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A137 Different types of vaginal discharge. What are they and what do they mean?

## What does your first period look like?

Getting your first period is full of excitement and anticipation.

But what does your first period look like? It’s a question on a lot of girls’ minds.

Most girls get their period somewhere between the ages of 10 and 13. Don’t worry if you get yours earlier or later than your friends. Everyone is on their own schedule, and there’s no “good” or “bad” age to get your period. But when it does come, it’s pretty exciting!

You go to the loo – and TA-DA!! There it is. Period blood. But it may not be that straightforward.

[Your first period](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/what-is-a-period/) (and the next few after that) may just look like brown spotting in your knickers. It’s not the red blood you may have been expecting. So what actually DOES your first period look like?


A017 - What Does Your First Period Look Like?

Read the full article below 

Always Night sanitary pads were especially designed for overnight protection and offer more coverage, no matter how much you toss and turn, while Normal (Size 1) and  Long (Size 2) sanitary pads were designed for optimal daytime protection.

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DDA03 - Is it Normal to Have a Lot of Discharge?

Lot of discharge

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Different types of Discharge

Julia is a __general paediatrician__ with expertise in __paediatric cardiology__. Since 2009 she has also supported the training of junior doctors to enhance the continuing professional development of GPs and other health professionals working with children. 

She has recently returned to __NHS work__ and is focussing her efforts on her role as a __trustee and senior volunteer instructor for the charity NICHE international__, focusing on teaching newborn cases in West Africa and training local instructors.


Julia Thomson

Calculate your cycle

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PH04 - Vaginal Discharge - Related Products

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Make sure you use the size best adapted to your shape and flow. For additional leakage protection, try a higher size and consider changing your sanitary towel more frequently. Sanitary towels with wings provide a closer fit to you knickers that not only helps keep the pad in place but also keeps it closer to your body’s shape further reducing the risk of leakage. Check out our product recommender to find the best product for your need.

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Stages of Puberty in Girls

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A007 When Is My Next Period Due?

PE02 - What Does Your First Period Look Like?

First Period, How it looks

A017 What Does Your First Period Look Like?

A070 First Period Stories

First Period Stories

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Confidence at puberty

Every woman at some point in her life experiences crampy menstrual pains. And how to get reduce period pain and cramps? You can start with warm compresses!

A015 How to get rid of period pain and cramps

How to get reduce period pain and cramps

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VDEA07 - How Do I Know If My Discharge Is Normal?

Abnormal discharge?

PUE A02 -What Are the Signs of Puberty in Girls?

Signs of Puberty

The different types of vaginal discharge are simply ways of our body letting us know what is going on. Click here to learn how to read them!

A137 Different types of vaginal discharge

Different types of vaginal discharge

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## Is It Normal To Have Discharge Every Day?

Some women have vaginal discharge every day, while others experience it only occasionally. Your discharge, its frequency, and the amount you experience will vary based on your normal hormonal fluctuations throughout the month, depending on where you are in your [menstrual cycle](/en-gb/period-hub/menstrual-cycle/how-to-calculate-your-menstrual-cycle/).

This means you may experience more discharge when you are ovulating, breastfeeding, or sexually aroused, while some days you will find a few drops in your underwear.

## What Does Normal Discharge Look Like?

Vaginal discharge can vary in consistency and colour. Sometimes it is clear, and sometimes it is milky white. Sometimes it is watery, and sometimes it has a more stretchy, egg white-like consistency. For instance, when it’s creamier and thicker, it’s usually a sign your period is coming. Oestrogen is being released as the body prepares itself for menstruation. All of this is normal.

Other types of discharge may be a sign that something isn’t quite right. If your discharge has a chunky consistency, is itchy, or is off-colour (think white with cottage cheese-like consistency, yellow or green), or has a new strong smell this is a sign of infection. A visit to your doctor will clear things right up, so it’s best to make an appointment as soon as you can.

## How Do You Get Rid Of Discharge?

There are times when it can be annoying to find that discharge has once again made its presence felt in your underwear. Therefore, it is only natural to wonder if there is some way to reduce or even prevent discharge.

But at these times it is a good idea to remember why you get discharge in the first place and know that Mother Nature is doing her thing for a reason! So, if what you are experiencing is healthy discharge, and you are after ways to stop discharge for an easier life, it is definitely time for a rethink.

If however, you have excessive discharge, it may be that you are suffering from one of a number of problems, and getting to the bottom of it will give you a way to reduce discharge. Some common causes of unusual vaginal discharge can be:

- Allergy: in all seriousness, your vagina may be allergic to something. So if you’ve noticed your body is producing too much discharge recently, have a think – have you changed anything such as your shower gel, washing up powder, or tampon brand lately?

- Contraception: Have you begun taking new contraceptive pills lately? The change in hormones can play all sorts of havoc with your discharge, but the good news is it should soon settle down again, so don’t worry unless this carries on for more than a few months.

- Sexually Transmitted Infection: A heavier discharge combined with any other symptoms – such as pelvic pain, odd smells, discolouration of the discharge – could be a sign of an STI, so it’s worth getting checked out by a medical expert.

- A Forgotten Tampon: Yep, that might sound daft, but if there is a foreign body stuck inside you, your body will be doing all it can to flush it out. The longer it is there, the more it may be contributing to any build-ups of bad bacteria, so the sooner you can remove it, the better!

## How To Manage Vaginal Discharge?

Even if your discharge is normal and healthy, if it is leaving you feeling uncomfortable and damp, it’s perfectly normal to want to get rid of the discomfort. Luckily, [Always Dailies pantyliners](/en-gb/feminine-products/panty-liners/) are specifically designed to absorb daily vaginal discharge, helping you stay fresh and confident throughout the day.

[Always Dailies](/en-gb/feminine-products/panty-liners/always-dailies-fresh-and-protect/always-dailies-fresh-and-protect-normal-panty-liners/) come in a variety of shapes, sizes and absorbencies so you can find the liner that is just right for you. With Always Dailies you can keep that morning-fresh pants feeling all day, every day.

Pop one in your knickers first thing in the morning or keep one in your bag to have to hand, as and when you need it. As they have been dermatologically tested, it is safe to wear them every day.

Always Dailies is on a mission to bust common myths around vaginal discharge. In fact, vaginal discharge is totally normal and happens to all of us women. Why make it a taboo topic? We want to provide you with all the information you need and ask for. In case you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us under 0080077634434 or 0800 0285884 (UK), 1800509203 (ROI).

You don't know exactly when you'll get your period. Well, there's a simple solution - be prepared for your period beforehand! [Always Dailies Normal Fresh & Protect pantyliners](/en-gb/feminine-products/panty-liners/always-dailies-fresh-and-protect/always-dailies-fresh-and-protect-normal-panty-liners/) have unique, breathable design and are so comfortable and flexible that you won't even notice wearing them. Irregular or late, your period won't keep surpising you!  

Is It Normal To Have Discharge Every Day?

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Discharge is basically a fluid made in the cervix and vagina to keep everything down below clean and in working order. Just like your eye produces tears to rid itself of irritants, the vagina has glands that produce [discharge](/en-gb/period-hub/vaginal-discharge/is-it-normal-to-have-a-lot-of-discharge/) 

This way, harmful bacteria have a harder time getting through and causing irritation – or worse. Amazing vagina! This stuff also keeps the area moist, and even provides some help to the process of fertilisation – handy if you are trying to get pregnant!

A099 - T02 - Why Do Women Get Discharge?

Why Do Women Get Discharge?

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PE01 - What is a Period?

What is a Period?

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UDA05 - Smelly Discharge: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Smelly discharge

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Find helpful resources about periods categorised into subtopics. Get informed with expert insights, navigate your period journey with confidence.

First Period & Puberty

Period Hub: Explore Period Articles by Category | Always UK

Period Hub - PH01 - First Period & Puberty

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A010-T01-Calculate your menstrual cycle

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Tariq Miskry

In order to calculate your menstrual cycle, you’ll need to learn how to track your [cycle](/en-gb/period-tracker/). Don’t worry. It’s pretty simple. All you need to do is mark down when your period started on a calendar for a few months in order to figure out how to count your period cycle days and to calculate the average length of your menstrual cycle.


How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

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When Does Puberty End for Girls

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Comfortable Pads for Periods

VDEA04 - Why Do I Have Watery Discharge?

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Hormones interact together to regulate certain phases of the menstrual cycle. Understanding the different stages of the menstrual cycle is important to help you get familiar and recognise the changes your body is going through and how you may feel during each phase. It is during this cycle that the levels of oestrogen or progesterone rise or fall. So how do your hormones change during the menstrual cycle?

A049 The Hormones During Your Menstrual Cycle

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SmartFoam is a technology that is found only in Always Infinity feminine sanitary towels. It is a soft, very absorbent foam. Its layered structure allows fluid to be quickly drawn from the top of the sanitary towel deep into the bottom layer, where it is stored.

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# Michela Rossi
## MBBS PhD FRCP
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Sometimes there’s a lot. Sometimes there’s a little. And sometimes there’s even a faint odour. Either way, you feel it in your knickers. Vaginal discharge.

All women get it, and it’s perfectly normal. But exactly what is vaginal discharge? What causes it and why is it there? And, perhaps - most importantly – what can you do about it?

A099 - T01 - What is Vaginal Discharge?

What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Dr Krause is a highly experienced Consultant Clinical Psychologist and lecturer in adolescent and adult mental health.

Dr Nihara Krause

Dr Nihara Krause - Consultant Clinical Psychologist 

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Watch this video and get the answers to all the questions you have about your first period. (Girl Talk Episode 1)

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A010 How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

Now that you know how to calculate your cycle, you may want to stock up on  Always Ultra pads before you think your period will start. They have an absorbent core that turns liquid into gel – and gel can’t leak – so you’ll feel confident and protected on your period. Stash some in your bag or locker so you’ll always be prepared.

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