Vaginal discharge: What’s normal and what’s not

Vaginal discharge:  What’s normal and what’s not 

When it comes to vaginal discharge, there is a wide range of what is considered ‘normal.’  As a woman goes through different stages of life, vaginal discharge can change.  What’s typical for one woman may not be typical for another.

Not only is there natural variation between women, but what’s normal for your own body may also change over time. Changes in vaginal discharge often can be a result of aging or hormonal shifts. Most women know their body and when anything new, unusual or persistent arises, it may be time to seek an evaluation.

To have an idea of how to spot signs of problems with vaginal discharge, here are answers to common questions women may have regarding this phenomenon:

·      What’s the normal range of vaginal discharge that most women experience?

Even though each woman is unique, some women may experience vaginal discharge daily while others less frequently. Sometimes it may be light or heavy at different points during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Generally, typical vaginal discharge consists of a small amount that generally is white or clear without a strong odor.

·      What about the color of vaginal discharge? Does that make a difference?

Yes, the color of vaginal discharge can mean different things and make a difference. For example:

·      Thick and white – This is considered normal.  But if a woman has other symptoms such as itching, burning and irritation, it could be a yeast infection

·      Yellow or Green – This is abnormal and could be a sign of a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection. It needs to be evaluated by a physician.

·      Brown – This may be caused by irregular period cycles. If brown discharge keeps appearing, this could be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer.

·      Yeast infections – Discharge of women with a yeast infection can include a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, along with itching, redness, irritation and burning. This also needs to be evaluated by a physician.

·      How do vaginal discharge and bleeding change as women age?

Changes in vaginal discharge and bleeding will occur as women enter perimenopause.  Some women will experience bleeding that is heavier than normal and irregular while others notice a gradual lessening of flow and less frequent bleeding. Any bleeding that is heavier than normal should be brought to the attention of a physician, as a very small percentage may indicate an underlying problem.

This same advice applies to postmenopausal women who have gone a full 12 months without menstruation, who suddenly experience vaginal bleeding. If a woman has not had a hysterectomy, any amount of vaginal bleeding, no matter how small it may be, must be evaluated by a physician. In postmenopausal woman, vaginal bleeding can be the first sign of an abnormality in the uterus which could indicate cancer.

·      Are there other problems that can arise during menopause that can cause changes in discharge?

In menopause, the lack of estrogen often leads to thin, dry skin in the vulva and vagina and a vaginal environment that prevents “good” bacteria from flourishing. In this situation, other bacteria can grow, sometimes resulting in increased or bothersome vaginal discharge that is not necessarily dangerous but may affect quality of life. Any vaginal discharge that is persistent, copious, or foul-smelling should be evaluated by a physician.

·      Are there things a woman can do to relieve symptoms due to vaginal changes?

The main thing a woman can do is practice good hygiene by taking daily showers or baths and only using a mild soap with water.  Douching is not recommended or necessary. Wearing only loose cotton underwear or clothing is advised to allow air flow.  Taking a probiotic or consuming foods rich in probiotics can help balance the body’s general bacterial ecosystem, but whether probiotics can successfully and clinically improve the vaginal ecosystem is not known.  Ask your doctor if they recommend or prescribe other products to help. 

Also, talk to your doctor with any concerns about vaginal discharge that is bothering you.  Vaginal health is an important during all phases of a woman’s life.  The more a woman is familiar with what is normal and what is not, the less likely she will have major issues with this aspect of her health.