A year or so before you start your periods, you may notice some damp stains on your pants. This is called 'vaginal discharge'. This is caused by your cervix producing a liquid substance called 'mucus'. This is normal, and is just your body's way of cleaning itself. The discharge gets rid of dead cells and dirt. You also produce discharge when you are sexually excited, so it acts as a lubricant to make sex easier and can also help sperm swim up your vagina to meet an egg. Discharge can be clear, or milky, and when it dries it goes into creamy, flaky paste on your pants. It has a natural smell, which is slightly biscuity. As you get closer to your periods or during ovulation, it can become heavier.
If you notice a difference in your discharge, such as, it starts to have a strong smell or look a different colour, you might have an infection. You can find out more about this in the infection section of the website and it may be a good idea to see a doctor or a health professional at a sexual health clinic.
