It's not something we commonly talk about with each other, but all women experience fluctuating states of vaginal discharge throughout their cycles.
While most of these changes are normal and nothing to be concerned about, there are a few things women need to watch for in their underwear.
It's important to be aware of these subtle cues, even if you aren't trying to get pregnant, this is the kind of lifelong conversation you should be having with your body.
1. You're Ovulating
What it looks like: clear, stretchy and similar to raw egg whites.
What's happening: your ovary is releasing a mature egg that will pass through the Fallopian tube for fertilization.
Why? This fluid helps sperm travel to the egg. If you're trying to get pregnant, this is a great sign that your body's ready to make a baby! If you want to avoid an 'oopsie', use protection or abstain from sex until after your period.
2. Your Period is Coming
What it looks like: thick, creamier, white discharge.
What's happening: As long as there's no odor and it doesn't itch/burn, you're good. This is just your body transitioning at different points in the cycle. Some women don't experience any discharge at all, and that's normal too.
Why? The egg has already descended, there is no more need to trap sperm. Your body is preparing to shed the vaginal lining.
What about gummy discharge? Find the meaning on the next page...
3. You're Pregnant
What it looks like: thicker, heavier or gummy.
What's happening: the cervix and vaginal walls are getting softer and discharge increases to prevent infection.
Why? You're body's preparing to house a baby! Yay! (or not, depending on who you are...)
4. You're Stressed
What's it looks like: you experience more discharge than usual, out of the ordinary texture (thick when it's usually thin), darker than usual.
What's happening: prolonged stress is affecting everything from the amount you sweat and stunting your bowel movements, to disrupting the balance of our hormones and vaginal bacteria.
Why? During times of prolonged periods of high-anxiety, our bodies produce a swath of chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol. These course through our bodies and disrupt the relationship between good and bad bacteria in your vagina.
5. You Have An Infection
What it looks like: odorless, thick, white and lumpy (cottage cheese) accompanied by itching, redness and irritation.
What's happening: you likely have a yeast infection, or thrush.
Why: Too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. The healthy bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to keep yeast under control, but when the balance between the bacteria and yeast is thrown off, yeast can grow too much.
6. You Need To See Your GP
What it looks like: reddish, rusty brown spotting, blood stained discharge.
What's happening: a number of more serious complications could be happening higher up on the cervix or in the uterus. Although occasional spotting throughout your cycle is normal, prolonged blood stained discharge means you should visit your doctor to rule out any serious health concerns.
Why? Better safe than sorry.
[h/t WebMD / Netdoctor / Hellogiggles]
