Our vaginas are pretty awesome at what they do. Beautifully complex, they constantly work around the clock to fight infection, lubricate for intercourse, flush out harmful bacteria and the list goes on.
Discharge is a great indicator of these processes at work. It’s often perfectly normal for the texture and amount of discharge to vary during your cycle, especially during ovulation. But because of this constant balancing act, our vaginas can sometimes get off balance.
Below is a guide to what is considered “normal” and when you might need to consider a check-up:
Colour & Consistency:
Your discharge is considered normal when it is:
- Clear, pinkish or white
- Thick and or sticky
- Slippery and Wet
Volume:
You will notice that your discharge will increase and change throughout the first phase of your cycle and then becomes lighter the day or two after ovulation leading up to your flow. When you’re aroused your discharge will tend to increase as well, preparing you for intercourse.
Vaginal discharge smell:
Typical discharge can be both odourless or have a smell, but it’s usually mild and not unpleasant. Getting to know what your normal scent, is important for being able to pick up when something changes.
Something’s not quite right…
If your fluid becomes unusually thinner, thicker, or textured, changes in colour to green, yellow, brown, or grey, smells fishy, metallic or significantly different, it might be a sign that something is up. Sometimes it can be as simple as your pH level being out of balance, but it also could be that your vagina giving you a sign of infection, so it’s best to consult your doctor.
Can we prevent infections?
To prevent infections, it’s important to practice good hygiene and wear breathable underwear. Don’t use douches, as they can upset your natural pH levels and always remember to practice safe sex by using protection to avoid STI’s and bacterial vaginosis.
For some, it’s normal to have a lot of vaginal discharge. They may even need to wear a pantiliner to keep their underwear dry while others may not have much vaginal discharge at all. Did you know that MOOVE underwear doesn’t have to be just for periods? It can also be used daily to absorb your discharge.
Find out more here
