Do you know that wet feeling in your underwear? Naturally, every woman experiences vaginal discharge differently. It is usually a normal phenomenon that does not require treatment. How can you distinguish between the types of discharge and what they mean? So let's understand what types of discharge we have, when each of them comes and do we need to do anything special, as in the case of discharge during pregnancy ?
Liquids that arrive on demand
Let's start with those who arrive for a short time and sometimes we don't even notice they're there.
Vaginal lubricants are clear, sometimes slightly grayish fluids that are secreted by a pair of glands called Bartholin's glands, which are located on the sides of the labia minora near the opening of the vagina. These fluids are secreted when you are sexually aroused and their function is to act as a lubricant and keep the opening of the vagina moist. Maintaining hygiene to prevent discomfort related to discharge is important, and can be helped by using specific products correctly.
Lubricants usually last a relatively short time and depend on our level of sexual arousal. They are relatively watery and dry quickly on underwear, so it is sometimes recommended to use underwear as part of maintaining feminine hygiene.
Do you feel wetness in your underwear and run to the bathroom to check if you got your period and then discover that it's just fluid? Nice to meet you - cervical fluid
Let's talk for a moment about the ones that usually bother us - cervical fluids. They are formed in the canals of the cervix and are affected and changed by the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. The reason for the changes in the discharge is the effect of hormones on the cervical mucus. In every woman, the pattern of change in the fluids is slightly different, but we will describe the general process that occurs.
After menstruation (the monthly bleeding), estrogen levels in the body rise, causing cervical fluid to become thicker, clearer, and stretchier as we approach ovulation. This is why we can see fluid in various forms, sometimes resembling milky sunscreen, sometimes resembling egg white, and even days that really wet our underwear to the point where we fear that our period may have arrived. On certain days, the amount or change in the discharge is most noticeable.
After ovulation, the level of the hormone progesterone increases and, conversely, estrogen decreases. Progesterone makes the fluid more viscous and in the days before menstruation we may have several days that are completely dry or if there is little fluid, relatively dry. This is a natural process that repeats itself.
This basically means that some days you will have more fluids and some days you will have less. If the fluids or the feeling of wetness bothers you, you can put another pair of underwear in your bag and change during the day or combine it with using underpants on some days (but as you can understand, you don't need to wear them every day).
By the way, it's important to know that if you're taking birth control pills (or any other hormonal method), your period is canceled, so this pattern won't exist and you'll probably have almost no fluid. In addition, there are other factors that can affect discharge patterns.
During menopause, secretion patterns change due to a decrease in hormones.
But it has a bit of a strange smell.
And the last ones, we will talk about the discharge that signals to us that something is wrong. In abnormal discharge, additional symptoms can be observed such as a change in color, a change in texture, the appearance of a bad or unusual odor, as well as the appearance of bleeding or pain when urinating. Cervical fluids and lubrication fluids have an odor, just like our sweat has an odor and even saliva has an odor (after all, they are bodily fluids), but it should be a fairly “normal” smell. Not of roses but not of fish either. If the discharge has a fishy odor, a bad odor, or anything else strange, it may be a vaginal condition that requires a medical examination, because sometimes it is an infection or inflammation of the vagina or other diseases that can cause abnormal discharge.
A discharge that resembles cottage cheese in texture, gray, orange, or green, accompanied by itching, redness of the vulva, swelling, a bad odor, or symptoms such as burning or pain during urination, indicate a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection in the vagina . Fungal discharge is usually not accompanied by an odor but is characterized by intense itching and a cheesy texture. Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as brown discharge or bleeding that appears along with abnormal discharge, may be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, other diseases, or inflammation. It is not possible to differentiate between the different causes of these problems based on symptoms alone, so you should go to a gynecologist and have a smear done to adjust the appropriate treatment for the discharge. The problem can be treated after a professional diagnosis, and it is also important to understand what can cause abnormal discharge to prevent complications.
Therefore, don't rush to apply something that won't address the problem itself, only adjust the treatment after you know exactly what the problem is.
In conclusion - vaginal discharge can be a significant sign that we are healthy and that our cycle is normal, at other times it can be a symptom of some problem, especially when it is an abnormal or unusual vaginal discharge. Be attentive to the changes in your body and you will be able to know whether special treatment is needed or just a change of underwear .
When is it no longer normal? Causes of abnormal discharge
Vaginal discharge is a natural and healthy phenomenon, but sometimes the discharge can be abnormal and indicate a problem that needs attention. Abnormal vaginal discharge can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as infection, inflammation, or hormonal changes. Sometimes, the discharge will be accompanied by a bad odor, itching, burning, or pain during sex – signs that may indicate that something is wrong. Additionally, a change in the color, thickness, or amount of the discharge, especially if it is different from what is normal for you, may indicate inflammation or infection.
Abnormal discharge can occur at any age, even during menopause , and sometimes it will be accompanied by additional symptoms such as pain when urinating or swelling. It is important to be attentive to your body: If you feel that something is unusual, or if you have disturbing symptoms, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Proper and timely treatment can prevent complications and maintain the health of your vagina.
The early signs to look out for
Vaginal discharge is usually normal, but there are early signs that may indicate an abnormal discharge. Pay attention to changes in odor – if the discharge has a strong or unusual odor, this is a sign that requires attention. In addition, itching, burning, or pain during intercourse are symptoms that can indicate inflammation or infection in the vagina. A change in the color, thickness, or amount of discharge, especially if it is different from normal, may also indicate a problem.
Generally, when these signs appear, it is important not to ignore them and to see a gynecologist as soon as possible. Diagnosis and treatment are done through a simple test and sometimes antibiotic or antifungal medications, depending on the cause of the abnormal discharge. It is important to be aware of changes, listen to your body, and see a doctor in order to prevent complications and maintain vaginal health over time.
