Bodily changes during puberty: Vaginal Discharge

At some point, you might find something white and creamy on your panty or when you go to the washroom. This is vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a white or clear-ish fluid that comes out of your vagina. It is completely normal and natural.

There are two kinds of vaginal discharge:

The first kind is usually white. Sometimes it might be a light stain on your panty, and sometimes it might look and feel like moisturizer. You might see it every day, or only once in a while. It happens because your vagina is always cleaning itself. This fluid is part of that process.
The second kind happens when hormone levels change during your menstrual cycle. This kind can be white, partly cloudy, or transparent. Sometimes it can also be slippery and/or stretchy. You’ll usually see this for a few days between periods, and sometimes just before your period.

It is a common myth that vaginal discharge means you’re eating too much rice or that your bones are dissolving — this is not true. Vaginal discharge is completely natural and nothing to be ashamed of or grossed out by.

Vaginal discharge can come in different quantities, colors, and textures, and may change throughout the month. If you notice it starts to change color or smell bad, you should talk to a trusted adult or doctor.