Whether you are an owner of a vagina, engage in acts of intimacy with vagina-owners, or are just interested in human health, it helps to understand what variations in vaginal discharge may qualify as abnormal findings.
Vaginal discharge is normal, and unfortunately, not talked about too often. Variations in vaginal discharge and cervical mucus production can depend on: menstruation cycle, pregnancy, ovulation or sexual arousal. The function of vaginal discharge is to maintain hygiene and protection of the vagina. Discharge can be produced by glands in the cervix in response to hormones (i.e. estrogen and progesterone), the uterus or the vagina.
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In relation to the menstrual cycle
To summarize this chart, the body goes through a hell of a lot of hormonal changes during the average 28-day menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge varies in color and consistency during this cycle, and paying attention to that can help a person understand when they're fertile or ovulating. These are some typical variations in vaginal discharge (CycleHarmony):
- Dry discharge
- "Dry, pasty, impenetrable". This discharge indicates periods of infertility, so it's most prominent a few days before and after menstruation. Its function is to block out sperm.
- Creamy discharge
- Sticky, wet, and dense. This is thinner than dry discharge, but still accrues a "tacky-like" sensation. This type of discharge functions to filter out undesirable sperm.
- Egg-white discharge
- Stretchy and slippery with traces of while, signifying a period of ovulation.
- Lubricating discharge
- Clear, stretchy, and slippery. This type of discharge is indicative of the most fertile day of the cycle.
- Watery discharge
- Occurs throughout entire cycle intermittently and is most abundant after physical activity.
- Brown discharge
- This occurs while ovulating, mid-cycle, or directly after menstruation. Its function is to continue to remove older blood and residue.
In relation to sex (Bustle)
The lubrication produced by the sexual arousal is different from menstrual-related discharge. That discharge is often from the cervix. The discharge that lubricates the vagina to prepare for sex comes from Bartholin's Gland, which is located on both sides of the vaginal opening; the response itself is triggered by increased blood flow to the genitals. The lubrication is much more slippery than what's seen in day-to-day discharge, and will fluctuate in amount and consistency based on hormone composition, mood, or whether or not there's genuine arousal.
When it's abnormal (Shout-out to WedMD)
Grayish-white with a fishy odor- Characteristic of bacterial vaginosis. Often accompanied by itching, burning, and swelling. The odor is caused by a pH imbalance, especially after heterosexual intercourse (the vagina is a naturally acidic environment, while semen is basic. With bacterial vaginosis, the vagina becomes more basic, and combined with the alkalinity of the semen, produces a malodorous effect.
- Frothy, yellowish green, and malodorous
- Indicative of trichomoniasis. Associated symptoms include: pain while urinating, pain during intercourse, and itching.
- Yellow or cloudy
- This is often a sign of gonorrhea. This is accompanied by itching, urinary incontinence, bleeding between periods, and pain.
- Thick, white, cottage-cheesy
- When accompanied by itching, this is often characteristic of a yeast infection. There may also be swelling and pain during intercourse.
The biggest take away I can offer is: know your body (and if you don't have a vagina, know what the abnormalities may signify).
Pay attention to any significant changes or sensations. What's normal for your body? Are you noticing anything new? Is there itching, burning, or swelling? What is the quality of the pain? Is there an odor? When does it show up? When did it start? Are you taking any new medications? Has anything else on your body changed?
If you notice any abnormalities or deviations from the standard, get tested. It's not shameful. It's necessary to keep your health in check (and the health of any potential sexual partners). Honestly, get tested anyway. A lot of people with STIs are asymptomatic, but are still able to transmit infection. Even if you're not sexually active, stay on top of your pap smears. This helps to detect any potential for cervical cancer.
Stay good to yourself and respect the vag.
