vaginal mucas discharge

How can I tell if vaginal mucas discharge is normal or there is an infection? I often have vaginal mucas discharge and sometimes when I go to the gynecologist they told me it is nothing and that it is normal, but they also check for infections. How can I know for myself and avoid all the hassle of going to the doctor? Thank you!

Well, I do it like this. I suppose I know what my normal discharge around ovulation is, the mucus that is made by the glands in the cervix. Its color is white or yellow when exposed to the air and these are normal variations. So, I know what is normal, and this extra discharge may come around ovulation…..any other discharge I compare to this one. If the color, odor or amount changes, I know there is a problem and then I go to a gynecologist.