Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is a combination of fluid and cells secreted from glands in the vagina and cervix. It removes old debris, keeping the vagina and reproductive tract healthy and clean.
The amount of vaginal discharge secreted can vary significantly from person to person. The color, consistency, and amount can also change from day to day, depending on where a person is in their reproductive or menstrual cycle. Different discharge colors can indicate menstruation, ovulation, or menopause.
At times, different health conditions such as infections caused by yeast or bacteria can also affect the quality of vaginal discharge. Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge related to infection or inflammation include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Douching or using scented products
Only rarely is vaginal discharge a sign of cancer.
The reproductive cycle and vaginal discharge
- In the first 5 days or so of the menstrual cycle (the length of a cycle and its stages vary from person to person), vaginal discharge is typically red or bloody, as the body sheds the uterine lining.
- After menstruation, until roughly day 14 of the cycle, less vaginal discharge is common. The cervical mucus becomes cloudy, white, yellowish and possibly sticky as the cycle approaches the ovulatory phase.
- At the start of the phase between days 14 and 25, a few days before ovulation, discharge is typically thin and slippery—and often compared to the texture of egg whites. After ovulation, the discharge or mucus reverts to being cloudy, white or yellow, and possibly sticky.
- In the final phase, between days 25 and 28 in a regular cycle, cervical mucus lessens, and there is typically less discharge over all.
What is considered normal discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge helps to maintain healthy vaginal tissues, provide lubrication, and protect against infection and irritation. The amount, color and consistency of normal vaginal discharge varies from whitish and sticky to clear and watery—depending on the different stages of the menstrual cycle. It shouldn’t smell unpleasant.
Consistency: It’s considered normal to have vaginal discharge ranging from watery, to sticky, gummy, tacky, thick, or pasty. Hormones are the main factor that triggers these changes, but infection can also play a role in the texture of vaginal discharge. Typically, if vaginal discharge is chunky or foamy, it may be an indication of infection.
Volume: The amount of vaginal discharge people produce can vary from a lot to a little. Factors that can influence the volume of discharge include pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives, and ovulation. Any sudden change in the volume of vaginal discharge produced is a good reason to consult a gynecologist.
Scent: While vaginal discharge may or may not have a smell, it shouldn’t be strong or unpleasant. A fishy or foul smelling discharge along with changes in consistency or color could point to a vaginal infection.
Color: Healthy vaginal discharge typically ranges from clear, to milky white, to off-white. Dark yellow, brown, green, or grey discharge may signal a health issue or vaginal infection.
Discharge meanings by color
Red: Red discharge can vary from bright to dark maroon, and is most often the result of menstrual bleeding, which typically lasts 3–5 days per 28 day cycle. Although bleeding between menstrual periods or more than a year after the start of menopause may be benign, it can sometimes signal a health condition
Pink: Pink discharge usually contains a little bit of blood, and most commonly occurs with spotting before or after a period, or, less commonly, after ovulation. It can also be a sign of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. Pink discharge after sex may occur if the sex caused small tears or irritation.
Yellow or green: Very light yellow discharge may be perfectly healthy. Light yellow discharge may in fact be caused by a dietary change or some supplements. Darker yellow, yellow-green, or green discharge, however, signals a bacterial infection or an STI.
Grey: Grey discharge is not considered healthy. It can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, or BV. BV can also cause itching, irritation, a strong odor, and/or redness around the vulva or vaginal opening.
White: White discharge includes shades of cream and light yellow. Without other symptoms, white discharge is typically considered healthy. Accompanied by a chunky cottage cheese-like consistency, however, a strong odor, itching, or irritation, it can indicate infection.
Clear: The majority of regular vaginal discharge is clear or whitish-clear, and slippery. Clear, slippery discharge is more likely to occur just before ovulation, when sexually aroused, as well as during pregnancy.
Sudden changes in discharge
Vaginal discharge can vary for many different reasons—some harmless, and others harmful if left untreated.
It’s important to contact a healthcare provider if changes in the volume, color, smell, or texture of vaginal discharge occur, especially if the change is sudden. Any vaginal irritation, itching, or pain should be examined promptly by a medical professional as well.
