Vagina Health: What is your vagina telling you?

Vaginas are said to be very mysterious… but they don’t have to be as cryptic as they seem. The truth is, most of us are seriously lacking in information when it comes to our own vaginas. There’s a whole world of information out there that you can learn just by getting to know your own body. That’s why we’ve created a guide to help you stay on top of your own health and well-being by taking notes from your vagina. Let’s get started!!

What is your discharge telling you?

One of the loudest ways your vagina communicates is through discharge. If you’ve ever sat on the toilet and noticed a sticky, creamy discharge getting on your underwear, you’ve gotten up close and personal with your own vaginal discharge. While you may think there’s something wrong with it at first, vaginal discharge is completely normal and a sign of vaginal health.

The discharge produced by the cervix can vary depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, whether you are pregnant, have an STI or infection.

The typical discharge is clear to pale white or yellow, and its consistency usually changes throughout your cycle. If you notice a yellowish or green discharge and it's accompanied by a foul odor, your best bet is to get it checked out by a doctor, as this could indicate a problem.

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What does the color of your period blood tell you?

Another way your vagina communicates is through your menstrual cycle. While we typically think of period blood as red, your bleeding can come in a variety of colors, depending on where you’re at in your cycle. It’s important to know the color spectrum because certain hues can give you clues about your health.

If it's black or brown, you're looking at old blood that's usually leaving your uterus. Don't worry unless the black or brown blood is accompanied by pain, odor, or itching. Brown blood is very common during spotting or toward the end of your period.

Do you have dark red period blood? You'll probably see this when you first wake up in the morning or toward the end of your bleeding. It happens when your period slows down and is usually a sign that the blood isn't as fresh.

It’s common to see bright red bleeding at the start of your period each month. It signals that the blood is fresh and flowing quickly, and it usually accompanies your heaviest flow days. Keep in mind that bright red bleeding can be a cause for concern if it occurs between your periods.

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Pink or orange period blood can come at the beginning or end of your period and is usually a sign that the blood is mixing with your cervical fluid. Pink spotting between periods can indicate low estrogen levels. It’s important to note that sometimes orange blood that has an odor or has a strange consistency can indicate an STD.

Finally, gray period blood is quite rare and should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible. It could be a sign of an infection, especially if you are experiencing itching, pain, odor, or fever.

What does the smell of your vagina tell you?

Our vaginas sometimes smell—it’s true. If you live in a very hot, tropical climate or are in the middle of a hot summer day, you may notice vaginal odor. Most musky, sweaty, vagina-like scents are completely normal, and our scents fluctuate frequently during our cycle. Diet, sex, and exercise can also play a role. But when is an odor abnormal?

While it can be hard to describe bad smell if your gut feeling tells you there's something wrong with the way your vagina smells, make an appointment with your doctor. Bad smells can indicate bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, STIs, allergic reactions to soap, and in rare but serious cases, cervical or vaginal cancer.

What does the pain in your vagina tell you?

Vaginas can sometimes be painful, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely normal. If you notice that your vagina is irritated, uncomfortable, itchy, or swollen, there may be something going on there. Vaginal pain can also be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth.

Has sex suddenly become painful? This is another issue that needs attention and you should see a doctor immediately.

In general, you should listen to yourself carefully and not skip your check-ups as often as your doctor recommends.