Cervical Mucus - a window into your health and cycle
This is something that just isn’t talked about enough but lets make it clear your vagina’s normal odours and discharge are not something to be ashamed of, covered up, douched away, or perfumed.
The message for WAY too has been that a normal, healthy vagina and its odours are something we need to be self-conscious about and buy products to ‘sort out’. Most of these products are actually harmful to the vaginal flora which we naturally need in order to support against infections, to keep us healthy and our vagina is actually a self-cleaning organ.
So let’s talk about what’s normal, what’s not, when to be worried, and what conditions can cause changes to our vaginal discharge and/or odour.
It is completely normal to have some vaginal discharge, depending on where you’re at in your cycle, you may have more or less and varies from woman to woman.
Here is an overview of what our discharge can mean:
Clear, sticky: Normal
This is just an indication that your vagina is healthy and functioning properly. Usually, mid-cycle, women who are ovulating will notice a clear, egg-white consistency to their cervical mucus in the days surrounding ovulation. (NB If you’re on hormonal birth control that stops you from ovulating, you are unlikely to see this type of discharge that coincides with ovulation).
Clear, slippery or stretchy: Ovulation
During and just before ovulation, cervical mucus can become white and thicker
White, creamy: Nearing ovulation
White, cottage cheese: Yeast infection
Grey, thick: Bacterial vaginosis
This is an infection caused by imbalanced vaginal flora, and the discharge it produces usually results in a greyish colour, it can also be associated with a mild to strong fishy odour (although not always), mild discomfort and can be accompanied by painful urination
Green/ Yellow, thick: Bacterial vaginosis, STI
If you have discharge that has an unpleasant odour, is green or yellow, and you’re feeling unwell, contact your doctor to get tested.
Brown, clumpy: period, implantation, infection
Ok so how about textures?
Sticky - usually happens the week after your period, and it means your body is not in a fertile phase. During this time, discharge can be described as white, cloudy, and can come out in globs.
Creamy - usually means you’re nearing ovulation.
Slippery or Stretchy - usually shows up at ovulation and when still wet, can be stretched between your fingers.
Cottage Cheese – a pretty good indication that you have a yeast infection.
Thick, Clumpy - is typically a sign of infection. If it looks like green or yellow mucus then it is best call you GP to get it checked out as could be a result of an STI like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis
Ok, well what about odours?
Lets be clear, all vaginas have a slight odour this is due to the bacteria that colonise the vagina which is a sign of a completely normal vagina with a completely normal amount of healthy bacteria.
Its completely normal and not something we should be dousing in scented products even if the adverts tell you to! It serves a biological purpose and is actually involved in attracting mate.
However, if you’re noticing a strong odour, it could be a sign of something you want to have checked out by your doctor. If it is fishy, it is not you. It is bacteria.
Types of Vaginal Odours:
Fermented - A slight tangy or sour smell means everything is just fine. Our vagina is full of Lactobacillus bacteria which is the same kind of bacteria involved in making yogurt, bread, or beer.
Ammonia - can be a sign of infection but also urine has an ammonia smell (even more so if you are dehydrated) so be mindful urine in your underwear can also give off an odour.
Fishy - can be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis or an STI. It is probably best to call you GP to just get it checked out
If you want are interested to find out more about how this looks like for you and the changes you experience throughout the month, why not download you free copy of my Ultimate Guide to Cycle Tracking.
