Abnormal discharge vs normal vaginal discharge: What's the difference

Firstly, let's clear the air and state that it is absolutely normal to have vaginal discharge. Your cervix and vagina secrete clear, mucus-like discharge in a bid to cleanse itself and stay lubricated. Healthy vaginal discharge is what helps your vagina stay away from infections and germs.

• What is normal discharge?
• Abnormal discharge and its symptoms
• Tips to manage vaginal discharge

Normally, your vaginal discharge would not have any smell or odour at all. You would either have clear or white discharge, or a times watery, stringy or raw egg white-like discharge . There are many factors that could affect the natural pH of your vagina, which could possibly lead to infections. Douching, antibiotics, feminine hygiene products etc. are all contributors that can affect your vagina's natural pH balance.

When the natural pH of your vagina is disrupted, it leads to abnormal discharge which eventually results in smelly discharge or change in the colour and texture of vaginal discharge. Some of the causes of abnormal discharge are below:

• Antibiotics or use of steroid
• Bacterial vaginosis - a type of common bacterial infection in pregnant women or women who have multiple sexual partners
• Birth control pills
• Cervical cancer
• Chlamydia or gonorrhoea (STDs), sexually transmitted infections
• Diabetes
• Douches, scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath
• Vaginal atrophy - the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause
• Vaginitis, irritation in or around the vagina
• Yeast infections

Now that we are aware of the reasons that could cause abnormal discharge, it is crucial to also understand what are the signs and symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge. More often than not, we stream through everyday life, without stopping to notice subtle or not-so-subtle changes that could be the result of an infection or worse.

• Any change in color of vaginal discharge
• Changes in the consistency of vaginal discharge. For instance, sometimes cottage cheese-like discharge is a sign of an infection
• Itching or rashes
• A burning sensation when urinating
• If you notice blood when it's not your period
• A foul discharge smell along with yellowish, greenish, or grayish-white vaginal discharge.

Healthy vaginal discharge is a sign of good health. And while it is normal, it may, at times, get a little uncomfortable to feel wet or moist down there when you're going about your daily activities. Here are some pointers that may help in managing as well as preventing infections.

1. Wear breathable cotton underwear. As much as we love silky and lacy lingerie, maybe it's a better idea to reserve those for occasional wear. And for your daily life, stick to cotton panties and undergarments. They are breathable and will allow your skin to get some air flow. Also, avoid tight clothing.

2. Douching is a bad idea and must not be practiced. Your vagina needs good bacteria and douching flushes out all the bacteria, including the useful ones. This makes your vagina more susceptible to infections.

3. Use good quality panty liners for days when you have excessive vaginal discharge. The ALWAYS Daily Liners Comfort Protect Panty Liners are perfect for daily use. They have an innovatively discreet design that is flexible and reliable, which allows you to go about your activities freely and comfortably. It also comes with a unique odour-neutralising technology that keeps you fresh, confident and secure all day along.

4. It is recommended to use protection when engaging in sexual intercourse to avoid STI's.

5. Practice daily intimate hygiene by keeping your vagina clean. Wash it with warm water and a mild soap on the outside. You don't need to wash or put soap inside your vagina. After using the washroom, remember to always wash or wipe yourself from the front to back to prevent transferring bacteria to your vagina.

If you notice anything unusual about your vagina and have other symptoms, you must see a doctor. Some of these symptoms include:

• Extreme and unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Pain in the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Frequent and increase in urination

In order to know anything unusual, you need to first understand what's your normal. Vaginal discharge is connected to your menstrual cycle. Use the Always Period Calculator to know your menstrual cycle better. Just answer three simple questions and you're good to go.

If you've realised that you have abnormal vaginal discharge, it's fine, you can relax. See a doctor and get it treated. In the meantime, wear good pantyliners to manage the discharge. Practice good intimate hygiene and take care of yourself to avoid it in the future.

Interested in knowing more? Learn everything about brown discharge during periods.

Abnormal discharge may look yellowish, greenish, or grayish-white in colour. Changes in consistency is also a symptom. For instance, sometimes cottage cheese-like discharge is a sign of an infection.

Normal or healthy vaginal discharge is typically clear or whitish in colour and does not have any smell or odour. Vaginal discharge is your vagina's way of cleansing and helps keep infections and germs at bay.

If you notice anything unusual such as change in colour, texture, amount and smell - it could be abnormal vaginal discharge. If your discharge smells bad but not fishy, it could be a yeast infection.

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