When to worry about vaginal discharge

Discharge simply means something that leaks out. Vaginal discharge, then, means the fluid or mucus that comes out of a girl’s or woman’s vagina. She might see or feel it on her underpants.

Between six months and a year before a girl gets her first period, her body may start to produce vagina discharge. This is normal and is caused by the changing level of hormones in her body. This discharge helps to keep the vagina healthy. Girls continue to have vaginal  discharge after they get their periods. Women also have this discharge, which continues until menopause, when their bodies don’t make as much of it again.

Normal vaginal fluids can vary. They might be thin and slightly sticky to thick and gummy. They can be clear to white or off-white in colour. The amount of discharge can also vary depending on a girl’s/ woman’s menstrual cycle. For example, it tends to be a bit heavier around ovulation time; which is when an egg is released from the ovary and moves into the fallopian tube.

Normal discharge might have a slight odour (smell) and should never cause itching or burning. Problems like itching, a strong odour, or a change in colour (such as brown, gray, or green) indicate that a girl may have a vaginal infection and needs to see a doctor.

For normal discharge, a girl can wear a pant liner if that makes her more comfortable. Sometimes, the moisture, from normal vaginal discharge can irritate the skin. You can prevent skin irritation in the vaginal area, especially when it’s hot and humid outside, by wearing cotton underwear and avoid clothes like tight jeans and pantyhose that don’t let your skin breathe.

What could excessive white discharge signify?

Excessive white discharge at times can be normal and harmless. There are times when certain physiological changes in the body lead to excessive secretions; here are a few such circumstances:

Ovulation

Apart from the glands in the cervix and walls of the vagina that initiate a healthy discharge, hormones in the body also play a role in contributing to the same.

During ovulation, the progesterone level in the body is high, leads to a heavy or continuous discharge from the vagina. This is normal and a healthy sign in a woman of reproductive age.

Sexual excitement

Vaginal discharge or secretions act as the perfect natural lubricant for a smooth and gentle intercourse. The hormones which sensually arouse you are also the ones that initiate a steady secretion from the vagina. At times, it could lead to excessive discharge, as compared to your normal secretions.

Pregnancy

A clear milky discharge from the vagina which might be mild with a musky smell is perfectly normal during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase vaginal discharge too. This has a hidden benefit; though the excess flow can be annoying at times, vaginal secretions help keep urinary tract infections that are otherwise common during pregnancy at bay. The secretion is supposed to maintain a healthy environment in the area for good bacteria to thrive. In fact, the amount of the secretions can increase prior to labour, lubricating the birth canal for normal delivery.

The only time you should worry about vaginal discharge during pregnancy is when you spot droplets of blood or experience spotting. Also, read about the six causes that lead to spotting during the first trimester.

Stress

Modern day women are more prone to the perils of stress that reflects on their health and well-being. Stress is a major cause of hormonal imbalances within the body; this could lead to excessive vaginal discharge as well. Even though excessive discharge due to stress is considered harmless, it is not wise to ignore the signs of stress, as it isn’t a healthy way of living.