Question: Your site is wonderful and has a heap of very good information. I was wondering if maybe you could answer a question of mine. I searched the site and did not find anything that directly answers my question.
For a few months now, I've had this strange discharge. It is white, sticky, and dries flaky. I first thought it was maybe bits of toilet paper left on my inner labia, but while masturbating, I found that it was also inside my vagina and a bit thick at times. I thought maybe it was a yeast infection, but it does not itch and does not burn. It does not bother me except for the fact that it looks a little gross. It goes away when I am menstruating, but never fails to come back about a week after my period ends. Is it maybe vaginal mucus? I am making an appointment with the gynecologist but I am still wondering what you think. I am seventeen and somewhat sexually active.
If you can help me along to an answer, I give you my thanks!
Answer: I am not a doctor so please do not take the following as fact, only as general information.
Changes in your vaginal fluids are usually a reason for concern. During puberty it can be difficult to know what changes are normal, especially concerning subjects people do not talk about and hide. You probably cannot ask female friends and family what their vaginal fluids look, smell, and feel like.
Since this change in fluids took place after puberty and the age of sixteen, it is a reason for some concern, especially since you are sexually active. This does not mean there is a problem, only that you should discuss it with your doctor.
Because the vaginal fluids are influenced by your hormone levels during your menstrual cycle, namely estrogen, it seems likely to me the fluid you report is normal for you. If it were an infection, while your cycle may influence it, it would not disappear completely for about two weeks, the length of your period plus one week.
Some women normally have a whitish colored secretion that comes from their cervix and vagina. If the fluid does not cause a foul smell, itching, irritation, or smell yeasty, it is less likely to be a yeast infection. It could be a bacterial infection, so it is best to have a doctor check it out. Please see the page about Vaginitis for more information on vaginal infections.
On Q&A page 6 question #20 there are photos of the cervix, and some of these show the normal secretions that are white in color.
If you are using a prescription method of birth control it may influence your vaginal fluids too.
Information on normal changes in the cervical mucous during a woman's menstrual cycle can be found at the link shown below.