What causes white discharge on the underwear of a 13-year-old girl?

White discharge on the underwear of a 13-year-old girl is usually caused by menarche, bacterial vaginosis, or candidal vaginitis.

1. Menarche

There's no need to panic if a 13-year-old girl has white discharge on her underwear; this is a normal developmental phenomenon and may indicate that menstruation is about to begin. If the discharge is colorless and odorless, it generally isn't a cause for concern. It's recommended to frequently change underwear and wash it with a dedicated basin and soap.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis commonly presents symptoms such as vaginal itching and increased vaginal discharge. Therefore, white discharge on a young girl's underwear might be related to bacterial vaginosis. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as clindamycin hydrochloride cream, metronidazole gel, and vitamin B complex tablets can be used for treatment. Parents should ensure the girl maintains good external genital hygiene to promote recovery.

3. Candidal Vaginitis

If white discharge on the underwear is accompanied by symptoms like external genital itching, frequent urination, or painful urination, it could indicate candidal vaginitis. The discharge in such cases is typically thick, white, and resembles curdled milk or cottage cheese. It's recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

For a 13-year-old girl experiencing white discharge on her underwear, it's important to drink plenty of water, strengthen physical health, and prevent infections due to decreased immunity in daily life.