Vaginal Discharge, Infections, & Odors and Douching / Question
Published: February 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have like this ooze stuff coming out of my down there. I've never had sex or anything and it's not colored. Could this be an infection?
Signed: Oozy Stuff Down There, Infection?
Dear Oozy Stuff Down There, Infection?,
You did not identify yourself in the question as to whether you are male or female, but we are going to assume that you are female. Thus your condition sounds completely normal and what is known as Vaginal Discharge. Every woman's vagina needs to cleanse itself daily. It cleans itself with secretions consisting of mucus, bacteria and discarded cells. These secretions are what ends up in your underwear. They may turn yellow after being exposed to the air, but are generally white or clear in color. The amount of discharge will change depending on hormone levels. You may also see an increase with sexual excitement.
What you shouldn't experience is itching or pain. Also the discharge should be basically odorless. If you do have itching, pain, odor or if the discharge is a different color then you should see your doctor as you may be experiencing Vaginitis, or and infection in your vaginal area of some type. There are three types of Vaginitis.
- Gardenerella- foul odor with grayish color, no itching
- Yeast infection- thick clumpy discharge, itching
- Trichomoniasis- green/yellow foul smell, itching
Your doctor will be able to diagnose which one you are suffering from, and normally treat the infection with antibiotics.
There is really no need to be alarmed by regular discharge. It is a normal and healthy bodily process. If you find it uncomfortable you may want to try wearing panty liners when you are not having your period.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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