All about discharge: What is normal & why are panty liners a no-go?

Discharge is a completely natural part of the female cycle. Despite this, there is still a lot of uncertainty, taboo and ignorance surrounding the topic. The consistency, color and quantity of vaginal discharge can tell you a lot about your state of health and the current phase of your cycle. It is therefore helpful for menstruating women to understand what is normal, what can be conspicuous and how products such as period underwear can provide useful support. In this blog, we take a closer look at the different forms of discharge, its causes, its connection to your period and how you can use it as your body's own signal for your health.

Let's start with the most important question: What is discharge anyway? Vaginal discharge is the secretion of fluid from the vagina. This consists mainly of cervical mucus, shed mucosal cells and vaginal secretions. The discharge has an important function: it cleanses the vagina naturally, keeps the vaginal environment in balance and forms a protective barrier against pathogens. Pretty cool, isn't it?

In a healthy state, discharge is

• colorless to milky white

• odorless or slightly sour smelling

• not itchy or burning

The amount can vary depending on the phase of the cycle, age, hormonal changes or sexual arousal. Medication such as the pill or stress also have an influence.

Discharge is a very individual indicator of your cycle. The consistency of cervical mucus changes significantly over the course of a month:

• After your period: Little to no discharge

• Follicular phase (1st half of the cycle): Increasingly creamy white

• Ovulation: Spinnable, clear, protein-like - most fertile phase

• Luteal phase (after ovulation): Tougher or drier again

• Shortly before your period: Less, possibly slightly brownish

These changes can help you recognize fertile days and better understand your cycle. Many menstruating people now track their discharge in cycle apps or manually in the calendar. Do you already know the benefits of cycle-adapted training? Find out here why you should adapt your exercise program to your cycle phase.

Pulling in the abdomen combined with discharge can have various causes. Around ovulation or shortly before your period, such symptoms are common and usually harmless. For example, have you ever heard of mittelschmerz? This is a pain in the lower abdomen that can occur during ovulation. We go into this topic in more detail here. However, if the pain is more severe or the discharge has changed, an infection may be the cause, cyst or inflammation may be the trigger. Endometriosis can also manifest itself in this way. Do you suspect you have endometriosis yourself? Then read the important information about this disease here. Did you know that there is not only endometriosis, but also adenomyosis? You can find out the main difference between these two diseases in this blog post.

The composition of discharge changes again during pregnancy. Due to the hormonal changes, in particular the increase in oestrogen and progesterone, the glands in the cervix produce more mucus:

• often more than usual

• usually milky white and odorless

• Can form a mucus plug to protect the baby

However, if there are changes in color (yellow, green, brown) or itchy, foul-smelling discharge, this should be clarified by a doctor. Blood admixtures or pain are also an alarm signal.

It can be difficult to distinguish between normal discharge and amniotic fluid, especially during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is usually thinner, colorless and comes out suddenly in large quantities. If you are unsure - especially before the due date - it is better to go to the clinic with too much than too little.

A wet feeling in your underpants can also be caused by involuntary urine leakage - e.g. when coughing, laughing or exercising. Urinary incontinence does not only affect older people. People report incontinence during pregnancy in particular. This can quickly lead to uncertainty as to whether it is really incontinence and not amniotic fluid. Here we explain how you can tell the difference between amniotic fluid and urine.

You can often tell the difference between discharge and urine by smell and consistency: urine smells much more ammoniacal. Period underwear can also provide discreet help in everyday life. Do you already know our favorites that will keep you dry in everyday life even if you have bladder weakness? Check them out here. Do you already know the pro tip against incontinence? Keyword pelvic floor training! Get to know the 5 most effective pelvic floor exercises here.

Discharge from the nipple - mammary discharge in medical terms - has nothing to do with vaginal mucus, but can also be unsettling. It can be hormonal, e.g. during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but can also be caused by benign cysts or, in rare cases, breast cancer. Especially unilateral or bloody discharge should be examined by a doctor immediately.

Would you have thought that 80 out of 100 people feel their own breast cancer? In this article, we explain why breast palpation is a must and how to do it.

Not all discharge is a cause for concern, but certain colors or odors can indicate infections or hormonal imbalances:

• Brown discharge: usually old blood, e.g. before or after your period or during hormonal fluctuations

• Yellow or greenish discharge: possible bacterial infection, trichomonads or chlamydia ( Here is an overview of sexually transmitted diseases )

• Soft cheese-like, lumpy discharge: Indication of a vaginal fungus

• Fishy odor: typical of bacterial vaginosis

In these cases, a medical examination should be carried out. A healthy vagina smells neutral to slightly acidic and shows no symptoms such as itching, burning or pain.

The so-called cervical mucus is one of the most reliable markers for ovulation. Around ovulation, the mucus becomes clear, stretchy and resembles raw egg white in consistency. This phase is ideal for pregnancy.

Many menstruating people use this knowledge for natural family planning. In the symptothermal method, the cervical mucus is documented together with the basal body temperature. Close self-observation and a good body awareness are important here. Are you currently planning a family? Here we provide you with information about fertility.

The type of contraception influences vaginal discharge. Hormonal methods such as the pill, hormonal ring or hormonal coil often lead to a reduction in cervical mucus. Some also report a complete absence of discharge or a significant change in discharge. With the copper IUD or hormone-free contraception, cervical mucus usually remains, but can vary in quantity or consistency. The same applies here: anything that is unpleasant or causes discomfort should be observed and discussed medically if necessary. Are you currently wondering which contraceptive method is right for you? Take a look at this article, maybe it will help you decide.

Even outside of menstruation period underwear or washable sanitary towels can be useful. Especially in the case of increased discharge or during the fertile phase, they offer

• hygienic protection

• comfortable to wear

• odorless

• No need for pads or panty liners

Taynie period panties are also suitable for days with increased cervical mucus or spotting. And best of all, our panties can even be washed at 60 degrees without deforming the membrane. A highlight for all people who suffer from an infection and don't want to do without washable products. So your Taynies stay hygienically clean.

A particular advantage: unlike conventional panty liners, period underwear does not require a plastic layer, fragrances or adhesives. Many panty liners - especially conventional disposable products - are scented or contain chemical additives that can disrupt the delicate balance of vaginal flora. These can lead to irritation, itching or even infections. What's more, disposable products generate unnecessary waste and are expensive for many people in the long run.

Period underwear is therefore not only gentler on the skin and more sustainable, but also the healthier choice for everyday life - after all, they are breathable, leak-proof and discreet at the same time. Unlike traditional panty liners, they do not cause rustling or skin irritation. Discover our products that are particularly suitable for leakage here.

Some signs may indicate an imbalance or an infection:

• strong, unpleasant odor

• Discoloration (greenish, grey, yellow)

• Itching, burning, pain

• Foamy or crumbly consistency

• Accompanying abdominal pain

In these cases, an examination should be carried out by a doctor. A smear test is often enough to clarify the situation. With the right treatment, the vaginal environment is usually quickly back in balance.

Younger people in particular or those with a male reading are often unsure what discharge actually is. What is perceived as "discharge" in male-read people is usually ejaculate or so-called pleasure drops. Nevertheless, male-read people can also suffer from unusual discharge - e.g. in the case of urethral infections. Medical clarification is advisable in the event of unclear fluid secretion, pain or burning.

Many menstruating people wonder whether it is normal to have discharge every day. In fact, light, regular discharge can be completely harmless - especially if it is clear to whitish and neither smells unpleasant nor causes discomfort. However, if the discharge changes in color, odor or consistency or is accompanied by itching or burning, medical clarification should be sought. Possible causes of persistent heavy discharge can be hormonal fluctuations, stress or a disorder of the vaginal flora.

In addition to medical treatment, there are some gentle ways to support the vaginal flora:

• Clean the intimate area with water only

• Avoid synthetic underwear or perfumed panty liners

• Wear cotton underwear

• Wash period underwear regularly and allow to dry well

• Reduce stress

• get enough sleep

• eat a balanced diet

Discharge is a natural sign of intimate health and provides important information about your cycle, your fertility and your hormonal balance. If you understand your body, you can do a lot for your well-being by making small adjustments to your everyday life. We at Taynie therefore recommend that you consciously observe your discharge, take changes seriously and use period underwear as a hygienic and sustainable alternative in everyday life.

Author: Taynie.de