It’s 1 am and you’re examining your underwear like it’s a crime scene. You’re asking yourself,
“Is this colour normal?”
“Was this there yesterday?”
“Does this smell…off?”
We’ve all been there. Panicking, confused, and wondering what’s going on.
The truth is vaginal discharge changes a lot based on your cycle, hormones, or even that random soap you tried the previous week. Sometimes, these changes are normal and harmless. Other times, it’s your body’s way of waving a giant red flag that something is wrong down there.
So, let’s talk about vaginal discharge. No judgment and no filter because you need to know what normal vaginal discharge is, what’s abnormal, and when you need to see a doctor.
What’s Normal Vaginal Discharge?
Your vagina is a self-cleaning boss, and she produces vaginal discharge, which is a mix of fluid and cells to lubricate, clean, and protect.
This discharge isn’t the same all the time. It changes throughout your menstrual cycle, from the colour to the texture, and even the quantity, and that’s completely normal. Here’s what a normal vaginal discharge looks like:
Right After Your Period
- Colour: Light brown due to old blood being cleared out.
- Texture: Slightly dry or might be barely there.
During the Follicular Phase (Pre-Ovulation)
- Colour: Clear or cloudy white
- Texture: Thin, watery, or maybe a little stretchy.
Ovulation (Mid-Cycle)
- Colour: Clear and looks like egg whites.
- Texture: Stretchy and slippery to make it easier for the sperm to swim and for pregnancy to happen.
Luteal Phase (After Ovulation)
- Colour: Creamy white or pale yellow
- Texture: Thick like your lotion
What Is Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
So, we know what’s normal, but what about when your vaginal discharge decides to be a drama queen and not in a cute way? Here are some of the signs of abnormal vaginal discharge:
Thick, White, and Clumpy (Like Cottage Cheese)
What it might mean: This is most likely a yeast infection (aka vaginal candidiasis).
Other signs: Intense itching, redness, irritation, and sometimes a burning sensation while peeing or during sex.
Smell: Usually mild or none.
Grayish and Thin with a Strong Fishy Smell
What it might mean: This might be Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), which occurs due to an imbalance where bad bacteria overtake the good bacteria in your vagina.
Yes, your vagina has good bacteria that act like mini soldiers to protect you. Read more here!
Other signs: Itching, burning (especially after sex), and increased discharge.
Yellow or Green Discharge
What it might mean: This could possibly be a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) like trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia.
Other signs: It can also be thin, frothy, or pus-like, and you may experience pain during urination, pelvic pain, vaginal itching, or bleeding between periods.
Smell: Often strong or unpleasant.
Discharge with Blood (When You’re Not on Your Period)
What it might mean: This could be from hormonal imbalance, infection, cervical polyps, or, in rare cases, something more serious like cervical cancer.
Smell and texture: Varies.
What Are The Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
Sometimes, the abnormal vaginal discharge could be due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, hormonal birth control, or even stress.
Other times, it could be due to unhealthy vaginal practices that you might be doing unknowingly. Some of them include:
- Unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners.
- Douching.
- Using scented vaginal products like soaps, sprays, or panty liners.
- Wearing tight or damp underwear.
- Overusing antibiotics.
You can read more on how to have a healthy vagina with good vaginal practices here.
When to See a Doctor for Vaginal Discharge
If you notice any of these, you should speak to a healthcare provider:
- Sudden change in the colour, texture, or smell of your vaginal discharge.
- Discharge that is green, gray, frothy, or looks like clumpy like cheese.
- Fishy or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Vaginal itching or redness.
- Pain when urinating or during sex.
- Bleeding from the vagina when you’re not on your period.
Final Thoughts
Your vaginal discharge is like a notification from your body telling you when things are okay and when something is off. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you make smart girl choices to keep your vaginal health top-tier
If something feels off and you’d like to speak to a gynaecologist, click here to get started!
References
Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Colors, What’s Normal & Treatment
Vaginal Itching or Vaginal Discharge – Women’s Health Issues – MSD Manual Consumer Version
