Causes of Vaginal Discharge
Find out more about common causes of vaginal discharge

First, it’s important to know that vaginal discharge is completely normal. Your vagina and cervix make small amounts of fluid which flows out of your vagina each day, carrying out old cells that have lined the vagina. The discharge is part of your body’s efforts to keep your vagina healthy and clean and the discharge is usually clear and doesn’t smell bad. The color and thickness of the discharge changes with your monthly cycle and the discharge might change consistency when you’re excited or about to go through your monthly cycle.
Changes in your vaginal discharge that may signal a problem include an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in the color or smell of the discharge, and irritation, itchiness or burning in or around your vagina. Typically this is called vaginitis. A discharge stained with blood while not on your menstrual period might also be a problematic sign.
To prevent vaginitis, always wipe from front to back while using the toilet to avoid bacteria from your rectum transferring into your vagina. Also, wear cotton underpants during the day, which allows your genitals to breathe, and don't wear underpants at night. Also, avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimming suits, biking shorts or leotards for long periods and change your laundry detergent or fabric softener if you think it may be irritating your genital area. In addition, the latex in condoms and diaphragms and the sperm-killing gels that are used for birth control can be irritating for some women. Avoid hot tubs, and bathe or shower daily and pat your genital area dry. Always avoid douching and avoid all feminine hygiene sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, and bubble bath.
These changes in vaginal discharge may occur if the normal balance of healthy germs in your vagina is disrupted. Douching, feminine hygiene sprays, certain soaps or bubble baths, antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy or infections may all disturb the normal balance of germs in your vagina.
Why is douching bad for you?
Douching may spread an infection into your uterus and put you at risk of getting pelvic inflammatory disease. The chemicals in douches may also irritate your vagina and change the normal balance of germs in your vagina. Douching isn't necessary to keep your body clean; smells from your vagina usually come from the vulva and may be treated by washing with soap and water.
Other causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Certain sexually transmitted diseases may be responsible as well. If you experience any of the signs associated with these diseases, contact your doctor to confirm a diagnosis so you can begin treatment.