What is discharge?

Discharge, or vaginal discharge, is a slightly wet fluid that comes out of your vagina and it's super normal to have! It helps keep the vagina clean and moist, like a natural cleaning system for your body. You know when you clean your nose and mucus comes out? It's kind of like that, but down there.

What does discharge look like?

It can vary in color and consistency depending on the phase of your menstrual cycle, even before your first period. Like, sometimes it's clear and stretchy, other times it's more whitish or yellowish and creamy. It doesn't have a strong smell and, most of the time, you don't even notice it's there. It's just a sign that your body is working properly.

When to worry?

If the discharge changes a lot, like if it gets a strange smell, like fish, or changes color to green or gray, or if you feel itching, burning, or pain, then it's good to talk to an adult. But, overall, having discharge is totally normal and part of growing up, did you know? It's one of the signs that your first period is coming! There's a quiz on the site to give you an idea of how close it is: how close is my first period?