Vaginal Fluids

What's normal, what's not? 

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Okay, so let's be honest...

Vaginal fluids are not everyone's favorite topic. 

In fact, so often we avoid talking about the fluids, smells or colors we see "down there," especially with friends, family members, and even healthcare practitioners.

It's a sensitive topic, I know.

But your fluids (and yes, by fluids I mean discharge, mucus, arousal fluids, etc) offer a lens into the health of not only your vagina, but also your whole body health. 

You can tell everything from

whether you're ovulating,
to hints at how your hormones are doing,
to signs of vaginal infections or imbalances,

all through paying attention to the timing, texture, color and smell of our fluids. 

What if you changed your perspective of vaginal fluids from being just a thing you mark down on your cycle tracking chart (or barely notice) to something that is a treasured library of knowledge about what's going on in your body?

How would that change your experience?


Listen to the episode to learn:

• all the kinds of vaginal fluids you might experience
• how your fluids may change depending on your phase of life
• what's considered "normal" and what's not
• how to figure out what's normal for you
• the difference between cervical fluids, arousal fluids, healthy vs unhealthy vaginal secretions and mucus, lochia, and more
• why you might experience more fluids (and infections) in pregnancy
• when to seek out more support (eg textures, colors, smells) and the basics on what "abnormal" vaginal fluids might be telling you

Resources:

• Learn what's normal for you: Track Your Cycle guide (free)
• Episode 5: Are you ovulating? How to tell (and why it matters)
• Episode 9: Your vaginal microbiome
• Episode 31: Recurrent BV? A whole person approach
• Episode 38: Your cycle is a vital sign

References:

Amrin, S., & Lakshmi, G. (2021). Vaginal discharge: The diagnostic enigma. Indian journal of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, 42(1), 38–45. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_92_18

Fletcher, S., Grotegut, C., James, A. (2012). Lochia patterns among normal women: a systematic review. J Womens Health, 21(12):1290-4. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2012.3668.

Lemly, D., & Gupta, N. (2020). Sexually transmitted infections part 2: discharge syndromes and pelvic inflammatory disease. Pediatr Rev., 41(10): 522-537. doi: 10.1542/pir.2019-0078

Sim, M., Logan, S., & Goh, L. H. (2020). Vaginal discharge: Evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore medical journal, 61(6), 297–301. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2020088

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

Trusted sources for bulk herbs:

LARGE COMPANIES 

• Mountain Rose Herbs (affiliate link) - globally-sourced organic and wild-crafted herbs
  
• Mountain Rose Herbs (not an affiliate link)
• Pacific Botanicals - California-grown and globally sourced herbs
• Banyan Botanicals - Ayurvedic herbs

REGIONAL, FARM-BASED COMPANIES

• Zack Woods Herb Farm (VT)
• Healing Spirits (NY)
• Sawmill Herb Farm (MA)
• Oshala Farm (OR)
• Meetinghouse Farm (ME)
• Sonoma County Herb Exchange (CA)

Learn to track your cycle and listen to your own body wisdom - Track Your Cycle Simply in 3 Easy Steps Guide (click here)  

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