Is Lots Of Discharge Normal

• Normal vaginal discharge can be: For some girls, it's normal to have a lot of vaginal discharge. They may even need to wear a pantiliner to keep their underwear dry. Other girls may not have much vaginal discharge at all. Vaginal fluids should be clear, white, or off-white in color.
• Thick, White Discharge. If thick, white discharge goes along with other symptoms, such as.

1. Is A Lot Of Discharge Normal While Pregnant
2. A Lot Of Clear Discharge
3. Is My Discharge Normal
4. Normal Discharge Means

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 30 times 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 you are worried, see a doctor.

Different Types of Discharge

What is normal vaginal discharge? The vagina is a part of the female reproductive system and is connected to other parts including the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes and ovaries. The outside of the female reproductive tract is called the vulva.

• 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 it is 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.

Is this normal?

Below, physician assistant Steven Johnson explains what is normal and when to see a healthcare provider regarding vaginal discharge topics.

One of the challenges to answering questions sent into a healthcare Web site is making sure that the person asking the question seeks the advice and care from her doctor when appropriate. There is often information not given that can really change the answer.

For instance:

• How old are you (really)?
• Are you on medications or do you take herbs or vitamins?
• Do you have pain or itching?
• Are you pregnant?
• Do you have other health problems (like diabetes)?

An important question is sexual activity. Sometimes it isn't accurate to simply say yes or no.

Symptoms can depend on the number of sexual partners, kind of sexual partners, birth control, birth control failure, kind of sex you are having, and if abuse is involved.

I think you can see, it can get pretty complicated to get all the information needed to give the best answer possible. With that said, here is my best answer to the common question of vaginal discharge.

A normal vaginal discharge consists of about a teaspoon (4 milliliters) 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.

It is not uncommon for the normal discharge to be dark, brown, or discolored a day or two following the menstrual period.

If you are having any of the symptoms below see your healthcare provider:

• Pain
• Itching
• Discomfort
• Rash or sores alone or with a vaginal discharge

Last Reviewed: October 2013

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What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is fluid that comes from the vagina. You might see this on the toilet paper when you wipe, or in your underwear.

Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes: cleaning and moistening the vagina, and helping to prevent and fight infections. It's normal for the color, texture, and amount of vaginal discharge to change at different times of the month during a girl's menstrual cycle. But some changes in discharge may mean there is a problem.

What Is Normal Vaginal Discharge?

Normal vaginal discharge can be:

• somewhat thin, sticky, and elastic
• thick and gooey

For some girls, it's normal to have a lot of vaginal discharge. They may even need to wear a pantiliner to keep their underwear dry. Other girls may not have much vaginal discharge at all.

Vaginal fluids should be clear, white, or off-white in color.

What Are the Signs of a Problem with Vaginal Discharge?

These signs can mean there's a problem with a girl's discharge:

• a change in odor, especially an unpleasant odor
• a change in color, especially greenish, grayish, or anything looking like pus
• a change in texture, such as foamy or looking like cottage cheese
• vaginal itching, burning, swelling, or redness
• vaginal bleeding or spotting that is not a menstrual period

A Lot Of Clear Discharge

What Can Cause Changes in Vaginal Discharge?

Is My Discharge Normal

Infections are the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. These infections include:

Normal Discharge Means

• bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• STDs such as gonorrhea

What Should I Do If I Notice a Change in My Vaginal Discharge?

If you think your vaginal discharge has changed, make an appointment with your doctor right away. This is especially important if you've had sex because it could be a sign of an STD. Most causes of vaginal discharge can be treated.