Vaginal Discharge- What's normal? What's not? | Dr Anjali Kumar | Maitri

Recent questions

• What is the purpose of vaginal discharge?

  Vaginal discharge is a fluid produced by the vaginal and cervical glands that serves to maintain cleanliness, moisture, and pH balance in the vaginal area. It is a natural and essential process for female reproductive health.

• How does ovulation affect vaginal discharge?

  Ovulation can lead to changes in vaginal discharge, causing it to become thin and watery. This is a normal occurrence during the menstrual cycle and is a sign that a woman is fertile and likely to conceive if engaging in sexual activity.

• What are the different types of vaginal discharge and what do they indicate?

  Different types of vaginal discharge can indicate various conditions. For example, milky discharge is normal, clumpy white discharge may suggest a fungal infection, foul-smelling discharge with soreness could indicate bacterial vaginosis, and yellowish discharge with pain may signal gonorrhea. It is important to pay attention to these changes and seek medical advice if necessary.

• How can one maintain good vaginal hygiene?

  Good vaginal hygiene practices include gentle cleaning with warm water or mild soap, avoiding harsh products that can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina, maintaining sexual hygiene, using barrier contraception to prevent infections, wearing cotton undergarments to allow for breathability, and seeking medical help if experiencing abnormal discharge or symptoms.

• What factors can affect the color, texture, and odor of vaginal discharge?

  Normal vaginal discharge can vary in amount, color, texture, and odor based on factors such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, arousal, or medication use. Understanding these variations can help individuals recognize what is normal for their bodies and identify any changes that may require medical attention.