Vaginal discharge: what it is, why it happens, and what different types mean?

Vaginal discharge is the fluid that is naturally produced by the vagina, you might notice it on your underwear, and it is completely normal. You may notice that it changes throughout your menstrual cycle, sometimes being thinner and more stretchy and other times being thicker and stickier. Your vagina will also have a scent, also completely normal! It is important for you to get to know what your normal vaginal discharge looks like, in volume, colour and texture and what your normal variations are. Once you know your normal you will be able to notice if something has changed and when to see the doctor.

What is vaginal discharge?

The inside of your vagina is covered in a mucous membrane, a type of body tissue that produces fluid. (It’s the same stuff that covers the inside of your mouth and nose too.) You may see this fluid coming out of your vagina, where it looks like white, light yellow or clear fluid. That’s your vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is normal, and everyone gets it – it’s actually how your vagina cleans itself (the more you know!). You can just take it as a sign that things are running smoothly.

Normal vaginal discharge looks white, light yellow, or even clear and can have either a slightly slimy or creamy texture, though it may look a little different (creamier, or thicker) around your period. Vaginal discharge has a normal odour that ranges anywhere from sweet to musky, but it definitely shouldn’t smell bad or offensive. There’s no way to stop discharge – in fact you wouldn’t want to, since it not only helps protect your vagina against infection, but also provides lubrication during sex. Some women get discharge every day, while others notice it far less, it depends on your body and your menstrual cycle. Hormonal forms of contraception and coils can also change your vaginal discharge.

What is abnormal vaginal discharge?

Abnormal discharge usually looks or smells different than what you usually have. It might be much heavier than usual, smell weird or fishy or turn a different colour – basically, keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary, since it could be the work of an infection. For that reason, it’s definitely worth mentioning to your doctor, especially if you also notice other symptoms, such as a fever, abdominal pain, itching or burning.

What are the different types of discharge, and what do they mean?

Abnormal vaginal discharge is not created equal, and different infections can lead to different changes. Read on to learn how to figure out what’s normal and what’s definitely not.

What does clear discharge mean?

If it’s clear and doesn’t smell offensive, then congrats: you’ve got normal vaginal discharge! If it’s stretchy, that might mean you’re ovulating – and thicker, stickier discharge may mean that your period is getting closer. Exercise can also make it seem a little heavier than usual, due to sweat and increased blood flow but that is still normal!.

What does white or light yellow discharge mean?

Normal discharge is usually white to cream or light yellow in colour, and it might even vary slightly between the two before or after your period. But if your discharge looks thicker and more like cottage cheese than your average white discharge – and your vulva and vagina also feel itchy – then you might have thrush. Thrush is an overgrowth of a yeast or fungus called Candida in the vagina and can usually be taken care of with over-the-counter medication. Having said that, if you’ve never had a yeast infection, it’s important to see a doctor first to make sure it really is a yeast infection and not something more serious. The bad news? Your vagina is really itchy, which can be majorly inconvenient and extremely uncomfortable. If you use over the counter thrush treatment and the itching or discharge don’t go away, don’t keep using the treatment but go and see your doctor as itching isn’t always thrush! Thrush is also less common before puberty and after the menopause.

What does green or grey discharge mean?

Green or grey vaginal discharge is usually a sign of infection and should be assessed by a healthcare professional. The two most common causes are bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis. BV typically produces a thin, grey-white discharge with a strong fishy smell, caused by an imbalance of the vagina’s normal bacteria. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, often leads to yellow-green or green frothy discharge, which may be accompanied by itching, burning, or discomfort during urination or sex. In both conditions, discharge can become heavier than usual and the vulva may feel irritated. Other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea can also cause abnormal yellow-green discharge. Anyone experiencing these symptoms especially if they develop a new smell, colour change, itching, pelvic pain, fever, or have had recent unprotected sex should seek assessment for appropriate testing and treatment

What does brown discharge mean?

Brown vaginal discharge usually occurs when a small amount of blood has taken longer to leave the body and has oxidised, giving it a brown colour. It often appears at the beginning or end of a period where it is normal. Brown discharge can also occur if there is bleeding or spotting between your periods or after sex which always need to be assessed by a doctor as they can be due to infection, polyps or more. It can also occur in pregnancy and should also always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What does smelly discharge mean?

Your vaginal discharge will have its own natural scent, which you’ll become familiar with over time. This smell can change slightly throughout your menstrual cycle, and it may be more noticeable during your period. A normal scent should not be strong, unpleasant, or offensive. If you notice a new fishy, foul, or generally bad smell, it can be a sign that something is not quite right. Bacterial vaginosis is a common cause of a strong or fishy odour and may not cause any other symptoms. Some sexually transmitted infections can also cause abnormal-smelling discharge, and if left untreated may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause pelvic pain and, in some cases, long-term complications. If you experience a sudden change in smell, especially if it is combined with pain, bleeding, itching, or recent unprotected sex, you should see a healthcare professional for assessment.

What happens to discharge after the menopause?

Vaginal discharge after menopause is usually minimal because oestrogen levels fall, causing the vaginal walls to become thinner and less moist. However in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a common condition that can cause dryness, irritation, burning, and discomfort during sex, the discharge can become both stickier or watery as the body tries to compensate for dryness.Any changes should be checked, treatment for genitourinary syndrome of the menopause include vaginal moisturisers and vaginal oestrogen.

When to seek help about your vaginal discharge?

If you have any of the following and a change in your discharge please see a healthcare professional.

• Severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Heavy bleeding or bleeding after sex or bleeding in between periods
• Symptoms in pregnancy
• Unwell or worsening symptoms
• Pain during sex
• Foul odour with fever/pain
• If symptoms don’t improve after trying OTC thrush treatment

Your discharge is natural even though it can bleach dark underwear as it is acidic. If you want to protect your underwear or don’t like the sensation of dampness on your underwear than you can consider wearing Liners. Do not use tampons to absorb vaginal discharge, tampons are only used during your period.

This is generalised advice and isn't personalised nor to replace the advice of your doctor and other health care professionals.