When you go through puberty and begin to be acutely aware of vaginal discharge in your underwear, you may initially be concerned. A visit to your OBGYN will almost always assure you that what you're experiencing is perfectly healthy. This doesn't mean that you should turn a blind eye to this discharge, however, in the years ahead. As a young woman, and especially if you're sexually active, it's important to be aware of what you're experiencing with your vaginal discharge. Should you notice any of these issues, be sure to book an appointment with your OBGYN.

Dramatic Color Change

The color of your vaginal discharge can often range from clear to white, and a color anywhere on this spectrum isn't a cause for concern. If you're noticing a small amount of discharge in your underwear when you use the bathroom or when you undress at the end of the day, it's a good practice to take a quick look at its color. If the discharge has changed in color, it could be indicative of a health issue. An appearance of yellowish discharge, for example, may suggest a sexually transmitted infection. This is something that you'll want to discuss with your OBGYN.

Noticeable Smell

You'll also want to be on alert for any noticeable smells in your vaginal discharge. This may be evident when you're using the bathroom, for example. A smell can sometime be indicative of an infection, and if you've also noticed a change in the color of the discharge a short period of time after you've had an unprotected sexual encounter, you could again be looking at a sexually transmitted infection. This may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching or burning when you urinate.

Change In The Amount

It's healthy and perfectly normal to experience different amounts of vaginal discharge depending on a number of factors. Where you are in your menstrual cycle, for example, can often play a role in how much discharge you notice. Something as simple as the amount of sexual excitement that you felt during a given day can also lead to more discharge in your underwear when you check it at the end of the day. You should be wary of a sudden increase in the amount of discharge, however, especially if you can't seem to explain it. A visit with your OBGYN will allow him or her to assess you to determine what might be going on.