Every woman has some vaginal discharge every day. This is completely normal and does not need to be treated. In fact, vaginal fluid is one of the ways the vagina keeps itself lubricated and healthy.

According to Dr. Karen Rosewater, the amount of vaginal discharge in a healthy person may vary based on where she is in the hormonal cycle--it's usually greatest at mid-cycle.

There can be some instances in which the discharge is abnormal, though. Dr. Rosewater says that when it is different from your regular vaginal fluid--for example, when the discharge is accompanied by pain in the vagina or pelvic region; when it has a foul odor; when you also experience itching around the vagina; or when the discharge is discolored or lumpy in appearance like cottage cheese--there may be some sort of vaginal infection at play and a physician should be consulted. He or she will be able to prescribe a course of treatment.

Even if you don't have any of these symptoms and you still find the amount of vaginal fluid bothersome or very extreme, it is reasonable to check with a physician to see if something is wrong. Put this on your list of things to ask the next time you have a gynecological exam.

Take care.