Before I begin, FYI: IT’S VERY NORMAL AND HEALTHY FOR DISCHARGES TO SHOW IN YOUR PANTIES. Most ladies get bummed when they see these discharges. Its pretty normal and part of a woman’s vaginal cycle. That ~vaginal moisture~ is just a mix of cervical mucus and vaginal secretions.
What’s “normal” will vary from person to person and throughout your menstrual cycle. But you’ll typically notice a clear discharge without any notable odor or texture. You might notice a little bit every day, or nothing on some days and a lot on other days and its normal.
The amount that shows up in your underwear can depend on a lot of factors.
Menstrual Cycle
Like your menstrual cycle, for one. If you’re ovulating (and not using birth control), you’ll probably notice an increase in discharge around ovulation, and the texture may be a little stretchier, like egg whites. Or there may be a little less right after your period. The amount can also change if you’re pregnant, or low in estrogen.
Medication
If you’re taking hormonal birth control, you may notice a little less discharge. Even allergy medicine can dry it up a bit. Another cool thing about discharge: It’s like a vaginal barometer that tells you if something is up.
Healthy, normal discharge (again, depending on what’s normal for you) is generally a sign of healthy estrogen levels, blood flow, and vaginal pH. This is a natural way the vagina keeps itself healthy and cleanses out any foreign substances or things that could be irritating. But if you notice a big change in the amount, texture, color, or odor of your discharge, that’s when you should check in with your doctor. It might be a sign of an infection, particularly if you notice a strong odor, itching, or a change in color.
The bottom line is that vaginal moisture is a normal physiological process. Don’t freak out.
