Professor Ronnie Lamont, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says: "The vagina contains more bacteria than anywhere else in the body after the bowel, but the bacteria are there for a reason." There are lots of bacteria inside the vagina, and they're there to protect it. If there are any changes to your discharge that aren't normal for you, such as a change in colour or it starts to smell or itch, see your GP as you might have an infection.įind out more about vaginal discharge, pregnancy and the menopause.
You may feel an uncomfortable wetness, but you shouldn't have any itching or soreness around your vagina. Healthy discharge doesn't have a strong smell or colour. The character and amount of vaginal discharge varies throughout your menstrual cycle.Īround the time your ovary releases an egg (ovulation), your discharge usually becomes thicker and stretchy, like raw egg white. "Changes in the amount of discharge can be 100% hormonal – in other words, linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause." "There is a myth that copious clear or white discharge is associated with sexually transmitted infections. "Vaginal discharge is not 'always a bad sign'," says Dr Elneil. This mucus is produced naturally from the neck of the womb, known as the cervix. Other than your period as part of your natural menstrual cycle, it's normal to produce clear or white secretions (discharge) from your vagina. "Normal exercise helps maintain good vaginal function, as walking and running helps the pelvic floor to tone up and ensure good general health."įind out more about having a healthy diet, exercise and keeping fit. "This includes a healthy diet and exercise. "Generally, good vaginal health is maintained by making sure you're in good general health," she explains. Looking after your everyday health can help keep your vagina in good shape, says Dr Suzy Elneil, consultant in urogynaecology at University College Hospital, London, and spokesperson for Wellbeing of Women.
The external sex organs, which are called the vulva, surround the vaginal opening. The vagina is a tube of muscle inside a woman's body that runs from the cervix (the opening of the womb) to the vaginal opening.
#What is your vag supposed to smell like how to#
Find out how to help your vagina keep clean and healthy, and why you don't need douches or vaginal wipes. The vagina is designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions (discharge).