It happens to a lot of women, but nobody pays much attention to vaginal discharge till it is accompanied by pain, or changes in the period, or a strange odour. Vaginal discharge occurs when the system prepares for a menstrual period, and later, when it cleanses the vaginal canal of menstrual debris.
Is it normal or do you need a doctor?
Some amount of vaginal discharge is common, though not every day of the month and certainly not enough to routinely stain your underwear. Vaginal discharge in the ovulation days of the month is clear and thin in consistency – this works as a natural lubricant during sex and allows for sperm to reach the uterus faster. However, as the period date approaches, the discharge colour turns to white and the consistency becomes thicker. Just a day before the period, you might notice pink or light brown discharge – this is a harbinger of the period. Once the period ends, the discharge is light pink or brown in colour – this happens when the uterus and cervix clean themselves.
[Also Read: Vaginal discharge – All your questions answered]
While the above process is normal, abnormal discharge is classified as one that has a foul smell, a heavy quantity and changes in colour from the normal colour. These are often associated with vaginal or uterine infections. These infections include yeast, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. The doctor may take vaginal swabs and/or recommend scans to determine the exact nature and extent of the infection. They are most often treated with oral medication, though some treatment plans include vaginal creams and pessaries.
Is vaginal discharge making you uncomfortable? Here’s some help dealing with it:
#1 Use panty liners during discharge days
Apart from the discomfort of constantly feeling ‘wet’ down there during heavy discharge, you are dismayed by how it ruins your underwear. Thick discharge often dries up and becomes clotty and adheres to the underwear fabric, and only prompt washing with a good detergent can eliminate whitish stains. The best way to combat the wet feeling and keeping your underwear fresh is to use panty liners. We recommend the Nua panty liner pads to use on non-period days – they are thin, super absorbent and can be disposed of easily. Liners for panties keep you dry and comfortable even on heavy discharge days.
[Also Read: Community Asks: Questions on vaginal wellness]
#2 Wash up with intimate hygiene wash
You hate the wet feeling of excessive discharge and are afraid of the vulva getting dirty. Wash up twice a day with Nua intimate hygiene wash to keep the vulva clean during discharge and period days. The liquid foams and cleans rapidly, thus removing dried and fresh discharge collected on the skin and pubic hair.
[Also Read: Does our diet affect our vaginal health?]
#3 Wear cotton underwear to let the vulva ‘breathe’
Avoid wearing silk or lace panties during heavy discharge days – the vulva needs a breathable fabric like cotton to be able to breathe. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and may make you feel even more uncomfortable with the vaginal discharge. We recommend wearing cotton panties that are not too snug during these days.
[Also Read: How to maintain good vaginal hygiene]
#4 Use unscented sanitary napkins during the period
Though some period pad manufacturers add perfume to their pads to eliminate menstrual odour, scents can irritate sensitive vulval skin and also lead to minor infections. When you are already battling a vaginal or possible uterine infection, you should not have to deal with infections caused by scented menstrual pads as well. Buy a pack of Nua unscented, 100% rash free sanitary pads for your periods, and you will never have to worry about rashes and infections ever again.