At Always we make sure the information we provide, regarding women's health, period protection and menstrual cycle is accurate, this is why we work with

Meet the Experts

Always - experts on period protection

Experts - Our most read Articles

Our most read Articles

Experts page - Related Products

Related Products

Mr David Nunns-image

David Nunns

Miss Rhiannon Bray MBBS, Bsc (hons), MRCOG, MD, is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with subspecialist training in Urogynaecology.

She qualified from Guys, Kings and St Thomas Medical School and subsequently completed further sub specialist training in Urogynaecology at Imperial College, NHS Healthcare trust. She was appointed as Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2018.

Miss Bray holds a Medical Doctorate (MD) from Imperial College, where she undertook novel research using NMR into the urinary metabolome in lower urinary tract symptoms.  She has a number of publications in the field and has spoken nationally and internationally. 

Her publications can be found [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rhiannon_Bray](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rhiannon_Bray "Dr Rhiannon Bray")

She is experienced in the medical and surgical management of urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse, as well as birth trauma and other disorders of the pelvic floor. She is also trained in minimally invasive and advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Dr Rhiannon Bray

A137 Different types of vaginal discharge. What are they and what do they mean?

## What does your first period look like?

Getting your first period is full of excitement and anticipation.

But what does your first period look like? It’s a question on a lot of girls’ minds.

Most girls get their period somewhere between the ages of 10 and 13. Don’t worry if you get yours earlier or later than your friends. Everyone is on their own schedule, and there’s no “good” or “bad” age to get your period. But when it does come, it’s pretty exciting!

You go to the loo – and TA-DA!! There it is. Period blood. But it may not be that straightforward.

[Your first period](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/what-is-a-period/ "Your first period") (and the next few after that) may just look like brown spotting in your knickers. It’s not the red blood you may have been expecting. So what actually DOES your first period look like?


A017 - What Does Your First Period Look Like?

Read the full article below 

Always Night sanitary pads were especially designed for overnight protection and offer more coverage, no matter how much you toss and turn, while Normal (Size 1) and  Long (Size 2) sanitary pads were designed for optimal daytime protection.

What is the difference between Day & Night sanitary pads?

Michela Rossi-article-articleHeader

Different types of vaginal discharge. What are they and what do they mean?

Julia is a __general paediatrician__ with expertise in __paediatric cardiology__. Since 2009 she has also supported the training of junior doctors to enhance the continuing professional development of GPs and other health professionals working with children. 

She has recently returned to __NHS work__ and is focussing her efforts on her role as a __trustee and senior volunteer instructor for the charity NICHE international__, focusing on teaching newborn cases in West Africa and training local instructors.


Julia Thomson

Calculate your cycle

Always be prepared

PH04 - Vaginal Discharge - Related Products

Try these too 

You might also love 

- Up to Zero Feel Zero Leaks
- Moderate Flow
- Recommended for the day

Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2)

Always Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2) sanitary pads

Always Infinity FlexProtect period pads are uniquely made of super-absorbent holes and flexible SmartFoam technology. Click here and choose the best one for you!

Always FlexProtect period pads listing page

Always FlexProtect period pads

Make sure you use the size best adapted to your shape and flow. For additional leakage protection, try a higher size and consider changing your sanitary towel more frequently. Sanitary towels with wings provide a closer fit to you knickers that not only helps keep the pad in place but also keeps it closer to your body’s shape further reducing the risk of leakage. Check out our product recommender to find the best product for your need.

How do I avoid leaks?

Period Hub - PH04 - Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge

Product Recommender Flexible Promo - PLP and PDP - Blue BG

Expert List 02 - David Nunns

Consultant Gynaecologist

Always FlexProtect

WHAT'S YOUR FLOW LIKE - HEAVY

Always Infinity is the only feminine protection product with SmartFoam, a technology that absorbs 10x its weight yet you barely feel it. Also, Always Infinity is the only product with micro holes, form-fitting channels, and a unique, intuitive; “wider-at-the-back” shape to help the sanitary towels achieve a critical three-dimensional body fit for effective protection.

Why do you call Infinity “revolutionary”?

Always Sensitive - comparison chart

Dr. Philippa Kaye articlebody

A007 When Is My Next Period Due?

Dr. Philippa Kaye Image

Meet the experts - Dr. Philippa Kaye

Dr. Philippa Kaye

A138 What Does Yellow Discharge Mean?

What Does Yellow Discharge Mean?

A017 What Does Your First Period Look Like?

A070 First Period Stories

First Period Stories

Always Sensitive listing page

Always Sensitive Sanitary Towels

- LEAKS AT NIGHT? FEAR NO MORE
- Heavy Flow
- Recommended for the night

Ultra Night Heavy Flow

 Always Ultra Secure Night Extra (Size 5) sanitary pads

Always Pads Ultra Night Heavy Flow

Period Hub - PH 01 - Confidence at puberty

Confidence at puberty

Miss Anne Henderson BIO

Anne Henderson 

Every woman at some point in her life experiences crampy menstrual pains. And how to get reduce period pain and cramps? You can start with warm compresses!

A015 How to get rid of period pain and cramps

How to get reduce period pain and cramps

- Up to Zero Feel Zero Leaks
- Moderate / Heavy Flow
- Recommended for the night

Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra(Size 4)

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) sanitary pads

Period Hub - PH 01 - First Period Guide

First Period Guide

Always Maxi - comparison chart

The different types of vaginal discharge are simply ways of our body letting us know what is going on. Click here to learn how to read them!

A137 Different types of vaginal discharge

Different types of vaginal discharge

Liners

## Is It Normal To Have Discharge Every Day?

Some women have vaginal discharge every day, while others experience it only occasionally. Your discharge, its frequency, and the amount you experience will vary based on your normal hormonal fluctuations throughout the month, depending on where you are in your [menstrual cycle](/en-gb/period-hub/menstrual-cycle/how-to-calculate-your-menstrual-cycle/ "Menstrual cycle").

This means you may experience more discharge when you are ovulating, breastfeeding, or sexually aroused, while some days you will find a few drops in your underwear.

## What Does Normal Discharge Look Like?

Vaginal discharge can vary in consistency and colour. Sometimes it is clear, and sometimes it is milky white. Sometimes it is watery, and sometimes it has a more stretchy, egg white-like consistency. For instance, when it’s creamier and thicker, it’s usually a sign your period is coming. Oestrogen is being released as the body prepares itself for menstruation. All of this is normal.

Other types of discharge may be a sign that something isn’t quite right. If your discharge has a chunky consistency, is itchy, or is off-colour (think white with cottage cheese-like consistency, yellow or green), or has a new strong smell this is a sign of infection. A visit to your doctor will clear things right up, so it’s best to make an appointment as soon as you can.

## How Do You Get Rid Of Discharge?

There are times when it can be annoying to find that discharge has once again made its presence felt in your underwear. Therefore, it is only natural to wonder if there is some way to reduce or even prevent discharge.

But at these times it is a good idea to remember why you get discharge in the first place and know that Mother Nature is doing her thing for a reason! So, if what you are experiencing is healthy discharge, and you are after ways to stop discharge for an easier life, it is definitely time for a rethink.

If however, you have excessive discharge, it may be that you are suffering from one of a number of problems, and getting to the bottom of it will give you a way to reduce discharge. Some common causes of unusual vaginal discharge can be:

- Allergy: in all seriousness, your vagina may be allergic to something. So if you’ve noticed your body is producing too much discharge recently, have a think – have you changed anything such as your shower gel, washing up powder, or tampon brand lately?

- Contraception: Have you begun taking new contraceptive pills lately? The change in hormones can play all sorts of havoc with your discharge, but the good news is it should soon settle down again, so don’t worry unless this carries on for more than a few months.

- Sexually Transmitted Infection: A heavier discharge combined with any other symptoms – such as pelvic pain, odd smells, discolouration of the discharge – could be a sign of an STI, so it’s worth getting checked out by a medical expert.

- A Forgotten Tampon: Yep, that might sound daft, but if there is a foreign body stuck inside you, your body will be doing all it can to flush it out. The longer it is there, the more it may be contributing to any build-ups of bad bacteria, so the sooner you can remove it, the better!

## How To Manage Vaginal Discharge?

Even if your discharge is normal and healthy, if it is leaving you feeling uncomfortable and damp, it’s perfectly normal to want to get rid of the discomfort. Luckily, pantyliners are specifically designed to absorb daily vaginal discharge, helping you stay fresh and confident throughout the day.

They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and absorbencies so you can find the liner that is just right for you. Pop one in your knickers first thing in the morning or keep one in your bag to have to hand, as and when you need it.

Vaginal discharge is totally normal and happens to all of us women. Why make it a taboo topic?

Is It Normal To Have Discharge Every Day?

Dr Anne Henderson

A004 Skin Health Alliance For Always

Skin Health Alliance for Always

A132 Why do I have a yellow discharge? Is yellow discharge normal?

Why do I have a yellow discharge? Is yellow discharge normal?

Julia Thomson-contentpage

PADS-Related Articles

Quick Reads

Dr Tariq Miskry

How to know when your next period is due

Always Maxi

Discharge is basically a fluid made in the cervix and vagina to keep everything down below clean and in working order. Just like your eye produces tears to rid itself of irritants, the vagina has glands that produce [discharge](/en-gb/period-hub/vaginal-discharge/is-it-normal-to-have-a-lot-of-discharge/ "Discharge") 

This way, harmful bacteria have a harder time getting through and causing irritation – or worse. Amazing vagina! This stuff also keeps the area moist, and even provides some help to the process of fertilisation – handy if you are trying to get pregnant!

A099 - T02 - Why Do Women Get Discharge?

Why Do Women Get Discharge?

Dr Rhiannon Bray articlebody

Dr. Philippa Kaye-article-articleHeader

Mr David Nunns-article-articleHeader

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) sanitary pads 9ct

9 ct

Find helpful resources about periods categorised into subtopics. Get informed with expert insights, navigate your period journey with confidence.

First Period & Puberty

Period Hub: Explore Period Articles by Category | Always UK

Period Hub - PH01 - First Period & Puberty

Calculating your average menstrual cycle length

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra image 3

A010-T01-Calculate your menstrual cycle

Calculate your menstrual cycle

A010- Related Articles 

Period Hub - PH02 - Menstrual Cycle

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle | Always UK

With more than __25 years__ of experience in __Obstetrics & Gynaecology__ Mr Miskry is one of the __senior consultants__ at St Mary’s. In his __NHS role__, as well as working on the labour ward managing complicated pregnancies he has regular outpatient clinics and a number of operating lists. 

He is involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching including as a __preceptor for training in minimal access surgery for the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists__. 
He is the __Lead for Complex Benign Gynaecological Surgery__ as well as __lead Surgeon for the BSGE__ (British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy) accredited Endometriosis Surgical Centre at Imperial. 

Mr Miskry has continued to develop an interest in clinical research and regularly has articles published in medical literature as well as presentations at national and international meetings.


Tariq Miskry

In order to calculate your menstrual cycle, you’ll need to learn how to track your [cycle](/en-gb/period-tracker/ "Cycle"). Don’t worry. It’s pretty simple. All you need to do is mark down when your period started on a calendar for a few months in order to figure out how to count your period cycle days and to calculate the average length of your menstrual cycle.


How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

Scent - NO

Always FlexProtect - a pad made like no other 

- Absorbs like no other, Feels like nothing
- Thanks to its super-absorbent holes, FlexProtect Normal absorbs up to 40% more than Always Ultra Normal pads, for up to Zero Leaks
- Features a thin and flexible SmartFoam core, for up to Zero Feel
- Follows you at every movement, for up to Zero Bunching
- Always FlexProtect comes in a delightful carton box, for a nice and easy storage in your bathroom

Why You Will Love It?

Hormones interact together to regulate certain phases of the menstrual cycle. Understanding the different stages of the menstrual cycle is important to help you get familiar and recognise the changes your body is going through and how you may feel during each phase. It is during this cycle that the levels of oestrogen or progesterone rise or fall. So how do your hormones change during the menstrual cycle?

A049 The Hormones During Your Menstrual Cycle

Read the full article below

Period Hub - PH01 - ADP - First Period And Puberty - Related Articles 

A103 Your guide to pregnancy discharge colour and texture changes

Your guide to pregnancy discharge colour and texture changes

Always FlexProtect period pads listing page banner

SmartFoam is a technology that is found only in Always Infinity feminine sanitary towels. It is a soft, very absorbent foam. Its layered structure allows fluid to be quickly drawn from the top of the sanitary towel deep into the bottom layer, where it is stored.

What is SmartFoam?

Michela Rossi- content2column

# Michela Rossi
## MBBS PhD FRCP
Consultant Endocrinologist

Expert List 03 - Nihara Krause

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Nihara Krause

Experts Page - Footer

Tariq Miskry articlebody

Dr Rhiannon Bray-contentpage

Sometimes there’s a lot. Sometimes there’s a little. And sometimes there’s even a faint odour. Either way, you feel it in your knickers. Vaginal discharge.

All women get it, and it’s perfectly normal. But exactly what is vaginal discharge? What causes it and why is it there? And, perhaps - most importantly – what can you do about it?

A099 - T01 - What is Vaginal Discharge?

What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Dr Krause is a highly experienced Consultant Clinical Psychologist and lecturer in adolescent and adult mental health.

Dr Nihara Krause

Dr Nihara Krause - Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Always FlexProtect period pads lisiting page

 1 Heavy, painful periods

Watch this video and get the answers to all the questions you have about your first period. (Girl Talk Episode 1)

Watch Your Menstrual Cycle & Periods - what you need to know in less than three minutes

Period Hub - Back to Period Hub page

When Will You Need It - NIGHT

A010 How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

Expert List 06 - Dr. Philippa Kaye

Practicing GP-NHS

A010-T03-Calculating your average menstrual cycle length

Meet the experts - David Nunns

A099 What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Nihara krause page - article list

Articles reviewed

Always Ultra Day - comparison chart

Menstrual Cycle

A010-T02-How to count the days in your menstrual cycle 

How to count the days in your menstrual cycle 

 He is an accredited subspecialist in gynaecological oncology surgery. He completed a higher research degree (MD) in vulval disease in 1995.

David Nunns - Consultant Gynaecologist 

Dr Rhiannon Bray Image

pinkheartin

always_en_uk-articles-a070-first-period-stories-first-period-stories-jpg

EP - Dr Rhiannon Bray

Miss Anne Henderson image

Up to ZERO feel and ZERO leaks with Always Infinity FlexProtect period pads with wings

Always Infinity main 640x790

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A010-How-to-Calculate-Your-Menstrual-Cycle/03_how-to-calculate-your-menstrual-cycle.jpg

Red liquid is poured on pad that absorbs up to 30% more vs Always FlexProtect Size 1.

Always FlexProtect Night Pads Size4 Fiona 3.0 RBU UK SI03

What-Is-Vaginal-Discharge

Meet the experts - Tariq Miskry

productRecommender

Product Recommender

Finger leaves an indentation in Always FlexProtect's SmartFoam that moulds to your body.

Always FlexProtect Night Pads Size4 Fiona 3.0 RBU UK SI05

EP - Anne henderson

Meet the experts -  Dr Rhiannon Bray Image

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A010-How-to-Calculate-Your-Menstrual-Cycle/02_how-to-calculate-your-menstrual-cycle.jpg

EP - Nihara krause

Dr Michela Rossi image

A010 - How to calculate your menstrual cycle

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A010-How-to-Calculate-Your-Menstrual-Cycle/Head_how-to-calculate-your-menstrual-cycle.jpg.jpg

EP - Tariq-miskry

Meet the experts - Anne Henderson

Meet the experts - Nihara Krause

Comparison images/Ultra Size 1 Wing

m1wxtx3okgqecuqsm40u.png

Dr. Tariq Miskry image

Hands twist Always FlexProtect pad that is ultra flexible and follows your night moves.

Always FlexProtect Night Pads Size4 Fiona 3.0 RBU UK SI04

Hands twist Always FlexProtect pad that is ultra flexible and follows your moves.

Always FlexProtect Fiona2 Day Size2 RBU UK SI03

Always_EN_UK/Product-categories/Always Infinity main 1920x750.jpg

EP - Julia thomson

Comparison images/Maxi Day Size 2

Smiling woman holds Always FlexProtect pad that offers up to zero feel, zero leaks.

Always_EN_UK/Products/Sanitary-Towels/Infinity-with-SmartFoam/Secondary-Images/Normal-Size-1-Without-Wings/Always_FAM_FlexProtect_Infinity_Day_Pads_UK_SI01.jpg

Comparison images/Platinum size 1

Meet the experts - Julia Thomson