[QueenElizabethh]

Hi! I'm a 16 year old girl, and a lot of the time I just feel uncomfortable with my vagina. I have a lot of discharge, generally yellow or clear, which makes me just feel awkward. I've gotten used to it, but I'm wondering if it's normal. I'm also wondering about the smell, because sometimes I don't really mind the smell, generally after a wash, but sometimes it makes me uncomfortable or actually starts to smell funky, is this normal? Do you have any recommendations on what to do to make me feel better about it? Do I have anything to worry about?

[Lost-in-Science]

First of all, you have nothing to worry about, this is very normal if undesirable. Discharge is a perfectly natural and healthy component of the female and male anatomy. Discharge is released constantly but increases when you are sexually aroused or the genetals are disturbed (ie when washing). It is responsible for lubrication during intercourse, as well as cleaning the vagina in women and urethra in men, both physically by removing foreign bodies, but also has anitspetic qualiteies to elminate bacteria and reduce risk of infection. Ultimately the more the better from a health point of view.

If the discharge is not clear or smells particulalry odd (perhaps sour or acrid) then ths can indicate infection and you should contact a doctor immediately. Discharge for both men and women should be clear and slightly salty.

But from a confidence standing you could visit your gp or a gynecologist for expert advice, it is possible to take medication to rreduce discharge with varying degrees of success, otherwise maintaining clean genetalia and using only sensitive shampoos, creams and other shower washes may help reduce the amount and pungence of discharge.

Would you like me to research more or answer any more questions? I hope my answer was helpful