour, and thickness of this release are different for each person.
Produced by your uterus, cervix, and vagina, the discharge is mainly made up of cells and bacteria. It helps clean and lubricate the vagina and fights off bad bacteria and infections. However, there are times when it is also a sign of an infection.
What is a normal vaginal discharge?
Doctors say a normal vaginal discharge is made up of mucus and bacteria – which helps to clean the vagina. Along with that, small amounts of yeast may also be present – which should not go out of control, as it can be dangerous.
A normal vaginal discharge should be:
- Thin, clear, white, or slightly yellow in colour
- Often increases two weeks before menstruation
- Can change or increase with some birth control methods
- Has no bad odour
- Does not cause itchiness or irritation
Signs of an infection
Doctors say just having a discharge does not mean there is an infection. Your discharge may change colour, become heavier, or smell different and you may face irritation around the opening of the vagina. A few possible reasons why that happened include:
Yeast infection
Vaginal yeast infection happens when a specific fungus – candida, grows out of control in your vagina. It produces a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, which makes your vagina swell and be itchy.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection you may get from having sex with an infected person. Caused by a parasite, trichomoniasis makes your vaginal discharge green, yellow, or gray and bubbly or frothy.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis happens when a certain bacterium goes out of control in your vagina. It gets transmitted through sexual contact but not always.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common STIs you get from having sex with an infected person and cause cloudy, yellow, or green vaginal discharge. If left untreated, the infection can spread leading to pelvic inflammatory disease.
Treatment options
According to doctors, it is important to keep your vaginal area clean to avoid any kind of infection. Use a mild soap and water to gently clean your vulvar area. Other tips for keeping your vagina clean include:
- Avoid using perfumed soaps, gels, wipes, or other feminine products
- Don’t douche or wash inside your vagina
- Avoid wearing tight underwear, leotards, bathing suits, or sweaty clothes for long periods of time.
- Wipe your vagina from front to back. This prevents bacteria from your rectum from getting into your vagina.
- Use unscented tampons, sanitary pads, and liners
- Change often, at least every 2 to 3 hours
- Remove the tampon before going to bed and wear a pad instead
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