“Ever since I began to understand going through puberty, I’ve always noticed that I have this odd discharge from my vaginal area. It’s clear and slightly sticky and I suppose it has a musky scent. I have had this before any sexual relationships. Is this normal?”
Normal vaginal discharge is usually white or clear and thick, sticky, creamy, or wet in consistency. If it has an odor, it is usually very mild and not foul smelling. In most cases, a woman’s normal vaginal discharge isn’t irritating and does not cause itching. Some women feel alarmed by the amount of discharge they have, but the amount
may vary from woman to woman as well as at different points in a menstrual cycle. Often, women are encouraged to douche to rid this discharge. Because the discharge is normal, douching is totally
unnecessary.
Good hygiene, with soap and water will keep you feeling fresh.
“What’s the deal with discharge?”
It’s normal for the amount of vaginal discharge you have to vary from day to day, depending on where you are in your cycle and what’s normal for you. Some days it might seem like you don’t have any,
while other days your underwear might be wet with discharge all day.
So when should you worry about your discharge? Healthy discharge tends to be clear or white.
It can have a mild odor and can vary in thickness throughout your menstrual cycle. If your discharge is bloody (and it’s not your period), foamy, itchy, yellow or has a very strong odor, it can be a sign of an STI or other infection (like bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.) A doc will be able to tell whether your discharge is caused by an infection or not.
“I was giving off a whiteish yellowish discharge for a couple of days then it went away. What could that mean?”
It is normal for women to have a vaginal discharge. If the discharge has a bad odor, causes itching or burning, becomes a greenish/gray color, you should see your care provider.
