What your vaginal discharge means

Vaginal discharge is fluid/mucus that your vagina produces to keep itself clean and healthy. It is there to help protect your vagina from infection and is perfectly natural. However, you may find your discharge changes from time to time, like during your cycle for example, or because of other factors like:

• pregnancy
• infections
• arousal
• a response to the hormonal contraceptives

What is considered normal discharge?

Normal discharge is usually:

• clear
• white
• odourless

It can also vary in thickness and amount.

Healthy vaginal discharge usually has a mild odour which can vary in scent. For example it can smell:

• earthy
• sweet (like molasses)
• bleachy (if pee is present)
• coppery
• sour

Normal discharge and the menstrual cycle

Your discharge can also change depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, which is normal. This is because during your cycle, your cervical mucus adapts in consistency in preparation for pregnancy. Your cervical mucus makes up part of your vaginal discharge and so you may notice changes at different parts of your cycle.

These changes can vary from person to person, so it can be good to track what is usual for you using a calendar or an app, so that you can be aware of any specific changes.

An overview of potential changes for a 28-day ‘typical’ cycle:

Straight after your period you may find that your discharge is brown in colour, this is usually old blood and is normal, sometimes also known as ‘spotting’.

What are signs of abnormal discharge?

Abnormal discharge can:

• look like cottage cheese (very thick)
• appear green, yellow, or frothy
• smell ‘fishy’
• become thin and watery

Often, abnormal discharge is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as:

• bleeding
• pain in the tummy and thighs
• itchiness
• soreness
• pain after sex
• pain when peeing
• blisters or sores

The colour of your vaginal discharge can change and vary due to a range of reasons that are not strictly limited to just your menstrual cycle.

Here’s an overview on different colours of vaginal discharge, what causes them, and whether they may need treating.

Clear

Clear vaginal discharge is normal and is simply fluid that protects your vagina from harmful bacteria. You may notice the texture of clear discharge change during the menstrual cycle as your hormone levels fluctuate, or if you are on hormonal contraceptives.

White

If your vaginal discharge is white, this is often normal and can occur naturally during your cycle. You may find that your discharge might look a bit like egg whites when ovulating, leading it to be more white in colour just before ovulation as your cervix produces a thicker, whiter, and sticky fluid.

However, if you have white discharge with a thicker, cottage cheese texture, this can be a sign of a yeast infection (thrush). If you have thrush you may have other symptoms like:

• irritation or itching around your vagina
• soreness during sex
• burning sensation when you pee

Thrush is common and thrush treatment is available. You can get thrush if you have been sweating a lot, using scented vaginal products, or wearing tight clothing.

Yellow or green

Yellow or green discharge typically indicates an infection. Sometimes yellow or green discharge can be caused by symptomless underlying infections from STIs, like trichomoniasis. Yellow discharge due to infection can sometimes have a thin or runny texture, or a bad fishy smell. You may also feel itchy or sore, and it might be painful to have sex or urinate.

If STIs or bacterial vaginosis are left untreated (sometimes due to the fact they can be symptomless), it can cause further health complications which may cause this change in colour of your discharge, such as:

• vaginitis
• cervicitis
• urethritis
• pelvic inflammatory disease

If you are concerned about yellow discharge, or think you may have an STI, you should speak with a healthcare provider and take an STI test if you’ve been sexually active.

Grey

Grey discharge can be a sign of:

• inflammation
• infection
• bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• uterine fibroids

Grey discharge is most commonly an indicator of bacterial vaginosis, alongside smelling fishy and having a watery texture. BV is not an STI (although recent evidence suggests it could be sexually transmitted) but is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, and an imbalance in the bacteria that are naturally found in your vagina.

Using products like douches, vaginal hygiene sprays, or other products which can alter the pH level of your vagina can cause this. Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotic tablets, gels or creams.

The breakdown of uterine fibroids can also cause grey discharge, sometimes accompanied with swelling pains, cramps, bleeding, or nausea. You should speak to your doctor if you are experiencing changes in your discharge and additional symptoms that are disrupting your daily life.

Orange

Orange or browny-orange discharge can sometimes happen during early pregnancy or at the end of the menstrual cycle. It can be due to blood mixing with cervical fluid, making it appear orange and it can also happen due to breakthrough bleeding on the contraceptive pill or other hormonal contraceptives.

Occasionally, orange discharge can indicate a sign of implantation bleeding (early pregnancy) which is when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterus.

Sometimes orange discharge, like yellow or green discharge, can indicate bacterial vaginosis.

Trichomoniasis

Orange discharge can also be a sign of trichomoniasis which is an STI. Nearly 50% of the time, trichomoniasis causes no symptoms, but common symptoms for women include:

• more discharge than usual
• fishy odour of discharge
• soreness, swelling, and itching around the vagina or inner thighs
• pain or discomfort when having sex or peeing

You can find out if you have trichomoniasis by taking a test.

Red

Red discharge is typical around the menstrual cycle, ranging from cherry red to rusty brown, commonly known as ‘spotting’. This can occur between periods, due to hormonal changes, contraceptives (in-between pill packets), or other factors.

It’s usually nothing to worry about, but if it persists or happens unexpectedly with no apparent cause, you should contact your doctor as it may be a sign of:

• pregnancy
• ectopic pregnancy
• cervical infection
• bacterial vaginosis
• cancer
• fibroids (non-cancerous growths that can develop in or around the uterus)
• cervical polyps (small growths on the lower part of the uterus)

Pink

Pink discharge is common both just before and just after your period. It can also happen at the very start or very end of pregnancy. This usually happens as blood mixes with clear cervical fluid on its way from the uterus, which can turn it pink. Sometimes irregular periods can cause pink discharge, which can happen due to stress or weight fluctuations.

Other instances that may cause pink discharge include:

• hormonal imbalances – low estrogen levels
• implantation – early pregnancy, with other symptoms like frequent urination, sickness, and fatigue
• hormonal contraception – breakthrough bleeding in between pill packets
• ovulation ‘spotting’ – due to higher volumes of clear fluid produced
• ovarian cyst and endometriosis – alongside heaviness in your pelvis or bloating
• perimenopause – rising and falling estrogen levels and irregular periods causing pink spotting

There are a range of causes of pink discharge, and for the most part it is common and normal, but if it occurs unexpectedly or unexplained, speak to your doctor.

Brown

Brown discharge is common and normal, and typically happens after your periods due to leftover blood leaving the vagina. It can also happen due to contraceptives like the implant, which can cause irregular menstrual bleeding.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause happens as your body transitions to menopause. During this time, your oestrogen levels rise and fall, causing your period cycles to occur without ovulation, or become shorter or longer. As a result, you may notice brown discharge at earlier stages in your cycle. You may find you have accompanying symptoms like mood swings, hot flushes, and vaginal dryness.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance. This can often lead to irregular periods or no period at all. Sometimes brown discharge can happen in place of a period, or can come out from the previous period.

Accompanying symptoms of PCOS include:

• obesity
• infertility
• dark patches of skin
• hirsutism (unwanted excessive hair growth)
• ovarian cysts
• acne

Occasionally, brown discharge can be abnormal if it comes back often and appears alongside other symptoms. If you’re concerned about brown discharge, you should contact your doctor.

It’s perfectly natural for vaginal discharge to have an odour. Usually, it’s also normal for your vaginal discharge’s smell to vary. Healthy vaginal discharge has:

• a mild odour
• is not too noticeable
• can change due to menstruation, pregnancy, or sex

The vagina has a slightly acidic pH to maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria, however when this pH becomes ‘off’ balance, it can cause the odour of your discharge to change.

Occasionally, bacterial overgrowth or infection in the vagina can produce unpleasant odours. This can be caused by using feminine products, or scented soaps.

You should speak to your doctor if your vaginal odour is persistently:

• unusually strong
• unpleasant
• fishy
• metallic

To avoid disrupting the pH balance of your vaginal discharge, we recommend washing yourself with warm water and unscented soap, regularly changing pads or tampons when on your period, and wearing loose clothing.

Vaginal discharge texture is typically sticky, wet, and like ‘egg-whites’ or mucus. The quantity of vaginal discharge can change during the menstrual cycle, for example at the beginning and end it is usually thick and sticky, but as oestrogen levels rise before ovulation it can become clear, watery, and stretchy.

However even though texture changes are normal, it’s important to track what is typical for your vaginal discharge texture, and watch out for any changes that concern you. Unusual discharge may appear to be:

• creamy
• thick
• like cottage cheese
• clumpy
• overly watery
• thin

Thick, clumpy discharge

If you find you have cottage-cheese-textured, clumpy, thick discharge, you may have a yeast infection (thrush). This is a very common experience and is usually harmless though it can be uncomfortable. You can treat thrush with prescribed antifungal medications like Canesten.

In some instances, thick vaginal discharge can be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STI) like gonorrhoea or chlamydia. If you think you may have an STI and are experiencing additional STI-related symptoms, you should take a STI test or contact your doctor.

Thin, watery discharge

Thin, watery discharge is often caused by an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis, which can be treated easily with a short course of antibiotics. The STI gonorrhoea can also cause thin, watery discharge but often has no symptoms at all. Your discharge may also become thin and watery if you’re going through menopause or are pregnant.

The “normal” amount of vaginal discharge varies from person to person. It is typical that you may notice around 0.5 to 1 teaspoon (2.5 to 5ml) in your underwear from day to day.

Increased vaginal discharge may occur due to:

• sexual arousal
• ovulation
• pregnancy
• contraceptives
• certain medications
• infections (like bacterial vaginosis or thrush)
• hormonal changes
• menstrual cycle
• being sexually active

Decreased vaginal discharge may happen because of:

• menstrual cycle (after ovulation)
• stress
• dehydration
• certain medications
• breastfeeding

If you’re concerned about the amount of vaginal discharge you have, you should speak to your doctor. We recommend seeing your doctor if you notice a sudden and significant increase in discharge and an accompanying foul odour, itching, burning, or pain, or if you are experiencing increased dryness from a lack of discharge that is disrupting your sex life and causing pain.

Abnormal vaginal discharge can be caused by a range of reasons from STIs and infections to natural hormonal imbalances. Here’s an overview on how these factors can disrupt vaginal discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

If you have BV, it can cause a change in vaginal discharge. You may find that your discharge appears off-white, grey, or even slightly greenish in colour. Your discharge may become thin and watery and have a fishy odour. You might find you have no symptoms at all, or experience symptoms like:

• itching
• burning sensation when urinating
• painful sex

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea can cause vaginal discharge to change.

Trichomoiasis

This can make your discharge turn frothy, yellow-green, or sometimes orange, along with a strong, foul, fishy odour. Alongside this, you may experience:

• itching
• burning
• redness
• soreness
• pain when you pee or have sex
• a more frequent need to pee
• bleeding after sex

Chlamydia

This can make you produce more discharge which is yellow or green and has an unusual, fishy odour. You may also have additional symptoms like:

• burning when you pee
• pain in your lower back or abdomen
• bleeding after sex
• nausea
• fever
• itching

Gonorrhoea

This can make you produce white, yellow, or green discharge, which may be thin or watery. You may also additionally have:

• pain or burning when urinating
• fever
• bleeding after sex or in-between periods

Your discharge may also have an earthy or mushroomy smell.

Herpes

This can sometimes make you produce thick, white, chunky or clotted discharge with blood in it and a strong, foul odour that is more noticeable after sex. You may also experience:

• sores
• rashes
• tingling in your legs, hips, or buttocks

Many STIs are treatable with antibiotics, and not everybody has symptoms, so if you think you may have an STI, you should take a STI test.

Yeast infection (thrush)

Thrush can cause your vaginal discharge to thicken, and become creamy and white like cottage cheese. It may be accompanied with a yeasty odour and symptoms like:

• itching or burning around the vagina or vulva
• soreness or stinging during urination or sex

Hormonal changes

It’s perfectly natural for hormones to fluctuate, and as a result of this, vaginal discharge can change as this happens.

Pregnancy

The increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can cause an increase in discharge. You may notice light spotting or brown discharge during the implantation stage (6 to 12 days after conception).

During pregnancy you may notice a slightly salty-scented discharge. For the most part, the odour is naturally neutral. It’s also normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy, especially towards the end.

When preparing for birth, you may notice a thick, pink, jelly-like discharge.

Watch out if you notice changes in your discharge when you are pregnant, for example you should speak to your doctor or midwife if your discharge:

• smells bad
• is accompanied by pain

Menopause

Discharge during the menopause varies depending on the person. For the most part, it is usually “normal” (varying in colour from white to yellowish, clear or watery, thin to thick, and creamy) and does not require any treatment.

If you have bleeding after menopause, even a small amount or just once, you must speak to your doctor straight away. Although not usually serious, it can be a sign of cancer so it’s always best to get checked.

Menstrual cycle

Discharge during the menstrual cycle varies from person to person. Typically for the first few days after you bleed as your follicular phase begins, your discharge may be dry, sticky, creamy, and white or yellow.

During ovulation, your discharge may be clear, wet, and slippery, or even stretchy. As you get to your luteal phase (after ovulation, but before your next period) you may experience dry and small amounts of discharge.

It may be that you start to ‘spot’ brown discharge which is old blood after your period, this is natural but if you see this persistently, contact your doctor.

➤ If you think your periods may be irregular and you’re unsure where you are with your vaginal discharge, check out our irregular period guide.

Cervical issues

Vaginal discharge and its changes can be an indication of cervical issues. Cervicitis is the most common cervical issue associated with changes in vaginal discharge. If untreated, cervicitis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Symptoms of cervicitis to watch out for include:

• pain during sex
• painful urination
• pain during sex
• bleeding between periods
• bleeding after sex
• pelvic pain
• vaginal itching
• pressure or heaviness in the pelvis.

Symptoms of PID include:

• pain in stomach, cramping, or aching
• painful sex or when peeing
• bleeding between periods and after sex
• heavy periods
• painful periods
• persistently unusual vaginal discharge

Cervicitis and PID can be caused by a history of STIs. You should speak to your doctor if you experience persistent painful and disruptive symptoms alongside changes in your vaginal discharge.

A very common condition called cervical ectropion can cause spotting or blood-stained discharge after sexual intercourse. Cervical ectropion is caused due to fluctuating hormones. It is often diagnosed with cervical screening. If you are concerned about bleeding after sex, discuss this with your doctor or book a cervical screening.

Vaginal health and pH can change due to a range of reasons, that can span diet, to daily hygiene, and unsafe sexual practices. To prevent unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms that accompany vaginal discharge, or changes to your vaginal discharge, here are some do’s and don’ts:

Treatment for vaginal discharge

Although it can be at first unsettling seeing change in your vaginal discharge and experiencing symptoms you are not used to, there are a range of treatments available

Thrush

Treatments for thrush include Canesten cream or Canesten Duo. These can be applied either via a cream or tablet or pessary and contain clotrimazole. Your doctor will prescribe you both the pessary and cream or either depending on your needs.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics either through tablets like metronidazole, or topically with Zidoval Gel, or Dalacin Cream. Your doctor will be able to prescribe one of these treatments depending on your medical history, personal health, and symptoms.

STIs

Treatment for STIs will depend on which STI you have, your medical history (including any allergies), and the symptoms you are experiencing. You must also inform any sexual partners so they can get tested and appropriate treatment too.

Treatments available at ZAVA include:

Trichomoniasis – Metronidazole tablets which are taken orally once a day for 7 days or together in one larger dose if advised to do so.

Chlamydia – Doxycycline oral tablets which are taken twice a day for 7 days with a meal.

Gonorrhoea – We do not currently offer treatment for gonorrhoea but we do offer a test kit which you can take from the comfort of your home. If you test positive, you’ll need to visit a sexual health clinic and get an antibiotic injection.

Herpes, usually treated with either:

• aciclovir which is available both as an oral tablet or cream – how often you take aciclovir depends on your prescribed dosage
• valaciclovir which is an oral tablet taken according to your prescribed dosage.
• famciclovir which is an oral tablet taken according to your prescribed dosage

Menopause

Menopause can cause symptoms like vaginal dryness, limiting the amount of vaginal discharge you have and as a result causing itchiness or painful sex. You may also get other symptoms that affect your life, such as hot flushes.

If your menopause symptoms are affecting your vaginal discharge and causing other symptoms, speak to your GP or an online doctor about the risks and benefits of using menopause treatments. This usually comes as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and includes treatments that can be applied inside your vagina to improve dryness and irritation.

It can sometimes be hard to track whether vaginal discharge is out of the ordinary, especially with fluctuating hormones across the menstrual cycle, or the menopause. After all, vaginal discharge can vary from person to person. Be sure to consult your doctor if you experience any discharge that:

• is suddenly different from the usual clear, white, milky, or yellowish colour
• is bloody
• has a strong odour

You should also watch out for any symptoms which accompany discharge such as:

• cramping
• pain in or around the vagina
• bleeding after sex
• painful urination or painful sex
• itching
• fever
• nausea
• lower back pain
• periods which are heavier and longer than usual
• you notice a mass