Discharge & Liners
Discharge is a clear or white fluid that comes out of your vagina. The uterus, cervix and/or vagina can produce discharge. They produce it to keep the vagina clean and flush out any unhealthy bacteria. It is perfectly normal and can begin happening to girls anywhere between two years to six months before their first period.
Discharge can sometimes become annoying and leave your underwear feeling damp. For this there are liners, also called panty liners. Liners are an absorbent piece of material with a sticky back that sticks your underwear to absorb discharge, like a small sized pad. They can also be used for spotting, at the end of your period or as a tampon backup.
Panty liners can come wrapped like this.
Discharge can sometimes become annoying and leave your underwear feeling damp. For this there are liners, also called panty liners. Liners are an absorbent piece of material with a sticky back that sticks your underwear to absorb discharge, like a small sized pad. They can also be used for spotting, at the end of your period or as a tampon backup.
Panty liners can come wrapped like this.
And some come already open.
The wrapped panty liners are good for keeping in your purse so that they stay sanitary, but if you only use liners at home it would be a good idea to buy the pre-opened ones to eliminate waste and save the environment! :D
Liners also have different absorbencies like pads. They can be quite confusing so let me explain them to you (I apologise if these aren't right because they can vary from country to country). Extra thin is the light liner protection, it's good for light discharge and spotting. Next are light liners, they're good for medium discharge, spotting and the end of your period. Last are long liners, they're slightly longer for greater protection. They're for heavy discharge, a light period and slight bladder weakness (when you uncontrollably pee a little bit). Long liners are mostly for woman going through menopause so there's no need to worry about them. If you're new to liners you should start off with the "extra thin" ones and if you feel they aren't absorbent enough for you then you can try other brands or go up to "light" protection.
Liners should be changed, like pads, every four to six hours if you're using them for a light period. If you're using liners because of discharge then it's really up to you when to change them. If you're not experiencing much discharge it would be fine to have the same liner on all day but I recommend changing it twice a day, once in the morning when you wake up and again when you get back from school.
Tip: If you're going on a long flight or a road trip, taking a packet of liners with you is a great way to stay fresh without having to change your underwear. It also means there will be less laundry!
Another thing you should know is how to tell if your discharge is healthy. A healthy normal discharge is white or milky and should not have a strong smell. If your discharge becomes heavier suddenly, changes colour or smell, is stained with blood, is making you itchy or is lumpy it is recommended you see a doctor because it's possible you may have an infection. An infection could be caused without having sex so don't be embarrassed to tell your mum. It is most certainly not your fault!