Dear Dr. Peg,
I discharge a lot, and it makes wearing underwear uncomfortable. Is there any way to not discharge so much?
I've had an ongoing itch and have noticed an unusual itch coming from my vaginal area. Could this be a sign of a yeast infection?
Dear women,
Imagine your mouth without saliva, your nose without mucus, your eyes without tears - you get the idea. Our bodies produce a variety of secretions and substances, all of which have a function.
Vaginal fluid, also called discharge, is normal. All women have it. Vaginal discharge is made of mucus and fluid from the cervix and vagina, along with normal bacteria and cells that are being shed from the inner lining of the vagina. The function of this female secretion is partly self-cleansing, partly lubrication and partly protection from infection.
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The pH of the vagina is about four. Just in case you have forgotten your Chemistry 101, anything less than pH7 is an acid. The acidity is created and maintained by the friendly neighborhood bacteria and helps keep harmful bacteria at bay. Normal vaginal discharge has mild or no odor.
A woman's discharge will change throughout her menstrual cycle, because hormones affect genital tissues. Menstrual blood is released during the menstrual period, of course. This comes from the uterus through the vagina. After her period, a woman's discharge tends to be light and slightly sticky.
In the middle of the menstrual cycle, about 14 days before her next period starts, one of the woman's ovaries releases an egg. At this time, called ovulation, a woman is fertile. This means it is possible for her to get pregnant. Our bodies are wired for reproduction, and the feminine secretions reflect this. When ovulation approaches, the cervical mucus becomes slippery and clear - the better for sperm to slide on. After ovulation, the discharge becomes thicker and white again. When a woman gets sexually excited, she will temporarily produce clear fluid.
Most women produce 1 to 4 milliliters of vaginal secretion every 24 hours. I'm sure you have noticed the discharge on your vulva or dried on your underwear. If you are making more than your usual amount, it is possible that you have an infection called vaginitis.
Other signs of infection might be a change in the normal color of your discharge, a bad odor, itching or tenderness, painful urination, painful sex or bleeding after sex. Yeast infections are quite common and usually cause itching and a heavy white discharge.
A yeast infection is not sexually transmitted. It can be caused by taking antibiotics, wearing sweaty spandex or stress, among other things. You can read specifics about yeast and other vaginal infections on our Web site, Unm.edu/~shc1 in the Health Topics section.
If you are on the oral contraceptive pill, your discharge will be different from what it would be off the pill. Some women have a heavier discharge when they're on the pill, some lighter. If you want to decrease your discharge, you could try going on the pill. If your normal discharge makes you physically uncomfortable, you could also try using a changeable panty-liner or wearing looser clothing. Please do not douche. Douching upsets the natural chemical and biological balance of the vagina and can cause infections, irritation and even a heavier discharge.
The bottom line is: Vaginal discharge is normal. Get to know your own body, including your normal secretions. If there is a change, or if you have questions, get it checked.
Peggy Spencer has been a UNM student-health physician for 16 years. E-mail your questions to her at Pspencer@unm.edu. All questions will be considered, and all questioners will remain anonymous. This column has general health information only and cannot replace a visit to a health care provider.
