When you need to be worried about your vaginal discharge

The human body can be a weird and wonderful thing, and chances are you might have sat searching the internet asking why your discharge is a certain colour or consistency.

Intimate health can be a source of concern, embarrassment, or even distress for many women and can still be a taboo thing to talk about.

If you've ever felt worried about what's going on down there, you're not alone.

Many of us have questions about our body, and knowing what's normal and what is out of the ordinary can help you to put your mind at rest.

Every body is different, but there are some general rules and things to keep an eye out for which can let you know if everything is working as it should below the belt.

There are a few changes you should keep an eye out for with your intimate health (Getty Stock Images)

One of the main things you should keep an eye out for it the colour, consistency, and any odour.

Dr Susanna Unsworth is a health expert for Intimina, the women’s intimate health brand, and she knows all there is to know about discharge, and advised: "Before or after sex, it is normal for this fluid to look clear or white and have little to no odour."

She said: "Vaginal discharge naturally changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Around ovulation, discharge is usually clear, and often slippery and stretchy, designed to help sperm travel more easily and increase the chances of conception.

"During arousal, vaginal fluid production increases due to a rise in blood flow to the genital tissues. This causes a gentle swelling and pressure in the vaginal walls, allowing moisture to pass through the tissue. This is why arousal fluid often feels watery or thin."

Many women can feel concerned about their health (Getty Stock Images)

Something that should raise alarm bells is 'discharge that is green, yellow, grey, thick, lumpy, frothy, or has a strong or unusual smell,' said the expert.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, 'normal' discharge consistency can be 'watery, sticky, gooey' but again confirms it shouldn't be lumpy or frothy.

Any overwhelmingly fishy or foul smell along with the colour or consistency changes, could point to a vaginal infection or something like thrush, if it looks like cottage cheese.

The consistency can chance over the course of the menstrual cycle, and sometimes there can be a brownish or reddish tint in the days before and after your period, which is usually old blood.

However, Dr Unsworth warned: "Blood between periods, itching, or irritation are also signs to review with a healthcare provider to rule out infection or other causes."

Yellow, grey or green discharge could be a sign of a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection, and should be checked out by your GP or at a GUM clinic.

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