User:Mr. Ibrahem/Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge can be normal or abnormal. Normal vaginal discharge occurs in most women and girls. The amount, quality, and composition of discharge varies between individuals, throughout the menstrual cycle, and throughout the stages of sexual and reproductive development. Normal vaginal discharge may have a thin, watery consistency or a thick, sticky consistency, and it may be clear or white in color. Normal vaginal discharge typically does not have a strong smell, nor is it typically associated with itching or pain. It may be large in volume, which occurs more often during pregnancy, when sexually active, or when taking birth control.

Normal vaginal discharge is a mixture of liquid, cells, and bacteria that lubricate and protect the vagina. This mixture is produced by the cells of the vagina and cervix, and it exits the body through the vaginal opening. Normal vaginal discharge cannot be prevented and douching is specifically not recommended.

While most discharge represents normal functioning of the body, some changes in discharge can reflect infection or other problems. Infections that may cause changes in vaginal discharge include vaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and certain sexually transmitted infections. Non infectious causes may include bubble bath or foreign objects. The characteristics of abnormal vaginal discharge vary depending on the cause, with common features including a change in color, increase in amount, foul smell, or associated symptoms such as itching, burning, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or pain during sex.