How To Recognize Bacterial Vaginosis   It is completely normal for women to have a certain amount of discharge from the vagina. It acts as a kind of "barometer", in that if you notice any changes in your discharge, it is a sign that something has changed within you, and this could be either positive or negative. Normal vaginal discharge helps to clean and moisten the vagina, keeping it healthy so you should not attempt to clean it constantly if the discharge is normal. Most young girls will notice a discharge before they have their first period. Normal vaginal discharge is yellowish or white and cloudy. In some women it is odorless, but in others it can have a slightly acidic odor.  The consistency can change throughout the menstrual cycle and can range from thick creamy white to almost clear and stringy-very similar to egg whites. If the discharge has an offensive fishy smell, is thin and milk-like in consistency and a grayish white color, then it is likely to be bacterial vaginosis. Other abnormal discharge could be a sign that something else is wrong. If it is yellow/green in color and of a heavy consistency with a bad odor, it could be Trichomoniasis.  If it is white and of a cottage-cheese like consistency accompanied by intense itching but no odor, it is likely to be a yeast infection.

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