Normal Vaginal Discharge

A vaginal discharge is common for most women. Discharge may be more noticeable during the middle of the menstrual cycle ( ovulation ). Some women even find it necessary to wear a pad or panty liner because of the amount of discharge. Normal vaginal discharge: Does not smell bad. Is not accompanied by pain, itching…

Normal Vaginal Discharge

Topic Overview

A vaginal discharge is common for most women. Discharge may be more noticeable during the middle of the menstrual cycle (ovulation). Some women even find it necessary to wear a pad or panty liner because of the amount of discharge.

Normal vaginal discharge:

  • Does not smell bad.
  • Is not accompanied by pain, itching, burning, or redness.
  • Varies with age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and use of birth control pills.

A change in your normal vaginal discharge may be a symptom of a vaginal infection.

Teenage girls may have a large amount of a watery discharge caused by high hormone levels during the teen years or by taking birth control pills.

Credits

Current as ofFebruary 19, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
H. Michael O’Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC – Emergency Medicine

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