Normal Vaginal Discharge - What Is It All About?

The use of soaps and vaginal washes can sometimes cause rashes and irritation of the vagina. While a bikini wax may seem like a good way to keep yourself clean, it can actually be counterproductive. Pubic hair provides vagina protection from certain infections as well as chafing or irritation. While waxing the bikini area makes the vagina sensitive and thus prone to chafing or friction, it can also increase one s risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases. The best and safest method of cleaning the vaginal area is with warm water along with a gentle hygiene product.

The regular discharge from the vagina is completely normal. Vaginal discharge is a regular function of the body and is a process by which the body cleans itself. Just as tears help in keeping the eyes clean, in the very same way, vaginal discharge is the result of the body cleansing the vagina. There are certain organisms in the vagina that help in the production of lactic acid which is essential since it inhibits the growth of yeast infections or bacteria. That way, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ.

It is normal if the discharge from a woman s body is clear and watery; this can happen at any time during the month, especially after one exercises a lot. Though it may seem worrisome, brown or bloody discharge is quite normal and is commonly experienced by women after menstruation. But in a few cases, however rare they are, brown discharge can be indicative of a cancer of the cervix. Yellow discharge, on the other hand, could be indicative of an infection or certain sexually transmitted diseases. You should seek medical consultation from a gynecologist if you notice the yellow, green or thick white discharge.

There are sweat glands in the vaginal area, which cause the vagina to sweat regularly. It is a misconception that vaginal odor is produced because you are dirty and smelly. In general, a mild odor is perfectly normal. At certain periods, a woman may even experience an excess of vaginal odor, such as during pregnancy, right after sexual activity and every month while menstruating. A sharp and bad odor of the vagina can indicate conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance in the level of vaginal bacteria or even sexually transmitted diseases which are a cause for concern.