Cherie A. LeFevre, MD
Cherie A. LeFevre, MD, is an associate professor of gynecology and director of the Vulvar and Vaginal Disorders Specialty Center at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Have you ever sat on the toilet, peeked at your panties and said, “Yuck”? Join the club — because vaginal discharge is a fact of life for most women.
Still, it’s not always easy to tell what’s normal and what’s not. “Being aware that ‘normal’ can change with age and other factors helps prevent unnecessary anxiety when everything’s fine… and alerts you to the need for medical attention when there’s a problem,” said Cherie A. LeFevre, MD, director of the Vulvar and Vaginal Disorders Specialty Center at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Here’s what you need to know…
Vaginal discharge — a combination of fluid, cervical mucus and cells from the vaginal walls — helps keeps the vagina healthy as new cells replace old ones that are shed.
Typically, discharge has a creamy texture and yellow-white hue. You probably know that discharge tends to get more abundant and slippery when you’re sexually aroused… clear and stretchy during ovulation… and thinner and more scant after menopause.
But: You may not realize that vaginal discharge can change and yet be no cause for concern when you…
If you are bothered by your normal abundant discharge: Two or three times a day, wash your genital area with unscented soap, pat dry and put on fresh underwear. This won’t reduce discharge, but it will make it less annoying. Dr. LeFevre cautioned, “Do not try to deal with discharge by douching, wearing panty liners (even unscented ones) or using feminine hygiene spray. These can cause irritation, encourage bacterial growth and increase discharge.”
If you are bothered by scant discharge: To relieve postmenopausal vaginal dryness that causes itching and makes sex uncomfortable, rub a dab of olive oil or other natural vegetable oil product in and around the vagina twice daily and before intercourse. Dr. LeFevre explained, “This won’t cause irritation the way over-the-counter vaginal moisturizing products sometimes can.”
Of course you would contact your doctor if you had obvious signs of vaginal trouble, such as truly foul-smelling discharge, itching, burning or pain. But by staying alert to more subtle signs of trouble, you can catch a developing problem before it has time to progress. Watch for changes in the discharge’s odor (such as a fishy or yeasty smell)… color (greenish or grayish)… and consistency (very thick, frothy or cottage cheese-like). If any such symptoms start to appear, call your doctor. You may need to be tested and treated for…