Vaginal Discharge, Infections, & Odors and Douching / Question
Published: January 8, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm a 16-year-old female, with a normal vaginal discharge. I am planning on becoming more physical with my boyfriend. However, I am worried that he will think this discharge is gross or disgusting. Do all men think this, or do they know it's normal?
Signed: Do Men Know About Normal Vaginal Discharge?
Dear Do Men Know About Normal Vaginal Discharge?,
We're glad that you know the discharge from your vagina is normal. Your question is, does he know? If he has been sexually active before, then he has probably encountered another woman's vaginal discharge. If he hasn't, this will be your chance to educate him. Let him know that every woman's vagina secretes fluids - that's part of how your body keeps itself clean and healthy. In addition, when you are sexually aroused, the walls of your vagina secrete a fluid that acts as a lubricant. Again, this is perfectly normal, and he should take it as a compliment!
The things your body does when you're being sexual can seem embarrassing, but those same things can be very arousing to someone who is attracted to you. We hope you won't worry too much more, and of course, we hope you will practice safer sex.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens whose parents talk to them regularly about the dangers of drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents don’t, yet only 1 in 4 teens report having these conversations. 
