Vaginal discharge is a normal and necessary part of reproductive health, and one of the things people are least sure about — what counts as ordinary, and when it is worth getting checked. This is a plain guide to both. All vulvas are normal, and discharge is nothing to be embarrassed about.

What it is

Fluid secreted by the cervix, uterus and vagina, made up mostly of cells and bacteria. It cleans and lubricates, and helps keep harmful bacteria out. How much there is varies a lot between people and across the cycle, depending on hormones and general health.

What is typical

Colour. Clear, milky white or off-white.

Texture. Anywhere from watery and sticky to thick and pasty, mostly depending on where you are in your cycle.

Smell. A mild odour is normal. Strong or unpleasant is not.

Amount. Varies between people, and with ovulation, pregnancy or hormonal contraception. It is a sudden change from your own normal that is worth noticing, rather than any particular quantity.

What is worth getting checked

Colour. Dark yellow, brown, green or grey.

Texture. Chunky, foamy or unusually thick, especially with itching or discomfort.

Odour. A strong, unpleasant or fishy smell — often associated with bacterial vaginosis.

Amount. A sudden increase or decrease that does not track your usual cycle.

Common causes of a change

Yeast infection. Thick, white and clumpy, often with itching and irritation.

Bacterial vaginosis. Thin, grey or white, with a strong fishy odour.

Sexually transmitted infections. Can change colour, texture and odour in various ways.

Hormonal change. Menopause, pregnancy or contraception all affect the amount and consistency.

During pregnancy

Higher oestrogen and progesterone raise blood flow and volume, so there is usually more of it. White and milky with a mild odour is normal, and the odour can be a little more noticeable than before pregnancy without being strong or unpleasant. This is the body adapting, and generally not a cause for concern.

When to see a healthcare provider

• A significant increase in the amount
• A change in colour to yellow, green, brown or grey
• A foul or strong odour
• A change in texture to chunky, foamy or unusually thick
• Irritation, itching or pain

In short

Discharge is doing a job — keeping things clean and keeping infection out. Knowing your own normal is what makes a change easy to spot, and a change is the thing worth raising at a check-up rather than the discharge itself.

Bodyotics makes intimate wellness products across the stages of pelvic health, from menstruating years through menopause. We also run a pelvic health series on our YouTube channel.

Everyday care for intimate skin. The Bodyotics Vulva Balm is a fragrance-free moisturiser made for sensitive intimate skin. A cosmetic product for comfort — not a treatment for any of the conditions described above, which are a clinician's territory. Discover the Vulva Balm →