Many of us might find it a bit uncomfortable to discuss vaginal discharge and vaginal health. Don't worry; you're not alone, and understanding what's normal and what's not can help you stay informed and take charge of your well-being. While symptoms can sometimes be a little embarrassing you don’t need to live with ongoing discomfort or shame.

We simply don’t talk about vaginal health enough. In the clinic, I find that any kind of discomfort is assumed by many patients to be thrush (despite bacterial vaginosis being far more prevalent), treated with OTC thrush creams from the chemist without proper diagnosis and symptoms recur again and again. It is essential to know what we are dealing with in order to provide appropriate treatment and have long-term symptom resolution.

What's Normal:

Clear or White Discharge: It's perfectly normal to have a clear or slightly white discharge that changes in texture throughout your menstrual cycle. This discharge, known as cervical mucous, can be thin and slippery during ovulation or thicker and more opaque at other times.
Minimal Odour: Normal vaginal discharge usually doesn't have a strong or unpleasant odour. It might have a mild, musky scent, but nothing offensive.
No Itching or Burning: If you experience zero discomfort, itching, or burning sensations down there, it's a good sign that your discharge is within the normal range.
Consistency Changes: Your discharge may vary in consistency, from creamy to sticky, and it's usually associated with your menstrual cycle. This is perfectly fine.

What's Not Normal:

Strong, Unpleasant Odour: If your discharge has a fishy or foul smell, it could be a sign of an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Changes in Colour: While discharge may change in colour slightly, any significant deviation from clear or white might indicate a problem. Green, yellow, or greyish discharge, for instance, could be a sign of infection.
Itching or Burning: Persistent itching, burning, or discomfort in your vaginal area is not normal. It could be a sign of a yeast infection, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or another health issue.
Abnormal Texture: If your discharge becomes curd-like or cottage cheese-like, it's often associated with a yeast infection and should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Blood in Discharge: While spotting between periods can be normal, if you experience significant bleeding or blood in your discharge when it's not your period, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Help:

If you notice any of the "not normal" signs mentioned above or if you're concerned about your vaginal health, it's crucial to reach out to an appropriately trained healthcare professional to provide proper diagnosis and treatment options.

As a family naturopath with a special love for supporting teen and women’s health I have been undertaking a 6-month mentorship in advanced vaginal health care and I would love to support your vaginal health journey.

We have a number of wonderful herbs, nutrients, and specific probiotic strains to provide symptom relief and root-cause resolution for long-term optimisation of vaginal health. Click the button below to make a booking now! If you are ready to take action book an initial appointment or to learn more about how I can help book a discovery call.

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