LADIES, 6 THINGS YOUR V3GINAL DISCHARGE IS TRYING TO TELL YOU

Like most women with other things going on in your life, you probably don’t give your v33ginal discharge much thought. As long as it looks and feels normal—that means clear or white and watery to slightly sticky, depending on where you are in your cycle—you have no reason to be concerned.

But when something in your undies looks or feels off, that sounds alarm bells. Maybe there’s a lot more of it than usual, the color is weird, or you’re hit with a whiff of an odor that you know can’t be good. Before you panic and buy out all the creams and sprays in your local pharmacy’s lady aisle, read these 6 things your vagina may be trying to tell you:

1. It’s Clear to White, Wet, and Stretchy

Most Likely: Ovulation. This slippery discharge appears during the middle of your cycle; it’s your body’s way of making it easier for sperm to slide into your vagina and fertilize an egg. “Discharge at ovulation can be copious,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, ob-gyn and coauthor of V Is for Vagina. “I often hear from patients who are worried something is wrong, but it’s normal.” No wonder this type of sex is the kind women prefer when they’re ovulating! 

2. It’s White, Clumpy, and Really Itchy

Most Likely: A yeast infection, one that’s caused by an overgrowth of the yeast that normally helps balance the bacteria in your vagina. “There’s usually a lot of cottage-cheese looking discharge,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck. “And while it doesn’t have an odour, it’s accompanied by killer itching of the outer or inner labia.” 

 A yeast infection is incredibly common and can be caused by a ton of things, such as taking antibiotics or sitting around in your damp gym clothes. “Yeast love warm, moist environments,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck. Pick up an OTC anti-yeast cream, or ask your doctor about an antifungal prescription that ends the infection without any mess.

3. It’s Yellowish-Green and Possibly Stings a Little
Most Likely: Chlamydia or gonorrhea, two common bacterial STDs. Other signs of either infection include pelvic pain and burning while urinating—but scarily, most women have no symptoms. Once your doctor diagnoses chlamydia or gonorrhea, they’re easily cured with antibiotics.