The vagina is designed to be moist, so discharge at every age is normal. Typically you will see only small amounts in infants and young children, and it is usually clear, white, or slightly yellow and odorless. Persistent vaginal discharge in children can be a sign of infection.
About 6 months to 1 year before a girl gets her first period, her body may start to make vaginal discharge. This is normal and due to changing hormone levels. The discharge helps keep the vagina healthy. Normal vaginal discharge can have a texture that's anywhere from thin and slightly sticky to thick and gooey.
Vaginitis is a bacterial infection of the vagina. The main symptom is a yellow discharge. The most common cause in young girls is Strep, the same one that causes bad sore throats. Vaginal discharge from STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is rare before the teen years.
Cramps and white discharge without a period can sometimes be a sign of pregnancy. Other possible causes include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and an infection. Vaginal discharge is normal, and it typically changes texture and color throughout the menstrual cycle.
Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, so it's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared.
The vagina is designed to be moist, so discharge at every age is normal. Typically you will see only small amounts in infants and young children, and it is usually clear, white, or slightly yellow and odorless. Persistent vaginal discharge in children can be a sign of infection.
Common causes of vaginal itching and discharge in young girls include: Chemicals such as perfumes and dyes in detergents, fabric softeners, creams, ointments, and sprays may irritate the vagina or the skin around the vagina. Vaginal yeast infection. Vaginitis.
Another sign your period is coming is discharge, or rather a lack of it. Cervical mucus is a type of vaginal discharge that changes in amount and consistency throughout the menstrual cycle. When we're most fertile, cervical mucus is sometimes visible in our underwear or when we wipe after using the toilet.
Thin, watery, yellow discharge is typically nothing to worry about. It usually indicates that someone is nearing menstruation and is about to start their period. In most cases, the yellow tint is simply some early menstrual blood mixing with the mucus.
“It is not uncommon for girls to start their period as young as 8 or 9,” says Dr. Sara Kreckman, UnityPoint Health pediatrician. “This can be both emotionally and mentally challenging for girls this young, as well as their parents.”
Clear and stretchy — This is “fertile” mucous and means you're ovulating. Clear and watery — This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising. Yellow or green — May indicate an infection, especially if it's thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odor.
Color: Vaginal discharge is healthy if it's clear, milky white or off-white. Dark yellow, brown, green or grey discharge may indicate an infection or other issue. Smell: Vaginal discharge may have an odor, but it shouldn't be strong and shouldn't be unpleasant.
Yellow discharge may or may not indicate an infection. If the discharge is a pale yellow, odorless, and not accompanied by other symptoms, it may not be a cause for concern. In other instances, yellow discharge can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a bacterial infection.
Discharge before a period tends to be cloudy or white, due to the increased presence of progesterone, a hormone involved in both the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In other phases of the cycle, when the body has higher levels of estrogen, vaginal discharge tends to be clear and watery.
Because of the increased presence of progesterone, a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, discharge before period tends to be hazy or white. Vaginal discharge is clear discharge before period and watery during other periods of the cycle, when the body has higher estrogen levels.
Vaginal discharge is fluid that comes from the vagina. You might see this on the toilet paper when you wipe, or in your underwear. Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes: cleaning and moistening the vagina, and helping to prevent and fight infections.
Schedule a doctor's visit if you have: Greenish, yellowish, thick or cheesy vaginal discharge. Strong vaginal odor. Redness, itching, burning or irritation of your vagina or the area of skin that surrounds the vagina and urethra (vulva)
Signs of Abnormal Discharge
Bright yellow or green discharge could be a concern. Thick, clumped, or chunky discharge (like cottage cheese) or extra watery discharge can also mean something is amiss. Some other signs of infection include: Itching, discomfort, or rash.
Early periods often result from hormonal changes, especially during puberty and perimenopause. Many underlying medical conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, can also cause menstrual irregularities.
A woman becomes able to get pregnant when she ovulates for the first time — about 14 days before her first menstrual period. This happens to some women as early as when they are eight years old, or even earlier. Most often, ovulation begins before women turn 20.
An early period may be due to lifestyle changes like periods of stress, strenuous exercise, or drastic weight changes that alter your hormone production. But early periods can also be caused by underlying conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
But it's perfectly normal for puberty to begin at any point between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys. There's not usually any need to worry if puberty does not start around the average age, but it's a good idea to speak to your GP for advice if it starts before 8 or has not started by around 14.