What is Vaginal Discharge and how to manage it
We’re here to unravel the mystery for you.
Sometimes there’s a lot. Sometimes there’s a little. And sometimes there’s even a faint odour. Either way, you feel it in your panties. Vaginal discharge.
All women get it, and it’s perfectly normal. But exactly what is vaginal discharge? What causes it and why is it there? And, perhaps - most importantly – what can you do about it?
Why Do Women Get Discharge?
Discharge is basically a fluid made in the cervix and vagina to keep everything down below clean and in working order. Just like your eye produces tears to rid itself of irritants, the vagina has glands that produce discharge to maintain its wellbeing and keep its pH levels correct.
This way, harmful bacteria have a harder time getting through and causing irritation – or worse. This stuff also keeps the area moist and provides some help for fertilization.
Is It Normal To Have Discharge Every Day?
Some women have vaginal discharge every day, while others experience it only occasionally. Your discharge, its frequency, and the amount you experience will vary based on your normal hormonal fluctuations throughout the month, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.
This means you may experience more discharge when you are ovulating, breastfeeding, while some days you will find a few drops in your underwear.
What Does Normal Discharge Look Like?
Vaginal discharge can vary in consistency and colour. Sometimes it is clear, sometimes it is milky white. Sometimes it is watery, sometimes it has a more stretchy, egg white-like consistency. For instance, when it’s creamier and thicker, it’s usually a sign your period is coming. Oestrogen is being released as the body prepares itself for menstruation. All of this is normal.
Other types of discharge may be a sign that something isn’t quite right. If your discharge has a chunky consistency, is itchy, or is off-colour (think white with cottage cheese-like consistency, yellow or green), or has a new strong smell, this is a sign of infection. A visit to your doctor will clear things right up, so make an appointment the soonest.
How Do You Get Rid Of Discharge?
There are times when it can be annoying to find that discharge has once again made its presence felt in your underwear. Therefore, it is only natural to wonder if there is some way to reduce or even prevent discharge.
But at these times it is a good idea to remember why you get discharge in the first place and know that your body is doing this for a reason! So, if what you are experiencing is healthy discharge, and you are after ways to stop discharge for an easier life, it is definitely time for a rethink.
If however, you have excessive discharge, it may be that you are suffering from one of a number of problems, and knowing the reason will give you a way to reduce discharge. Some common causes of unusual vaginal discharge include:
- Allergy: in all seriousness, your vagina may be allergic to something. So if you’ve noticed your body is producing too much discharge recently, have a think – have you changed anything such as your shower gel, washing up powder, or pad brand lately?
- STI: A heavier discharge combined with any other symptoms – such as pelvic pain, odd smells, discolouration of the discharge – could be a sign of an STI, so it’s worth getting checked out by a medical expert.
How To Manage Vaginal Discharge?
Even if your discharge is normal and healthy, if it is leaving you feeling uncomfortable and damp, it’s perfectly normal to want to get rid of the discomfort. Luckily, Always Daily Liners are specifically designed to absorb daily vaginal discharge, helping you stay fresh and confident throughout the day.
Always Daily Liners come in different shapes, sizes and absorbencies so you can find the right one for you. With them you can keep that morning-fresh pants feeling all day, every day.
Pop one in your panties first thing in the morning or keep one in your bag. As they have been dermatologically tested, it is safe to wear them every day.
Always Daily Liners are on a mission to bust common myths around vaginal discharge. In fact, vaginal discharge is totally normal and happens to all of us women. Why make it a taboo topic? If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional you trust.