A girl has vaginal discharge when she notices fluid being released from her vagina. This is a normal bodily function for most women of reproductive age. However, it's important to understand what constitutes normal discharge versus something that requires medical attention.
What is Normal Vaginal Discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge can vary in appearance and consistency throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. Generally, it's:
- Color: Clear, white, or off-white. When dried, it might appear yellowish.
- Consistency: Thin, sticky, elastic, or thick and gooey.
- Smell: It may have a slight odor, but it shouldn't be unpleasant or "fishy." [Reference: Normal vaginal discharge can be somewhat thin, sticky, and elastic — or thick and gooey. It's clear, white, or off-white. When discharge dries on underwear or a pantiliner, it may look yellow. Discharge often has a slight odor but it isn't a bad smell.] [Reference: Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle scent that is not unpleasant or foul smelling.] [Reference: It is normal for women to have some vaginal discharge. Normal vaginal discharge is thin like mucus and clear, white or slightly yellow. It usually has no ...]
When to See a Doctor: Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Several factors can indicate that a vaginal discharge is not normal and requires a medical evaluation. These include:
- Changes in Color: Green, gray, or other unusual colors. [Reference: What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Vaginal Discharge Problem? · a change in: ... color: like green or gray; ...] [Reference: A change in the color of the discharge.]
- Changes in Smell: A strong, unpleasant, or "fishy" odor. [Reference: What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Vaginal Discharge Problem? · a change in: smell: mainly a “fishy” odor; ...] [Reference: A foul-smelling odor.]
- Changes in Texture: Foamy, clumpy, or unusually thick discharge. [Reference: What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Vaginal Discharge Problem? · a change in: texture: like foam, cottage ...]
- Increased Amount: A significantly larger amount of discharge than usual. [Reference: What is considered normal vaginal discharge? · An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.]
- Accompanying Symptoms: Itching, burning, pain, or discomfort. [Reference: Some amount of vaginal discharge is normal, unless it occurs with itching, burning, or other bothersome symptoms.] [Reference: A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection. It causes irritation, discharge and itching of the vagina and the vulva.]
It's important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment if you experience abnormal vaginal discharge. They can determine the cause and recommend appropriate steps. Self-treating can be harmful. [Reference: Most experts recommend an examination to ...]
