You might have noticed some fluid coming from your vagina. It might not appear the same all the time and it might also have differing smells. You will have various kinds of vaginal discharge and this might prompt you to have some questions regarding the appearance and smell of the fluid. Here, Anna Klepchukova, Chief Science Officer at Flo, answers the questions that crop up the most when it comes to vaginal discharge.
Why do we have vaginal discharge?
As we have already stated, vaginal discharge is a mixture of mucus, liquid, bacteria and desquamated cells from cervix and vagina. Its color, smell, and consistency can differ depending on the day of the cycle.
Normal vaginal discharge is produced to lubricate the vaginal walls and protect women's reproductive tract from infections.
What is normal discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge consists mainly of mucus and liquid as well as desquamated epithelial cells from the cervix and vagina. The color and consistency can differ from woman to woman depending on the day of the cycle. This normal vaginal discharge can be white, clear, watery or stretchy.
The discharge has its own smell and it can change slightly from woman to woman. Normal discharge smells like light fermented milk or musk. The smell can change depending on the day of the menstrual cycle or after unprotected heterosexual intercourse.
What does brown discharge mean?
Before we can get into exactly what it means, it’s important to note that the brown discharge depends on your menstrual cycle. If you happen to notice the brown discharge right before your period, it means that your flow is starting soon.
If you notice brown discharge in the middle of the cycle it may be due to hormonal changes prior, during or right after ovulation. On the other hand, if your period is late and a pregnancy test is positive, the brown discharge may indicate an impending miscarriage or even an ectopic pregnancy.
However, a brown discharge might also be indicative of vaginitis, cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. This is more so if you feel pain in your lower abdomen.
What does white vaginal discharge mean?
If you notice a white discharge coming from your vagina, it could mean that you have any one of a number of diseases like bacterial vaginosis or vaginal candidiasis. In order to know the exact diagnosis, you will have to contact your health care provider and do some tests.
It is advisable that do tests before you get started on treatment. This is because different conditions require different treatment. Cervical mucus tracking is a good idea if you are planning pregnancy. it's now even easier!
What to do with discharge that smells?
Normal vaginal discharge has its own smell and it can change slightly from woman to woman. Normal discharge smells like light fermented milk or musk. It is normal and you don't have to get rid of this smell. The smell can change depending on the day of the menstrual cycle or after unprotected heterosexual intercourse.
Conversely, if the smell becomes strong and unpleasant or if you get a fishy smell, it is high time you got in touch with your doctor to take some tests.
How to understand if your discharge smells ok?
Normal vaginal discharge has its own smell — like light fermented milk or musk and you don't have to take any measures to get rid of this smell. However, this can slightly change from one woman to the other. The smell also depends on the day of the menstrual cycle and it can change after having unprotected heterosexual intercourse.
You should contact your doctor if the smell becomes strong and unpleasant or if it becomes fishy. The doctor will run some tests to determine if you have any infections.
White tissue like discharge - is it normal?
Normal vaginal discharge is clear and watery, with mild odor or without it. The volume of discharge increases a few days before ovulation. If you notice that your discharge has changed in consistency, color or smell, consult your health care provider.
Having fluid coming from your vagina is a very normal occurrence. However, you should always be observant of the appearance and smell of this discharge. The different colors and smells are indicative of the health state of your vagina and your reproductive process as a whole.
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