Is It Normal to Have Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is the one thing, other than the menstrual cycle, that women notice and use to judge wellness in their bodies. If your cycles are regular and on time, and your vaginal discharge is normal, you feel your body is healthy, right? But, if a woman starts skipping her cycles or having too many cycles or bleeding heavily, she knows something is not right with her body. Okay.

Still, so many of you come in (most of you for other female problems) and I find out that you are constantly dealing with abnormal vaginal discharge or odor. You and your partner feel it is just 'normal' for women to have a fishy or strong odor all the time. Isn't that what all those tuna fish and fisherman's wharf jokes are all about? Men know it, and they talk about it, and think that's just the way it is – so, just grin and bear it.

Women don't know what to do. It's embarrassing, right? Three showers a day, and you still worry if everyone else can smell you. You can't wash it away, and that SUCKS because you know he's going to smell you during sex. But feminine sprays, lotion or soap and water do not help.

It is normal to have vaginal discharge. Some women produce more vaginal discharge than other women, and this is due to hormonal fluctuations. Teenagers and pregnant women both have higher than normal hormone levels which causes an increase in vaginal discharge. Women who are dry and lack discharge may have low hormone levels, like in menopause or during breastfeeding. You may also notice changes in the amount of vaginal discharge, changes in its consistency, (thick, thin, watery, sticky), and sometimes find it necessary to wear a pad or panty liner. Birth control pills will change vaginal discharge because it balances the female hormones and is a good therapy for women who feel too 'wet' all the time.

But, no matter the amount or consistency of discharge, it should never have a foul or fishy odor. At times, discharge may have a slight odor, due to hormonal changes during the month or during the final day of your cycle – due to pH changes from the menstrual blood. Normal discharge should not be accompanied by pain, itching, burning or redness.

Vaginal discharge is very important to the female reproductive system. Fluid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection. A change in your normal vaginal discharge may be a symptom of a vaginal infection.

Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. The amount can vary, as can the odor, and the color can range from clear to a milky whitish, depending on the time of your cycle.

Important things to watch for to determine if there is an infection include the length of time you have had the abnormal discharge, the color/odor of the discharge and the presence of any itching, pain, or burning in or around the vagina. Different infections present with different types of discharge and symptoms:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea are obvious, as there is a copious amount of cloudy, yellowish discharge, sort of like having a period of discharge, with an awful odor that is so different from the normal everyday discharge that it can alarm most women. In addition, they can cause urinary incontinence, painful sex, severe pelvic pain, bleeding and irregular cycles if not treated quickly. Also, they can be the cause of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) which can cause severe illness, fevers, blockage of fallopian tubes and eventually lead to infertility.
• Trichamonas is a parasitic infection typically contracted and caused by having unprotected sex, with grayish frothy discharge.
• Yeast Infections can have two kinds of discharge: either thick and clumpy like cottage cheese or thin, whitish discharge that causes intense itching and swelling.

Infections require medicated vaginal creams or antibiotic medications, but here are some tips for preventing vaginal infections that can lead to abnormal discharge:

• Keep the outer vagina area clean by washing regularly with a gentle, mild soap and warm water. DO NOT WASH INSIDE THE VAGINA WITH SOAP. Never use scented soaps, feminine products or douche. Also avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths.
• After using the restroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection. It is a good idea to have baby wipes or other 'wet' wipes near the toilet as they work much better than toilet paper for feminine cleansing.
• Try to wear 100% cotton underpants; switch off wearing floss panties and regular panties; and avoid overly tight clothing all the time.

We are lucky enough to have WaterWorks, which is FDA cleared for feminine cleansing and to reduce vaginal odor problems. Everyone loves this, as it functions just like a douche, but isn't. It is made of medical grade stainless steel and uses no chemicals (only plain tap water) and it can safely remove vaginal odor with the first use.

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Understanding Vaginal Discharge

Hello everyone I hope this finds you all well and healthy today.

It seems that I've been hearing from many due to your concerns over vaginal discharge. Some of you have noticed changes, and are asking whether it is normal. Some of you have been on birth control or recently delivered babies, had tubal sterilization and are now off oral contraceptives after many years. Some of you just feel that there have been changes since you have matured.

The basic function of you vagina, besides sexual pleasure, is to provide a clean, functional route from the outside of your body to your uterus and the rest of your internal reproductive system. The natural acid PH of the vagina, acts to prevent infections. The acidic nature of your vagina is caused by natural, bacteria produced by your body called lactobacilli. This is the same bacteria found in yogurt culture and that is why we always hear about women drinking or douching with yogurt to help prevent or cure infection. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well in the vagina, but can help as a 'probiotic' in the intestinal tract. When your vagina is healthy, the vagina keeps itself clean. We always joke that it is like a self-cleaning oven; it stays in a healthy state by producing the secretions of normal vaginal discharge. Many things may disrupt the natural balance of the vagina.

First it’s important to understand that all women have vaginal discharge. Glands in your vaginal and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flows out of your vagina everyday taking with it old cells that line the vagina. Your normal vaginal discharge helps to clean the vagina, as well as keep it lubricated and free from infection and other germs. A normal vaginal discharge does not have a foul odor and usually has no odor at all. Normal vaginal discharge often appears clear or milky when it dries on your clothing; occasionally you may notice white spots or a normal vaginal discharge that is thin or stringy looking. This is all normal, and the sticky, stringy discharge indicates that you are ovulating. So if you have been on the pill for a long time you may not have seen it for awhile as you would not ovulate on the pill. The appearance may change due to sexual excitement, breastfeeding, ovulation, or diet. The consistency of your vaginal discharge or how thin or thick it is can be affected by your menstrual cycle, emotional stress, pregnancy, any prescription or OTC medications including hormones such as in the pill.

Other things that can upset the natural pH balance of your vagina and lead to vaginal infections include vaginal douches, feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, or infections. So we can all see that it is a highly sensitive area affected by many things, some obvious and some we would not expect. For example, having a head cold can cause and increase in vaginal discharge, strange huh? It is no wonder that douching with perfumed or homemade solutions can cause such recurrent or chronic odors and discharge. Although you can buy the douches at the local drug store, it this does not mean they offer help.

Your menstrual cycle has a significant affect on the type of vaginal discharge you experience throughout the month. Did you know you’re more likely to experience vaginal infections just before or during your period? This is because the pH balance of your vagina rises during your monthly cycle causing the pH of your vagina to be at its’ highest point a few days before and during your period. About halfway between your periods an increase in vaginal discharge that appears mucousy, sticky, and stretchy is normal. As stated above, this type of vaginal discharge is an indication of ovulation.

You may identify abnormal vaginal discharge and infection from the following signs:
- Changes in color, consistency, or amount
- Constant, increased vaginal discharge
- Presence of itching, discomfort, or any rash
- Vaginal burning during urination
- The presence of blood when it’s not your period time
- Cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
- A foul odor accompanied by yellowish, greenish, or grayish white vaginal discharge

You are probably are aware of these signs or may have had them at some point. I recommend that you would go see you Ob/Gyn or family doctor when this happens and not just self-treat, unless it is something that you have had before and have already been seen for it. Vaginal discharge and infections are common and your doctor is used to seeing all types, so your doctor and the nurse may put you at ease. The anticipation of going and thinking about it is always worse.

The most common vaginal infection is bacterial vaginosis, as well as vaginal yeast infections and trichomoniasis. The most troublesome problem for some women are those who have recurrent or ongoing vaginal odor for no reason. This is a major issue and very embarrassing as they never feel clean, even though it has NOTHING to do with cleanliness. It is not from an infection and can be caused from any of the above we've already addressed.

We are lucky because if you check the WaterWorks Website you will find a wonderful device that 1000's of women are using today for daily feminine hygeine purposes, cleanliness after sex, and because of the unique FDA cleared design has cured many women of their vaginal odor problems. So no more embarrassing odors to worry about during sex, what a relief!

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Vaginal Odor and WaterWorks

Vaginal odor is an embarrassing problem and can interfere with intimacy because, well who wants him down there with that problem, right? Most everything we are taught to do can actually worsen vaginal odor, like douching or washing with harsh soaps and/or cleansers. They even make feminine hygiene sprays to cover up the odor like perfume or deodorant we use on other parts of our body. Of course that's just silly & desperate really.

As a gynecologist my best recommendation to you when you take your shower is to be sure to allow the soap suds to gently run over and lather the pubic and groin area but don't scrub or allow the soap to get inside the vagina. Never douche. Not even with medicated solutions, diluted lemon juice or vinegar solutions. Daily soap usage inside the vagina or douching will cause an imbalance of the normal flora (bacterial environment) which is there to fight off the unwanted smelly bacteria that can also be associated with infections.

You may know this but let's just go over it to refresh your memory, ok? The normal bacterial flora in the vagina is predominantly lactobacilli which keeps the vagina slightly acidic to prevent the overgrowth of unwanted, smelly bacteria & yeast. It is also the main bacteria used to culture milk into yogurt. Wow! So that is why the vagina usually has a very pleasant smell or taste, or often no smell or taste.

So what causes the imbalances that bring on the odors? Mostly things like our period or sex, and also the many hormone imbalances we go through with childbirth, menopause or our monthly cycles. Blood is normal pH & this rise in pH encourages the abnormal bacterial & yeast growth.

Semen is sugary & normal pH to keep those sperm alive for their long journey.

But recently, within the past few years, a new product called WaterWorks has been out that is FDA approved for the treatment of chronic vaginal odor. I personally saw it first on a daytime tv show called "The Doctors". I was so excited that I made an order cause I wanted to see for myself if it worked. It did.

WaterWorks is a reusable vaginal cleansing system. It has a sturdy bag that is filled with warm shower water with durable tubing and a stainless steel tip that is inserted into the vagina. During your shower you release the warm water and let it flow into your vagina. The stainless steel reacts with the vaginal mucosa in such a way that it removes odor immediately. Chefs in restaurants do the same, in that they have stainless steel bars they use to strong odors like onion & garlic off their hands.

The amazing thing is that WaterWorks can be used everyday, or to rinse period blood out and many women use it right after sex to rinse semen out right away which prevents odor. The water gently sprinkles out so you never have to worry about pushing bacteria upward into your uterus & tubes.

I love WaterWorks because it really works for my patients and they aren't using medication over and over again. Many of them have struggled for years with no hope & now after one use their odor is gone.

I hope this helps you so you can finally get some relief & feel good & confident. It's always a good idea to see your doctor to make sure you don't have an infection or other problem. Then go to our website; www.KnowYourV.com or WaterWorksHealth.com & check out WaterWorks. Let me know if u have any other questions, be safe, and have a wonderful week.

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Everything You Need to Know About Feminine Odor

Today, I want to help those of you that are concerned about the type of vaginal odor that seems to get better and then, for no reason, will show up again and again. It is so frustrating because you know you haven't changed your hygiene habits, so why does it keep coming back?

The thing is, women have always struggled with vaginal odor, rashes and irritation. Why? Because period blood, sex and many medicines can disrupt the normally-low vaginal pH and create an environment for odor, bacterial and yeast infections to return over and over.

Many women struggle with how to clean up inside the vagina and have only learned what our mothers and grandmothers told us. The truth is, most of us over clean, and grab every product we can, in an effort to help - whether it is douches, sprays, special soap for "down there", creams, lubricants or inserts. We even read on the Internet about "natural" ways to cleanse and heal the vagina. For some reason, we think natural is better, and we use douches with vinegar or lemon juice, or soak tampons with vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, lactobacillus, colloidal Silver, and an unending number of herbal products.

But, unfortunately, the odor and irritation does not get better and returns anyway, which makes us work even harder to clean up inside. This goes on and on.

The vagina was made in such a way that it does not need help from us to heal or cleanse itself. Yet, we feel the need to intervene. Many women do not "feel" clean unless they can clean up inside their vagina. Especially with the change of vaginal discharge throughout the month, a change of your sexual partner (or finding out that he cheated on you or if he gave you an STD). The natural vaginal environment is acidic (lower pH) than the rest of our body. Semen, period blood, douches, soap, vaginal creams and lubricants can raise the pH and completely hinder the vagina from healing and cleaning itself.

It is a healthy feminine hygiene practice to use soap to cleanse the outside of your body, around the vagina, anus and labia. But up inside, if you feel the need to rinse out your vagina to clean out semen, blood or excess discharge, you should only use warm water.

A lot of women are using WaterWorks now because it has been FDA cleared for vaginal cleansing to remove odor. WaterWorks is very different from store bought douches. It is made to be reusable. Therefore, you can save money and the environment by using it. It is designed with a refillable bag to fill with warm shower water connected to tubing with a medical grade stainless steel nozzle. The nozzle is placed inside the vagina and sprinkles out the warm water. It is the reaction of the stainless steel, water and vaginal mucosa that removes vaginal odor. It is a wonderful, useful discovery to help women with excessive discharge and odor. It can be used daily or as often as needed.

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How to Smell Fresh Down There?

This week I bunched together the questions or worries I hear from many of my readers out there and lots of you who come into my office each week for appointments. This week a patient came in and asked a common question: “I don’t know what is wrong with me, but I shower several times a day, and I still do not smell fresh down there! What can I do? I am so worried that people next to me can smell me.”

This is such a common and distressing problem. Not only does it destroy a woman’s confidence, but it can also put a real strain on her sexual intimacy.

Before you attempt any type of self-treatment, you should first visit your gynecologist to be sure you do not have an STD or vaginal infection. Any type of vaginal infection can cause unwanted odor and irritation with discharge.

The most common infections with odors are caused from imbalances of the normal bacterial environment (or flora) in the vagina. Most of the time this is corrected by using an oral or vaginal form of a certain antibiotic. This can be very effective, but because vaginal odors are often caused by bacterial imbalances of the natural vaginal flora, it is often only a temporary fix.

I think because odors are usually (and often erroneously) linked with poor hygiene, many woman become so distressed that they may resort to using over-the-counter douches, feminine hygiene sprays or other products that just cover up the odor and can actually worsen the problem.

The best product on the market today to help with vaginal odor is WaterWorks. It has been FDA cleared for this purpose, and unlike douching, WaterWorks does not use any chemicals which can disrupt the normal vaginal ecosystem. The gentle downward sprinkling action of WaterWorks does not irritate the vagina nor push bad bacteria further up into your cervix Its unique design allows you to use it in the privacy of your own shower, and it is reusable, so you don’t have to spend money repeatedly for products that do not work.

WaterWorks destroys odor causing bacteria through its unique design, using gently flowing water and a medical-grade stainless-steel nozzle to naturally eliminate feminine odor.

This product is safe enough to be used every day for feminine hygiene purposes, for rinsing out semen after sex or to wash away old blood after your period. No wonder women love it! You will too. You may have struggled with odor for years, but find it is gone after just the first use of WaterWorks.

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Protect Yourself Against Cervical Cancer

"Dear KnowYourV, how can I protect myself and reduce my chances of getting cervical cancer?"

With the rise of HPV infections & lesions showing up in places like the tongue, throat and anal and labial areas, everyone is becoming concerned. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), is in the condyloma (genital wart) family. But unlike other genital warts, HPV warts are flat and cannot be detected without placing a special solution on the area. The solution reacts in such a way that the HPV lesions turn a whitish color, and this helps in diagnosis and treatment.

Since HPV is transmitted sexually, the best way to protect yourself from infection is to ensure safe sexual practices. Condoms are the best way to prevent most STD's, but it is thought that the HPV virus is so small that it can escape through a condom’s tiny pores. The addition of spermicidal foams and jellies can help.

The biggest breakthrough in the past few years has been the introduction of a vaccine initially approved for females age 8 to 27. Now the vaccines approval has been extended to males of the same age. This will hopefully be the #1 way to prevent transmission.

Women are typically at higher risk for acquiring these types of STDs as we are the semen recepors. Men, on the other hand, are depositors. Because we are the receptors of the semen, if the semen is infected, we serve as little incubators.

That is why it is so nice to use the WaterWorks cleansing system. WaterWorks can be used immediately after sex to rinse out semen quicklyreducing the time HPV can sit in vagina. Not only does WaterWorks function to reduce vaginal odors, it can also be used for daily feminine cleansing.

If you have not spoken to your healthcare provider about getting the HPV vaccine, it is a good idea to at least get information to read about it.

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Can WaterWorks Help With Vaginal Discharge in Addition to Vaginal Odor?

This week the question is:

“I know WaterWorks helps with vaginal odor, but I have a lot of discharge, will it help me with that too?”

It seems kind of funny, but problems with vaginal odor and discharge seem way too embarrassing to bring up over lunch with the girls, even though in my experience, based on what I hear safely behind closed exam room doors, it's one of the most common problems women have. Maybe it would be good to know that the women closest to us suffer too.

Because vaginal odor can be caused by an imbalance of the normal bacterial flora in the vagina, odor and discharge often go hand in hand. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections can both be culprits of recurrent odor and discharge.

Unlike store bought douches which contain chemicals that can make the situation worse by destroying that normal ecosystem WaterWorks uses of only tap water for vaginal cleansing, so it can be used every time you shower without causing any adverse effects. In fact, by using WaterWorks, a healthy balance can be created as the abnormal discharge and bacteria are removed and normal vaginal pH can be restored.

This is best seen by using WaterWorks to rinse out semen after sex. What is really happening has to do with the composition of the semen, which is a sugary, alkaline substance created to protect the sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina. If not for this, the sperm would die on contact with the vagina and no one would ever get pregnant. After sex, semen remains inside and if you have sex again within a day or two, it gives the vagina no time to restore the normal flora that creates the acidic environment. Once this happens there can be persistent discharge and odor that reoccurs.

So back to the question as to whether WaterWorks helps to eliminate vaginal discharge with the odor, the answer is yes. We have many women writing in and telling us how much they love WaterWorks. The WaterWorks system is a reusable vaginal cleansing system that has been FDA cleared for vaginal odor and it is the reaction of the stainless steel nozzle end that is designed to comfortably insert into the vagina, with ordinary tap water that eliminates or reduces the unpleasant odor.

The unique design and gentle sprinkling action will rinse unwanted discharge and semen from the vagina and help facilitate the natural healing process of your own body. No chemicals and no medications. What a wonderful gift to every woman.

Oh, and just for the sake of any curious readers, I do not receive commission from any of the WaterWorks that are sold, so there is no monetary incentive for me in telling you about it. I was just so excited when I discovered WaterWorks and met the inventor, because now women had a natural way to combat feminine odor and discharge without having to use chemicals or medications. All natural. What could be better than this?

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