Vaginal Discharge, Infections, & Odors and Douching / Question
Published: July 20, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I already have my period, but I always seem to have this funny "cream cheese" type stuff coming out of my vagina. Is that a yeast infection or something? I always have it (except for when I have my period, of course) and I don't really want to talk to my mom about it. Can you help me out?
Signed: Cream Cheese
Dear Cream Cheese,
TeenHealthFX is glad you wrote. Although we cannot diagnose what is coming out of your vagina (called discharge), we can help you decide if you need to see a doctor.
Normal, healthy vaginas have a whitish to clear discharge that is not thick. There is no itching, pain or bad odor. The discharge may change in consistency over the course of the month leading up to your period.
Yeast infections may itch, cause burning and have a white "cottage cheese" type of discharge (see Discharge - Yeast Infection). The way to treat a diagnosed yeast infection is with medication.
Signs of other infections - sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) include changes in the color of the discharge (greenish or yellowish), an odor, increase in amount, or feeling itchy or irritated in your vaginal area. If this is happening to you, you need to seek out medical attention to get diagnosed and treated, especially if you are sexually active.
Most women have suffered with a yeast infection at one time or other; your mother may be a good source of information. If you feel you do not want to confide in her, you can go to a teen health center or your local Planned Parenthood for little or no cost without your parent having to know. If you are in Northwest New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-889-6350.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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