Types of Vaginal Discharge and What They Mean

Let’s be honest. Vaginal discharge is one of those topics that most of us don’t feel totally comfortable talking about, even though it’s a completely normal part of life. You might notice that it looks different at various times in your cycle, and that can raise questions. Is this healthy? Should it look like that? Why does it sometimes change color or texture?

Here is the good news: vaginal discharge is a natural and essential part of your body’s reproductive system. It keeps your vagina clean, balanced, and protected from infection. The type and amount of discharge you see can shift depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, your hormones, your birth control, or even your stress levels.

Here, we’ll unpack what vaginal discharge actually is, how it changes through your cycle, what each color and texture can mean, and when it’s time to check in with your healthcare provider. By the end, you will have a clearer picture of what your discharge is telling you about your health.

What is vaginal discharge and why do women have it?

Vaginal discharge, also known as leukorrhea, is a clear, white, or off-white fluid or mucus that is released from your vagina. Your uterus, cervix, and vagina all produce discharge and can release between one-half to one teaspoon of it each day. The purpose of vaginal discharge, which comprises cells and bacteria, is to cleanse your vagina and protect it from harmful bacteria and infection.

In other words, discharge is your body’s natural self-cleaning system. It helps maintain a healthy pH level and provides a barrier against infections.

Although it seems taboo, vaginal discharge is normal and a part of the natural processes of the female reproductive system. However, if your vaginal discharge causes itching, burning, physical pain, or discomfort, it could be a sign that you should see your primary care physician.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, some factors that can change your vaginal discharge include pregnancy, menopause, STIs, certain health conditions, and birth control.

Healthy discharge is usually clear or white, slightly sticky or slippery, and has a mild or neutral scent. It can vary day to day depending on hormones and hydration.

But if your discharge is accompanied by itching, burning, pain, a foul smell, or a sudden change in color or amount, it could be a sign of infection. In that case, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor or gynecologist.

What does normal discharge look like?

Normal discharge can look a little different for everyone, but there are some common patterns.

• Color: Typically clear, milky white, or slightly off-white.
• Texture: Can range from watery to creamy, depending on where you are in your cycle.
• Smell: Mild or slightly musky, but never fishy or foul.
• Amount: Usually light, but may increase around ovulation or sexual arousal.

You might notice small daily variations, which is completely normal. Think of discharge as your body’s way of communicating where you are in your hormonal rhythm.

Types of vaginal discharge during your menstrual cycle

It’s important to note that your vaginal discharge won’t always have the same consistency or color; rather, it ebbs and flows throughout your menstrual cycle. Since your vaginal discharge can be an indicator of your overall reproductive health and fertility, here’s a helpful breakdown of different types of vaginal discharge you might notice during your menstrual cycle, what they may mean, and when to seek medical attention.

Follicular phase discharge

During this time, your body is preparing an egg for release, so hormone levels are starting to shift but haven’t yet peaked. You might notice your discharge slowly becoming wetter or more slippery as ovulation approaches: a sign that your body is gearing up for its most fertile days.

Types of vaginal discharge during ovulation

During ovulation, your body produces more estrogen, and your discharge becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery, similar to egg whites. This texture helps sperm move more easily through the cervix, which increases the chances of conception.

If you are tracking your fertility, egg-white discharge is one of the most reliable signs that you are in your fertile window.

Luteal phase discharge

After ovulation, progesterone takes the lead. Your discharge becomes thicker, creamier, and white or off-white in color. Some people describe it as lotion-like. This type of discharge is common in the days leading up to your period. You might also notice a heavier feeling or slight bloating as your hormones shift, all of which are normal signs that your body is moving toward the end of its cycle.

Menstrual phase discharge

At the start and end of your period, discharge may appear brown or rust-colored due to old blood leaving the uterus. This is normal and usually nothing to worry about unless accompanied by a strong odor or pain. The color simply means the blood has had more time to oxidize, which can happen when your flow is lighter or slower.

Different types of discharge: A color guide

Your discharge color can reveal a lot about your reproductive health. Here’s a breakdown of what each shade might mean.

White vaginal discharge

White or off-white odorless discharge is typically a sign of a normal, functioning reproductive system and can appear before your period starts. This discharge is within the menstrual cycle's luteal phase when progesterone levels increase within your body.

According to the CDC, if your discharge is white but is also thick and clumpy, you may have a yeast infection. Discharge with a yeast infection, also known as vaginitis, is commonly described as having a cottage cheese consistency and can cause itching and redness around the vulva and vagina.

Clear vaginal discharge

Clear and stretchy discharge appears between menstrual cycles and can indicate that you’re ovulating, explains Planned Parenthood. Your discharge may be white, off-white, or have a yellowish tint and be slippery to the touch, like the consistency of egg whites. If you’re trying to conceive, this cervical discharge can help sperm cells thrive, potentially leading to pregnancy, so keep an eye out for clear and stretchy discharge if you’re trying to conceive!

If it’s on the watery side, that’s natural, too. Your body may produce this discharge when you become sexually aroused or during ovulation.

Yellow vaginal discharge

Light yellow discharge can be normal, especially if mixed with cervical mucus or urine residue. But bright yellow or thick discharge may suggest an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. If you also notice itching or odor, it is worth checking with your doctor.

Green vaginal discharge

Green discharge is not normal and almost always indicates infection. It may appear thick, foamy, or accompanied by a bad smell. Sexually transmitted infections such as trichomoniasis or gonorrhea are common causes.

Brown vaginal discharge

As your period begins or ends, you may have vaginal discharge that is either red or brown in color because of fresh or old blood. In addition to period-related discharge, menopause, mid-cycle spotting, or implantation bleeding can also have the same color.

Pink vaginal discharge

Pink discharge contains a small amount of blood mixed with mucus. It can appear around ovulation, after sex, or during early pregnancy. Light pink spotting can also occur when hormone levels shift.

Orange vaginal discharge

Orange discharge may result from blood mixing with cervical mucus or indicate an infection such as bacterial vaginosis. If the color persists for more than a day or two, it is best to get checked.

Gray vaginal discharge

Gray discharge is often a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV happens when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina shifts. It usually comes with a fishy odor, especially after sex, and may require antibiotics to treat.

Black vaginal discharge

Black discharge can look alarming but is often just very old blood leaving the uterus. It can appear at the end of your period. Rarely, it may indicate a retained tampon or other foreign object, or in some cases, early miscarriage.

Bloody vaginal discharge

Bloody discharge is most common during menstruation. However, spotting between periods can be caused by hormonal changes, birth control, or stress. If bleeding occurs frequently outside of your period, it is worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Abnormal discharge: When to worry

Most discharge is harmless, but some changes can signal that something is off. Paying attention to color, smell, and texture can help you catch infections early and get the right treatment. When in doubt, it’s always worth checking in with your healthcare provider to rule out anything more serious.

Smelly vaginal discharge

A strong or fishy odor often points to bacterial vaginosis, while a foul smell may indicate an STI. If you notice a new or unpleasant smell, it’s time to see your doctor. You may also experience other symptoms like itching, burning, or a grayish discharge, which can help your provider pinpoint the cause.

Excessive vaginal discharge

It’s normal for discharge to increase at certain times, such as ovulation or pregnancy. However, if you notice a sudden surge in discharge that feels unusual or comes with discomfort, an infection could be to blame. Pay attention to whether the discharge has a new color or odor, as these changes can help you tell the difference between hormonal shifts and a possible infection.

Sticky vaginal discharge

A thick, sticky texture can appear after ovulation as progesterone rises. But if the discharge becomes tacky, clumpy, and itchy, it might be a sign of a yeast infection. You may also notice redness or irritation around the vulva, which is another clue that something is off balance.

Cottage cheese vaginal discharge

Discharge that looks like cottage cheese is a classic sign of a yeast infection. It is usually thick, white, and accompanied by itching or burning. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments can help, but persistent symptoms should be checked by a doctor. If yeast infections happen often, it might be worth looking into triggers like antibiotic use, tight clothing, or changes in birth control.

You might also notice thicker, cottage cheese-like discharge if you’re using progesterone pessaries, often used as HRT for menopause, for luteal support while TTC, or during early pregnancy.

Common causes of abnormal discharge

Understanding the most common causes of unusual discharge can help you spot issues early.

• Yeast infections: Caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, these infections lead to thick, white, clumpy discharge, itching, and redness. They can be triggered by antibiotics, tight clothing, or hormonal changes.
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): BV occurs when harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones in the vagina. It causes thin gray discharge and a noticeable fishy smell. BV is not sexually transmitted, but sexual activity can contribute to its development.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can all cause unusual discharge that may appear green, yellow, or frothy. These infections often come with pain, odor, or burning during urination. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID develops when untreated STIs spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes. It can cause heavy or foul-smelling discharge, fever, and pelvic pain. This condition requires immediate medical care.

How to track your vaginal discharge

Tracking your discharge can give you valuable insight into your cycle, fertility, and overall health. Once you start paying attention, you may be surprised by how much your discharge can reveal about what your body is doing each day.

• Observe daily: Check the color, texture, and amount when you use the restroom or wipe. Over time, you’ll start to notice clear patterns that line up with your hormonal changes.
• Note changes: Record how your discharge looks and feels in a journal, notes app, or fertility tracker. This helps you identify your fertile window, spot ovulation, and notice when something feels off.
• Use tools: Apps like Clue, Flo, or Kindara let you log discharge alongside mood, cramps, or energy levels for a fuller picture of your cycle.
• Try the tissue test: Gently wipe before you pee and check how the discharge stretches between your fingers. Stretchy, egg-white-like mucus often means ovulation is near.
• Pay attention to underwear stains: The patterns or moisture you see on your underwear each day can also give clues about what phase you’re in.

When to see a doctor about vaginal discharge

Sometimes discharge changes for harmless reasons, but other times it can be your body’s way of signaling that something is not quite right. It is always better to get checked if you feel unsure, especially if new symptoms appear suddenly or cause discomfort.

See your doctor if you experience:

• A sudden change in color, texture, or smell
• Discharge with pain, itching, or burning
• Gray, green, or yellow discharge
• Bleeding between periods or after sex

At your appointment, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam, take a swab sample, or run lab tests to identify the cause. Most infections are easily treated once diagnosed, and getting care early can help you avoid more serious complications later. Your doctor can also answer questions about recurring infections, birth control options, or other changes you have noticed in your cycle.

If you ever feel embarrassed to bring it up, remember that discharge is one of the most common reasons people visit a gynecologist. No question is too small when it comes to your health.

Vaginal discharge is totally normal

Vaginal discharge is not something to be embarrassed about. It is a healthy and essential part of your reproductive system. Changes in your discharge are often linked to normal hormonal fluctuations, but sometimes they can signal when something needs attention.

The more you understand your discharge patterns, the more in tune you become with your body. Keep track of what feels normal for you, and if anything changes or causes discomfort, do not hesitate to reach out for care.

Your body has its own language. Learning to read it is one of the most empowering things you can do for your health.

---

Taneia Surles is an Alabama-based freelance health and wellness writer and the founder of Content By Taneia, LLC. She holds a Master's degree in Public Health with a Health Behavior concentration and specializes in health and wellness, productivity, education, entrepreneurship, and true crime content.