8 Questions You’ve Had About Vaginal Discharge, Answered!

Have you felt that moist and icky feeling down there? Worry not, you aren’t the only one! Experiencing vaginal discharge is quite normal. Rather it's your vagina’s self-cleaning mechanism that keeps irritation and infections at bay. So, in a way, it's beneficial for your vaginal health.

However, women still feel a little shy about talking about vaginal discharge. Thus, to start the conversation, we’ve answered some of the most common questions revolving around vaginal discharge. Right from ‘What does normal discharge look like?’ to ‘What to eat to stop white discharge?’, we’ve covered it all!

Here Are 8 Common Questions About Vaginal Discharge

• What does a normal discharge look like?
• What Are The Different Types Of Discharge?
• Is it normal to have a discharge every day?
• Is white discharge a sign of a period coming?
• Why do I have so much discharge all of a sudden?
• What is the difference between discharge and being wet?
• Why does my vaginal discharge smell?
• What to eat to stop white discharge?

Typically, a normal discharge looks like a whitish or clear liquid which has little to no odour. It mainly consists of mucus and other fluids which are expelled from your uterus, cervix, and vagina. Now here is a catch, the consistency and colour of vaginal discharge tend to the vary from person to the person. This means if your normal discharge is white, it may be a little stretchy or mucus-like for others.

Lately, have you noticed a change in your discharge? This can easily make you ponder ‘what are the different types of discharge’. As mentioned earlier, every woman experiences a different type of discharge. Some are considered to be normal while others are a sign for some underlying condition. Here are the different types of discharge as follows:

• Clear or white

  
  A normal type of vaginal discharge

• Brown or bloody

  
  Occurs before or after your period

• Black

  
  Old blood leaving the uterus; a sign of possible infection

• Yellow or green

  
  Possible STIs

• Thick, white, cheesy

  
  A sign of yeast infection

• Grey, yellow or white with fishy odour

  
  A sign of bacterial vaginosis

• Pink

  
  Implantation bleeding; vaginal irritation
  
  

Overall, if you notice vaginal discharge which feels unusual in colour or consistency, you must visit a doctor. He will be able to diagnose the problem at hand and thereby provide you with the necessary treatments.

Yes, experiencing discharge every day is considered normal unless it changes colour or consistency. It’s also noted that women tend to experience heavier or lighter discharge during different days throughout their menstrual cycle. During days, using a panty liner is the best option. Try out the ALWAYS Extra Protect Panty Liners which is equipped with fast-absorbing zones and odour neutralising properties that keeps you fresh and dry. Its additional length ensures extra protection up to 12 hours. Additionally, they are dermatologically tested and safe for skin.

As mentioned prior, vaginal discharge varies throughout the cycle. But when you start noticing white discharge it's often a sign that your period is coming. This can ultimately tell you that it's time to stock up on your favourite sanitary pads or tampons. Try out the ALWAYS Maxi Thick Pads which are designed with anti-leakage barriers on all sides to avoid any leakage. Additionally, they are equipped with an extra absorbent core and high flexi wings that keeps your dry and allows you a worry-free movement.

For tampon lovers, you can give ALWAYS TAMPAX Cardboard Tampons a try. These have an innovative absorbent core and protective skirt which minimizes the risk of leakage. Likewise, it’s anti-slip grip ensures an easy insertion. Another way of staying head of your period is using our period calculator. It helps you track your cycle and prepares you for it well in advance.

However, in some cases if your white discharge has a foul odour, it could be an indication of a sexually transmitted infection.

There are several reasons as to why you may have more discharge suddenly. Let’s have a look at some of the causes of heavy discharge:

• Ovulation

• Hormonal imbalance

• An early sign of pregnancy

• Yeast infection

• Bacterial vaginosis

• Breastfeeding

• Response to an increased libido

• Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

The key difference between discharge and being wet is the fact that there’s a constant presence of vaginal discharge in women who menstruate. On the other hand, being wet refers to the arousal fluid which one experiences due to increased libido. Your cervical glands and vaginal walls secrete a fluid which is needed for lubrication. This safeguards your genital area from tearing and keeps your vagina moist.

If you are wondering as to why your vaginal discharge smells, it could be caused due to the following reasons:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis or chlamydia

• Yeast infection

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

• Presence of a foreign object in the vagina like tampons

In case you notice that your vaginal discharge has a foul odour, you must visit a doctor and get the underlying condition treated. It’s the only viable option to keep yourself away from any other extreme vaginal problems.

Adding foods like yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, rice starch and turmeric are a few home remedies that allegedly help you stop white discharge. However, there isn’t any scientific evidence which suggests that these foods help in stopping white discharge. Thus, it’s always best to consult a doctor and get your white discharge treated.

If you're wondering how to reduce vaginal wetness, our guide provides practical tips to help you manage it effectively.

Takeaway

Remember that experiencing vaginal discharge is normal, rather healthy for you! But when you start witnessing a change in your vaginal discharge, it’s important to get medical attention. It’s high time we remove the ‘hush-hush’ around this important facet of female hygiene and get the conversation started!

Conditions like bacterial vaginosis, thrush, allergies, lost tampon, sexually transmitted infections can cause abnormal vaginal discharge.

Discharge can be a cause for concern when it appears yellow, green or grey. Additionally, if it is followed by a foul odour and itchiness, it needs to be checked by a doctor

Pink discharge indicates spotting before a period. But sometimes it could also be an indication of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy.

Disclaimer:

Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.