I've Never Had My Period, So What's This Discharge?


I've never had my period, so what's this discharge?
- Laura*

About 6 months to 1 year before a girl gets her first period, her
body may start to produce vaginal discharge. This is normal and is
caused by the changing level of hormones in the body, resulting in an
increase in secretions in the vagina. This discharge helps keep the
vagina healthy.

Normal vaginal fluids vary in texture from thin and slightly sticky
to thick and gooey. They also vary in color, ranging from clear to white
or off-white. The amount of discharge can vary depending upon a girl's
menstrual cycle. For example, fluids tend to be a bit heavier around the
time a girl ovulates, which is when an egg is released from the ovary
and moves into the fallopian tube.

Normal discharge should have only a slight odor and should never
cause itching or burning. Symptoms like itching, a strong odor, or a
change in color (such as to brown, gray, or green) indicate that a girl
may have a vaginal infection and needs to see a doctor.

Sometimes a normal vaginal discharge can irritate the skin. This is
due to the moisture against the skin. You can prevent skin irritation in
the vaginal area, especially when it's hot and humid outside, by
wearing cotton underwear and avoiding clothes that are tight. It's also
important to keep your body clean by bathing regularly.