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Vaginal discharge: what’s this on my underwear?

Everybody releases fluids from their genitals. Women see and smell their vaginal fluids a bit more. How do women know what is normal for their bodies, and how do they know what is not normal?

Why do bodies make vaginal discharge?

Women’s bodies have protective ways to keep open areas like vaginas, eyes, and ears safe from infection. Think of eye crust or snot as protective liquids of the eyes and nose. As a defence mechanism for the vagina, discharge is a mix of fluids that keeps the vagina clean. This discharge isn’t urine. Thanks to where women are in their monthly menstrual cycle, discharge colours can range from white to clear and textures can appear thicker or thinner on certain days.

Vaginal fluids and arousal

Vaginal fluids also work as a natural lubricant for when women are feeling aroused. The expression of ‘being wet’ refers to vaginal fluids and occurs when a woman’s body is becoming turned on. A thin, clear liquid is made in the vagina to prepare the woman’s body for intercourse, which is normal. Without this natural lubricant, a woman may feel pain when having intercourse because of vaginal friction and dryness.

Our bodies and minds work in mysterious ways so not having this arousal wetness does not mean that there’s a problem with your vagina. How much and how often women make this natural fluid varies from day to day and woman to woman. So just in case, keep some water-based lubricant on hand, which you can typically buy at a chemist. Make sure to check the label because a water-based lubricant will dissolve in a woman’s vagina. Other lubricants like butter or Blue Band will not, and that can cause her more pain than pleasure, and cause problems in using condoms.

Learning about vaginas and their fluids

It’s important to know what healthy and normal vaginal discharges look and smell like, both when aroused and when not. To do so, women need to understand their own vaginas to easily noticed when something changes. It may seem unpleasant in the beginning but monitoring these fluids is just the same as paying attention to other parts of the body, like with a runny nose needing a tissue.

It’s easiest to start this investigation after finishing a menstrual period. While sitting on the toilet or in a private room, look at your underwear closely. If you aren’t wearing underwear that day, wipe yourself with a toilet paper before peeing and take a look.

The amount of discharge will differ from person to person. Some women have very little, while others need a pad or panty liner on a daily basis. Both are normal. The scent of vaginal discharge will also be unique for each woman, and colours will range from cloudy-white to clear. The texture of the discharge will often be dry, but sometimes it can be thicker and rest on top of the underwear.

The colour and texture will change throughout your menstrual cycle. After wiping in the bathroom (remember: always go front to back, never back to front; your vagina will thank you for it), some vaginal discharge can get on the toilet paper. The amount of discharge can vary throughout the month but is most noticeable around ovulation when the liquid can appear almost like egg whites.

The female body is getting ready to fertilize an egg during ovulation, so discharge is formed in the texture of a natural, thin and clear lubricant that helps sperm travel to the egg. If there was ever a time to get pregnant, look out for this discharge: this will be the time with the highest chances! On the other hand, it can also be helpful in preventing pregnancies in family planning: when you see it, you know that you shouldn’t be having unprotected intercourse. Note that this discharge production does not occur in women who are menopausal, which commonly begins around age 50.

When vaginal discharge becomes unhealthy   

But what about when vaginal discharge smells or has a different colour or texture than normal?
While the penis can easily be seen and cleaned, the vagina is inside a woman’s body and is more difficult to monitor its health. This sex organ balances its own discharge, temperature, and acidity very carefully. Changes as simple as a new scented body wash could potentially cause abnormal vaginal discharge, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Other causes could be:

As compared to normal vaginal discharge, abnormal secretions will smell. Yeast infections smell like bread and the discharge is clumped, thick, and white, according to sexologist Dr Lindsay Doe. In addition to the smell and change in discharge, yeast infections can cause itchiness, discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse. Yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Seek out your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms for the first time for next steps.

Another common type of vaginal infection is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which has a fishy smell and similar discharge as a yeast infection. ‘Both yeast infections and BV are the results of natural microorganisms in the vagina overflourishing’, says Dr Doe. ‘It doesn’t mean that you are dirty or bad or gross; it just means that something threw off your balance and your system might need help resetting.’

Whether it is a new body wash or a yeast infection, the vagina is a sensitive, well-balanced area. This is why monitoring our vaginal discharge is so important when something goes off from our normal pattern.

Keeping up with healthy vaginal discharge

The fluids that come naturally and normally from our vaginas are like a roadmap to our health. If monitored closely, these fluids can tell us if our vaginas are behaving normally if they are sexually aroused, if they are ready to make (or not make) a baby, and if they have been thrown off balance somehow.

If you find yourself needing a routine to monitor your vaginal discharge and vaginal health, consider these prevention tips:

  • Consider using a non-scented body wash when cleaning your vagina and a lightly scented laundry detergent for your underwear.
     
  • Don’t use vaginal douches or washes as they can throw off the natural balance of your vagina and potentially cause vaginal infections.
     
  • Clean with your genitals with water on the outside and vigorously in the hairline on top. Wash on the sides, in the hair and all the way in the back too. Vaginal discharge can collect in the pubic hair.
     
  • Don’t insert fingers into the vagina or clean the insides of the vagina with soap. Remember vaginal discharge naturally cleans your vagina for you.
     
  • After using the toilet, always wipe front-to-back (from the vagina to the anus). Back-to-front should be avoided, as it can move faecal (poop) matter closer or into the vagina.
     
  • After sexual intercourse, go to the toilet to pee (even if only a little comes out) and wash your genitals on the outside with water (remember: top, sides, hairline, and all the way in the back). Cells from your sexual partner may have entered your body through their genitals, so washing your genitals on the outside after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of vaginal infections. Remember, the inside of the vagina cleans itself with discharge so no need to wash there.
     
  • Finally and most importantly, know what your vagina looks like by using a hand mirror and know what your normal discharge looks and smells like. It’s your best roadmap to vaginal health.
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Recent Comments (122)

    1. You are welcome Cassandra.

      You are welcome Cassandra.

    2. Very much informing thank…
      Very much informing thank yoi

      1. You are welcome Scollah. 

        You are welcome Scollah. 

    3. Does the discharge make the…
      Does the discharge make the vagina very itchy??

    4. At least I have realized and…
      At least I have realized and learnt something about viginal discharge

      1. We are very glad to hear…

        We are very glad to hear this Ann and are pleased to be of help. Feel free to look through the website to find other articles that could be of help.

    5. Its really helpful thank you…
      Its really helpful thank you.
      I have learnt something I was not aware.

      1. Hi Delvyine, we are pleased…

        Hi Delvyine, we are pleased to be of service. Please feel free to go through the website to find other articles that you may find interesting.

    6. Does the colour of discharge…
      Does the colour of discharge show signs of blocked tubes?

      1. Hey Susan, thank you for…

        Hey Susan, thank you for reaching out and asking a great question. The first symptom of blocked fallopian tubes is often infertility. If you don’t get pregnant after one year of trying (or after six months, if you’re age 35 or older), your doctor will order a specialized X-ray to check your fallopian tubes, along with another basic fertility testing.

        A specific kind of blocked fallopian tube called hydrosalpinx may cause lower abdominal pain and unusual vaginal discharge (which is what you could be experiencing), but not every woman will have these symptoms. Hydrosalpinx is when a blockage causes the tube to dilate (increase in diameter) and fill with fluid. The fluid blocks the egg and sperm, preventing fertilization and pregnancy.3

        However, some of the causes of blocked fallopian tubes can lead to other problems. For example, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease may cause painful menstruation and painful sexual intercourse, but these symptoms don’t necessarily point to blocked tubes.

        The best thing to do is visit your doctor and get a proper diagnosis dear. 

    7. What about white discharge…
      What about white discharge without smell but again having some little swellings on the vagina and its painful

    8. I have learned a lot about…
      I have learned a lot about vigina but when the discharge fruid that burns even the underwear what could be the problem?

      1. Hi Maggie, thank you for…

        Hi Maggie, thank you for reaching out to us. The vaginal pH when you are healthy is between 3.5 and 4.5 and so your normal discharge will be acidic as well and could have a bleaching effect on your underwear. If it is causing you concern ask your local chemist about panty liners.

      1. Hi Christine, thank you so…

        Hi Christine, thank you so much for your feedback. We are always pleased to help.

    9. Gud lesson learnt what if…
      Gud lesson learnt what if your treated yeast infections and you dnt see the different

      1. Hello Alice, thank you for…

        Hello Alice, thank you for reaching out to us. Kindly see a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.

    10. Is White ? discharge normal…
      Is White ? discharge normal if it’s not itching or burning ?and sometimes I see clear discharge

      1. HI Sophie, thank you for…

        HI Sophie, thank you for reaching out and asking a great question. Yes, indeed it is completely normal.

    11. Soo impressive,,have learnt…
      Soo impressive,,have learnt a lot and I will do my best from the lesson,thank you

      1. Hello Miriam Nabwala, thank…

        Hello Miriam Nabwala, thank you for your feedback we appreciate it.

    12. Thanks for the information
      Thanks for the information

      1. Thank you for your feedback,…

        Thank you for your feedback, please feel free to look through our website to find other articles that you may find helpful.

    13. I got to knw much about the…
      I got to knw much about the vagina.. thanks again

      1. Hi Maysh, 

        I am glad you…

        Hi Maysh, 

        I am glad you learned a lot. Keep visiting Love Matters for more educative content. 

    14. Good information Thx alot
      Good information Thx alot

      1. Hi Angel, 

        Glad you found…

        Hi Angel, 

        Glad you found the information educative. Keep visiting Love Matters for more educative content. 

    1. We are glad you have learn…

      We are glad you have learn from this article Julia.

    2. I used to at times have…
      I used to at times have smelly discharge there before
      But after I gave birth,the discharge is normal and not smelly
      What does that insinuate

      1. Hi Anonymous, thank you for…

        Hi Anonymous, thank you for reaching out to us. A smelly discharge is usually indicative of an infection. It is possible that you had an infection that cleared on its own. However, kindly go to a medical practitioner to make sure that this is the case

         

        1. Hello…I am experiencing…
          Hello…I am experiencing the same case too that smelly discharge and in large sum I am disturbed as I have been checking on my vaginal discharge and its becoming abnormal kindly help

          1. Hi Roxanne, 

            So sorry for…

            Hi Roxanne, 

            So sorry for what you are going through. Smelly discharge can be a sign of an infection such as Bacterial vaginosis or Trichomoniasis. It is advisable that you visit a doctor so that it can be known exactly what is causing the smelly discharge. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment option. 

    1. You are welcome Nyambura.

      You are welcome Nyambura.

  1. Thank you so much ma. I have…
    Thank you so much ma. I have really learnt alot…I will use this knowlegded to teach others..thank you

    1. You are welcome Caroline.

      You are welcome Caroline.

  2. I really appreciate dis…
    I really appreciate dis information

    1. You are welcome Cynthia.

      You are welcome Cynthia.

    1. We are glad you found this…

      We are glad you found this article informative. 

  3. Thank you a lot for sharing…
    Thank you a lot for sharing this with all

    1. You are welcome Adrianne.

      You are welcome Adrianne.

      1. You are so very welcome…

        You are so very welcome Hannah.

  4. Thankyou very much for tha…
    Thankyou very much for tha knowledge you have really teach me a lot and I will share with others

    1. Hey Belyne, we are very glad…

      Hey Belyne, we are very glad that you found this information useful. Keep exploring the website for more articles with information about sex, love and relationship. 

    1. You are welcome Ezzy. 

      You are welcome Ezzy. 

      1. I’m humbled I used to have…
        I’m humbled I used to have it one week before my period bt now I know

        1. Hey, we are glad that you…

          Hey, we are glad that you found this useful. 

  5. Thanks for your information…
    Thanks for your information on us women

    1. You are welcome Christine…

      You are welcome Christine. Keep exploring the website for more informative articles.

  6. Thax alot,have learnt many…
    Thax alot,have learnt many things which I will also share with my allies

    1. You are welcome Xtyn, we are…

      You are welcome Xtyn, we are glad this was useful to you.

      1. I have learned alot thank…
        I have learned alot thank you for informing us

        1. Thank you for the feedback…

          Thank you for the feedback. You are welcome. 

  7. thanks alot..have learned…
    thanks alot..have learned something

    1. You are very welcome Mercy. 

      You are very welcome Mercy. 

    2. My circle is 25 and I don’t…
      My circle is 25 and I don’t want to get pregnant when should I have sex

      1. Hello Anonymous, thank you…

        Hello Anonymous, thank you for getting in touch and asking a great question. Click here to find out more about how to calculate your safe days and dates of ovulation: https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/menstruation

        Furthermore, if you would like to avoid unintended pregnancies, consider getting onto family planning or some form of birth control and contraception. Birth control and contraception are for everyone. All people can control whether they become parents. Every couple has different birth control needs. Find out what might work best for you in this section. 

        https://lovemattersafrica.com/birth-control/choosing-the-right-birth-control

  8. Thanks l have learnt a lot…
    Thanks l have learnt a lot from you

    1. We are glad that you found…

      We are glad that you found this useful Essy. 

  9. Thank you for the…
    Thank you for the information ….if I may ask what if you feel hitching in the vagina??

    1. Hi there, Vaginal itching is…

      Hi there, Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptom that often occurs due to irritating substances or infections. At times it maybe caused by sweating. Wearing cotton underwear helps to absorb moisture which reduces the chances of infection and irritation. If the itching includes an unusual vaginal discharge, itching or irritation, painful urination and pain during intercourse, this indicates the presence of an infection and it is important to seek medical advice. Have a look at the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/vaginal-discharge-and-odour-top-facts

  10. Thank you….i have alot
    Thank you….i have alot

    1. You are welcome Jecinta.

      You are welcome Jecinta.

    1. You are welcome Makena.

      You are welcome Makena.

  11. Have really learned a lot…
    Have really learned a lot from you aand am saying sorry to my vagina for always washing the inside of it with soap & spunch & also inserting my fingers.

    1. Hey Juliane, we are so glad…

      Hey Juliane, we are so glad that this article was useful to you. Keep exploring the website for more articles on Love, Sex and Relationships. 

  12. Thanks I have learned a lot
    Thanks I have learned a lot

    1. You are welcome Cate.

      You are welcome Cate.

  13. Thank you very much, i have…
    Thank you very much, i have learnt alot especially what causes itching of the virgina. I’ll share with others

    1. Hey Marther, we are glad…

      Hey Marther, we are glad that this was useful information to you.

    1. Thank you for the feedback…

      Thank you for the feedback Val.

  14. Hello, why is it that…
    Hello, why is it that vaginal infection is so common during pregnancy?

    1. Hello Rency, Urinary Track…

      Hello Rency, Urinary Track Infections are especially common during pregnancy. Hormones issues are one of the reasons. In pregnancy, they cause changes in the urinary tract, and that makes women more likely to get infections. Also, s the uterus grows, it presses on the bladder. That makes it hard for you to let out all the urine in your bladder. Leftover urine can be a source of infection. Check out the following article for tips but do speak to your health care provider for further advice;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy

  15. Does the white discharge…
    Does the white discharge represents anysickeness

    1. You are welcome Frank. 

      You are welcome Frank. 

    1. Hey Eliud, welcome to Love…

      Hey Eliud, welcome to Love Matters Africa. What can we do for you?

  16. Actually very informative…
    Actually very informative. Thanks.

    1. Thank you for the feedback…

      Thank you for the feedback Stephen. You are welcome.

  17. hey, thanks a lot for the…
    hey, thanks a lot for the info…….yes i do experience discharge but some times it’s accompanied by lower abdominal pains….is that normal???

    1. Lower abdominal discomfort…

      Lower abdominal discomfort accompanying discharge is quite common but may also be indicative of an infection. If the issue is persisitent and takes long to clear, see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis

  18. That’s amazing on what i hv…
    That’s amazing on what i hv learnt as a girl av learnt things

    1. Hello Benita, thank you so…

      Hello Benita, thank you so much for reaching out to us and we are so glad that our platform provides an educational space for you to benefit from. Please do not hesitate to let your friends and family know about us and use this time to keep safe and have a lovely week ahead!

  19. Thankyou so much i have…
    Thankyou so much i have learnt something i waz not knowing there b4

    1. Hello Benta, thank you so…

      Hello Benita, thank you so much for reaching out to us and we are so glad that our platform provides an educational space for you to benefit from. Please do not hesitate to let your friends and family know about us and use this time to keep safe and have a lovely week ahead!

  20. Thanks a lot have really…
    Thanks a lot have really learned a lot

    1. Thank you so much for your…

      Thank you so much for your feedback. Feel free to go through the website to find other articles that you may find of help.

  21. What about white discharge…
    What about white discharge without smell but again having some little swellings on the sides of the vagina and its painful.

    1. Hello Faith. Thank you for…

      Hello Faith. Thank you for getting in touch and we are sorry you are going through a hard time. 

      Vaginal discharge is the fluid that comes out of a woman’s vagina. Usually, it’s clear or whitish. The consistency of vaginal discharge can vary between thick and almost crumbly or even be similar to egg-white.

      It is totally normal to discharge this fluid. Most women have it at least sometimes. Some women have discharge all the time, and yet others never have discharge. That’s all okay.

      Regarding the swellings on the sides of the vagina, the best thing to do is visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe!

  22. Hello Faith. Thank you for…

    Hello Faith. Thank you for getting in touch and we are sorry you are going through a hard time. 

    Vaginal discharge is the fluid that comes out of a woman’s vagina. Usually, it’s clear or whitish. The consistency of vaginal discharge can vary between thick and almost crumbly or even be similar to egg-white.

    It is totally normal to discharge this fluid. Most women have it at least sometimes. Some women have discharge all the time, and yet others never have discharge. That’s all okay.

    Regarding the swellings on the sides of the vagina, the best thing to do is visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe!

    1. Hi Kelvin, thank you for…

      Hi Kelvin, thank you for your input. Yes indeed lubricant is a great option to consider during sexual intercourse.

  23. Informative guys, thanks.
    Informative guys, thanks.

    1. Hi Mercy, thank you so much…

      Hi Mercy, thank you so much for your feedback we appreciate it. Please feel free to go through our website to find other articles that you may find of help.

  24. Thank you so much I have…
    Thank you so much I have learn alot

    1. We are so happy to hear this…

      We are so happy to hear this and we are pleased to help. Please feel free to look through the website to find other articles that could be of help.

  25. What if the discharge is…
    What if the discharge is white

    1. Hello Nancie, white…

      Hello Nancie, white discharge that has no smell and appears every cycle could be considered normal. However, if it is a new occurrence and it is accompanied by a foul smell, and/or increased volume then the person should see a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.

  26. I have tried using many…
    I have tried using many family planing and they end Up giving me this discharge which is not normal but the moment I stop using them I am ok wat could be the problem

  27. Hello Diana, thank you for…

    Hello Diana, thank you for getting in touch with us and we are so sorry you are going through a hard time. Do you experience this discharge when attempting to use all the types of family planning you have used? What is the nature of this discharge? 

    Since this is a medical issue we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis. 
    Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
    https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics  

  28. This so educative, have…
    This so educative, have learnt alot.Thank you

    1. Hi Susan, 

      Glad you learnt…

      Hi Susan, 

      Glad you learnt something new! Keep it here for more educative content!

  29. Hey I’m been realising…
    Hey I’m been realising excess discharge from my vigina which is unusual

    1. Hi Marion, 

      What is the…

      Hi Marion, 

      What is the color of your discharge? Does it have a smell?

      Also, no that there are several things that could make you have excessive discharge. You could be ovulating, hormonal imbalances, or it could be an infection. If you are concerned, go to the hospital for tests and treatment. 

  30. Hello, please help me to get…
    Hello, please help me to get this done…. What causes bad smell in woman’s vagina and how to prevent or it please ?

    1. Hi Hope, 

      It could be a…

      Hi Hope, 

      It could be a sign of an infection, visit the doctor for tests and treatment. 

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