Vaginal discharge can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable problem. Take the time to learn the symptoms of a problem and learn how to distinguish good from bad.
Step 1
Understand that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Discharge is a normal function of that process.
Step 2
Most all women have some amount of discharge that will be noticeable on their undewear during their lifetimes.
Step 3
Some women produce more discharge than others.
Step 4
Discharge is generally heavier when you are young and becomes less so as you age. Many women as they become older will have dryness problems, particularly during menopause.
Step 5
Keeping the vaginal area clean and dry can lessen the onset of infections. Too frequent washing or done too abrasively can lead to irritation which can then lead to infection.
Step 6
After using the toilet, wipe from front to back; never back to front. Wiping from back to front can bring bacteria from the anus into the vagina and urethra which can cause infection.
Step 7
If you notice any discharge that appears unusual in color or texture, or discharge that appears with odor or irritation, see your doctor.
Tips
- Most women will experience a yeast infection at some point in their lives; many will experience them frequently. The most common infections are yeast infections and are easily treated.
- It is always advised to see a doctor first, especially if this is your first infection. There are many over-the-counter creams available for yeast infections. A doctor will prescribe stronger versions if necessary, and if your infection is bacterial instead of yeast, you will need a prescription.
- Abnormal discharge can have these characteristics: clumpy white 'cottage cheese' appearance, heavy yellowish appearance, greenish-yellow appearance with 'fishy' odor, or very liquid-y. See a doctor if you have these symptoms.
- Stay hydrated every day. The vagina can become dehydrated right along with the rest of the body and this can create a different smell and different levels of discharge. If you become dehydrated, you are more susceptible to a urinary infection which can lead to a yeast infection, and vice versa.
- Try not to wear clothing that is too tight. It may cause more heat, moisture and friction. This includes wearing a wet bathing suit for long periods of time especially during the summer.
- Some women experience more infections when using hot tubs, this is because of the hot water temperature and bacteria in the water.
- Try wearing underwear with a cotton lining. Synthetic fabrics can irritate the natural moisture levels in the vagina. If necessary to stay dry, change your underwear during the day. At night, sleep without.
- If you wear a thong, consider switching to regular underwear. Rubbing from your anus spreads to your vagina and can cause bacteria infections. You might also consider a pantyliner that fits a thong that you can change frequently during the day.
- Wash underwear with hot water every time to kill bacteria. You may also want to avoid fabric softeners when washing your underwear as they can cause allergies or irritation which can lead to infection.
- Finally, understand that some women have more discharge than others, it is a perfectly normal part of being female. If it is terribly irritating, change your underwear often, or wear a light pantyliner and change that frequently during the day to stay dry.
Warnings
- Always see a doctor if you suspect any infection or notice changes to your normal discharge. These can include: a fishy smell, itching, burning or irritation along with discharge. Get treatment early, there is no need to prolong your discomfort by thinking it will 'just go away".
- If you are sexually active and suspect an infection, your partner(s) may have an infection (yeast or bacterial) that they haven't noticed (men's symptoms can be different than a woman's). Their untreated infection can affect you.
- Excessive discharge may also indicate a STD. Be sure to get both a pap smear and blood drawn.
