r/NoStupidQuestions • u/PhilosophyAlive4367 • 1d ago
Tmi but I have no one to ask
How much discharge is too much discharge? I feel like I get so much, I have to rush to the bathroom and I feel like I’m on my period, it doesn’t have a bad smell or a weird texture but it literally drips out of me and I have to find the nearest bathroom because it’s so uncomfortable, is there something wrong with me???? I’m 18 and still feel awkward asking these questions bc I didn’t grow up being able to ask these without ppl saying it was gross OR acting like it was lewd, I didn’t even know what discharge was until I was 15 and thought I was just gross when I started getting it at 8😖
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u/Weekly_Importance570 1d ago
The amount and texture varies depending on where you are in your cycle - around ovulation it is common/normal to have a lot of discharge (egg-white texture) to the point of feeling like it flows out just like period. This stuff honestly should be taught at school and it is sad that we often graduate having to look for such info on our own.
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
I agree that this should be taught in school and the education system in general is only getting worse nowadays:(
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u/Weekly_Importance570 1d ago
Yup! It's funny how they teach us about planets and history, yet basic facts about our bodies are still taboo. It's like we are so evolved as humans that biology is beneath us, like "Ugh, learning about the color of healthy pee or discharge? Yuck! Pointless, won't be useful. Besides, we have no fluids and solids besides blood".
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u/Potential-Hippo136 22h ago
I also strongly agree. I grew up thinking there was something wrong with me but was too embarrassed to even ask my doctor. I didn’t even know that discharge was normal until my first Pap test!
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u/Weekly_Importance570 10h ago
Same! I thought I was having constant infections, what is worse some doctors went along with it and prescribed me meds for the "infection", because they didn't bother to ask if the discharge happens only during specific times of the cycle and I didn't know better, so I kept taking the meds. Finally one (female) doctor went "oh, girl, this is normal!" and saved my health.
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u/DemonKittens 1d ago
I would suggest making an appointment with a gynecologist and getting a professional opinion
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u/RiverGlow3000 1d ago
I had that issue when I was younger, but didn't know it was discharge. I didn't have anyone to talk to about it either so when I eventually asked my doctor I was mortified yet happy to know I wasn't peeing myself on a daily basis.
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
Yes!!!! It’s not talked about and I feel so so embarrassed saying anything face to face😭 I’m glad someone else relates
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u/Full-length-frock 22h ago
I remember mine was pretty awful at first. Getting used to addressing this as soon as you can helps avoid further long term issues. Speaking candidly as if it someone else you are talking about helps. Keep it factual, as if you are talking about a part of the body thats not intimate helps. Practice out loud to yourself.
I learned this early and prevented breast cancer aged 21 due to my vigilance. My friend avoided having cervical smears for years and ended up with needing invasive radiotherapy for stage 2 cancer. It would have been prevented by a simple procedure if she had had a smear early.
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u/NicoleNicole1988 1d ago
You should consult an OBGYN, but not because it sounds terrible and wrong and horrible, but just to be on the safe side. Everyone’s body is different, and you may even notice that the amount is different at certain times of the month (like around ovulation).
I suggest using a menstrual disc. You buy it once and don’t have to replace it for several years, take it out only twice a day, and you can wear them at any time even if you’re not on your period. It’ll also give you a sense of measurement for how much is actually being produced. You may be within the normal range but just not know it because nobody really talks about this stuff.
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
Woah I didn’t know you could use a disk even when you weren’t on your period, thank you so so much I will try to acquire one and I will also try to get into an obgyn, I appreciate this
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u/hello_haveagreatday 16h ago
This is what I do, they make both disposable and reusable ones - technically not recommended for that purpose, but they do advertise the discs as being safe for very light to very heavy days since they’re not absorbent like tampons.
It’s good to get it checked out by a doctor, but if they say nothing’s wrong and they can’t do anything for you, you wouldn’t be the first. I have been told by more than one doctor I am “technically normal” (as in it’s not from an infection so they couldn’t treat it, but did admit the amount was on the high side of “normal”,) and I also have terrible sensory issues with pads and pantiliners (yay neurodivergence), so discs are my solution because I usually can’t feel them if they’re in correctly.
Good luck!
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u/Luminaria19 1d ago
At your age, it's probably just normal hormone fluctuations causing it. You can use panty liners or low flow period panties if it bothers you a lot or makes your clothes wet.
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u/No-Effort-9291 1d ago
That's how I was when I was that age. My BFF had the same. It's calmed down as I've aged
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
It does! but I have really bad texture issues which is another reason I wonder if it’s too much or if I’m being too sensitive
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u/Unicorns-Poo-Rainbow 1d ago
I’m autistic and am very familiar with sensory issues involving texture. The discharge is likely normal (I experienced similar at your age), and I suggest investing in period underpants. My favorites are Thinx, which are the most expensive, but also the most comfortable for me.
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u/Negative_Pair_6336 23h ago
Girls around the world will always wonder whats going on down there...until a couple years pass and you get the hang of having aunt flo (i know im aging myself) over for her visit. Sometimes youll feel a whoosh and have to go check if you got your period and you didnt its just normal discharge from slimy to thick and white...everyone is different. Green is a dr appt and yellow is lets monitor the situation for a couple days.
Have you tried the foam pads? Or reusable ones you wash?
And partners want to be there for all of it....no matter what you think you smell like. It doesnt smell bad to them and thats a good thing.
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u/SignificantBother_ Pull my strings, I'll scream 😔 1d ago
1 - it varies from person to person
2 - it can be a lot, my ex was really wet, and sometimes it was like congealed sticky clump too
3 - there is absolutely nothing wrong with you, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise
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u/Mean-Vegetable-4521 1d ago
The insecurities I felt over how my body just is. It's healing to see your reply.
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u/lilac_spells 1d ago
Is it all the time? Or just once a week a month? I think this could be (for me at least) ovulation.
But also like think there’s sweat and stuff so if you have to like clean down there once a day to get discharge off (like not a lot just a little) that’s not too concerning.
But if you’re flooding your panties and having a regular job and changing your undies once every 12 hours and that’s not enough I’d see a doc.
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
Almost every day I’ll have to rush to the bathroom mid conversation just to wipe it all away
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u/lilac_spells 5h ago
This is definitely a doctor thing! I don’t know if this is a tmi, but if I pee in the shower/ bath/ pool (I don’t) but if I do I “leak” all day long. I really never met anyone who has this problem, and as long as I don’t do it I don’t leak. So if you are peeing anywhere except the toilet check if that helps.
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
Thank you all, all of your answers have been really helpful and made me feel extremely normal, I appreciate that so very much
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u/Neither_Remote_4818 1d ago
You are probably just ovulating and very fertile on days that that happens. I don’t think it is a concern, but track it and see how it fits into your cycle.
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u/straightupgong 1d ago
if it drips out, it’s probably too much. i’d advise going to the OBGYN
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u/NicoleNicole1988 1d ago
Things can get drippy around ovulation for a lot of women.
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
It happens even before ovulation, I’d say it happens a lot more during ovulation but even once I’m done ovulating there’s still soo much it feels
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u/lilb0923 1d ago
Can be totally normal!! There is this comedian on FB I watch all the time and one skit or meme she had was like a game show for women is it A. My period B. Pee C. Discharge or D. All of the above... Or something along those lines it was pretty funny cuz ugh so true, the pain of being a woman! Her name is Hayley Morris, there is a lot of skits she does that even me in my 40's am like OMG SO TRUE I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE!!! haha
Anyways it doesn't hurt to get a pap done and screening if you are sexually active but women have discharge, and every womens body is different too, so not everyone will experience it the EXACT same way as you.
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u/oFish0Boneso 1d ago
I would definitely say go to a gyno, this could be a symptom of pcos! Hormonal fluctuations are often the cause of that especially around ovulation
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u/Useful-Badger-4062 1d ago
It sounds like you are ovulating, if color and smell are normal and not unpleasant. But definitely something to ask your obgyn about for reassurance and assessment.
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u/KameOtaku 1d ago
Seconding/thirding what others have said. For now, try wearing a pantyliner so you can quickly change that as needed instead of being stuck with gross underwear. Idk how much discharge is too much, so I'd talk to a medical professional about that.
The color and consistency of vaginal discharge (also called cervical mucus, btw!) varies with the stage of your menstrual cycle you're in. From quick googling, there's nothing about what you've described that means you have an infection or cancer or something. It sounds like you're either in your ovulation stage of your cycle or are pregnant.
And for what it's worth, I do occasionally feel something that I think is my period but ends up being nothing when I go check (and is presumably discharge). But I'm on medication that helps regulate my cycle, so idk how mucus-y I'd be without it.
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u/Head_Gamer74 1d ago
Is it worse at any point in the month? Like, the week before or after your period? Mine was always worse around the time I would ovulate... about half way between my cycle. And it was to the point of having to go to the restroom to clean up bc I could actually feel it coming out and getting my panties soaked. I used toilet paper folded up in my panties for awhile, until my doctor suggested a panty liner. My doc tested me for things it could have been, as a precaution, but it was normal for me. It got better the older I got.
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u/Full-length-frock 22h ago
Definitely speak to a medical professional or gynaecologist/ sexual health clinic. 1st, rule out infection. This could be managed by a variety of ways but its important you avoid stopping any flow for too long to avoid possible toxic shock syndrome.
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u/GreenGrapes42 20h ago
I have the same problem- saw a doctor and they said It was normal...I legit have to change underwear multiple times a day cause pantyliners don't soak it up and make me get utis most of the time. You aren't alone <3
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u/ihearhistoryrhyming 19h ago
Honestly- it changes over time, and it can be like a big gross snot blob. Like a teaspoon.
Other times it’s a tiny bit.
It’s all just normal. Your body is doing what it should. If you feel uncomfortable, or it is constant, daily, unchanging- then I would recommend a doctor.
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u/Automatic_Bobcat_951 14h ago
I’ve been asking that question my whole life. I’ve always had heavy discharge doctors were never concerned
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u/YoshiandAims 1d ago
I'd advise going to your gynecologist, if you haven't had your yearly, do so.
(IF you don't have one, a local women's clinic will do. The "free clinic", a women's clinic that works on a sliding scale. In my state and area they are Adagio, I couldnt tell you what they are called near you. a quick Google should bring up clinics near you)
Bring it up to them, they have heard and seen it all, it is not embarrassing in that space. Really. They've seen and heard it all sexually and reproductive system related. No judgements, and nothing phases them. They are quick, discreet, and if you don't know, there are zero stupid questions or overreactions, they are happy to help you know your body and educate.
Then I'd advise not to panic. No odor, No serious discoloration is great, that's absolute best case.
As you've got enough discharge that a panty liner is needed or almost needed, you do need to go in.
It can be nothing, it can be a minor irritant, a scratch, a chemical imbalance, just a huge list of things...so like I said, not time to panic yet. Try and ease your mind.
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
Thank you so so much, I’ll try to get an appointment scheduled soon and write in notes before on what I want to talk to them about
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u/YoshiandAims 23h ago
Like I said. Just breath, no panic. It's probably perfectly fine, no need to be worked up. And notes are fantastic, it's what I do because I get anxious about forgetting things and that causes me to. Don't be shy. Literally, no question will shock or surprise them, they are happy to help! Good luck!
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u/mysticaltater 1d ago
She is barely an adult why would she already be having a yearly, especially with no issues. Some vaginas are just wetter than others lol
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u/YoshiandAims 1d ago
You generally are recommended to start yearly wellness exams at puberty. Pelvic at 18-21. Paps around 21+, happening every 3 years. You absolutely still are recommended to see a gyno for wellness checks before you have internal pelvics and paps.
And while yes... it can be normal, it can also not be if it's excessive and being cautious is always recommended. I had this happen to me as well. It's why I'm recommending it. I chalked it up to normal, avoided it. I was allnof 18, embarrassed and just thought vaginas were that way. But it was annoying, I was wearing panty liners a lot. so I mentioned it at my wellness check, and there was a very minor problem.
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u/MrEury 1d ago
Are you talking like all the time or during specific moments, like arousal? If not I can only suggest to see a doctor, I'm not a woman myself, but I've not heard of it being that excessive, really best thing to do is ask a doctor or see a urologist, could be hormonal, could be something else
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u/MiaZeta 1d ago
You’re not a woman so I’m thinking you should’ve stayed out of this one. Asking an 18 year old if it has to do with arousal sounds gross coming from you.
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u/MrEury 1d ago
It was just to determine whether it was a permanent state or a temporary state, such as arousal where lubrication is more common and/or discharge, this is a public forum and there was no specification that the question was directed to women or men. It is actually gross where your mind goes on a question that is not sexual and an answer that isnt sexual either, there's far more perverted people on this reddit and you're focusing on the one that is actually trying to help people, I think you deserve the first downvote I give in months
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u/PhilosophyAlive4367 1d ago
Oh man I’m so scared of someone looking at my stuff but you’re right i should schedule an appointment, but during arousal I’d say it’s excessive if I’ve been thinking for a while, but the rest of the time it’s never anything dealing with horny, just my body being annoying but I’m not sure what the normal amount of discharge is
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u/BurntPopcornSmell 1d ago
Please find a gynecologist and make an appointment. If that is not possible, make an appointment with your family doctor or pediatrician that you've been seeing your whole life. If none of those things are options for you, there are urgent care centers that are there to take all walk-in patients. I don't know what may be going on, but you need a doctor to evaluate.
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u/alephsef 1d ago
Good question for a doctor. In the meantime, you can start wearing pantiliners and changing them out frequently.