It's normal to have some vaginal discharge, as the vagina stays moist as part of its self-cleansing mechanism. The normal moist discharge clears dead cells and bacteria from the vagina. It comes mainly from glands in the cervix (neck of the womb), and is slightly acidic, which helps to ward off infection.

The amount of normal discharge varies from woman to woman, and with the menstrual cycle. Many women notice that during the week after a period there is hardly any discharge, and what there is has a thick consistency. Towards the middle of the cycle (about 2 weeks after the start of a period) the amount increases and it becomes thin, slippery and clear, like uncooked egg white. When this discharge is exposed to the air it becomes brownish-yellow, so it is normal to find a yellowish stain on your undies at the middle of the monthly cycle. There may also be a feeling of moistness and stickiness. Discharge also increases during pregnancy, and during sexual excitement vaginal discharge becomes very profuse because two glands near the vaginal opening (the Bartholin's glands) secrete additional slippery mucus, which acts as a lubricant for intercourse.

Normal discharge does not smell nor does it cause irritation or itching. A discharge is likely to be abnormal if:

* it smells fishy
* it's thick and white, like cottage cheese
* it's greenish and smells foul
* there's blood in it (except when you have a period)
* it's itchy
* you have any genital sores or ulcers
* you have abdominal pain or pain on intercourse
* it started soon after you had unprotected sex with someone you suspect could have a sexually transmitted disease.

Body & Mind Shop Limited recommend the following product(s) to help with this condition: