Vaginal discharge is a very normal, healthy occurrence for women. In fact, it serves a very important function in the female reproductive system. Normal vaginal discharge can appear clear to milky white and its function is to remove dead cells and bacteria. This helps to keep the vagina clean and free of infection. The amount of discharge that you experience , the smell, as well as the viscosity thickness can be different from day to day.
Clue is on a mission to help you understand your body, periods, ovulation, and so much more. Start tracking today. Vaginal discharge, cervical fluid, and arousal fluid: are they all the same thing? Not quite. Here, we explain how they vary, how to identify each one, and what you should do if your vaginal fluid starts to look, smell, or feel abnormal. Discharge is a generalized term, and is made up of cells from the cervix and vagina, bacteria, mucus, and water.
White discharge is a white fluid that comes out from the vagina or penis, including during and after sexual activity. For example, cervical mucus cleans and lubricates the vagina. Penile fluid, which flows through the same tube as urine, neutralizes leftover acidity so sperm can safely pass. In other cases, white discharge is caused by an infection. Vaginal discharge during penile-vaginal penetration is usually expected.
Vaginal discharge can be completely normal, or it can be a symptom of certain health conditions such as a yeast infection. Creamy white discharge is probably one of the most common types of vaginal discharge, and most women will experience it at some point in their lives. This type of discharge can have many different causes, ranging from normal to pathological.