Vaginal discharge is a normal part of being female. It’s usually clear or white. Vaginal discharge helps maintain a healthy vagina by providing lubrication, removing dead cells from the vaginal walls, and killing germs. The amount of discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Some changes in discharge are harmless, but others may be signs of something wrong. So, what does it mean when you have a discharge that looks like wet tissue?
There are several causes of this change, most of which are harmless. However, it’s important to note changes in other symptoms as well, such as consistency, foul smell, and itching or burning in the vaginal area.
What Does Normal Discharge Look Like on Tissue?
Normal vaginal discharge is clear and watery. This might change sometimes without necessarily being something to worry about. For instance, you might notice your discharge waterier and clearer after a workout. You might also notice your discharge clear and stretchy like an egg white when you’re about to ovulate.
What Causes Thick Tissue Like Discharge?
There are several causes for a wet tissue like discharge.
Change in Health Status
The most common cause of a discharge that looks like tissue is a change in your health status. This can include changes related to pregnancy, some type of medication, etc
Pregnancy: During the first trimester, you may notice a white discharge like wet tissue paper. This pregnancy discharge is usually caused by an increase in estrogen levels, which causes more blood vessels to grow in your body. The increased blood flow leads to increased vaginal lubrication and thinning of the cervical mucous membranes (which are made up mostly of fluid).
Medications: Some types of medication can also cause changes in your vaginal discharge. This includes the use of antibiotics, birth control pills, and even some hormone replacement therapies. Some women may also notice more vaginal discharge when taking certain medications for health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Menstrual Cycle
During the menstrual cycle, discharge changes in consistency to accommodate the different phases of a woman’s monthly cycle. The thick white discharge before period is caused by a buildup of cells and fluids in your vagina.
When in your periods, a milky white discharge can happen if you don’t change your pad or tampon regularly, which can cause bacteria to grow on them and make them smell fishy.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, occurs when yeast in the vagina grows out of control. Yeast infections typically manifest as a thicker discharge that looks like wet tissue or cottage cheese.
Other symptoms of a yeast infection include:
● Itching and burning in the vaginal area
● Vaginal rash
● Redness of the vulva
● Swelling of the vulva
● Painful sex
The risk of yeast infection is higher for women who are pregnant, have diabetes, a weakened immune system (such as patients with AIDS), or those who take antibiotics. Douching, sweaty or dirty underwear and tight clothing can also increase the risk of a yeast infection.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection that affects the vagina, cervix, and fallopian tubes. It’s caused by bacteria called Gardnerella vaginalis. The condition is often symptomless, but some women experience vaginal discharge with a strong odor or fishy smell.
The discharge may be white, grey, greenish, or yellowish, and it may be watery or clumpy. Bacterial vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it can increase the risk of getting an STI.
Is White Tissue Like Discharge Normal?
This is a common problem, but it’s not serious. As discussed earlier, the wet tissue discharge results from the vagina’s natural self-cleaning process to keep bacteria and viruses away from the cervix.
It happens when there is too much mucus in your vagina, which attracts other fluids to form a white discharge. This discharge can be uncomfortable because it feels wet and sticky, especially during sex or when you move around too much.
However, a wet tissue paper like discharge accompanied by a foul fishy smell, itchiness, and burning sensations is not normal. If you experience this type of discharge, it’s time to see a doctor. This may be a sign of an infection or sexually transmitted disease.
How Do You Stop Tissue Discharge?
Discharge that looks like tissue paper can be a nuisance to anyone. In addition to the apparent discomfort and embarrassment it can cause, there are some health risks associated with this condition. Fortunately, there is a way you can reduce or eliminate tissue discharge.
Visit a doctor: Before you start treating wet tissue paper discharge yourself, it is important to know the cause of this condition. A visit to your doctor can help determine whether or not there are any health issues related to tissue discharge. The doctor can also prescribe medications that may help clear up the problem.
Tips to Remember to Avoid Vaginal Infections that Can Lead to Discharge
To avoid vaginal infections that can lead to white discharge and itching, you should:
● Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your vagina. This will help prevent bacteria from spreading from your hands to other body parts.
● Wear clean underwear and clothes daily. Dirty and sweaty clothing can trap moisture and bacteria in the genital area, which may lead to an infection.
● Avoid tight-fitting underwear and clothes that prevent air circulation in the genital area. Tight-fitting underwear may also cause chafing, irritating your skin and increasing the risk of infection.
● Avoid douching. Douching may seem like an excellent way to cleanse the vagina, but it can actually increase your risk of infection. Douching can wash away healthy bacteria in the vagina, which helps keep you healthy. In addition, douching may irritate the lining of your vagina and cause an infection.
● Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This can help keep your vaginal and urinary tract healthy. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
● Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Wiping from front to back can help prevent bacteria from moving from your anus to your vagina and urinary tract, which can cause infections.
● Change tampons or pads often. You should change your tampon or pad at least every four hours and more often if you have a heavy flow or have an infection.
In Summary
It is normal for the female body to produce discharge that looks like pieces of toilet paper. Causes will vary from time to time and from person to person. But the most important thing is to pay attention to your body.
If you notice other disturbing symptoms, like itching, burning, or pain, it is best to visit your doctor as soon as possible.
