\n
<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tIt\u2019s normal for women to have different types of vaginal discharge at various times. Your discharge provides clues about your health.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tWhat is vaginal discharge?\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tIt\u2019s a combination of fluid and cells made by the cervix that is shed through the vagina.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tNormal discharge lubricates and protects your vaginal tissue from irritation or infection.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tAbnormal discharge that itches, burns or has an odor or an unusual color can signal a medical problem.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tYes, it\u2019s normal for vaginal discharge to change!\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tYour discharge changes throughout your monthly cycle, providing clues to your fertile days (the days when you are most likely to get pregnant).\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tObserve discharge on a clean\/flat tissue after wiping or use your fingers to note textur e\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tDuring your period\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tMostly blood cells from the uterus shedding its inner lining\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tAfter your period\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tDry or damp; no observable discharge for a few days\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tBefore fertile days\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tCloudy or white, and feels thick, pasty or creamy\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tFertile days\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tClear, stretchy and slippery (like egg whites) for several days before and after ovulation ; helps sperm survive and fertilize the egg\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tPost-fertile days\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tDry or thick; minimal discharge until period begins again\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tHormones affect your vaginal discharge\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tEstrogen levels affect mucus, so women with lower estrogen (during menopause or while taking birth control) typically have less discharge or drier patches of sticky mucus.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tWhat color should vaginal discharge be?\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tClear\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tHealthy, indicates days of peak fertility\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tWhite\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tHealthy, common during non-fertile days and throughout pregnancy\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t(Lumpy, white \u201ccottage cheese\u201d style mucus can mean a yeast infection)\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tPink\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tCommon right before period (or if pregnant, shortly before labor begins)\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tRed\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tUsually indicates a period, but can also mean miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (report clots, heavy bleeding or abdominal pain to your healthcare provider)\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tBrown\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tTypically old blood leaving the body, not a concern\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tYellow\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tCan be normal after your period, but may indicate infection if there is pain or unusual odor\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tGreen\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tNot healthy; may indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tDoes vaginal discharge have a smell?\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tNormal, healthy discharge has only a slight odor.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tAfter sex, it\u2019s normal to smell semen and other fluids, but these disappear after a shower.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tA foul, fishy odor can indicate bacterial vaginosis \u2014 an infection that needs to be treated.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\tContact your healthcare provider if you notice any discharge or vaginal odors that concern you.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n