Discharge helps ward off infection and lubricate the vagina.
Typically, discharge is clear or white, thick, and does not smell.
Its production is triggered byestrogenin the body.
Verywell / Laura Porter
It may also change due to the presence of an infection.
Grey discharge is not normal and could indicate an infection.
Read on for more about infections that may cause changes in vaginal discharge and when to seek medical care.
BV is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.
The exact cause of BV is unknown.
BV may be related to having a new sexual partner, multiple partners, or douching.
It’s typically transmitted through sex (oral, anal, and vaginal) as well as genital touching.
It is most common among people with vaginas.
This infection is most common in young people with vaginas.
Not using condomsand having multiple sex partners can increase the risk of a chlamydia infection.
It is possible to have chlamydia and have nosymptoms.
Many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms, particularly young people with vaginas.
However, some may have mild symptoms or mistake them for a bladder or vaginal infection.
If a person does havesymptoms, they may experience:
How Much Discharge Is Normal?
They may test you for common infections and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
Summary
Vaginal discharge is common and is usually normal for people who have vaginas.
Some causes require treatment.
Other causes are associated with non-medical issues, such as pregnancy, birth control use, or menopause.
If and when you do notice a change, speak with a healthcare provider.
They can help investigate why the change in discharge occurred and if it requires any treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vaginal discharge typically is clear or white and may have a thick consistency.
These changes are often associated with an infection.
The presence of estrogen in the body triggers the production of vaginal discharge.
It is a normal and common experience for people with vaginas.
Normal discharge may vary between being clear to white and be runny or even have an egg-white texture.
UpToDate.Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (beyond the basics).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chlamydia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gonorrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & Infertility.
Nemours Teen Health.Vaginal discharge: What’s normal, what’s not.
