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 of: November 8, 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
Current as of: November 8, 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