Vaginal discharge serves an
important
housekeeping function in the female
reproductive system. Fluid made by glands
inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and
bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean
and helps prevent infection. Most of the time,
vaginal discharge is
perfectly normal. The amount can vary, as can
odor and hue (its color can range from clear
to a milky white-ish), depending on the time in your menstrual
cycle. For example, there
will be more discharge if you are ovulating,
breastfeeding, or are sexually aroused. The
smell may be different if you are pregnant or
you haven't been diligent about your personal
hygiene. None of those changes is cause for alarm.
However, if the color, smell, or consistency
seems significantly unusual, especially if it
accompanied by vaginal itching or burning,
you could be noticing an infection or other
condition.
Different Types of Discharges
White:Thick, white discharge is common at the beginning and end of your cycle.
Normal white discharge is not accompanied by itching. If itching is present, thick white discharge can indicate a yeast infection.
Clear and stretchy:This is "fertile" mucous and means you are ovulating.
Clear and watery:This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising. Yellow or Green: May indicate an infection, especially if it is thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odor.
Brown: May happen right after periods, and is just "cleaning out" your vagina. Old blood looks brown. Spotting Blood/Brown Discharge: This may occur when you are ovulating/ mid-cycle.
Sometimes early in pregnancy you may have spotting or a brownish discharge at the time your period would normally come.
NOTE: If you have spotting at the time of your normal period rather than your usual amount of flow, and you have had sex without using birth control, you should check a pregnancy test. If you have abnormal discharge,pleas e meet your Dr quick or contact me today especially when the it has foul odour/smell with itching or burning sensation
Different Types of Discharges
White:Thick, white discharge is common at the beginning and end of your cycle.
Normal white discharge is not accompanied by itching. If itching is present, thick white discharge can indicate a yeast infection.
Clear and stretchy:This is "fertile" mucous and means you are ovulating.
Clear and watery:This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising. Yellow or Green: May indicate an infection, especially if it is thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odor.
Brown: May happen right after periods, and is just "cleaning out" your vagina. Old blood looks brown. Spotting Blood/Brown Discharge: This may occur when you are ovulating/ mid-cycle.
Sometimes early in pregnancy you may have spotting or a brownish discharge at the time your period would normally come.
NOTE: If you have spotting at the time of your normal period rather than your usual amount of flow, and you have had sex without using birth control, you should check a pregnancy test. If you have abnormal discharge,pleas e meet your Dr quick or contact me today especially when the it has foul odour/smell with itching or burning sensation
Post a Comment