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Normal Vaginal Discharge

Topic Overview

A vaginal discharge is common for most women. Discharge may be more noticeable during the middle of the menstrual cycle (ovulation). Some women even find it necessary to wear a pad or panty liner because of the amount of discharge.

Normal vaginal discharge:

  • Does not smell bad.
  • Is not accompanied by pain, itching, burning, or redness.
  • Varies with age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and use of birth control pills.

A change in your normal vaginal discharge may be a symptom of a vaginal infection.

Teenage girls may have a large amount of a watery discharge caused by high hormone levels during the teen years or by taking birth control pills.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised September 6, 2011

Last Revised: September 6, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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