Dear KcosmoW,

Good question! You're right — it is totally normal for healthy girls and women to have a vaginal discharge, which can show up on their underwear. The clinical name for this discharge is leukorrhea.

Normal discharges are either thick and whitish or slippery and clear. These changes are normal and they depend on what part of the menstrual cycle you are in. Typical vaginal discharge may have a particular odor — and that's normal, too.

However, if a girl notices that her discharge is foamy, that the odor changes or becomes unpleasant, or that she has itching or burning, then she may have vaginitis. Vaginitis is any irritation in the vagina, and it can cause abnormal discharge.

Vaginitis can be caused by a number of things, including an overgrowth of bacteria, sexually transmitted infections, allergies, and irritants.

These are common symptoms of vaginitis:

• changes in color, quantity, or texture of the vaginal fluid



• unpleasant odors



• bleeding, spotting, or bloody discoloration



• itching and/or burning of the vagina or vulva.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment to get a gynecological exam. Call 1-800-230-PLAN to be connected to your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.