discharge - please reply

[alexa951]

I just saw a post by Pop girl about what age did people's discharge start, and it made me wonder wether its a common or normal thing for girls. So I want to know, does everybody get it and is it constantly there or just befor your period? I hear about certain sorts of discharges being a sign of STI's and it worries me but if discharge is normal I'll stop worrying so much, thankyou :)

[Harley Quinn]

Click this and your question will be answered as there is a section on discharge! (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=89514)

However, if you can't be bothered to click:

Another thing that changes during puberty is that vaginal discharge (secretions) start or change. For six months before getting their first period, girls may notice an increase in vaginal discharge.


What is normal vaginal discharge?

Vaginal secretions keep the vagina moist and clean and help fight infections.
Once periods start, normal vaginal discharge can be thin, sticky and elastic; or thick and gooey, and the colour is clear, white or off-white (yellow when dried). The texture and colour can change throughout the cycle. In particular, some women notice a heavier flow of thin, sticky mucus-like discharge around the time of ovulation (day 14 of the cycle). Normal vaginal discharge usually has no smell, and if it has, it is not unpleasant. Remember, if you are sexually excited or emotionally stressed your vaginal discharge can increase.

What is abnormal vaginal discharge?

Keep an eye out for change, including:
• unusual increase in amount
• change in texture: for example curd-like or frothy and watery
• change in colour to grey, yellow, green or brown
• change in smell: for example fishy or yeasty.

What causes abnormal vaginal discharge?

If you have had sex, an abnormal vaginal discharge might be caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomonas, chlamydia, orgonorrhoea. Some vaginal infections are not sexually transmitted, but are caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora ('bugs') that normally live in your vagina. These are:
• thrush (candida): signs are a cottage cheese-like discharge with itching and soreness.
• bacterial vaginosis (BV): a grey, watery, sometimes frothy vaginal discharge that smells of fish. Mild itching can occur.
Excessive washing of the vagina, use of perfumed soaps and bubble bath, tight synthetic clothes (such as nylon knickers), lots of sex, antibiotics and stress can all lead to an imbalance in vaginal flora. Remember, if you forget to remove a tampon or a cap you can also develop unpleasant vaginal discharge.
What should I do if my vaginal discharge changes?
You can go to see your GP or you can visit a sexual health clinic. Many clinics have dedicated times for young people that cater to their needs. It is important to seek attention early, as sometimes the discharge might be a sign that you have caught a sexually transmitted infection that needs prompt treatment.

[ReginaGeorge]

Discharge is completely normal at any stage of the menstrual cycle. It's basically the vagina flushing out the bad stuff it doesn't want in there. It varies and there is no set amount of time, it's different every time for everyone.

If you are ever worried about discharge, just talk to your doctor. They are there to help. :)

[Mortal Coil]

Discharge is normal. If it changes colour, then you might want to see a doctor, but it happens at any stage in the menstrual cycle and happens to almost every cis female.

[anyone50]

the color and texture of your discharge would tell you if there's a problem in most cases and often the smell of the fluid. before i got my period i would become wet but it was very clear and that started to change just before i got my period and now when i get very wet it more whitish than clear

[Kacey]

Discharge is completely normal