What Does Healthy Vaginal Discharge Look Like?

 

One of those scary subjects - vaginal discharge. Whether you are talking to a partner, a friend, or a doctor, there is a touch of shyness that accompanies the word ‘discharge.’ So, as is my duty, I, Aunt Julie,  am here to talk about it and make it feel a little less stigmatized. After all, we all have it!

What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?

Most women and girls who have gone through puberty will have regular encounters with vaginal discharge. It is a clear or creamy fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina healthy and helps to prevent infection by clearing away dead cells and bacteria. Alongside this, it helps to keep the vaginal wall tissues lubricated and comfortable.

 

There is often confusion when people refer to the vagina and the vulva. To clarify, the vagina is the internal area of the female reproductive organs. The vulva is the external area of the genitalia, which comprises the labia majora and minora, clitoris, and other glands.  

 

Healthy discharge is nothing to worry about:

• It is clear or white

• Does not have a strong or unpleasant odour

• Is thick or sticky (though it should not look like cottage cheese)

• Is slippery or wet

Stages in Life When Discharge May Change

Puberty

During puberty, our bodies are going through a radical transformation - like a butterfly from a chrysalis, we step into a whole new body. Girls will usually notice their first discharge 6-12 months before their first bleed.

Ovulation / Throughout Your Cycle

Through your monthly cycle, you may have noticed that your discharge changes. During ovulation, estrogen levels rise, causing cervical fluid to thin and become more stretchy, helping sperm travel more easily through the reproductive tract.  After your ovulation, the body's progesterone increases, causing the fluid to become thicker and whiter again.

 

Pregnancy

Due to the high levels of estrogen in the body during pregnancy, many women experience a higher-than-usual amount of discharge. Nearing the end of pregnancy, you may notice a pink jelly-like discharge, perhaps even in lumps. This is called a ‘show’ and is an indicator that your body is getting ready to give birth. The ‘show’ is made up of a mucus plug that rests in the cervix, helping protect the womb from infection during pregnancy.  

 

Peri- menopause/ Menopause

As we enter peri-menopause, our body's production of estrogen lowers dramatically. This often leads to a decrease in mucus in the vaginal wall, which can lead to serious irritation, friction sensitivity, and pain referred to as Vaginal Atrophy or, more recently, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). This can be treated with HRT, and lubricants can help immensely.

 

Infection

If you notice your discharge changing colour, smell, or volume, it may be a sign of infection.

Your discharge should not be:

 

• A green/ yellow colour

• Foul smelling

• A sudden change making your knickers very wet and uncomfortable alongside irritation, itching, odour, or discomfort

• Itching

• Burning

• Painful

• Be accompanied by unusual bleeding

If you are experiencing any of the above, you can see the full list of NHS symptoms and causes. 

Stigma Around Discharge

As women, we are given a great list of ways in which we ought to show up to fit between the lines of what is expected of us. Unsurprisingly, this includes our bodily excretions. I am sure many of us have felt a touch of nerves around a sexual partner - fear that they may say something about our vagina,  whether we have a lot of discharge or are struggling with dryness.

 

There is a translation of what either of these things might mean  - we are ready to go or not interested in them. And while there is some truth to this, the majority of it comes down to where we are in our cycle and what our hormones are doing.

 

While we don’t want to force ourselves into a painful and dry encounter, the conversation around using lube can have its own stigma, especially when it comes to age. Remember, it is a tool to bring you closer, and make the experience more pleasurable for both partners. 

Vaginal Sweating - Is it Normal?

Sweating is our body's way of cooling down and is a completely natural occurrence. In the last few decades, we as a culture have become somewhat obsessed with never showing sweat patches and using hormone-disrupting anti-perspirants. As the stigma has built, people (especially women) have turned to more drastic measures to ensure that breaking a sweat is not something they are known for.

 

Sweat loves those warm skin folds like the underbust, the groin, and the armpits. While sweat is normal, it can be an uncomfortable feeling when your clothing is consistently wet and begins to smell.

 

As menopause takes hold, hot flushes throw in their sprinkle of sweaty mischief, causing the body to sweat in places you didn’t even know possible.

 

How Underwear Choice Can Affect Intimate Comfort

For women with sensitive skin, choosing breathable and skin-friendly underwear can make a meaningful difference to daily comfort. Tight-fitting synthetic underwear can trap heat and moisture, which may increase irritation, sweating, and discomfort. When we have a build-up of sweat, it is important to keep the area breathing to help prevent intertrigo (skin fold rash) and allow the moisture to wick away from the skin.

Choosing breathable fabrics such as cotton or silk can help improve airflow and support comfort throughout the day, especially during menopause or periods of increased discharge.

 

Fuchsia - High Waisted Silk & Organic Cotton Full Brief

 

Ways to Stay Feeling Fresh All Day

If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable after a long day due to wet or odoured knickers, here are a few easy ways to help combat it.

 

1. Wearing synthetics and close-fitting garments will trap heat and moisture, which can create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Try swapping out your knickers for organic cotton briefs, which are breathable and will help reduce moisture trapping. If possible, wear looser fitting trousers or a skirt to further help air flow.

2. Avoid using harsh chemicals and scents in and around your vagina. This can really mess with your PH levels as your vagina is naturally self-cleaning. If anything, use just plain water or a gentle fragrance-free cleanser around your vulva, but never inside your vagina.

3. If needed, a spare pair of knickers and a little ziplock bag to keep the old ones in will make a huge difference to your daily wear experience.

4. If needed, unscented wipes or a clean, damp cloth may help freshen up, but avoid heavily fragranced products  when you go to the loo to help keep the area a little fresher and remove excess sweat and discharge.

5. Always wash your vulva after exercise or heavy sweating and change your clothing to prevent bacteria from building up.

6. Avoid wearing panty liners for long periods of time and change them regularly to prevent bacteria growth. If possible, use reusable cotton panty liners or organic cotton unscented pads to keep the area breathing.

While vaginal moisture can feel like a bit of a sticky conversation, it is one that we should all be informed about. How many UTIs and painful sexual encounters could have been avoided if we as a society were willing to talk about this?

 

With bountiful boldness, Aunt Julie x