Vaginal discharge is normal – most women and girls get it. It's a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and protects it from infection. Vaginal discharge is not usually anything to worry about if it: You can get vaginal discharge at any age. The amount of discharge varies. You usually get heavier discharge during pregnancy, if you're sexually active or if you're using birth control. It's often slippery and wet for a few days between your periods (when
you ovulate). If your discharge changes – for example, in smell, colour or texture – it might be a sign of an infection. But do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried. Non-urgent advice: See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:
Information: Sexual health clinics can help with abnormal dischargeSexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system. Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment. They'll often get test results quicker than GP surgeries. Find a sexual health clinic Things you can do to help with vaginal dischargeYou cannot prevent vaginal discharge. Panty liners can help with heavy or excessive discharge or if you're worried about any smell. But do not use them all of the time because they can cause irritation. To help avoid irritation, soreness or dryness: Do
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Page last reviewed: 25 January 2021 OverviewHow to tell if you have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. What is vaginal discharge?Vaginal discharge is a clear, white or off-white fluid that comes out of your vagina. Your uterus, cervix and vagina produce vaginal discharge, which is mainly made up of cells and bacteria. It helps clean and lubricate your vagina, and helps fight off bad bacteria and infection. Discharge from your vagina is a natural and normal process, but changes to your discharge can be a sign of infection or disease. Women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) have varying amounts of vaginal discharge. Some people produce more discharge than others, while others notice very little. Changes in the color, texture, smell or amount of your usual vaginal discharge may mean there is a problem. Most causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are treatable with medication. What is considered normal vaginal discharge?Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white. It shouldn’t smell bad, and its thickness may change throughout your menstrual cycle. Other characteristics of vaginal discharge include:
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
What does the color of vaginal discharge mean?The color of your vaginal discharge can mean there’s a problem:
Contact your healthcare provider if your vaginal discharge changes color or texture or is accompanied by other symptoms like foul odor, itching or burning. It’s best to get an exam to check for infection. If my vaginal discharge changes, do I have an infection?Maybe. Your discharge might change color, become heavier or smell different. You might notice irritation around the opening of the vagina. You might also notice changes before or after your period. Changes in vaginal discharge may or may not be a sign that you have a vaginal infection. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider. Can you have more than one vaginal infection?Yes. You may have two or three types of infection at the same time. Possible CausesWhat infections cause vaginal discharge to change?There are a number of infections that cause vaginal discharge to change or become unpleasant smelling. Many of these infections can be caused by having sex with someone who has the infection. Yeast infectionVaginal yeast infections happen when a specific fungus (candida) grows out of control in your vagina. It produces a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. Your vagina may swell and be itchy, and sex may be painful. Antifungal medications treat a yeast infection. Trichomoniasis or “trich”Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) you get from having sex with an infected person. A parasite causes trichomoniasis. It makes your vaginal discharge green, yellow or gray and bubbly or frothy. It’s treated with antibiotics. Bacterial vaginosis or BVBacterial vaginosis occurs when there’s too much of a certain bacteria in your vagina. It can be transmitted through sexual contact but not always. People with BV have white or gray discharge that’s foul-smelling and fishy. It’s treated with antibiotics. Gonorrhea (clap) and chlamydiaChlamydia and gonorrhea are two common STIs you can get from having sex with an infected person. Both infections are treated with antibiotics from your healthcare provider. Some people with these infections have cloudy, yellow or green vaginal discharge. If left untreated, the infection may spread, causing pelvic inflammatory disease with pelvic pain. Are there any noninfectious causes of vaginal discharge?Vaginal discharge is not always caused by an infection. Changes in the normal balance of healthy bacteria in your vagina and sexual excitement can also cause vaginal discharge. Other things that can cause discharge include:
Why do I have vaginal discharge every day?It’s normal to have some amount of discharge every day. You can’t prevent it because it’s your body’s way of keeping your vagina clean and healthy. If you’re worried about too much discharge, wear a panty liner to help absorb the fluid. How does vaginal discharge change if you’re pregnant?It’s normal to see an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This is to prevent infections from traveling up into your uterus. Increased levels of progesterone can also make you produce more discharge. You should contact your pregnancy care provider if you notice changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Why does my vaginal discharge smell?There could be several reasons your vaginal discharge smells. If you notice an unpleasant or strong “fishy” odor to your vaginal discharge, it could be a sign of an infection. Why do I get vaginal infections?Healthcare providers do not yet know all of the reasons why people get vaginal infections. They do know that some types are spread by having sex with an infected person. You might have a higher risk of getting infections if you:
Care and TreatmentWhen is vaginal discharge a sign of an infection?Your vaginal discharge might be a sign of an infection if it:
Should I douche to get rid of vaginal discharge?No. You shouldn’t douche to get rid of vaginal discharge. Douching can upset the natural balance of organisms in your body. Douching can also lead to infection. Normal vaginal discharge isn’t unclean or unhealthy. It’s a normal way for your body to discard fluid and old cells. How do you keep your vagina clean and smelling good?Using mild soap and water to gently clean your vulvar area once daily should be enough to keep your vagina clean. Your vagina naturally keeps itself clean with the help of certain healthy bacteria. These bacteria keep your vagina acidic, which prevents microorganisms and fungus from growing out of control. Other tips for keeping your vagina clean include:
When to Call the DoctorWhen should I see my healthcare provider about vaginal discharge issues?You should see your healthcare provider if:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Having vaginal discharge is normal. It’s your vagina’s way of staying clean and healthy. Signs of irregular discharge include a change in the color, amount, consistency and smell of what you typically experience. Your normal discharge may change throughout your menstrual cycle. Contact your healthcare provider if you have other changes in your discharge or if it’s coupled with other symptoms like pain or itching. You shouldn’t use sprays, perfumes or douches to improve the smell of your vagina. |