Discharge from the vagina is a typical element of a woman’s reproductive health. It keeps the vagina clean, keeps the appropriate pH level, and keeps infections at bay. But sometimes a change in color, smell, or texture can suggest that something is wrong.
So, how can you determine what’s normal and when you should see a doctor?
Let’s make things simple.
What Is a Normal Amount of Vaginal Discharge?
Normal discharge is usually:
- Clear or white with a milky look
- Not strong or smells bad
- Not linked to pain or itching
During the menstrual cycle, ovulation, pregnancy, or sexual stimulation, its amount and texture can change. That’s perfectly typical.
9 Things That Can Cause Vaginal Discharge
1. Ovulation
Around the middle of the cycle, discharge gets clear, slick, and stretchy. People commonly compare it to egg whites.
Normal and healthy.
2. Changes in hormones
Changes in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause might change the amount and texture of discharge.
Normal most of the time, but not always.
3. Getting sexually excited
More discharge during arousal assists with lubrication.
Totally typical.
4. Infection with yeast
Discharge may look thick, white, and like curds, and it may also itch or burn.
Requires medical attention.
5. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
It has a strong fishy scent and a thin, grayish discharge.
Needs medical help.
6. Trichomoniasis
An STI that causes greenish-yellow, foamy discharge and pain or inflammation.
Need medical help right away.
7. PID, or pelvic inflammatory disease
Can cause pelvic pain, fever, and discharge that smells bad.
Don’t disregard this serious condition.
8. Infections of the cervix or vagina
Inflammation or infections can lead to unusual discharge, which may occasionally contain blood.
It’s important to get a medical checkup.
9. Using soaps, douching, or vaginal products
Harsh products might throw off the natural equilibrium of the vagina, which can cause strange discharge.
Usually gets better when products are stopped.
When Should You Be Worried?
If your discharge is:
- Yellow, green, gray, or red (but not when you're on your period)
- Thick and smells unpleasant or strong
- You can have an itch, pain, burning, or a fever.
- All of a sudden and weird for you
These signs could imply that you are sick or have a hormonal imbalance that needs to be checked out.
What You Should Not Do
- Using perfumed vaginal products or douching
- Ignoring symptoms that don't go away
- Taking medicine without a diagnosis
The vagina cleans itself. Less interference is usually preferable.
How doctors figure out what's wrong
A doctor might say:
- Examination in a clinical environment
- Tests on swabs from the vagina
- If necessary, blood or urine tests
Getting the appropriate diagnosis is vital because the therapy depends on what the problem is.
Conclusion
Your body often gives you quiet signals—and vaginal discharge is one of them. Most of the time, it’s completely normal and nothing to worry about. But if you notice changes in smell, colour, or start feeling pain, it’s worth paying attention.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and speak to a doctor sooner rather than later. When it comes to intimate and sexual health, getting clarity early is always better than guessing or waiting it out.
