Most vaginal discharge is normal.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Vaginal Discharge
From puberty, the body begins making discharge.
This is normal, a sign of healthy development, and means menstruation is on the way soon.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Vaginal dischargeis a fluid that comes from the vagina.
Discharge helps keep the vagina clean by removing dead cells and bacteria from the vagina.
Discharge may vary across themenstrual cycle.
Duringovulation, the discharge may be slippery or thin, a bit like the consistency of egg whites.
After ovulation, the discharge will become cloudy, white or yellow.
Shortly before a period, the discharge may become thicker and white.
In the days just before and after a period, discharge may be colored red orbrown.
Red or Brown Discharge
Red or brown discharge can be due to a number of causes.
They include:
Sexually transmitted infections also may lead to red or brown vaginal discharge.
It can also be a sign of a problem, including an STI or even vaginal bleeding due tomiscarriage.
White Discharge
White dischargefrom the vagina is normal and healthy, and can happen every day.
The infection may be accompanied by a discharge that is white, gray, and/or has a fishy odor.
BV may also be accompanied by itching or a burning sensation in the vagina.
There is no reason to try and stop or prevent normal healthy discharge.
This is an important part of vaginal health and keeps the vagina clean.
Summary
Vaginal discharge helps keep the vagina clean by naturally removing dead cells and bacteria.
Yellow, green, or gray discharge usually indicates an infection.
I didnt see any blood in the discharge, but could this have been my period?.
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.Vulval irritation.
World Health Organization.Family planning.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Perimenopausal bleeding and bleeding after menopause.
Planned Parenthood.How much vaginal discharge is normal?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis basics.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Think you have a vaginal infection?
Here’s what you should probably know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomoniasis - CDC fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gonorrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chlamydia.
Planned Parenthood.Is it normal to have a little spotting after sex?.
Memorial Care.What color is implantation bleeding?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About bacterial vaginosis.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.Vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Vaginal discharge.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Vaginal itching and discharge.
