Vaginal fluids: What applies to depending on their smell and color

The vaginally liquids (vaginal discharge) is something that most women and girls experience from time to time.

Essentially, the vaginal fluids is a mucus that keeps the woman's vagina moist, clean and protects it from infections.

Check if your vaginal fluids are normal

Usually, vaginal discharge not it's something to worry about if:

• it does not have any strong or unpleasant smell
• it is clear, or white
• it is thick and sticky
• it is slippery and wet

Women of all ages may experience vaginal discharge at some point.

The amount of fluid secreted varies. Typically a woman has more fluid during pregnancy, or if she is sexually active, or using contraception. The discharge is often slippery and wet for a few days between your periods.

When vaginal fluid is a sign of infection

If the discharge changes (for example, in smell, color, or texture) it could be a sign of infection.

• have a strange and unpleasant smell: then you might have bacterial vaginitis
• they are "creamy" and white (like cottage cheese texture): then you may have candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection)
• are greenish, yellowish or frothy: then you might have trichomonads
• accompanied by pelvic pain (or bleeding): then you might have chlamydia, the gonorrhea
• accompanied by blisters or sores: then you might have genital herpes

Go to the doctor if:

• vaginal fluids change color, smell or texture
• produce more fluid than usual
• you feel itchy or sore
• you have bleeding between periods, or after sex
• you have pain when urinating
• you have pain in the area between your abdomen and thighs (pelvic pain)

You cannot prevent vaginal fluids

Sanitary napkins can help with excess fluid secretion if you are concerned about any odor.

To avoid irritation, pain, or dryness, you should:

• wash gently in the vaginal area
• use water with softener, or simple soap
• DO NOT use scented soaps or gels
• DO NOT use deodorant and scented sanitary napkins
• DO NOT wash the sensitive area with water under pressure (shower)

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