Vaginal Discharge: What’s Normal and What’s Not                                                     

Vaginal discharge keeps your vagina clean, lubricated, and protected. It’s made up of cells and fluids from the cervix and vagina and plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and preventing infections. Your discharge can tell you a lot about your body, and paying attention to it can help you stay on top of your vaginal health.

What’s considered “normal” varies from person to person, but specific changes in color, smell, or texture could signal an infection or imbalance. To recognize when something is off, you first need to understand what’s normal. And if you’re ever unsure, talking to a provider can give you peace of mind and help you catch problems before they get worse. 

At Rose Women’s Medical Center, our providers are not only experts in women’s health but also approachable, compassionate, and skilled at helping patients understand their bodies better. In this blog, we’ll walk through what normal discharge looks like, how it can change during your cycle, what red flags to watch out for, and when it’s time to make an appointment.

What does normal vaginal discharge look like?

Normal vaginal discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle. You may notice that some days it’s clear and slippery, while other times it’s thicker, creamier, or barely there at all. All of these changes are natural and influenced by hormone levels and your stage in your cycle.

Many women notice more discharge around ovulation (mid-cycle) when it tends to become more slippery and stretchy, similar to raw egg whites. This is completely normal and helps sperm travel to the egg if you’re trying to conceive.

After ovulation, discharge may become thicker and less noticeable. Right before your period, you might see a slight increase again. All of these shifts are normal, as long as there’s no pain, odor, or unusual color.

What’s not normal?

While there’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal,” there are some signs that your discharge could be pointing to a problem. Here are a few of the most common red flags:

A strong or foul odor

Discharge with a noticeable, unpleasant smell, especially if it’s fishy or musty, could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV) or another infection.

Unusual color

Gray, green, or yellow discharge isn’t typical. Green or yellow discharge may point to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), while grayish-white may suggest BV.

Cottage cheese texture

Thick, white, clumpy discharge, especially when accompanied by itching or burning, is a common symptom of a yeast infection.

Itching, irritation, or burning

Even if your discharge looks normal, if it’s causing discomfort, it’s worth getting checked out. These symptoms often go hand in hand with infections.

Blood in discharge (outside of your period)

While light spotting can occur with ovulation or hormonal birth control, unexplained blood in your discharge should be evaluated, especially if it happens frequently.

Maintaining healthy discharge

There are a few simple ways to support your vaginal health and maintain a normal discharge:

• Avoid douching: It disrupts the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina
• Wear breathable underwear: Cotton allows for better airflow and reduces moisture buildup
• Practice good hygiene: Gently clean the external area with warm water; avoid harsh soaps or scented products
• Wipe front to back: This reduces the chance of spreading bacteria to the vaginal area
• Use protection during sex: Condoms help prevent STIs, which can affect discharge

Staying in tune with your body and scheduling regular checkups can help catch issues early and keep your reproductive health on track.

While changes in your vaginal discharge are normal throughout your cycle, symptoms like odor, color changes, or irritation shouldn’t be ignored. The best way to stay informed and get answers you can trust is by working with a specialist.

Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or just want reassurance that everything is working as it should, the team at Rose Women’s Medical Center is ready to help. Call us at 331-233-1350 today or request an online appointment.