Having vaginal discharge during any part of the menstrual cycle is normal. However, not all types of vaginal discharge are normal. Discharge changes throughout the different stages of the menstrual cycle. Sometimes the vaginal discharge is watery, creamy or thick, but it should never have an odor or come out in excessive amounts.
Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is a fungal infection that begins around the vulva. The fungi that cause a yeast infection are called Candida albicans. These fungi are always present in the vagina, but they overgrow, a yeast infection develops. According to WomensHealth.gov about 75 percent of women develop a yeast infection at some point in their lives. Symptoms include burning, redness and swelling of the vagina; pain when urinating; soreness; pain during sex; itching; a thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese; and a rash on the vagina.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacteria vaginosis, or BV, is the disruption of the bacterial balance in the vagina due to the overgrowth of a certain bacteria. This is one of the most common vaginal infections in women of reproductive age. According to the CDC, it is more common amongst pregnant women in the United States. Symptoms of BV are an unpleasant fishy vaginal odor, white or gray discharge, pain during urination and itching around the vulva. Women who have multiple sex partners or douche may be at a higher risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. Women can have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis at any time in the menstrual cycle.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is transmitted sexually, and is the most common STD in the United States, according to MedlinePlus. Twenty-five percent of men and 30 percent of women with chlamydia are asymptomatic, or have no symptoms. Having multiple sex partners puts a woman at an increased risk of catching this disease. Symptoms of chlamydia include a burning sensation when urinating, painful sexual intercourse, rectal pain, vaginal discharge and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. PID symptoms are fever, chills, bleeding, fatigue, increased menstrual cramping, lack of appetite and nausea.
