Normal Vaginal Discharge

If you’re worried about vaginal discharge, you can relax. Every woman has it!  A healthy vagina creates about a teaspoon of discharge—made by glands inside the vagina and cervix—every day.  The purpose of discharge is to slough away old cells, keeping the vagina’s pH balance at a healthy acidic level.  In fact, with the exception of the eyes, the vagina is the only self-cleaning organ in the body! Normal discharge will usually be clear or milky white and will have little odor.  The menstrual cycle has a significant effect on the type of discharge.  For example, many women have a thicker form during ovulation.  For example, discharge is often thicker during ovulation. When the body releases an egg–changing pH levels in the vagina– the vagina especially vulnerable to infection immediately before and during your period. This is because the vagina becomes less acidic at this time, potentially allowing invaders to attack.  This can lead to discharge that is unusual in smell, color, or consistency, or burning in the vagina.  These are signs that your vaginal discharge is no longer normal, and it’s time to go see a doctor.