Family Planning Plus

Normal vaginal discharge can vary, depending on the time of your cycle. During ovulation, when you’re most fertile, the discharge is thin,clear and a larger amount. Closer to your period, when you’re less fertile, vaginal discharge tends to be a thicker,creamier white. It may dry yellow on your panties or pad. Normal vaginal discharge should not smell bad. The amount of discharge depends on hormones; younger women tend to have more discharge.

STDs, like Trich, chlamydia and gonorrhea sometimes have no symptoms. Other times, they can cause changes in the discharge. STDs may cause discharge to appear yellow, green or gray, and have a foul odor. Other vaginal infections, like yeast and bacterial vaginosis are not sexually transmitted, but may also cause changes in discharge. Yeast infection is characterized by white, thick, cottage cheese like vaginal discharge. It usually causes intense itching in the vaginal area. Bacterial vaginosis may appear as a thin, milky, white discharge. BV typically causes the discharge to have a “fishy” odor, which may be more noticable after intercourse. BV may cause burning in the vaginal area or upon urination. Vaginal infections can be cured with medication.

If the above applies to your discharge, you should schedule an appointment for an infection check. Family Planning clinics offer free STD screenings to men and women. Infection checks are also offerred at little to no cost, depending on household size & income.