“Parents (mine at least) seem to be under the illusion that silence about sex is safer than talking. I think Sex Ed should start with the parents talking with kids. ”
—Sarah, 17, AL
I have a smell and slight discharge coming out of my vagina. What is it, and is it normal?
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But scents and types of discharge differ from girl to girl. This scent can become stronger during certain times in the menstrual cycle or during sexual intercourse, but most of the time it’s slight. The discharge also changes throughout your cycle.
Sometimes the discharge is thick, white, or pasty when you’re ovulating. It can also be clear and slippery you’re sexually aroused. This “wetness” or “lubrication” is designed to help anything inserted into the vagina go in more smoothly and easily. Again, it’s perfectly normal.
Unfortunately, some people do think vaginas smell "bad" or "gross." But a female’s vaginal scent is a part of her. It’s anything but bad. Many douches and other feminine hygiene products on the market claim to “freshen up” the vagina. Steer clear of these products, since they contain chemicals that can irritate the vagina and make infection more likely. Manufacturers of these products want girls to think that the normal, healthy vaginal scent is actually dirty or bad. But this scent is normal and natural for girls who bathe regularly and are in good health.
To keep the vagina smelling health and fine, wash the vulva daily with mild soap and warm water, and wear clean underwear (cotton is best because it breathes). For better vaginal health, you can also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water.
It's real important to know your "normal" vaginal scent, so you can tell if something is different. If you notice your vaginal odor getting stronger, notice changes in discharges, or feel itching or soreness, you might have a have a yeast infection or other type of problem. See your health care provider. You can find a clinic near you here.
Your Comments
RE: need help
Posted by: DanR on Sep 30th, 2008 10:57am
They may be helpful, but if this heavy discharge and odor
has not always been the case for you, I would suggest going
to a clinic as soon as possible to get tested and make sure
you do not have some kind of infection. If you are sexually
active, you should also get tested for STDs to be on the
safe side. If you need help to find a clinic near you,
check out this link: http://www.sexetc.org/page/get_tested/.
need help
Posted by: apluvsdk on Sep 26th, 2008 7:08pm
i seem to be discharging alot. and its very strong
smell.
would panty lines be useful?
RE: im scared
Posted by: DanR on Aug 1st, 2008 2:17pm
I know it is scary, but going to the doctor is the only way
to find out what is really going on. Different infections
can have similar symptoms, so only a doctor will be able to
tell that difference for you. If it is an infection, you
will likely need antibiotics for it to heal so do not leave
this untreated. Sometimes the symptoms can seem to go away,
but the infection is still there and can progress to do
further harm to your health. Any & all sexual activity
should cease until you are tested.
im scared
Posted by: tripper on Aug 1st, 2008 12:27pm
help!i have an odor tht i increasing and i always have
lubricant 24/7.im scared that it is an infection or
something.i just dont know what it is.im always wet bc i
have so much lubracant than i should have.if it is an
infection can i prevent it.im scared to go to the doctors.or
how to tell my bf that i may have an infection.help!WHAT
SHOULD O DO!?please help
Re: hummmm
Posted by: rbarar on Jun 8th, 2007 11:32am
Unfortunately, it is impossible to make any kind of
diagnosis about your discharge over the internet. If
something is different about it, or if you're concerned, the
best thing to do is visit a gynecologist or a clinic.
hummm
Posted by: sammy-x- on May 29th, 2007 11:37am
if ur discharge does change from 'normal' clear and slippery
to like white and bitty like little bits of wet powdery
consistency, is ther anything u can do to avoid going to the
doctors?? HELPP,,,CAN U EMAIL ME UR FEEDBAK PLS??
THANKS!
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im use to it.
Posted by: gnomechick1 on Oct 5th, 2008 7:12am
im always i guess its discharge the wetness down there on
yer undies. im not sexually active or anything and i really
do have a strong order i just say keep it really clean down
there and i change my underwear twice a day lol i know it
may sound like a lot but nah one in the morning one in the
afternoon. it's been going on for 5 years and im 14.