Dear Jacqui,
For the past few months I have noticed an increase in my vaginal discharge. It also seems a little different. It is sometimes thick and pasty with a florescent yellowish color. I have no other vaginal symptoms. There is no rash, itching or offensive odor. Right before and after my period, I notice that there is gelatin discharge that sometimes hangs from my vagina when I go to the bathroom.

I have also become sensitive to certain bath soaps that are antibacterial and have strong fragrances or colors. I am so glad there are sites like these that could give advice on intimate subjects like these. It is embarrassing to discuss them with anyone else including my gynecologist. Is this something I should worry about? Lisa

Dear Lisa,
Many women have a little bit of discharge daily which can be quite normal. Sometimes during hormonal changes the discharge may become a little heavier and somewhat gelatinous in texture but have no smell or no other symptoms associated with it. Often this occurs during or after pregnancy.

However, sometimes the discharge is due to an overgrowth of organisms when the balance in the vaginal environment is disturbed. Yeast infections and Trichomoniasis usually produce symptoms such as itching and burning as well as strong odor. This is not necessarily true for Bacterial Vaginosis, though it often has an unpleasant fishy smell. We have posted in depth information on these vaginal infections on our site because they are very common.

You may find it on our website in advice under Vaginal Health, frequently asked questions. From your description I suspect that your discharge may be normal. But if it is continuous and tends to be heavy at times, it is best to rule out any undetected organisms and go for a gynecological check-up. Sometimes, when you have a yeast infection, you may also have a bacterial infection at the same time. The yeast medication would be ineffective towards bacteria.

Finally it is most important that you avoid all cleansing products that can cause vaginal disturbances. Only use a pH balanced soap or body wash containing NO FRAGRANCE, PLANT ADDITIVES, and CHEMICAL COLORS OR VITAMINS. These ingredients are known to disturb the natural healthy pH in your vagina, which actually protects you against vaginal problems.

You may wish to use a pH balanced soap or the Very Private pH balanced body wash. It is very mild, hypoallergenic, gynecologist tested and approved. Our body wash actually contains an ingredient to help protect you against vaginal irritations. I would also suggest that use avoid sitting in scented bubble bath and change quickly if you are wearing a damp bathing suit or damp exercise wear. With kind regards,

Jacqui





	"I've noticed an increase in my vaginal discharge, is this something I should worry about?" Dear Jacqui, For the past few months I have noticed an increase in my vaginal discharge. It also seems a little different. It is sometimes thick and pasty with a florescent yellowish color. I have no other vaginal symptoms. There is no rash, itching or offensive odor. Right before and after my period, I notice that there is gelatin discharge that sometimes hangs from my vagina when I go to the bathroom. I have also become sensitive to certain bath soaps that are antibacterial and have strong fragrances or colors. I am so glad there are sites like these that could give advice on intimate subjects like these. It is embarrassing to discuss them with anyone else including my gynecologist. Is this something I should worry about? Lisa Dear Lisa, Many women have a little bit of discharge daily which can be quite normal. Sometimes during hormonal changes the discharge may become a little heavier and somewhat gelatinous in texture but have no smell or no other symptoms associated with it. Often this occurs during or after pregnancy. However, sometimes the discharge is due to an overgrowth of organisms when the balance in the vaginal environment is disturbed. Yeast infections and Trichomoniasis usually produce symptoms such as itching and burning as well as strong odor. This is not necessarily true for Bacterial Vaginosis, though it often has an unpleasant fishy smell. We have posted in depth information on these vaginal infections on our site because they are very common. You may find it on our website in advice under Vaginal Health, frequently asked questions. From your description I suspect that your discharge may be normal. But if it is continuous and tends to be heavy at times, it is best to rule out any undetected organisms and go for a gynecological check-up. Sometimes, when you have a yeast infection, you may also have a bacterial infection at the same time. The yeast medication would be ineffective towards bacteria. Finally it is most important that you avoid all cleansing products that can cause vaginal disturbances. Only use a pH balanced soap or body wash containing NO FRAGRANCE, PLANT ADDITIVES, and CHEMICAL COLORS OR VITAMINS. These ingredients are known to disturb the natural healthy pH in your vagina, which actually protects you against vaginal problems. You may wish to use a pH balanced soap or the Very Private pH balanced body wash. It is very mild, hypoallergenic, gynecologist tested and approved. Our body wash actually contains an ingredient to help protect you against vaginal irritations. I would also suggest that use avoid sitting in scented bubble bath and change quickly if you are wearing a damp bathing suit or damp exercise wear. With kind regards, Jacqui Copyright 2001 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved. Thank you for your trust.

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