Vaginal Discharge: Types, Causes, and When to See a Doctor

Have you ever wondered whether your vaginal discharge is normal? Many women experience changes in their discharge, which can sometimes cause worry. However, vaginal discharge is a natural and essential part of your body's way of keeping your reproductive system clean and healthy. 

While most vaginal discharge is completely normal, changes in colour, texture, or odour can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Understanding what is normal and what might signal a problem can help you feel more confident about your vaginal health. 

Let’s discuss the different vaginal discharge types, their causes, when to seek medical advice, and how to maintain good vaginal health.

What is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a fluid produced by the glands inside the vagina and cervix. It serves several important functions, such as keeping the vaginal area clean, providing lubrication, and preventing infections by flushing out harmful bacteria. The amount, consistency, and colour of vaginal discharge can change due to hormonal fluctuations, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and sexual activity. 

In most cases, vaginal discharge is completely normal and varies from person to person. However, unusual changes in its appearance, smell, or quantity could indicate an infection or other medical condition.

What are the Types of Vaginal Discharge by Colour and Texture?

Vaginal discharge comes in different colours and textures, which can help indicate whether it is normal or a sign of a problem. Below are the different vaginal discharge types you may experience:

White or Milky Discharge

• Normal white or milky discharge is common, especially at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle.
• If it is thick and accompanied by itching or a strong odour, it could indicate a yeast infection.

Clear and Watery Discharge

• A clear and watery discharge is usually normal and can occur at any time of the cycle.
• It is more noticeable after exercise or physical activity.

Clear and Stretchy Discharge (Egg-White Consistency)

• This type of discharge is common around ovulation and is a sign of fertility.
• It helps sperm travel more easily for potential conception.

Yellow or Green Discharge

• A pale yellow discharge without odour is usually normal, especially if it dries on underwear.
• A bright yellow, green, or frothy discharge with a foul smell can be a sign of infections like trichomoniasis.

Grey Discharge

• Greyish discharge is not normal and could indicate bacterial vaginosis (BV), often accompanied by a fishy smell.

Brown or Bloody Discharge

• Brown discharge usually occurs at the end of a period due to old blood leaving the body.
• If it happens frequently outside of your cycle, it could be a sign of hormonal imbalance or other underlying issues.

Pink Discharge

• Pink discharge often appears before a period or after sexual intercourse due to slight bleeding from the cervix.
• In some cases, it may indicate implantation bleeding in early pregnancy.

Thick, Clumpy, or Cottage Cheese-Like Discharge

• A thick, white, clumpy discharge is a common symptom of a yeast infection, especially if accompanied by itching and irritation.

Foamy or Frothy Discharge

• A frothy texture, especially if yellow or green, may indicate an infection such as trichomoniasis.

What are the Causes of Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge can be caused by various factors, including infections, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors. While many causes are harmless, some may require medical attention. Knowing vaginal discharge causes can help determine whether your symptoms are normal or need treatment.

Infectious Causes

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): An imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to grey, watery discharge with a fishy smell.
• Yeast Infection (Candidiasis): Caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus, leading to thick, white, clumpy discharge with itching.
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection (STI) causing yellow-green, frothy discharge with a strong odour.
• Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia: STIs that may cause increased yellow or green discharge, sometimes with pelvic pain.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A serious infection of the reproductive organs that can cause heavy, foul-smelling discharge.

Non-Infectious Causes

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, birth control, or menopause can change discharge consistency.
• Allergic Reactions: Some soaps, douches, or scented products can cause irritation and abnormal discharge.
• Foreign Objects: A forgotten tampon or contraceptive device can cause foul-smelling discharge.
• Cervical or Vaginal Polyps: Non-cancerous growths that may lead to increased discharge or spotting.

When Does Vaginal Discharge Signals a Problem?

While normal vaginal discharge varies, some signs indicate a potential problem. If your discharge has a strong odour, is an unusual colour (green, grey, or yellow), or is accompanied by itching, burning, or pelvic pain, it may indicate an infection or another medical issue. 

If you experience sudden changes, especially alongside fever or pain, it's important to seek medical attention.

Why Do We Have Vaginal Discharge Every Day?

Normal vaginal discharge occurs daily because the body continuously cleans the vaginal area, removes dead cells, and maintains a balanced environment. Hormonal changes, sexual activity, and menstruation influence the amount and texture of discharge. 

As long as there are no signs of infection or discomfort, daily discharge is completely natural and necessary for vaginal health.

How Does Vaginal Discharge Change If We're Pregnant?

During pregnancy, vaginal discharge increases due to hormonal changes. It is typically clear, white, or milky and may become thicker as pregnancy progresses. Some women experience a mucus-like discharge (mucus plug) towards the end of pregnancy, which signals that labour is approaching. 

However, if the discharge is green, foul-smelling, or accompanied by itching, it may indicate an infection that requires medical attention.

How Doctors Diagnose Issues Related to Abnormal Discharge?

If you experience unusual vaginal discharge, your doctor will use various methods to diagnose the underlying cause. The diagnostic process typically includes:

• Medical History and Symptom Assessment – Your doctor will ask about the colour, consistency, odour, and amount of discharge. They may also inquire about other symptoms such as itching, burning, or pelvic pain, as well as recent sexual activity, menstrual cycle patterns, and hygiene habits.
• Pelvic Examination – A physical examination is conducted to check for redness, swelling, unusual discharge, or other signs of infection or irritation in the vaginal area.
• Microscopic Examination and Lab Tests – A sample of vaginal discharge may be collected using a swab and examined under a microscope. This helps identify bacterial infections, yeast overgrowth, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additional lab tests, such as cultures or pH testing, may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
• Pap Smear and HPV Testing – If abnormal discharge is persistent, your doctor may recommend a Pap smear to check for cervical abnormalities or infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV).
• STI Screening – If an STI is suspected, specific tests for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis may be conducted.

What is the Treatment for Vaginal Discharge?

The right vaginal discharge treatment depends on its cause. If your discharge is due to a harmless factor like ovulation, no treatment is necessary. However, infections or other conditions may require medical intervention. Below are common treatments based on different causes:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – Antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin are prescribed to restore the natural bacterial balance in the vagina. These can be taken orally or applied as a vaginal gel or cream.
• Yeast Infections (Candidiasis) – Antifungal treatments, including creams, suppositories, or oral medications like fluconazole, help eliminate the fungal overgrowth causing thick, white discharge and itching. Over-the-counter treatments are available, but severe cases may require prescription medication.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis require antibiotics or antiparasitic medications. Your partner may also need treatment to prevent reinfection.
• Hormonal Imbalances – If hormonal changes due to menopause or birth control affect your vaginal discharge, hormone therapy or an alternative contraceptive method may be recommended.
• Allergic Reactions and Irritation – If discharge is caused by irritants like scented soaps, feminine hygiene sprays, or latex condoms, avoiding these products and using hypoallergenic alternatives can help.
• Foreign Object Removal – If a retained tampon or contraceptive device is causing an infection, a doctor will remove it and provide appropriate treatment.

Seeking medical advice ensures that the right vaginal discharge treatment is given, preventing complications and restoring vaginal health.

Tips for Vaginal Health

Maintaining good vaginal health can help prevent infections and abnormal discharge. Here are some essential tips:

• Practice Good Hygiene – Wash the vaginal area daily with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoid douching, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.
• Wear Breathable Underwear – Opt for cotton underwear to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, reducing the risk of yeast infections.
• Avoid Scented Feminine Products – Products like scented wipes, deodorants, and bubble baths can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free options.
• Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet – Drinking plenty of water and consuming probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt helps maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
• Practice Safe Sex – Use protection to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, which can cause abnormal discharge.
• Wipe from Front to Back – After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the vagina.
• Regular Health Check-ups – Visit your gynaecologist for routine screenings, especially if you experience persistent changes in discharge.

Following these habits will help maintain a clean, balanced, and healthy vaginal environment.

When to See a Doctor?

Vaginal discharge is usually normal, but some symptoms indicate a need for medical attention. You should see a doctor if:

• Your Discharge Has a Strong, Foul Odour – A fishy or rotten smell may indicate bacterial vaginosis, an STI, or an infection requiring treatment.
• There is a Change in Colour – Green, yellow, grey, or bloody discharge could signal infections or more serious conditions like cervical issues.
• You Experience Itching, Burning, or Irritation – These symptoms, along with unusual discharge, often indicate a yeast infection or STI.
• Your Discharge is Frothy or Cottage Cheese-Like – A thick, white clumpy texture suggests a yeast infection, while frothy, greenish discharge may indicate trichomoniasis.
• You Have Pelvic or Abdominal Pain – Pain combined with abnormal discharge could point to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or another reproductive health issue.
• Your Discharge Suddenly Increases During Pregnancy – While some increase is normal, excessive, watery, or foul-smelling discharge may indicate infection or amniotic fluid leakage.
• You Have Postmenopausal Bleeding or Discharge – Any unusual discharge or spotting after menopause should be evaluated to rule out serious conditions.

Conclusion

Vaginal discharge plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health. While most cases are normal, changes in colour, consistency, or odour may indicate underlying vaginal discharge causes, such as infections, hormonal imbalances, or medical conditions. Understanding these variations can help you differentiate between normal and abnormal discharge. 

If you experience unusual symptoms like itching, pain, or a foul odour, seeking medical advice is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

For accurate and reliable diagnostic services, Metropolis Healthcare offers advanced lab testing with timely detection of health concerns, expert guidance and trusted results.

FAQs

What vaginal discharge is normal?

Clear, white, or milky discharge without odour, varying with hormonal changes, ovulation, and arousal, is considered normal.

What is the reason for vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge keeps the vagina clean, prevents infections, removes dead cells, and is influenced by hormones, pregnancy, and sexual activity.

What causes vaginal discharge to smell?

A strong, fishy, or foul odour may indicate infections like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, poor hygiene, or retained foreign objects.

Can vaginal discharge indicate pregnancy?

Yes, early pregnancy may cause increased clear or milky discharge due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the cervix.

How do I know if my discharge is due to an infection?

If it’s green, yellow, grey, clumpy, foul-smelling, or accompanied by itching, burning, or pain, an infection is likely present.

Should I use over-the-counter products to treat vaginal discharge?

It’s best to consult a doctor first, as OTC products may mask symptoms and worsen infections if misused.