Discharge...

[CherryDarling]

Ever since I hit puberty in middle school, I have had a rather large amount of discharge, depending the point of my cycle. It's white-ish colored, always has been. It has nothing to do with any STDs, because for one thing I've been tested and I'm clean, and that it started happening when I was ten or eleven, LONG before I started having sex. It's not reoccurring infections either, because there's never a weird smell or itchiness/burning. Even when I get my pap smears my doctor says there is more discharge that usually there is.

I'm self-conscious about it, I have to wear panty liners even when I'm not on my period sometimes because I feel gross if I get it on my underwear. Am I normal? Does anyone else have a lot too? I'm pretty confused about it and have been for years.

[sabz]

I have gone through times in my life when I had more discharge than I thought was normal. Women's bodies go through tons of changes throughout our lives as well as throughout the month. The amount and consistency of discharge will never be the same on a day to day basis, and will vary from person to person. Sometimes something as simple as a cold that your body is fighting off can change the balance of your body and affect your discharge.

It is normal to have discharge, but what is normal for you might not be for someone else. It is a way for your body to flush itself. Sometimes birth control pills will help to dry you up a bit, but again it varies from person to person. As long as your discharge isn't clumpy, smelly, or discolored (yellow or green which indicates and infection), it sounds normal.

[Ann Andriani]

CherryDarling,

I have also always had quite a discharge. It's kind of silly because I have this discharge all the time and then during sex, I need some help in the lube department. My gynecologist has always told me that mine was okay too. I notice that it does vary a little bit at different times of the month. If it's something that really bothers you, ask your doctor if there's anything that can be done about it. I've been on various bc pills for almost 20 years now and I still have a significant discharge.

I'm sure as the years go on you'll adjust to what your body is doing and handle it in a way that feels most comfortable for you. I was very self-conscious about it early on in life as well, but for many years now, I've reached acceptance, it is what it is.

Ann

[MistressSavanna]

Hey CherryDarling-

I'm the same way. My OB/GYN said mine is normal too. I, like Ann, have learned to accept it. Don't feel bad!! You're not the only one!!

Take care

[iamsam75]

I'm in my early 30's, take BC and the past couple of months i've noticed when i'm not on my period, I have some discharge - but it's usually brownish. I feel like it's remnants of my period, but it lasts for weeks beyond. I only notice it when I wear thongs though, as it looks like I have some spotting; I have an appt with an ob/gyn anyway - but i've never had this before now (recently).

I posted another post somewhere else a few days ago that when I was having sex, i was bleeding and it freaked me and my guy out.

Could these be related? Could it be a yeast infection? I have monistat, but it's so yucky and don't want to use it for the hell of it.

~Heather