About Junko Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to teen health, thought I cannot give medical advice. I can explain medical terminology, describe medical conditions and hopefully help people understand what is going on with their bodies. If I don`t know an answer to a question, being a medical student, I can easily find out the answer since I have many resources I can refer to.
Question I don't know if you are able to answer this question, but at the times where I am not on my period, I have this off-white liquid that I have. My mom says it's "discharge" and it's normal in the teen years. I have had it for a few years, probably ever since I started my period when I was about 12, but the past 2 months, it has been worse. There is more of it and it is really annoying because I have to go to the bathroom every so often just to clean up. I don't know if it has anything to do with it, but I am on my 3rd month of birth control, that could be making it produce more, but basically, I am wondering what this stuff is, why it produces and if there is any way to get rid of it or at least reduce it. Thanks for your help!
Answer Hi Shannon,
It's perfectly normal to have vaginal discharge. This is how the vagina cleans itself. Normal vaginal discharge is made up of mucus secreted mostly by the cervix and vagina and some discarded vaginal cells. It's usually clear or cloudy, white, thin and filmy, and relatively odorless. It turns yellowish when it dries on clothes.
Changes in normal vaginal discharge can occur for a number of reasons, including your menstrual cycle and the use of birth control. Excessive vaginal discharge can also be a sign of infection. If you're experiencing discharge that always involves using panty shields, or changing protection
or underwear several times a day, then it's probably heavier than normal, and you should see your doctor.
