What changes may signify a problem?

Changes that may indicate a problem include [2]:

• An increased amount of vaginal discharge 
• Changes in color
• Changes in smell 

If this occurs accompanied by irritation, itchiness, or burning in or around the vagina, it is most likely the result of a condition called vaginitis. 

Discharge that is stained with blood when a woman is not having her period could also be a sign of a problem. If you have any of these signs, you should see your doctor. It is essential to keep an eye out for changes in vaginal fluids.

How to Prevent Vaginitis (Bacterial Vaginosis)

Here are some tips that will help you avoid or prevent vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis) [3]:

• After you use the toilet, you should always wipe from front to back, which may help to avoid getting bacteria from your rectal area into your vagina. 
• Wear cotton underpants during the day all the time. The cotton allows your genital area to breathe freely. Do not wear underpants during the night. 
• Try to avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimming suits, biking shorts, or leotards for extended periods of time. 
• Change your laundry detergent if you think it may be irritating your genital area. 
• The latex in condoms and diaphragms and the sperm-killing gels for birth control can be irritating for some women. If you think one of mentioned above is causing you problems, ask your doctor for advice about other types of birth control. 
• To prevent vaginitis, try to avoid hot tubs and bathe or shower daily instead, patting your genital area dry. 
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, colored or perfumed toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, and bubble baths if you want to prevent any vaginal infection and abnormal vaginal discharge. And most of all, avoid douching. 
• If you are, for any reason, treated with antibiotics, yogurt with live cultures or Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets can help you prevent a yeast infection. 
• Of course, use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases. 
• If you have diabetes, you must keep your blood sugar under good control, since this can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge. 

If you notice changes in your vaginal discharge due to a sexually transmitted disease, you and your sexual partner must both receive treatment, even your partner shows no symptoms. Many organisms can harbor themselves without producing noticeable symptoms. If your partner isn't treated for an STD and you are, this can cause continual re-infection and could in some diseases, like Chlamydia, lead to serious problems such as infertility.