Normal vaginal discharge may vary during your period. You shouldn’t worry about this. When you are about to start ovulating, the vagina produces a lot of mucous. Mucous produced after ovulation is watery and more elastic. Panty liners come in handy during this time. We recommend CAREFREE® ACTI-FRESH® Regular liners as they are light and will keep you feeling fresh the whole day.
However, if you experience a green or yellow discharge, this may mean something is wrong. Here, you should see a doctor. The same also applies for a discharge that produces a bad odor or is clumpy, like cottage cheese.
Types of Vaginal Discharge
- Clear and watery. A clear and watery discharge may sometimes occur after exercising or when you are on your period.
- White. The normal vaginal discharge during a period is thick and white. A normal discharge should not make you itchy. If you feel itchy in your vagina, this may be a sign of yeast infection.
- Clear and stretchy. When you are ovulating, the discharge will be clear and stretchy. This mucous indicates you are healthy. There is no need to worry about this.
- Green or Yellow. If the discharge is either of these colors, you could be infected. This is usually the case if there is a foul odor or the discharge is thick like cottage cheese.
- Brown. Your vaginal discharge during your period may also be brown. This indicates your vagina is ‘cleaning out’.
- Brown Discharge (Spotting Blood). This discharge may be produced during your mid-cycle. A reddish-brownish discharge may also be produced early in your pregnancy when your menstrual period would normally be.
Having White Vaginal Discharge
White discharge is usually produced at the time you are most fertile during your period. The discharge is also produced as your pregnancy progresses to protect the vagina and cervix during labor and delivery.
When you are pregnant, hormonal changes in the body can lead to pH imbalance in the vagina. This can lead to infections that are accompanied with swelling, itching and a fishy smelling discharge from the vagina. Before proceeding with any treatment for this, it is important to confirm whether or not you may be pregnant.
Sometimes, a white discharge may be produced when you are not pregnant. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, stress, traveling and diet habits can all cause you to miss a period. If the white discharge does not have foul odor and there is no swelling or itching, you shouldn’t be worried.
When is White Discharge Abnormal?
You can differentiate between a normal and an abnormal discharge based on smell, color and texturei. If your vagina or cervix has an infection or you have an abnormal pregnancy, the discharge may have a fishy smell, be heavier than normal and look more like pus. If any of these characteristics apply to the discharge, contact your doctor immediately.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
i.https://www.girlshealth.gov/newmoon/body/discharge.html