[LeahBee123]

Though I am 18 years old and have been having my period since I was 11, I've never really learned, nor have I bothered to ask, what is and what is not normal when pertaining to the menstrual cycle. I've always, or at least for as long as I can remember, had an irregular discharge. It varies in degrees, sometimes it is heavy and sometimes it is light, but it's always there. Most of the time it is a fluid like consistency but sometimes it can be clumpy. I've read that if it has an odor then it is not normal. Mine often, but not always, has an odor. This can't be normal. Is it possible for a virgin, as I proudly am, to have a vaginal infection?

Any information will be helpful.

:)

[rankrank55]

Yes, it's possible for anyone, virgin or not, to get a vaginal infection but I don't think this is the problem in your case. You period sounds very normal to me... we all have heavy days and light days and periods can be clotty sometimes too. Most women notice a distinct odor during their menses which is completely normal! There are many ways that you can control this odor however: One is to use deodorant tampons and change them each time you go the toilet. Wearing cotton undergarments may also help minimize sweating and odors.

[LeahBee123]

Yes, it's possible for anyone, virgin or not, to get a vaginal infection but I don't think this is the problem in your case. You period sounds very normal to me...we all have heavy days and light days and periods can be clotty sometimes too. Most women notice a distinct odor during their menses which is completely normal! There are many ways that you can control this odor however: One is to use deodorant tampons and change them each time you go the toilet. Wearing cotton undergarments may also help minimize sweating and odors.

Oh, I'm sorry I didn't explain it well enough. I meant I have a discharge other than my period. This occurs from the time my cycle ends to the time it starts again. I have problems with my periods as well, but I am mostly concerned with the discharge.

[rankrank55]

What type of discharge... what color?

[LeahBee123]

It's white/clear - which I've heard is a normal color - but, like I said, it is sometimes clumpy and has a slight odor.

[rankrank55]

I see... is it as clumpy as cottage cheese or just really thick? Vaginal discharge varies in its nature and consistency from one person to another and even for one person throughout the menstrual cycle. Commonly the discharge is white or clear. The cells come from the vaginal lining and fluid from the vagina and the cervix. It often gets thin (non clumpy) at mid cycle of the menses because the cervical mucous is thin and copious if ovulation has taken place that cycle. In the 2nd half of the cycle it becomes thickened and sometimes clumpy under the effect of progesterone. These are all normal mechanisms to help a woman become pregnant at the mid cycle time of ovulation and then "block" the cervix in the 2nd half of the cycle so that if a pregnancy occurs there won't be any ascending infection. If it is the consistancy of cottage cheese then it could be bacterial vaginitus.

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[LeahBee123]

No, it's not that bad at all. It's only a little clumpy and it only happens rarely.

[rankrank55]

Sounds very normal then... just a part of your monthly cycle which undergoes many cervical mucus changes!

[LeahBee123]

Okay, thank you! I would never ask someone this in person, I am far too shy, maybe this is why I lack so much knowledge about the whole thing, haha. I'm glad I was able to finally ask someone. Thank you again.

[rankrank55]

Your very welcome! Ask anything, anytime! I'm a shy person too :)