Out of all the problems we women could be dealing with, vaginal discharge is one of the most irritating and frustrating ones. I mean, is there anything more ridiculous in the world than your discharges? As a kid I use to be disgusted and scared and even Googled if is it ok to have discharge everyday. I guess it was way more common than I thought it was.

While I was assured that I wasn’t dying, it made me realize I would have to deal with this thing till the day I die. Wow.

But as I grew up, I learned more about it. Multiple questions haunted my mind – what even is the discharge? Is it normal? How would I know if it is normal? Does this mean I have a problem? All such things came rushing into my head, which I am expecting happened to you, too.

And that is exactly what brought us here today. Allow me to explain to you what exactly these discharges are and how they affect your body as an adult.

Is It Ok To Have Discharge Everyday?

In simple words, vaginal discharge is plain and simple discharge that comes from within your cervix and vagina. These kinds of glands produce a very small amount of fluid which we call vaginal secretions. These fluids flow outside the body through our vagina every day. They help in cleaning the old cells lining the vagina. This, in fact, is a very natural process. More like it is your body keeping the vagina clean and healthy.

However, vaginal discharge varies from one person to the other. While some women go through with discharges every day, others do not so often. At its normal state, vaginal discharge is generally milky or clear and may give out a very subtle scent. It does not give out any foul or unpleasant smell. It is vital to know that your vaginal discharge goes through change over the course of your menstrual cycle.

These changes in color and thickness associates with ovulation, and are completely natural. But, outside the generic changes that are associated with the regular cycle, the other changes may not be as normal. Your vaginal discharge indicates an imbalance in the number of healthy bacteria inside the vagina. It is a prominent sign that everything is not well down there. Therefore, it is important that you learn how to differentiate between the normal and the abnormal.

What Are The Causes Of Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge, as I mentioned, is a very normal part of how the body maintains a clean and healthy vagina. But, changes may occur if the general balance of the healthy bacteria in the vagina gets upset. And there are a number of things that may disrupt the balance of a clean and healthy vagina. They may include:

• Feminine hygiene sprays
• Douching (cleaning your vagina with liquid solutions) 
• Antibiotics
• Bubble baths or certain soaps 

What Do We Consider As Normal Vaginal Discharge?

The normal vaginal discharge is either white or clear. It should not smell bad. But, its thickness changes throughout your menstrual cycle. The other characteristics of your vaginal discharge may include:

Texture

It is very normal to have a vaginal discharge whose texture lies somewhere between sticky and watery, to thick, gooey, pasty. The hormones in your body are the reasons behind the texture of your discharge. But other factors like an infection may also change the natural consistency of your vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge that is foamy, chunky, or is followed by itches and a change in color means there is an underlying infection you are not aware of.

Color

The vaginal discharge is absolutely healthy as long as it is milky white, off-white, or clear. Brown, dark yellow, grey, or green discharge means there is an infection or some other kind of issue.

Smell

There is a slight odor of vaginal discharge. But, it is not very strong or unpleasant. If there is a foul or fishy smell to the discharge, which is accompanied by color or texture changes, there is a chance of a vaginal infection.

Amount

Some people produce way more vaginal discharge than others. Factors like using birth control pills, pregnancy, or ovulation may affect the quantity of vaginal discharge you have. Abrupt changes in its amount could mean that there is something wrong.

You need to contact your dynamic if you notice any of these in your vaginal discharge:

• A change in the color of your discharge.
• An increased amount of vaginal discharge.
• A change in the consistency or texture of the discharge.
• A foul smell.
• Itching, irritation, or pain around the vaginal area.

What Does The Color Of Your Vaginal Discharge Mean?

The color of the vaginal discharge can mean a lot of things about your body:

Grey, yellow, or green: Grey, yellow, or green discharge suggests that there is either a sexually transmitted or a bacterial infection.

Red or brown: Red or brown discharge relates to irregular menstruation or implantation bleeding during pregnancy. If you experience red or brown discharge, and it is not the period, there may be a problem.

White or clear: The normal vaginal discharge is white, clear, or off-white. If the discharge is white but causes an itching or is thicker than usual, there may be a yeast infection.

Therefore, if you are witnessing a change in color along with other changes in your vaginal discharge, it is better to consult your healthcare professional as soon as possible. Make sure you get tested for any infections before things get out of hand.

If There Is A Change In The Vaginal Discharge, Is There An Infection?

There could be. The discharge may change color, smell different, or become heavier. You may also come across some sort of irritation around your vaginal opening. You may also go through some changes before and after your period. Changes in your vaginal discharge may or may not be a sign of infection. If you are not sure, it is best that you contact a professional before it gets too late.

“Firstly, there is no permanent treatment as it is the body’s natural way of cleaning the vagina. The transparent white and odorless discharge in modest amounts is produced by your body every day. You may notice that your discharge grows thinner and stretchy in the middle of your menstrual cycle, during ovulation), similar to the whites of an egg. Your discharge may be stickier near the end of your cycle, closer to when you really get your period. 

In case you are bothered by the odd smell or the amounts, you can stock yourself up with some Panty Liners for a temporary save. And if you do experience an odd smell, you can see a doctor to rule out the possibility of any infections that may be causing so.” – Quora. 

Can You Have More Than One Vaginal Discharge Infection?

Yes, you can. There is a chance that you may have two or three types of vaginal infection at the same time. Here is a list of all the possible causes of infection inside your vagina:

Yeast Infection

Yeast infection happens when a certain fungus (candida) in your vagina grows out of control in the vagina. It produces a white, thick, cottage cheese-like discharge. Your vagina may even get swelled and itchy, and sex may also become painful. Antifungal medications can help treat a yeast infection.

Trichomoniasis Or “Trich”

Trich is a sexually transmitted infection that you can get from indulging in sex with an infected individual. The main reason behind trichomoniasis is a parasite. It makes the vaginal discharge yellow, green, or grey and frothy and bubbly. Antibiotics can easily help treat trichomoniasis.

Bacterial Vaginosis Or BV

BV happens when there is way too much of a particular type of bacteria in the vagina. It may be transmitted via sexual contact, but not every time. People suffering from bacterial vaginosis have grey or white discharge that has a foul and fishy smell. Antibiotics can easily treat them well. 

Gonorrhoea And Chlamydia

Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are two of the most common STIs that you may receive from having sex with an infected person. Both of these infections can be treated with antibiotics. Some people suffering from this condition have yellow, green, or cloudy vaginal discharge. If you leave it without any treatment, the infection will slowly start to spread. It will then cause pelvic inflammatory disease with your pelvic pain.

How Much Vaginal Discharge Is Normal?

In general, it is normal for the vagina to produce something around 2 to 5 mL of vaginal discharge within 24 hours. That is half to a full tablespoon of discharge. However, this quantity may not be applicable in a real-world scenario. There are a number of reasons that may change this quantity, such as a birth control pill or your ovulation circle.

What Can Increase The Vaginal Discharge? 

You may come across an increase in the amount of your vaginal discharge when you are ovulating or just a month before your menstruation. There is also a visible increase in the amount of discharge when you are pregnant or are aroused.

However, way too much vaginal discharge may be the result of:

A fistula: An abnormal link between the vagina and the colon or the bladder and the colon.

A foreign object: A condom or a tampon that is left inside the vagina for too long may increase the quantity of your vaginal discharge.

The STI trichomonas: This may happen due to unprotected sex.

Vaginitis: This makes the vagina itchy because of bacterial infection.

What Can Decrease Vaginal Discharge?

When an individual goes through menopause, they may experience a major decrease in the amount of their vaginal discharge. This is because of the low level of estrogen at this stage.

The other reasons why the level of estrogen drops may include:

• Endometriosis, breast cancer, fibroid, hormonal treatments or infertility medicinal 
• Ovarian surgical removal
• Chemotherapy
• Post-childbirth 
• Breastfeeding
• Severe depression and stress
• Radiation treatment in the pelvic area
• Smoking

How Would You Know If The Vaginal Discharge Is More Than Normal?

The quantity of discharge that the vagina gives out may vary from one person to the other. However, maintaining a baseline may help you understand if you are producing more than a normal quantity of discharge. For instance, you will see a visible increase in the amount of discharge if your periods are close. However, if any of it does not sit right with you, make sure you consult a doctor as soon as possible.

How Do You Manage Your Discharge?

Certain practices, like using feminine hygiene powders or sprays or douching, may have a link with how the discharge from your vagina changes. To make sure that you are having completely normal discharges, you may consider the following:

• Avoiding or limiting hot showers, which include the use of scented products.

• Rinse your genitals and pat them dry right after using the toilet. This is one of the most hygienic things you can do to your body.
• Wipe from the front to the back.
• Use pads instead of tampons if you are suffering from any vaginal infection.
• Use lukewarm water or a soap-free, unscented clear and your hand to clean the vaginal area. Try to avoid washcloths.
• Choose underwear that is made of cotton or one that has a cotton lining.

When Should You Check In With A Medical Professional?

You need to get in touch with a healthcare professional if you have an abnormally huge amount of discharges every day. You must also consider an immediate visit if the vaginal discharge is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• A bad odor 
• Foamy or greenish-yellow discharge
• Abdominal or pelvic pain 
• Pain during sex or urination 
• Itchiness that affects the vulva, vaginal opening, or labia 
• Vulvar skin that feels like it’s burning or sore or that’s red or swollen 
• Vaginal discharge that looks red 

The Bottom Line

Is it ok to have discharge everyday? Well, now you know that it is. There is nothing wrong with having everyday discharges. What isn’t normal is how you have it.

While vaginal discharge in its most normal state is absolutely okay, if there is a change in its color or consistency, that is when you need to be concerned. Check with a medical professional before things go out of hand. There are infections or STIs that can be easily solved with antibiotics, so there is apparently nothing you need to worry about for long.

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