Recognizing and Preventing Yeast Infections

Different types of vaginal discharge and what to look out for

Vaginal discharge is often totally normal and healthy. This is the name for the secretions that come out of your vagina. You may notice discharge in your underwear or when you wipe after using the bathroom. There are few kinds of vaginal discharge and most of them are related to your menstrual cycle and periods. There are, however, some kinds that you need to look out for because they may indicate that you have a yeast infection.

What does normal and healthy vaginal discharge look like?

Throughout your cycle you will see vaginal discharge in your underwear. This is called cervical fluid because it is produced by your cervix (the entryway between your uterus and your vagina). It can look a few different ways - it may be white and dry, like streaks; or it may be watery and more like lotion; or it may look more like egg whites and be clear and stretchy or gloopy.

If you observe it you will begin to see a pattern with different types of cervical fluid showing up at different times in your cycle. You will usually see a lot more cervical fluid and it will be more obvious to you around ovulation. But you may have cervical fluid leading up to ovulation and before your period too

What does vaginal discharge look like when you have an infection?

Vaginal discharge that is a sign of an infection is usually gray or green tinted and may look like cottage cheese consistency to you. It will look a lot different to the cervical fluid you will get used to during your menstrual cycles which is nearly always white or clear – although it may sometimes have a slight yellow tint or be speckled with red if there’s some period blood or spotting in there too.

But don’t worry, for most women it is not hard to know when you have an infection because the vaginal discharge is different plus there are often other symptoms like redness of your vulva, itchiness of your vulva, and maybe a burning sensation or irritation when you urinate. The vaginal discharge that comes with an infection also smells very funky! Normal, healthy cervical fluid won’t have much of a smell.

How to prevent yeast and vaginal infections

Vaginal infections or yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of “candida” which is a kind of fungus or yeast. This can happen to anyone and it does not mean you are dirty. In fact, we all have some candida in our vulvas but also other places on the body.

To prevent yeast and vaginal infections, there are a few things you can do:

Wear breathable cotton underwear

One thing you can do to avoid this happening is wear cotton underwear that breathes rather than underwear made of synthetic materials. Make sure your underwear is not too tight. If you’re swimming, be sure to change out of your swimsuit soon after you’re done.

Avoid using vaginal cleansers or douches

Remember, the vulva and vagina are self-cleaning! In fact, the cervical fluid you see is part of that cleaning process, as this takes out any germs from your vagina to the outside. You never need to use vaginal cleansers or douches. In fact, using these can cause infections which then make you produce infection discharge. Your vulva needs, at the most, just gentle soap and water. But overall the vulva and vagina are naturally very clean and need little to no assistance from us to stay that way.

If you have to take antibiotics - say for Mono or strep throat - this can cause you to have a yeast infection during the course or after you stop. This is because the medication gets rid of all bacteria - even the good stuff that helps keep candida in check. Just something to keep in mind, although it does not happen for everyone who takes antibiotics.

Yeast infections can happen more often right before you get your period. The hormone estrogen can increase the amount of candida in your vulva. It is unlikely that you will experience yeast infections before you start having a period, but if you notice changes like the ones we described above, let a trusted adult know.

What to do if you have a yeast or vaginal infection

Talk to a doctor
Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms have disappeared.
Avoid sexual activity during treatment, as it can worsen the infection or lead to reinfection.
Maintain good hygiene practices, such as changing your underwear daily, avoiding synthetic fabrics, and gently cleaning the vulva with water and mild soap.
Inform your sexual partner and encourage them to get treated as well to prevent reinfection.

Yeast and vaginal infections are common and nothing to be ashamed of. However, it’s important to act quickly and start treatment to avoid long-term health effects.

FAQs

How often is vaginal discharge normal?

Daily discharge is completely normal. However, the amount can vary depending on your cycle phase, stress levels, diet, or hormonal contraception. What matters is that the color, consistency, and smell remain within a normal range.

If I have a yeast infect does my partner need medication too?

Yes. If they are not treated, they can pass the infection back to you.

How quickly do treatments against yeast infection work?

Symptoms usually improve within 1–3 days, depending on the product. It's important to complete the full course of treatment, even if you're already feeling better.

Learn more

Discover how cervical mucus can be used as a fertility indicator. Learn how it changes throughout the cycle and how you can use it to support your desire to conceive. Get tips for effective cycle tracking.

Cervical Mucus

Causes and origins of bloody discharge. How to interpret bloody discharge and what bloody cervical mucus may indicate.

Bloody Cervical Mucus

The fertility tracker method is a modern, digital advancement of natural family planning. It eliminates errors of traditional methods and accurately detects and records actual ovulation.

The Fertility Tracker Method

Sources

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/yeast-infections.html https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Vaginal-Yeast-Infections

How to know if you have a yeast infection and what you can do against it.