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VAGINAL DISCHARGE PERTH

Vaginal discharge:

What’s normal, what’s not, and when to chill

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Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge

Sexual health clinic in Joondalup

My Sexual Health consults at

Luma Medical, 8/189 Lakeside Dr, Joondalup WA 6027

Luma Medical, 227 Newcastle St, Northbridge WA 6003

(08)
6330 5400
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Vaginal discharge

VAGINAL DISCHARGE PERTH

Wait… is this normal?!

You go to the bathroom, do your thing, look down and there it is. A mystery in your underwear. Is it normal? Is it an infection?

Before you panic, here’s what you need to know: vaginal discharge is completely normal. It’s how your body keeps your vagina clean and healthy. Every person with a vagina has discharge. Some more, some less. The only time to worry is if it changes in a way that’s unusual for you. So, if something feels off, like a weird smell, unusual colour, or irritation, your vagina might be trying to tell you something.

How discharge changes throughout your cycle

Your discharge isn’t random; it changes throughout your menstrual cycle, depending on hormones, birth control, pregnancy, or even menopause. If you’re on hormone therapy or don’t menstruate, your discharge pattern may be different and that’s normal too.

We also recognise that not everyone who experiences vaginal discharge identifies as female. Trans men, non-binary and gender diverse people can all be affected, and your experience is valid.

What’s totally normal:

  1. Clear and stretchy – Happens around ovulation. If it’s super slippery, your body is at peak fertility.
  2. White and creamy – Normal before and after ovulation. If there’s no itching or strong smell, no worries.
  3. Sticky or dry – More common after your period when hormone levels drop.
  4. A little yellowish when dry – If there’s no weird odour or irritation, this isn’t usually a problem.

Vaginal discharge is your body’s natural health tracker. If it suddenly changes in a way that doesn’t feel right, it’s worth paying attention.

VAGINAL DISCHARGE SYMPTOMS

When should you worry?

While most discharge is harmless, sometimes it’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, we need to see a sexual health doctor!”

When to get checked:

  1. Green, yellow, or grey discharge – Could be bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
  2. Strong, fishy smell – A sign of BV.
  3. Itching, burning, or irritation – Could be candidiasis (thrush) or another type of infection.
  4. Super watery discharge out of nowhere – If you notice a sudden increase in watery discharge that’s unusual for you, it’s worth checking with a doctor.
  5. Thick, white, clumpy (like cottage cheese) – A classic sign of candidiasis (thrush).
  6. Bleeding between periods or after sex – Could be hormonal, but it’s worth checking with a doctor.

If any of these sound familiar, don’t panic—just get it checked. Most infections can be treated effectively, and early treatment can help prevent complications.

The “let me fix it” trap: Why you don’t need fancy washes

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I should buy one of those ‘feminine hygiene’ washes to freshen things up”, stop right there.

Your vagina is self-cleaning. It doesn’t need scented washes, douches, or special wipes. In fact, these can mess up your natural balance and cause infections.

What to do instead:

  1. Wash with plain water—that’s all you need.
  2. If you must use soap, make sure it’s unscented and gentle.
  3. Avoid perfumed products, wipes, and douches. Many scented washes and douches can disrupt the vaginal microbiome, leading to irritation or infections.

Bottom line: Your vagina has a natural scent, and using perfumed products can disrupt its balance.

Some conditions, like thrush or BV, can keep coming back, which is frustrating. If you’re dealing with constant infections, don’t suffer in silence.

Recurring infections are common, and we regularly help patients manage these concerns. Whether it’s bacterial vaginosis that won’t go away or thrush that keeps returning, there are treatment options available, and we can work with you to find what suits you best. For persons on gender-affirming hormone, changes in vaginal/front hole health can also occur, and we’re experienced in supporting these concerns too.

If your discharge has changed and you have symptoms like:

  1. Itching, burning, or irritation
  2. Pain when peeing
  3. Bleeding after sex or between periods
  4. Pelvic pain (pain between your belly button and groin)

It’s time to see a doctor. There’s no need to feel embarrassed; at My Sexual Health, we’ve seen it all before. Our team is here to help, not judge.

Michelle Yong
“Your body is always communicating with you, and vaginal discharge is just one of the ways it does that. It’s completely normal for it to change, and most of the time, there’s nothing to worry about. But if something feels off, don’t second-guess yourself—come and see us. I provide professional, confidential care to help you understand what’s happening with your body.”
Dr Michelle Yong
Sexual Health Specialist Perth
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Vaginal discharge

VAGINAL DISCHARGE PERTH

My Sexual Health Joondalup

Most of the time, vaginal discharge is just your body doing its thing. But if something feels off, trust your instincts and get checked. Better safe than sorry!

Need help with persistent discharge or recurring infections? We’re here for you.

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