Vaginal Discharge— What’s Normal and When To Worry

By Mishaun Taylor

Bodily changes can be quite scary if we’re not sure what they mean. For women, vaginal discharge can be a big source of anxiety. This article discusses different types of discharge, what’s normal, and the warning signs you need to be aware of.

Some vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and no cause for worry. In fact, discharge is a natural bodily function that helps to keep the vagina clean and functioning in a healthy manner. When your vagina is working properly, your cervix and internal glands produce a fluid that sweeps away dead vaginal cells. This type of discharge can be clear or milky in color, and it should have no offensive smell. It’s a sign that your body is doing just what it should be doing.

Your discharge may vary a bit over the course of your menstrual cycle, and that, too, is perfectly normal. During ovulation, discharge may become slightly thicker; this can also occur when new mothers are breastfeeding, or when a woman is feeling sexually aroused. These natural differences in discharge are to be expected.

However, some changes in smell, color, texture or amount can signal that the vagina is experiencing a problem. Often, you’ll be aware that things are “off.” Perhaps you’ll suddenly feel an itching or burning sensation in your genital area, or you’ll realize that you are producing much more discharge than normal. Or maybe you’ll start to notice a bad smell—often it is “fishy”—that didn’t exist before. 

All these symptoms could indicate a bacterial infection of the vagina, called “vaginitis.” An infection occurs when the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina or the acidity of the area is disrupted. 

Natural events like menstruation or pregnancy can trigger imbalances and throw the vagina out of whack. Sometimes it’s the things we think will help our bodies that actually end up hurting us. Vaginal sprays and douches, for example, can introduce germs or disturb the balance of the vaginal environment, or even exacerbate infections that are already present. Even something as simple as taking a bubble bath can irritate your vagina, resulting in a change in your discharge.

If changes in your discharge are making you suspect that you have a vaginal infection, make an appointment to see your doctor. Whether you have contracted a condition like bacterial vaginosis, which requires prescription medication, or a yeast infection that can be controlled with over-the-counter treatments, it is always good to get a physician’s expert opinion. 

Many women try to self-treat all changes in their discharge with yeast infection creams or suppositories, but this can actually make things much worse if what they have is not, in fact, a yeast infection. Some kinds of discharge can indicate more serious problems, such as STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. These conditions can ONLY be treated with antibiotics, so the creams will do nothing. Moreover, left untreated, the diseases will continue to damage your body. If it therefore important to be aware of your body’s changes and to consult a doctor if you notice an abnormal type of discharge.