Vaginal Fluids!

By Teen Health Source

Creating fluid is a natural part of the vagina’s* function. Vaginal fluids help the vagina clean itself and make sure that the vaginal environment is healthy and working! These fluids also naturally lubricate and moisten the vagina so that it’s more comfortable for something to go inside it.

Vaginal fluids are produced by glands in the cervix and vagina and contain different kinds of liquids and tissues from the body. Vaginal fluid can come in different textures, with different scents, and there may be more of it sometimes and less of it other times. Different aspects of your daily life – such as your diet, your stress levels, sexual activities and your menstrual cycle – can all affect and change your vaginal discharge. Given all the factors that can affect how much and what your vagina discharges, it totally makes sense that you would have questions about it! But don’t worry – this helpful guide will help you determine what’s probably fine, and what might be a sign that you should visit a doctor or clinician.

The 101 on vaginal fluid…

Since every person is different, everybody is going to have different versions of what healthy vaginal discharge is like for them.

However, there are some general characteristics to look out for to make sure that your vaginal fluids are healthy:

• Clear and thin: This type of discharge usually occurs during ovulation and may resemble the vaginal fluid that’s secreted when you’re aroused (aka when you’re wet).
• Cheesy and/or spotted: This is called smegma. It’s a naturally occurring lubricating fluid. It tends to gather in the nooks and crannies of body (like between the labia and around the hood of the clitoris) and has its own distinctive smell.
• White/slightly yellowish and thick: This type of discharge usually occurs when you’re less fertile during your monthly cycle.
• Mild odor: Your vagina, just like any other body part, has a scent to it, so your vaginal discharge will have a slight smell to it as well.
• Slightly brown: Usually occurs before or after you have your period due to any residual blood.

There also some general characteristics of vaginal discharge that could be unhealthy, and may signal that you have an STI or an infection:

• Chunky or heavy with curds: Resembling cottage cheese
• Strong unpleasant odor: A change in odor may also be caused by your diet, stress, hormonal imbalance and even residual semen if you’ve recently had penis-in-vagina sex. A change in odor is only worrying if it last longer than a few days.
• Very watery or large amounts.
• Greenish, grayish, or yellow.
• Blood/spotting that is not the beginning or ending of your period.

If you feel like you’re experiencing any combination of these types of fluid characteristics, don’t hesitate to visit your local health clinic or family doctor to get tested, and if necessary, get treated.

Some extra tips:

Avoid using scented/fragrance soaps when washing your vagina. Instead use unscented soaps and warm water. Avoid douching! Douching can disrupt your body’s regulated self-cleaning cycle. Avoid tight underwear or undergarments, tights, and pantyhose with synthetic/non breathable materials on the crotch area. Cotton is best!

If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]

Last Updated: April 2020

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*We know that these aren’t the words everyone uses for their bodies (eg. trans folks), and support you using the language that feels best for you.