Vaginal discharge is a clear or whitish fluid that flows out of your vagina. Discharge is normal, but variations in the volume, consistency, color, or scent could suggest an infection or other problem.
Overview
What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a clear, white, or off-white fluid that emerges out of your vagina. Your uterus, cervix, and vagina create vaginal discharge, which is mostly made up of cells and germs. It helps clean and lubricate your vagina, and helps fend off bad germs and infection. Discharge from your vagina is a natural and normal function, however, variations in vaginal discharge might be an indication of infection or sickness.
Women or persons designated female at birth (AFAB) have varying quantities of vaginal discharge. Some persons produce more discharge than others, while others perceive very little. Changes in the color, texture, smell, or quantity of your regular vaginal discharge may signal there is a problem. Most causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are curable with medicine.
What is considered average vaginal discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white. It shouldn’t smell terrible, and its thickness may fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Other characteristics of vaginal discharge include:
- Texture: It’s typical to have vaginal discharge that varies from watery and sticky to gooey, thick and pasty. Your body’s hormones drive this transition to happen, but conditions like illness can also affect the nature of your vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge that is chunky, frothy, or accompanied by irritation and changes in color may imply you have an infection.
- Color: Vaginal discharge is wholesome if it’s clear, milky white or off-white. Dark yellow, brown, green, or gray discharge may suggest an infection or other condition.
- Smell: Vaginal discharge may have an odor, but it shouldn’t be strong and shouldn’t be disagreeable. If you notice a fishy or bad aroma to your discharge and it’s accompanied by changes in texture or color, you may have a vaginal infection.
- Amount: Some persons create lots of vaginal discharge, while others produce less. Certain circumstances including pregnancy, using birth control drugs, or ovulation might impact how much vaginal discharge you have. Sudden fluctuations in the quantity of vaginal discharge you generate could signal something is wrong.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
- An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.
- A change in the pigment of the discharge.
- A foul-smelling stench.
- A change in texture or consistency of the discharge.
- Discomfort, discomfort, or pain in or around your vagina.
What does the pigment of vaginal discharge mean?
The color of your vaginal discharge can signal there’s a problem:
- Yellow, grey, or green: Yellow, gray, or green discharge may signify a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Brown or red: Brown or red discharge is frequently associated with irregular menstruation or pregnancy (implantation hemorrhage). If you experience brown or red-tinged discharge and it’s not your period, it may suggest a problem.
- Clear or white: Normal vaginal discharge is clear, white or off-white. If your discharge is white, but feels heavier than usual or causes itching, it may be a yeast infection.
Contact your healthcare practitioner if your vaginal discharge changes color or texture or is accompanied by other symptoms including unpleasant odor, irritation, or burning. It’s best to undergo an exam to look for infection.
If my vaginal discharge shifts, do I have an infection?
Maybe. Your discharge could change color, become thicker, or smell different. You might sense irritation around the opening of the vagina. You might also detect changes before or after your period. Changes in vaginal discharge may or may not be a symptom that you have a vaginal infection. If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare professional.
Can you have more than one vaginal infection?
Yes. You may have two or three forms of illness at the same time.
Possible Causes
What infections cause vaginal discharge to change?
There are a lot of infections that cause vaginal discharge to change or become unpleasant smelling. Many of these infections can be caused by having intercourse with someone who has the condition.
Yeast infection
Vaginal yeast infections occur when a certain fungus (candida) grows out of control in your vagina. It creates a sticky, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. Your vagina may swell and be itching, and intercourse may be painful. Antifungal drugs treat a yeast infection.
Trichomoniasis or “trich”
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) you obtain via having intercourse with an infected person. A parasite causes trichomoniasis. It causes your vaginal discharge green, yellow, or gray and foamy or frothy. It’s treated with antibiotics.
Bacterial vaginosis or BV
Bacterial vaginosis develops when there’s too much of a certain bacteria in your vagina. It can be transmitted through sexual contact but not usually. People with BV have white or gray discharge that’s foul-smelling and unpleasant. It’s treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea (clap) and chlamydia
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common STIs that might occur from having sex with an infected individual. Both illnesses are treated with antibiotics by your healthcare practitioner. Some people with these illnesses have turbid, yellow, or green vaginal discharge. If left untreated, the infection may spread, causing pelvic inflammatory disease with pelvic discomfort.
Are there any noninfectious causes of vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is not usually caused by an infection. Changes in the usual balance of good flora in your vagina and sexual excitation can also induce vaginal discharge.
Other items that can produce discharge include:
- An object in or near the vagina that shouldn’t be there. For example, you may leave a tampon within your vagina.
- An irritation or dermatitis from something (an object or chemical) that creates an allergic reaction. This could be from detergents, soaps, sexual lubricants, or compounds used in condoms or sex devices.
- A condition termed atrophic vaginitis. This might happen after menopause when there is a drop in estrogen. The lower amounts of estrogen cause the walls of the vagina to become dry and thinner than normal.
- During pregnancy, you create extra discharge because it helps protect you from infection.
- Your discharge may become more slick and wet after ovulation (when your ovaries produce an egg). This is to assist sperm swim up to reach an egg for fertilization.
Why do I have vaginal discharge every day?
It’s usual to have some quantity of discharge every day. You can’t prevent it because it’s your body’s mechanism of keeping your vagina clean and healthy. If you’re concerned about too much discharge, wear a panty liner to assist absorb the moisture.
How does vaginal discharge alter if you’re pregnant?
It’s typical to experience an increase in the quantity of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This is to prevent infections from migrating up into your uterus. Increased levels of progesterone can also cause you to create more discharge. You should contact your pregnancy care provider if you see changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
Why does my vaginal discharge smell?
There could be various causes of your vaginal discharge smells. If you perceive an unpleasant or strong “fishy” odor in your vaginal discharge, it could be an indication of an infection.
Why do I have vaginal infections?
Healthcare experts do not yet know all of the reasons why individuals have vaginal infections. They do know that some types are spread by having sex with an infected person. You can have an increased chance of developing diseases if you: • Have intercourse without protection or with several partners.
- Have untreated or under-treated diabetes.
- Take birth control medications.
- Are taking antibacterial medicine.
- Have an HIV infection or have a reduced immunity.
- Use certain cleaners, sprays, or detergents.
- Douche.
Care and Treatment
When is vaginal discharge a symptom of an infection?
Your vaginal discharge can be an indication of an infection if it: • Causes irritation. • Causes puffiness.
- Has a nasty or fishy-smelling odor.
- Is green, yellow, or gray.
- Looks like cottage cheese or mucous.
- Causes pelvic discomfort or pain when you pee.
Should I douche to get rid of vaginal discharge?
No. You shouldn’t cleanse to get rid of vaginal discharge. Douching can upset the normal balance of organisms in your body. Douching can also contribute to infection. Normal vaginal discharge isn’t dirty or poisonous. It’s a typical mechanism for your body to remove fluid and outdated cells.
How do you preserve your vagina clean and smelling good?
Using mild soap and water to delicately clean your vulvar area once a day should be enough to maintain your vagina clean. Your vagina naturally keeps itself clean with the aid of certain good bacteria. These bacteria keep your vagina acidic, which prevents germs and fungi from spreading out of control.
Other guidelines for keeping your vagina clean include:
- Avoid using fragrant soaps, gels, wipes, or other feminine items.
- Don’t douche or cleanse inside your vagina.
- Avoid wearing tight underwear, leotards, swimming suits, or sweaty clothes for extended periods of time.
- Wipe your vagina from front to back. This stops infections from your rectum from going into your vagina.
When To Call the Doctor
When should I see my healthcare practitioner regarding vaginal discharge issues?
You should consult your healthcare practitioner if:
- Your vaginal discharge changes color becomes heavier, or stinks differently.
- You detect itching, burning, swelling, or soreness around your vagina.
- You suffer pelvic pain.
A message from Cleveland Clinic
Having vaginal discharge is usual. It’s your vagina’s approach to maintaining clean and healthy. Signs of irregular discharge include a change in the color, volume, consistency, and scent of what you regularly experience. Your typical discharge may fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Contact your healthcare practitioner if you have other changes in your discharge or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like pain or discomfort. You shouldn’t use sprays, perfumes, or douches to improve the fragrance of your vagina.
