How to Figure Out What Your Vaginal Discharge Means
Vaginal discharge is a normal process of the human body. It shows that your body is doing what it should—keeping the vagina clean and moist. However, it can also be a great indicator to let you know when something is wrong.
The question is: how do you tell the difference between normal and abnormal vaginal discharge?
Normal vs. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
“Normal” vaginal discharge can vary from person to person in both amount and appearance. In general, it is a clear, off-white, or white fluid with no scent or a mild smell that isn’t unpleasant. Its consistency can change throughout the stages of your menstrual cycle, ranging from watery and sticky to thick and gooey. The amount and color can also change with factors like pregnancy or medication use.
If you notice significant changes to your discharge in its color, consistency, or smell, this may be a sign that an infection or other condition is present. Signs of abnormal discharge include:
- Color changes to yellow, grey, green, brown or red
- Thickness changes or lumpiness, especially if occurring with color changes
- Changes in smell that seem fishy, foul, strong or yeasty (bread-like)
Keep in mind though that discharge may give off a stronger odor during certain phases of your menstrual cycle, after having sex, or after intense exercise. In these cases, as long as the smell goes away pretty quickly and you have no other symptoms, there is usually no cause for further care.
Causes of Abnormal Discharge
Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other health conditions can cause abnormal vaginal discharge.
Yeast infections and discharge
Yeast infections commonly occur between puberty and menopause affecting up to 3 out of 4 women at least once in their lives. It is the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida and can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as:
- Itching or burning in or around the vagina
- Redness and swelling
- Small cuts or cracks in the skin of the vulva
- Burning during urination
- Pain during sex
Yeast infection discharge is often thicker and whiter than your usual discharge and clumpy like cottage cheese. It can cause a change in odor like smelling sweet or bready, but not foul or fishy.
Discharge with bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is an infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. Just like your gut, your vagina houses a microbiome with good and bad bacteria. When an imbalance in this bacteria happens, it can produce a BV infection. While 35% of people may get BV in their lifetime, it usually occurs in people who are sexually active.
Like a yeast infection, symptoms can include itching, burning, or other discomfort. However, there is a significant difference in BV discharge. It tends to be off-white, gray, or greenish in color and have a fishy odor, especially after sex. If you have these symptoms, consult your healthcare professional as BV usually requires antibiotics to resolve.
Other causes of abnormal vaginal discharge
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also can result in changes in smell, texture, and color of your discharge. Conditions like trichomoniasis (trich), gonorrhea, and chlamydia can cause significant differences such as a foul or fishy odor and yellow, gray, or greenish color.
There are a number of other reasons why your discharge may change and smell or look different. These can range from leaving a tampon in too long, hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause, and allergy or irritation caused by sex toys, lubricants, detergents, or fragrances in tampons or self-care products.
Check Your Symptoms
Every person is different and only you know your body. Recognizing the difference between normal and abnormal discharge can be helpful in maintaining your vaginal health and resolving problems before they get worse.
An easy way to see what your vaginal discharge and other symptoms may be telling you is to use our online Symptom Checker.
If you have concerns about changes to your discharge, call your doctor and schedule a visit to find out if you need further care.
Do you have a yeast infection?
Answer a few questions and find out what your symptoms mean.