Discharge can be either normal or abnormal. Discharge is a common symptom with
many STI's. With regard to STI's, discharges are infected
fluids that spontaneously come out of the body and we are usually talking about fluids which come from the vagina or penis.
There are three main causes of discharge in Girls
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- There are periods (menses) which can be red or brown depending on how heavy the bleeding
is; this is a normal discharge. Red indicates moderate blood
flow which usually occurs near the beginning or middle of the period.
If it is very heavy there may be lumps, which are clots of blood.
If it is slow then the blood turns brown, this usually occurs when the period is starting and finishing and this is
also normal.
However if there is a brown discharge between periods or after intercourse then this is not
usually normal and you should see your GP.
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- There is a mucus discharge which is produced by glands in the neck of the womb which varies in amount and consistency depending on where you are in your natural menstrual
cycle; this is another normal discharge. If you are not taking any
contraceptive hormones in the form of pills, injections or implants then in the middle of your cycle around ovulation time, there will be more mucus than normal.
It is usually clear, runny and stringy for a few days. You can feel wet or damp at this
time. This type of mucus is to help sperm swim up to join with the egg.
During the rest of your cycle the stringy mucus is absent or there may be small
amounts of thick mucus. If your cervix is inflamed the glands will produce more mucus.
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- The other main reason for discharge is
infection and this is abnormal discharge. There are a few non sexually transmitted infections such as thrush (which is white like milk
curds) and streptococcal infections but the most important infections are those which are sexually
transmitted (STIs). These need to be checked out by your
GP or GUM clinic.
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There are three main causes of discharge in
Boys.
- Semen - normal discharge. This is usually clear but can have blood in it.
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- Urine. Not usually
regarded as a discharge as it is not released spontaneously
but is under voluntary control (normal).
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