Ask The Nurse!

Lauren Smith, FNP-C, is a nurse practitioner working at the Center for Sexual Health and Wellness at the Livingston County Department of Health.  She’s here to answer YOUR health questions – feel free to send them to sexed@geneseo.edu!  Anonymized questions and answers will be posted here on a regular basis.

peep-101

Q:  I get vaginal discharge sometimes, and it looks different depending on the time of the month. Is that normal? What should it look like? How can I tell if something is wrong?

A: It is normal for vaginal discharge to change in color and consistency throughout the month, depending on hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge that has an odor, is green-tinged, or accompanied by itching is concerning for a possible infection. If you experience these symptoms, you should be seen by a provider who can perform a vaginal swab to rule out infectious causes. This can be done at our Center for Sexual Health and Wellness clinics at South Village on Tuesday afternoons and Fridays.