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Healthy and Abnormal Clear Discharges and Top 7 Ways to Control Them

Panties soaked with watery pink discharge

Varying in color, smell and consistency, clear discharges are normal during a woman’s menstrual cycle. They are produced by cervical glands that contain some fluid to keep the vagina clean.

When the fluid is clear or milky white and is not accompanied by any unpleasant odor, there are no reasons for concern. At the time of ovulation the fluid can become thicker, which is also fine. This also happens during sexual arousal and breastfeeding.

The normal frequency of such vaginal discharges varies. Greater amounts can be noticed at certain ages, when the levels of estrogen and progesterone start fluctuating. As long as discharges are odorless and clear, their amounts don’t play any part. Ovulation is usually the commonest cause of such secretions. When cervical glands get stimulated during the release of an egg, the discharge is clear and of water-like consistency. Sometimes it even has a few white spots, but still remains odorless.

Many teenagers also have these discharges, and, normally, they don’t know how to act after the secretions occur. In this case it is highly important to know that such cases are safe for all teens, because their bodies undergo hormonal changes and attempt to establish regular menstrual cycles. The frequency of secretions is determined by the activity of cervical glands. However, usually the frequency subsides after periods start.

In any case, reasons for clear discharges may vary greatly. Products used for personal hygiene can contribute to their occurrence and even temporary changes. To the most common triggers belong douche products, as they increase such abnormality as irritation.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Clear Vaginal Discharges

When the vagina is healthy, clear secretions are normal. The vagina is a passageway between the inner reproductive organs and the outside of the body. Its acidic balance discourages a great number of various infections from occurring. This is why it is natural for the vagina to produce secretions that help to clean it and regulate its environment.

Safe discharges are not only clear, but also cloudy white and a bit yellowish. Closer to ovulation they contain white flecks and are rather thin. Why? Because there are too many factors that can influence the nature of their color and odor, including pregnancy, stress, medications and nutrition.

During sexual arousal a healthy vagina produces a lot more discharge, as the cervical glands become more stimulated. This makes the sexual intercourse more enjoyable for both partners and comfortable for a woman. Amounts of such secretions vary from woman to woman.

Unhealthy discharges are never clear. They are signs of vaginal infections every woman experiences at a definite period of her life. This is when the color, texture and odor of the discharge change greatly. Besides, its occurrence causes discomfort and is accompanied by soreness, rash, burning during urination, etc.

The commonest problems that lead to such discomfort include:

  1. Yeast infection – clear, white or cloudy secretions that are accompanied by itching. The condition is treated by a number of medications that alleviate the problem pretty fast.
  2. Bacterial vaginosis – results in clear discharges with foul smelling or fishy odor. The problem can be solved by some prescription medications.

Any treatment course should be discussed with your doctor. Don’t count on self-treatment options, because they aren’t safe and can make the situation worse.

When the discharges cause swelling, itching and have a bad odor, these are the first signs of problems that are to be checked by a professional. Cottage cheese, foamy, green or grey discharges are also the reasons for a rather great concern.

How to Keep Clear Discharges under Control?

If the secretions are clear, they are normal and shouldn’t be controlled. However, if you have any doubts, you can consult your doctor. Most women manage to find alternative ways to control even such safe discharges. They:

  1. use panty liner pads to soak up discharges
  2. wear cotton underpants, thus helping the area to breathe
  3. use unscented bathroom tissues
  4. refuse from frequent douching and take baths
  5. refuse from using laundry detergents and fabric softeners
  6. don’t use feminine hygiene sprays
  7. consult a gynecologist regularly

When there is a medication prescribed, the treatment course should be completed even if the symptoms get better before finishing the medication.

Normal clear discharges shouldn’t be treated. Don’t use douche to remove the secretion as it washes away healthy bacteria and causes a number of health problems.