Many women understand their menstrual cycles, but know very little about other changes that occur in their bodies each month.

Here are some of those changes:

Normal Secretions


Mucus - During the menstrual cycle, mucus is made in the cervix. Sometimes this mucus is slippery, wet and stretchy; at other times it is dry and sticky.

This clear, cloudy, white mucus is the sign of a healthy vagina. Women may notice it on their underwear or when they wipe themselves after urinating. Women on birth control pills, will only have the dry sticky mucus.

Young women should be familiar with their mucus. If the mucus changes colour or odour, it may be the sign of an abnormal secretion or infection.

Lubrication

 - Lubrication is a fluid produced by glands near the opening of the vagina during sexual excitement. For some women this happens quickly; for others it takes longer. If there isn’t enough lubrication, intercourse may be uncomfortable or even painful. Water soluble lubricants like KY jelly or Astroglide can make it comfortable.

Female ejaculation

 - Some women feel the urge to urinate and will leak a fluid when they have an orgasm. This fluid comes out of the urethra, but is not urine. It has no odour and doesn’t stain.

Abnormal Discharge


The vagina should have a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. This balance may be upset by douching, pregnancy, antibiotics or birth control pills. When this happens, the normal vaginal discharge may change colour and the woman may have itchiness, redness or a burning feeling when she urinates. This often means there is an infection that needs treating. The woman’s sexual partner may also need treating.

Unusual Spotting or Bleeding


Spotting or bleeding is normal if it happens during ovulation or in the first three months of using birth control pills. Any bleeding after intercourse or for no apparent reason should be checked by a doctor.

To keep your vagina healthy:

Do:
  • wear cotton underwear
  • wipe from front to back every time you use the toilet
  • change tampons at least every four hours
  • if you are having intercourse, always use a latex condom and have an internal examination, including a pap test, once a year

    • Don’t:

    • douche
    • use soap or perfumed sprays inside the vagina
    • wear underwear to bed, especially if it’s synthetic
    • share towels, washcloths, underwear or bathing suits

      • For more information contact Public Health Clinic Services at 519-355-1071 ext. 5901 or online at

      CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca

      Adapted with permission from Elgin – St. Thomas Health Unit.