Discharge Decoded

Knowing the ins and outs of discharge will help you stay on top of your cycle.

In Between Days

Discharge can sometimes be alarming, especially when you expect to be flow-free during your off-period days. What many women don't know is that discharge is actually a good thing—it's presence means that your vagina is kept infection-free by good bacteria. It's an element that maintains a natural balance, giving your vagina an acidic pH in order to fight off infections.

What to Expect

While every woman's body is different, it's safe to say that "normal" discharge is confined to a certain odor and appearance. The typical discharge secreted by your glands carry with it old cells that come from your vagina, keeping it clean and lubricated. This type of discharge is odorless and is often a clear or milky mucus, sometimes thin and stringy, with white spots. Oftentimes once discharge is exposed to air, it turns white or yellow. The amount of discharge you have usually increases when your ovaries release an egg signaling ovulation (the egg travels to your uterus, ready to be fertilized by a male sperm), and is a helpful indicator of where you are in your cycle and of the amount of estrogen you have in your body.

When the natural balance in your lady parts change, so does your discharge. A variety of symptoms can cause changes in its consistency, appearance and odor—everything from stress to the pill, your diet to breastfeeding can affect it.

Doc Knows Best

Best Abnormalities in discharge can be warning signs pointing to infections you may have. Itching or rashes, vaginal burning, cottage cheese-like discharge, foul odors or yellowish or greenish discharge can all indicate that something may be wrong. Yeast infections, which is common among women, can contribute to the "wrong" kind of discharge—and if you spot something wrong, it's important to head straight to your gynecologist for a proper diagnosis. Another common condition is BV or bacterial vaginosis, which is usually indicated by gray discharge with a fishy odor.

Proper Care

It's important to keep your vaginal area clean and dry—while it may seem to make sense to douche during your period or even after intercourse, it is not advised as it may remove the healthy bacteria lining your vagina. Use a gentle feminine wash instead.

As with most medical conditions, another important precautionary measure is to avoid or reduce the amount of stress you have. Overworking yourself can wreak havoc on your body, even on your reproductive system. Eating healthy will help maintain "normal" discharge, and adding yogurt to your diet can help when you have a yeast infection.

Wearing panty liners is part and parcel of caring for yourself during those in between period days. They absorb discharge, keeping you feeling fresh throughout the day; plus, they protect your underwear from unbecoming stains.

Caring for yourself during your period shouldn't confine yourself to your days with flow. Total care throughout your cycle, even during your "off" days, means educating yourself about your daily discharge and knowing what to do when you spot something amiss.