11 Important Things Your Va*inal Discharge Can Reveal About Your Health

It is actually very true that it is a little bit gross to think about it, but paying attention to your vaginal discharge can reveal some important info to you.

You’re ovulating
The discharge from your genital organ may change during your monthly cycle, so you might notice some difference in the texture, the color, consistency, amount and also the smell, as Doctor Scott, an ob-gyn an Indiana University Health has noticed. What is most noticeable from these changes that happen is what happens during your ovulation. When preparing to help the sperm reach the egg, this discharge from the vagina tends to become thin and slippery and also stretchy like egg whites, she explained. And so, in case you are trying to get pregnant, the best time to make love is when you start noticing this type of discharge.

You’re pregnant

Because of the fact that the vaginal discharge is very related to hormonal fluctuations, it is actually no surprise that pregnancy, nine months of one big hormonal fluctuation, may increase it. Therefore, many pregnant women have an increase in discharge and it can take on a white yellow tinge, as Dr. Scott said. The following are some skin and beauty surprises that can happen during pregnancy.

You’re in labor
I fit is that you are pregnant and suddenly notice an uptick in mucousy discharge, congrats, because you are about to have a baby! That is because the cervix dilates in preparation for delivery, and the mucous discharge increases and might mean labor is beginning, and some women even experience a large portion of discharge, often referred to as the mucous plug. You do not need to get too excited just yet as the beginning stages of labor can take a long time and days, and sometimes even weeks. If you are having a lot of mucus coming out of your genital organ, talk to your doctor and he or she will be able to give you a say of how close your labor is.

You have an infection
Many of us women are trained from puberty to recognize the hallmark signs of a yeast infection: Burning Itching, and that telltale cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. What is more, yeast is not the only type of bad bug that can take up residence in your lady parts, Dr. Scott said. The bacterial vaginosis is a hugely common bacterial infection characterized by a vaginal discharge that is kind of white-gray in its color and has a noticeable fishy odor. And if you have any of the above symptoms or notice some kind of itching, pain, swelling, or just a marked change in your genitals, immediately make an appointment in order to get checked for infections, she added.

You have an STD
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two sexually transmitted diseases that are reaching epidemic proportions these days, and these can cause your vaginal discharge to change in color, amount, or smell. What is very sad is that many times than not these two are asymptomatic, which means that you will not know you have them until they show up on a test. (This is one more reason to stay on top of your yearly check-ups.) There exists one STD however, that makes a major mark in your undies: Trichomoniasis is characterized by yellow-green discharge, according to Dr. Scott. For the record, the word frothy is never a word you want to be associated with your genitals.

You’re turned on
The most common and noticeable side effects of good foreplay is a boost in wetness in your vagina. These vaginal fluids will act as a sexual lubricant, Dr. Scott said, so as a woman becomes aroused she may notice an increase in thin, clear liquid. It is absolutely nothing to worry about and, due to tot the fact that it can increase comfort and pleasure, it might be the one type of vaginal discharge to really get excited about! Here you have the 31 natural libido boosters to help you have better sex.

You eat a healthy diet and work out
What will make your breath smell certainly may make your vaginal discharge smell, Dr. Scott noted, and this one includes good-for-your-body-but-bad-for-your-breath staples like onions, garlic, hot peppers, and asparagus. What is more, a good workout will make you smell like sweat everywhere, and especially in your crotch area. None of these smells is anything to worry about, she further added.

You’re dehydrated
Dehydration can cause your urine to turn a darker yellow, so you can make your vaginal discharge take on a yellowish tinge, Dr. Scott notes. She says that sometimes urine will mix with discharge, on toilet paper or in your underwear—which will also give the discharge a yellow color. Intake more water and you’ll be fine.

You have a rare cancer
A number of the existing cancers, even those of the female reproductive system, will not have any effect on vaginal secretions, Dr. Scott adds. But, there is actually one rare form of fallopian tube cancer that is always characterized by a large increase in watery discharge. It is actually not so common that you have this type of cancer but any time you notice a marked change in the amount or type of your vaginal discharge it’s time to call your doctor, she stated. These are a few cancer symptoms that women are likely to ignore.

You’re in menopause
Being in this state can make you feel like you are possessed by hormonally belligerent aliens, so they don’t call it the big change for anything! Therefore, one of the things that will for certain change is your vaginal discharge, Dr. Scott adds. It will become a lot drier, and also lessen in amount and might make you more susceptible to infection, she further explained. This was just one more part of womanhood no one warns you about!

You’re totally normal
Many of us females do not know what normal vaginal discharge looks like, and will, therefore, become unnecessarily worried, Doctor Scott says. What is usually meant to be normal, will vary from woman to woman but in general, the discharge will be clear mid-cycle and turn white right before your period but it is quite important to pay attention to how it changes throughout your cycle so you understand what is normal for you and your body, she stated. More said, whatever you do, never try to get rid of it by douching!