Question for the girls - discharge

LegacyUser

Anyone know how much is normal? I have a LOT of discharge at all stages of the month which is really starting to get me down. I hav to wear a sanitary towel every day and it only seems to be getting worse. I have changed pill several times but nothing seems to work.

Any help appreciated.

Nevyn

It depends on what you mean by discharge.
Some women lubriacte a lot more then others,
this tends to be mostly clear and can range from very liquid to rather viscous
and wearing a pantyliner can be needed on a daily bases.

If it is at the stage were a panty liner is not enough and you are having to wear a full on sanity towel or if the discharge is abnormal in colour, smell or irritates youshould speak to your dr, it could be infection or something
has gone awry with your body's natural system.

Diet can also also be a factor.
If this is stopping you from getting on with your life please see your dr
or get a referral to a dr you a comfortable talking to.



http://womenshealth.about.com/od/vaginaldischarg1/a/vaginaldischarg.htm

Do you know the difference between normal vaginal discharge and abnormal vaginal discharge? Did you know that having a vaginal discharge is normal? Let’s take a look at various types of vaginal discharges so that you’ll know when you have an abnormal vaginal discharge.

The Natural Vagina
The basic function of you vagina is to provide a route from the outside of your vagina to your uterus and the rest of your internal reproductive system. The natural, acidic, pH of your vagina acts to prevent infections. The acidic nature of your vagina is caused by natural, good, bacteria produced by your body. When your vagina is healthy, the vagina keeps itself clean and in a healthy state by producing secretions of normal vaginal discharge. The natural balance of the vagina can be disrupted by anything that interferes with its’ normal environment.

What is Normal Vaginal Discharge?
First it’s important to understand that all women experience some amount of vaginal discharge. Glands in your vaginal and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flows out of your vagina everyday taking with it old cells that line the vagina. Your normal vaginal discharge helps to clean the vagina, as well as keep it lubricated and free from infection and other germs. A normal vaginal discharge does not have a foul odor and usually has no odor at all. Normal vaginal discharge often appears clear or milky when it dries on your clothing; occasionally you may notice white spots or a normal vaginal discharge that is thin and stringy looking.

Other things that may cause changes in the appearance or consistency of your vaginal discharge include:

* Your menstrual cycle

* Emotional stress

* Pregnancy

* Any prescribed or OTC medications you take including hormones such as in the Pill

* Sexual excitement

* Breastfeeding

* Ovulation

* Your diet

Other things that can upset the natural pH balance of your vagina and lead to vaginal infections include vaginal douches, feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, or the presence of another infection.

# Some signs that may indicate an abnormal vaginal discharge and infection include: Changes in color, consistency, or amount
# Constant, increased vaginal discharge
# Presence of itching, discomfort, or any rash
# Vaginal burning during urination
# The presence of blood when it’s not your period time
# Cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
# A foul odor accompanied by yellowish, greenish, or grayish white vaginal discharge

If you have a vaginal discharge along with any of these signs, consult your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment. Vaginal discharges are common and you it’s likely you’ll have at least one vaginal infection in your life.

http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/discharge.html

Vaginal discharge is normal and varies during your menstrual cycle. Before ovulation (the release of the egg), there is A LOT of mucous produced, up to 30X more than after ovulation. It is also more watery and elastic during that phase of your cycle. You may want to wear panty liners during that time.

The things to be worried about include if the discharge has a yellow or green color, is clumpy like cottage cheese, or has a bad odor. If worried, see a doctor.

* Different Types of Discharge
* Is this normal?

Different Types of Discharge


White: Thick, white discharge is common at the beginning and end of your cycle. Normal white discharge is not accompanied by itching. If itching is present, thick white discharge can indicate a yeast infection.

Clear and stretchy: This is "fertile" mucous and means you are ovulating.

Clear and watery: This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising.

Yellow or Green: May indicate an infection, especially if thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odor.

Brown: May happen right after periods, and is just "cleaning out" your vagina. Old blood looks brown.

Spotting Blood/Brown Discharge: This may occur when you are ovulating/mid-cycle. Sometimes early in pregnancy you may have spotting or a brownish discharge at the time your period would normally come. If you have spotting at the time of your normal period rather than your usual amount of flow, and you have had sex without using birth control, you should check a pregnancy test.

A normal vaginal discharge consists of about a teaspoon (4 ML) a day that is white or transparent, thick to thin, and odorless. This is formed by the normal bacteria and fluids the vaginal cells put off. The discharge can be more noticeable at different times of the month depending on ovulation, menstrual flow, sexual activity and birth control.

Trinity

Nothing to add to Thaedydals post but personally around the middle of the month is ovulation (varies from person to person) there is a lot of discharge.

kizzyr

In addition to the excellent post from Thaedydal I would advise wearing cotton underwear, give g-strings a miss, wear stockings/ hold ups rather than tights and don't wear tight fitting trousers. Also wipe front to back rather than back to front.

Dizzyblonde

Have it checked by your doctor anyway because there are bacterial infections which need antibiotics to clear.
Don't be embarrassed if it is bacterial, it won't be because of anything you've done - some girls are just prone to them.

LegacyUser

kizzyr wrote: »

Also wipe front to back rather than back to front.

Why?

Salome

Because it's more hygenic - you don't want germs from faeces infecting your vagina....

LegacyUser

Salome wrote: »

Because it's more hygenic - you don't want germs from faeces infecting your vagina....

Right - I was wondering what the poster meant meant - I thought that girls (I am a girl) would wipe from centre outwards so to speak. I was imagining kizzy meant from front to back would mean from urethra to vagina, which meant no sense to me.

kizzyr

Salome wrote: »

Because it's more hygenic - you don't want germs from faeces infecting your vagina....

Exactly.:)