What Your Discharge Is Telling You (And When to Listen)
Your hoo-ha is a pro at sending you signals about what’s going on inside your body – and one of the biggest ways it communicates? Discharge. While it might not be the sexiest topic, paying attention to your discharge can reveal a lot about your cycle, your health, and when it’s time to check in with your doctor. Let’s break it down.
What’s Normal (And What’s Not)?
Your discharge changes throughout your cycle, and that’s completely normal. However, certain changes could indicate a problem. Here’s what to look out for:
Normal Discharge:
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Clear or White and Stretchy: Typically occurs around ovulation. This type of discharge is created to help sperm travel more easily through the cervix, making it ideal for conception, but it's also just a natural part of your cycle.
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Milky White and Creamy: Common in the luteal phase (the second half of your cycle, after ovulation). This is your body’s way of keeping things balanced and protecting your reproductive health.
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Thin and Watery: Often happens before and after ovulation or after exercise. It’s your body’s natural way of staying fresh and maintaining vaginal health.
When to Seek Medical Advice:
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White and Clumpy (Like Cottage Cheese): This can be a common sign of a yeast infection, which is typically caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida. Yeast infections often lead to itching, irritation, and a clumpy discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
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Yellow or Green: Discharge that is yellow or green, especially if it’s thick, clumpy, or has a strong odor, can indicate bacterial vaginosis (BV) or an STI. BV is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, while STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea can also cause abnormal discharge.
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Grey with a Fishy Smell: This is a hallmark of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. The fishy smell is a common symptom of BV.
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Brown or Bloody (When It’s Not Your Period): Brown or bloody discharge outside of your period can be a sign of old blood being shed from the uterus. While occasional spotting is normal, frequent or unexplained spotting could point to an irregular cycle or other issues like fibroids or hormonal imbalances.
When to Listen (And Take Action)
Your discharge is like a little health report from your body. If something seems off—especially if there’s itching, a strong smell, or unusual colours—it’s best to get it checked out. Your hoo-ha deserves the best care, and listening to what it’s telling you is the first step.
So, next time you notice a change, don’t panic—just take note. Your body is always talking; all you have to do is listen.
P.S. Bestie: We’re not doctors, just hoo-ha enthusiasts! This guide is meant to help you understand what your body’s telling you, but always consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your specific needs. Your hoo-ha deserves the best care, and when in doubt, let a pro have a look!
