Many women are still not aware of the fact that vaginal discharge is a natural process of cleaning the vagina. In this post, let’s understand the occurrence of the natural and clear vaginal discharge.
What is a healthy vagina?
The vagina is a route to the uterus and internal reproductive system from the outside. It has a pH and is acidic in nature. This characteristic helps to prevent the infections. Good, natural bacteria in your body are responsible for this acidic environment.
Just like saliva cleanses and stabilizes your mouth, a healthy vagina secretes normal vaginal discharge. Thus, the female reproductive system is cleansed naturally but any kind of interference in the stability of vaginal secretion creates an ambiance favourable to infection.
Normal vaginal discharge – Every female experiences normal vaginal discharge, but its frequency varies. Vaginal glands and cervix generates a fluid that flows out of the vagina daily. Normal vaginal discharge washes and lubricates the vagina and also keeps it free from germs and infection. It is clear/milky and odourless.
Causes of clear vaginal discharge
- Ovulation – The discharge takes place because the cervical glands are stimulated, when eggs are released by the ovaries. The secretion is generally clear and has water-like consistency. Usually, because of ovulation, vaginal discharge takes place 14 days after the menstrual cycle. Several females experience it daily around ovulation and some notice it occasionally.
- Among teenagers – Adolescents undergoing hormonal changes experience sessions of normal vaginal discharge. The fact is that their bodies are trying to establish a regular monthly cycle and the cervical glands get aggravated due to the alterations. This frequency slows down, once the regular periods initiate.
- Sexual arousal – To make your libido more comfortable and pleasurable, cervical glands get motivated causing a normal vaginal discharge. Several females experience heavy outflow during sexual arousal, which is quite normal and acts as a natural lubricant.
- Other factors – Emotional stress, pregnancy, breastfeeding, diet, prescribed or OTC medicines.
It is recommended that females never use douche products for the hygiene solution. It can lead to increased irritation along with other deformities. Douching removes the healthy lining of bacteria within the vagina that protects you from infection.
Features of a normal vaginal discharge
Consistency of fluid depends on ovulation, menstrual period, sexual activity, breastfeeding and much more. The aspects of clear vaginal discharge are:
- Colour – Discharge colour spectrum ranges from milky white to entirely transparent. It is most obvious around ovulation and less perceptible after menstruation.
- Thickness – Normally, it must be thin, but gets a little thick around ovulation. Even breastfeeding mothers perceive their fluid getting thicker.
- Odour – It is odour-free and any deviation will need to be checked by your doctor.
- Amount – It is difficult to measure the volume because it varies. It depends on the individual’s genetics, physical and sexual activity along with other factors.
Visit your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in your belly area or pelvis
- Discomfort while urinating or during libido
- Itching
- Swelling
- Bad odour
- Discharge is yellow, green, or grey coloured
- Looks foamy
- Rash or sores
- Unexplained weight loss
A mixture of these symptoms can generate many diseases like bacterial vaginitis, trichomoniasis, Gonorrhoea, genital warts and yeast infection. Therefore, get diagnosed professionally along with proper prescribed treatment.