Vaginal discharge: causes, colors & what it means

What is vaginal discharge?

This is a type of fluid or mucus that flows out of the vagina[1]. It has an important role in protecting the vagina and keeping it clean (that’s right, the vagina is self-cleaning)[2]. There are many types of vaginal discharge and while it’s perfectly normal to experience different discharge at different times of the cycle, it’s important to look out for any changes.

Just as different colors of period blood can give us insights into our health, vaginal discharge can also indicate what stage you are at of your menstrual cycle, as well as indicating underlying conditions. Identifying patterns in our cycles helps us get to know our bodies better, and is a great way to stay on top of our reproductive health. Now, let’s take a look at some different types of vaginal discharge!

What is considered normal vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is completely normal – but what ‘normal’ looks like can vary from person to person. While the color and consistency of your discharge may change at different points in your menstrual cycle, it’s typically considered to be healthy if it’s:

• Thick and sticky in texture
• Slippery and wet in consistency
• Clear or white in color[1]

The amount of discharge can vary depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle, as well as other factors in your life. If you’re pregnant, for example, you’ll usually have more discharge. You can also experience more discharge if you’re using birth control, and if you’re sexually active[1].

It’s normal for discharge to smell slightly – but any strong or unpleasant smell is not typically considered normal, and could be a sign of an infection or problem[3].

The key to knowing what “normal” discharge is like is understanding what’s normal for you. If you know what your discharge usually looks like, then it’s much easier to recognize if or when there are any changes to your normal discharge pattern. 

What does the color of vaginal discharge mean?

Vaginal discharge can change in color, texture, and consistency throughout the menstrual cycle, and these variations are often perfectly normal. However, certain colors or odors can sometimes signal underlying health issues that may require attention. Understanding what different colors of discharge might indicate — whether it’s related to hormonal changes, infection, or other factors — can help you stay on top of your reproductive health and know when it’s time to seek medical advice.

White, clear or milky discharge

Experiencing white, clear or milky discharge is very normal, and these colors typically mean that your discharge is healthy – although not always, so it’s important to pay attention to the texture as well as the color.

White discharge

Creamy white discharge is usually completely normal, although the appearance of the white discharge can vary depending on what phase of your menstrual cycle you’re in[4]. 

While white discharge is normal, it can also be a symptom of an infection, particularly when it’s thick and clumpy. This can be a sign of a yeast infection, otherwise known as candida or thrush[5]. While uncomfortable, this is usually easily treated with medication you can get from your doctor, sexual health clinic, or pharmacist.

Clear discharge

Clear discharge is also usually normal and is common during ovulation. This type of discharge is often described as looking like egg whites as the amount of cervical mucus increases right before ovulation – it’s been found that the vaginal glands produce up to 30 times more cervical mucus in the run-up to ovulation compared to the time immediately after[6].

As well as indicating fertility, clear fluid around the vagina can also be arousal fluid. This is a clear, watery, and odorless vaginal discharge that’s produced by the Bartholin glands, appearing during physical arousal[7].

Milky discharge

Like white discharge, milky discharge can be a sign of ovulation. It can also be an early sign of pregnancy. It’s normal to have more discharge when you’re pregnant, with healthy discharge usually being thin, clear, or milky white, without an odor[8].

Gray vaginal discharge

If your discharge takes on a grayer tinge, it might be a sign something isn’t quite right. Gray discharge is a symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV)[9]. This is a bacterial imbalance that can be treated with a course of antibiotics. Other symptoms include a strong odor (particularly after sex), and a burning sensation when you pee.

If you notice any change in your discharge or experience any other unusual symptoms alongside unexplained vaginal discharge, we recommend you talk to a healthcare professional to find out more.

Red discharge

This is a very normal kind of vaginal discharge and is most commonly associated with menstruation. Menstrual blood can vary in amount and consistency from person to person with some of us experiencing a light, bright red bleed that looks like watery red discharge, and some having a heavier dark red bleed with period clotting.

Besides menstruation, there are a number of other things that can cause red discharge, including withdrawal bleeding (the bleed you get after you stop taking hormonal birth control or are in-between pill packets)[10] and spotting (vaginal bleeding between periods). As well as being a healthy discharge, it can also be a sign of something more serious such as a cervical infection[11].

Red discharge – particularly if it’s clumpy red discharge – can also be a sign of miscarriage[12]. Keep in mind that not all early pregnancy bleeding leads to pregnancy loss, but it’s a good idea to get to know the signs and talk to your healthcare provider, if you have any concerns or experience any unexplained bleeding.

Brown vaginal discharge

As blood gets older it turns from red to brown - this can cause a darker vaginal discharge than the bright red blood we might be used to on our periods. Brown discharge is usually nothing to worry about and may just be due to a late period or spotting caused by hormonal contraceptives.

In late pregnancy, you may experience what’s known as a show or a bloody show[13]. This is another type of normal vaginal discharge. A blood-tinged mucus plug that blocks the cervix during pregnancy, it may come out in one go or in several pieces. This brown or pink vaginal discharge is a sign your body is getting ready to give birth but it can happen several days before you actually go into labor!

Pink vaginal discharge

While discharge that’s rusty brown signifies blood that’s a bit older, pink vaginal discharge can happen when bleeding is light and fresh such as at the beginning of your period, or if you experience spotting around ovulation[14]. You may also get pink discharge after sex if there’s irritation to the cervix or the vagina. 

For those planning a pregnancy, it’s worth knowing about a type of spotting called implantation bleeding. This is thought to appear pinkish or brown in color[15]. This could be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, as implantation bleeding is thought to occur eight or nine days after ovulation. Implantation bleeding isn’t all that common — in fact, there is limited scientific evidence that it exists, but it's good to be aware of.

Green vaginal discharge

Keep an eye out for discharge that’s greenish as this can be a sign of an infection. If you notice there’s more vaginal discharge than usual, or that it has a different odor, this can also indicate something may not be quite right. 

There are several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause green discharge, including gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis[16],[17]. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive system, can also cause green discharge[18].

If you notice neon green discharge, especially with other symptoms like pain, odor, or itching, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Yellow vaginal discharge

Yellow discharge is often harmless and may just be caused by blood mixing with cervical mucus. You may notice it before you get your period or if your menstrual cycle is shorter than usual. You may experience a brighter yellow or light yellow discharge.

In some cases, this color of discharge can also be a sign of other conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, or can be caused by an allergic reaction. Look out for other symptoms such as pelvic pain or discomfort during sex. 

Yellow-green discharge

If your yellow vaginal discharge has a greenish tint, it may be caused by an STI like trichomoniasis or another type of infection like BV or PID[19].

Yellowish-brown discharge

If you’ve had a cervical biopsy, sometimes the dyes used can cause a brown or yellow discharge, or brown or black specks in your discharge[20]. 

Causes of heavy vaginal discharge

Have you ever found yourself wondering “why do i have so much discharge all of a sudden”? There are various things that can cause heavier than usual discharge – some of which are healthy and normal, and others which may be a sign of an underlying condition. 

Some of the factors that cause heavy discharge include:

• Pregnancy: Discharge gets heavier during pregnancy, especially towards the end[21] as the body prepares for labor.
• Hormonal contraceptives: If you’re taking a hormonal form of birth control, like the pill, you may have thicker discharge throughout the month as the hormones used thicken your cervical fluid[22].
• Ovulation: Your body starts to make more cervical mucus before you ovulate, as an egg begins to mature . You’ll usually have the most mucus right before ovulation, and during ovulation. This type of discharge is clear in color and slippery in texture[23]. It’s during this time that you’re fertile and most likely to get pregnant – so charting your cervical mucus can be useful both if you’re planning a pregnancy or want to prevent a pregnancy.
• Infections: A significant increase in discharge could be a sign of an infection like BV[24], or an STI like trichomoniasis, which can cause a thick discharge that’s either thin or frothy, and is yellow-green in color[17].
• Thrush: A common yeast infection, one of the symptoms of thrush is a thick white discharge that’s similar in appearance to cottage cheese[25].

If you notice a difference in the amount of discharge, or you have any concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They’ll be able to determine the cause of your increased discharge and recommend the best course of action.

When is vaginal discharge a sign of an infection?

Vaginal discharge can indicate an infection when it has abnormal characteristics, such as:

• Unusual color: Yellow, green, gray, or frothy discharge
• Strong odor: A fishy or foul smell
• Changes in consistency: Clumpy or foamy discharge
• Accompanying symptoms: Itching, burning, redness, swelling, or pelvic pain[1]

These symptoms could be a sign of an infection, such as BV, thrush or an STI. If you notice any changes in your discharge, it’s best to speak to your doctor to determine the cause.

Can you have more than one vaginal infection?

Yes, it’s possible to have more than one vaginal infection at the same time. You could, for example, have BV and a yeast infection simultaneously, or an STI like chlamydia or trichomoniasis alongside BV. Each infection may need different treatment, but your healthcare provider can advise the best course of action for each treatment. 

While most infections are usually easily treated, it’s important to seek medical advice sooner rather than later as putting off going to the doctor may make symptoms worse.

Are there any noninfectious causes of vaginal discharge?

Yes, discharge doesn’t always mean that you have an infection. It’s perfectly normal and healthy to have discharge – it's normal and helps to keep your vagina clean and moist, while helping to protect it from infections.

Some additional non-infectious causes of discharge include:

• Vaginitis
• A foreign body stuck inside your vagina 
• Irritation from chemicals (like body washes or shampoos)
• Hormonal birth control, including intrauterine devices (IUDs)[26]

Why don’t I have discharge anymore?

There are several things that can lead to a lack of discharge. Vaginal dryness can be more common at certain life phases, such as during menopause or if we’re breastfeeding or were recently pregnant[27]. Taking hormonal contraception can also reduce or stop vaginal discharge (including menstrual blood), and some other types of medications can do this too.

Vaginal dryness can be uncomfortable and may lead to pain during sex. You might want to try using a water-based lubricant before penetrative intercourse and avoid using perfumed soaps and washes in or near the vagina.

Why does my vagina smell?

It’s normal for your vagina to have a smell, this is because it contains a natural level of bacteria that’s there to keep your vagina’s pH levels balanced and healthy. The smell of a vagina can vary from person to person and you may also notice that the smell of your vagina changes at different points in the menstrual cycle. None of this is cause for concern. However, if you notice a sudden change in smell or a strong odor, it might be a sign that something isn’t quite right.

Discharge with a strong, fishy odor can be a sign of BV or a sexually transmitted infection[9], whereas if you notice a foul odor when you urinate it could be caused by a UTI. A sweeter odor can be caused by a yeast infection such as thrush. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about any changes in vaginal discharge smell or abnormal vaginal discharge along with any other symptoms you’ve noticed.

If you forget to remove a tampon you may experience some smelly vaginal discharge, as well as other symptoms such as pelvic pain and a high temperature. If this happens it’s important to contact your healthcare professional immediately - do not try to remove the tampon yourself[28].

Tampons should be changed regularly (usually every four to eight hours), but always check the instructions on the pack. Using tampons longer than directed puts you at risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS), which is a very rare but serious condition[29].

It’s important to remember that a light but distinct smell is normal when it comes to your vagina and vulva. Whether you choose to use any products to keep your vagina “clean” is up to you, but keep please in mind that your vagina is not dirty, and using even mild soap or douching can upset the natural pH balance and cause infections. In the end, these may actually make the smell of your vagina stronger.

Get to know your body better

Thanks for reading up on vaginal discharge. Every body is different, and when it comes to our menstrual cycles we’re also all unique. At Natural Cycles we know that learning about our bodies can be a powerful journey. That’s why our app is designed so you can track and follow changes throughout your cycle - you can even track discharge changes and consistency - so you can learn all about your unique cycle and take control of your fertility.