What is it?
Most girls start to find vaginal discharge in their knickers as they reach puberty. This moisture clears dead skin cells and bacteria from inside the vagina to keep it healthy.
What does normal discharge look like?
Normal discharge looks a bit like egg white - a clear or off-white sticky goo. When it dries normal discharge can turn a light-yellow colour, so it’s normal to find a yellowy stain in your knickers.
Some girls get more discharge than others and the amount and consistency of it change with the menstrual cycle. Most girls find they get more discharge towards the middle of their menstrual cycle.
Girls get less discharge when they’re on the Pill and more when they become sexually aroused (turned on) as the vagina lubricates itself for sexual intercourse.
What do I need to look out for?
Changes in your discharge can mean you’ve picked up an infection like thrush or a sexually transmitted disease, especially if it becomes itchy, chunky, smelly, or turns a grey or green colour. Everyones discharge is different, so it’s a good idea to get used to what’s normal for you.
What should I do if my discharge changes?
See your GP. Most infections are fairly easy to cure with antibiotic pills or creams, but they can cause problems if left to get worse.
If you use tampons, it's also worth checking you’ve haven’t forgotten to remove the last one you used. This happens sometimes and can be a cause of smelly discharge.
Further help and advice
• scarleteen.com
• thesite.org
Disclaimer: the BBC can't be held responsible for the content of external websites.
Pictures posed by models.
