Is Stretchy Discharge a Norm?
Sometimes women can notice that their vaginal discharge becomes stretchy and gooey. This often makes them think of some abnormal processes in their intimate health. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything abnormal. It’s normal that the discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle.
Why Do We Have Vaginal Discharge?
The discharge is an important substance that helps keep the vagina clean from the inside. This is why you shouldn’t try to wash its insides - your body already has a perfectly working self-cleaning system. The attempts to help it by washing may result in actual disease because the balance of bacteria inside the vagina should be left untouched.
The discharge also helps to maintain the optimal pH and moisture level necessary for your comfort and health. A dry vagina is more vulnerable to infection and its sensitive mucosa can easily get damaged. During intercourse, the discharge serves as a natural lube, making your sex pleasant and comfortable.
Now you see that vaginal discharge is a good thing. You shouldn't be ashamed of having it or feel dirty in any way. It’s something that helps you be clean. But you should be attentive to it because some changes can be signs of abnormal processes. If you are having bloody discharge between periods, you should make an ultrasound exam and consult with a uterine fibroids or endometriosis specialist, depending on the results.
Why Is It So Stretchy?
The closer the ovulation day, the stretchier they are. It’s a natural mechanism for the safety of spermatozoa to successfully fertilize the egg. You can notice that in a couple of days the discharge will not be as sticky anymore. Some women even use the cervical mucus method for tracking ovulation and plan pregnancy. However, this method can’t be the only one to rely on when you are trying to avoid pregnancy.
When Should You Worry?
There are cases when you should be worried about the changes in the structure of your vaginal discharge and that’s when discomfort joins in. Here are the symptoms of abnormal discharge processes:
Itch or burning sensations that don’t go away
Swelling and reddening of labia
A strong unpleasant smell
A change of color into yellow, green or others except white and transparent
Changes of structure that make your discharge look like pus or cottage cheese
Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
These symptoms are disturbing regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle they appear in. The stickiness alone, even if it’s not quite in the time you expect to ovulate, is normal. The time of ovulation can also change under the influence of various factors.
It’s Sticky!
Even being normal, sticky and gooey discharge can be annoying for a woman. However, it’s better not to use daily pads, especially those with deodorant - they can cause allergy and cut the air supply to your genitals. Wear comfortable panties made of natural materials and change them daily to feel clean and fresh.
Of course, you shouldn’t also forget about proper intimate hygiene. Gently wash your vagina only from the outside with plain water or product with a neutral pH. Never douche it or apply deodorants to make it “smell better” - the smell of a healthy woman is nothing to be ashamed of.
