In this article10 sections
Clear or white vaginal discharge, often called leucorrhoea, is usually normal. It is the body's way of keeping the vagina clean and moist, and most women notice it at some point every month.
A change in colour, smell or texture, or discharge with itching, soreness or pain, can mean an infection that needs treatment. This guide helps you tell the difference.
What Normal Discharge Looks Like
According to the NHS, vaginal discharge is a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and it is common at any age. Normal discharge is:
- Clear or white
- Thick and sticky, or thin and slippery
- Without a strong or unpleasant smell
- Not linked to itching, burning or pain
The amount and feel change through the month. The NHS notes that discharge is often wetter around ovulation, and that it can be heavier during pregnancy, when you are sexually active, or when you use contraception. For more on the cycle, try our ovulation calculator.
Why Discharge Changes During Life
- Through the cycle: hormones make the amount and texture vary from week to week
- In pregnancy: discharge is often heavier; see our guide to early signs of pregnancy
- With contraception or sexual activity: it may seem heavier than before
Signs It May Be an Infection
The NHS lists these patterns that can point to a cause. They are clues, not a diagnosis, because several infections look alike:
- Fishy smell, thin grey-white discharge: may be bacterial vaginosis
- Thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge with itching: may be thrush
- Green, yellow or frothy discharge: may be trichomoniasis
- Discharge with pelvic pain or bleeding: may be chlamydia or gonorrhoea
- Discharge with blisters or sores: may be genital herpes
The CDC notes that bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and yeast infection are the infections most often behind vaginal symptoms, and that most women will have a vaginal infection at some point. It is common, treatable and nothing to be ashamed of. Read more in our guide to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
Other Possible Causes
- Cervical or pelvic infection; see pelvic inflammatory disease
- Irritation or allergy from soaps, wipes, washes or scented products
- Conditions of the cervix, which is one reason regular screening matters; read about cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination
The CDC points out that if there is inflammation but no germ is found, chemical, mechanical or allergic causes are possible. A proper examination is needed because a history alone is not enough.
Hygiene: Myths and Facts
- Myth: White discharge means you are unclean. Fact: It is a normal body function and not a sign of poor hygiene.
- Myth: Washing inside the vagina keeps it healthy. Fact: The NHS advises against douching, because it can upset the natural balance of germs, and the CDC lists douching as a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis.
- Myth: Strong or scented products make you cleaner. Fact: Perfumed soaps, gels, deodorants and scented wipes can irritate.
- Myth: You should treat any discharge with medicine from a shop. Fact: Different infections need different treatment, and the wrong one can delay care.
Tip: Wash the skin around the vagina gently with warm water, and if you wish a mild unperfumed soap, as the NHS suggests. Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet clothes soon after swimming or exercise.
When to be cautious: Avoid treating yourself repeatedly. Using antifungal or other products without a diagnosis can hide the real problem, and the NHS advises not using thrush treatment more than twice in six months without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
A Quick Self-Check Before You Call
Before you speak to a doctor, it helps to think through a few simple questions. Write your answers down; they make the visit faster and more useful.
- What colour is the discharge, and has it changed recently?
- Is there a smell, and is it stronger after sex or after your period?
- Do you have itching, burning, soreness or pain when passing urine?
- When was your last period, and could you be pregnant?
- Have you recently taken antibiotics, started a new product or had a new partner?
- Do you have diabetes or another long-term condition?
The NHS lists antibiotics and poorly controlled diabetes among the triggers for thrush, so these details really matter.
Discharge During Pregnancy
More discharge is expected in pregnancy, so a mild increase alone is rarely a worry. A change in smell, colour or itching deserves a check, though. The NHS notes that bacterial vaginosis carries a small risk of complications such as premature birth or miscarriage, even though most pregnancies are unaffected, and that treatment is recommended. Tell your doctor at your next antenatal check-up, and do not use any medicine without advice.
When to See a Doctor
The NHS advises seeing a doctor if:
- The colour, smell or texture of your discharge changes
- You have more discharge than usual
- You feel itchy or sore
- You bleed between periods or after sex
- You have pain when passing urine
- You have pelvic or lower tummy pain
- You are pregnant and your discharge changes
If you have fever, severe pelvic pain or heavy bleeding with discharge, seek care urgently; see our emergency information.
What to Expect at the Clinic
You will be asked about your symptoms, your periods, any new partner, and what products you use. The CDC stresses that a careful history and examination are essential, and a swab or simple test of the discharge may be taken. If an infection is found, treatment is usually short and simple, and your doctor may advise testing for other infections. You can talk freely; doctors see these problems every day. To get ahead of problems, read about the importance of regular gynecological check-ups.
Talk to a doctor
Book an appointment at Chaitanya Hospital, Kadapa (near RTC Bus Stand, Simhapuri Colony), or call +91 944 103 0587. Teleconsultation is also available if you would like to start with a conversation from home. This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a doctor's advice.
References
This article was written in our own words from the following public health sources.
Educational content
Please note. This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a doctor’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are worried about your health, or in an emergency, call +91 944 103 0587 or visit the hospital.
