Vaginal Discharge: Colours, Causes, and When to Worry
Vaginal discharge is normal, but changes in colour, texture, or odour may signal an infection or health concern. Learn what each colour means, common causes, and when to see a doctor.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 6th Sep, 2025
Vaginal discharge is a completely normal and healthy part of a woman's reproductive system. It's your body's way of cleaning and protecting the vagina, keeping tissues healthy, and preventing infection. However, changes in its colour, consistency, or smell can sometimes be a signal that something is off. Understanding what’s normal for you and what might indicate a problem is key to maintaining your intimate health. This guide will demystify vaginal discharge, breaking down what each colour might mean, from the perfectly healthy to the signs that it’s time to see a doctor. We’ll explore the common causes behind these changes and empower you with the knowledge to take charge of your well-being.
Understanding Normal Vaginal Discharge
First and foremost, it's crucial to know that having discharge is not a sign of poor health; it's the opposite. Normal vaginal discharge, often called leukorrhea, is typically clear or milky white. Its consistency can range from thin and watery to thick and sticky, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. The amount can also vary significantly from person to person and throughout the month.
This natural fluid is produced by glands in the cervix and vagina. It serves several vital functions:
• Cleansing: It flushes out dead cells and bacteria from the vaginal canal.
• Lubrication: It keeps vaginal tissues lubricated and healthy, reducing friction during sexual activity.
• Protection: It helps maintain a slightly acidic environment (thanks to beneficial bacteria, primarily Lactobacilli) that prevents harmful pathogens from overgrowing and causing infections.
A normal, healthy discharge may have a mild, non-offensive odour, but it should never be strong or foul-smelling.
A Colour Guide to Vaginal Discharge
The colour of your discharge is one of the most telling indicators of your vaginal health. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what different colours might signify.
Clear and Watery Discharge
This type of discharge is almost always normal and can occur at any time of the month. You might notice an increase in clear, watery discharge after strenuous exercise. It's also common to experience a surge in this type of fluid around ovulation, as estrogen levels peak.
White Discharge
• Thick, White, and Clumpy (Like Cottage Cheese): This is a classic sign of a yeast infection (Candidiasis). It is often accompanied by intense itching, redness, and swelling of the vulva (the external part of the vagina). The discharge is typically odourless.
• White, Milky, or Creamy: This is considered normal, especially if it occurs at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. As long as it doesn't have a strong odour or cause itching, it's usually nothing to worry about.
Yellow or Green Discharge
This colour range is often a red flag and is rarely considered normal.
• Yellow Discharge: A pale yellow hue might not always be cause for alarm, but a darker, snotty yellow discharge can indicate an infection.
• Green Discharge: A greenish tint, especially when the discharge is frothy, thick, or has a foul odour, is a strong indicator of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), most commonly trichomoniasis.
Gray Discharge
Thin, grey, or off-white discharge with a strong, fishy odour is a hallmark symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV). The odour is often more noticeable after sexual intercourse. BV occurs when there's an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in the vagina.
Pink or Bloody Discharge
Pink or bloody discharge outside of your period is known as spotting.
• Common Causes: It can occur due to implantation bleeding in early pregnancy, ovulation spotting, or the physical irritation of the cervix (e.g., after a Pap smear or vigorous sex).
• When to Be Cautious: If spotting is persistent, unexplained, or occurs after menopause, it's essential to see a doctor to rule out more serious conditions like cervical polyps or, in rare cases, cancer.
Brown Discharge
Brown discharge is essentially old blood leaving the body. It's very common at the very beginning or end of your period when the flow is light and the blood has had time to oxidise and turn from red to brown. It can also be a sign of "old" implantation bleeding or a phenomenon known as a "period cleanup" from your previous cycle.
Common Causes of Abnormal Discharge
Changes in discharge are usually linked to an imbalance in the vaginal ecosystem. The most frequent culprits are infections.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV is not an STI but a bacterial imbalance. It's the most common vaginal condition in women aged 15-44. Symptoms include grayish-white discharge with a pronounced fishy smell. The exact cause isn't always clear, but douching and having new or multiple sexual partners can increase your risk.
Yeast Infections
Caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, yeast infections lead to that characteristic thick, white, clumpy discharge and severe itching. Factors that can trigger an overgrowth include antibiotic use, high estrogen levels (from pregnancy or birth control), uncontrolled diabetes, and a compromised immune system.Consult a Gynaecologist for Personalised Advice
Trichomoniasis
This is a common, curable STI caused by a parasite. It often produces a frothy, yellow-green, or grey discharge with a strong, unpleasant odour. It can also cause itching, redness, and discomfort during urination or sex.
Other STIs: Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
While these STIs are often asymptomatic, they can sometimes cause unusual discharge. Gonorrhea and chlamydia may lead to a yellow or cloudy discharge, but more frequently, they present with other symptoms like bleeding between periods, painful urination, or pelvic pain.
Lifestyle and Hormonal Factors
Not all discharge changes are due to infections. Your daily habits and body's natural cycles play a huge role.
The Impact of Your Menstrual Cycle
Your discharge changes predictably throughout your cycle due to hormonal fluctuations. You'll likely have dry days after your period, followed by sticky or creamy white discharge, then abundant clear, stretchy (egg-white) discharge at ovulation, and finally, a return to a thicker consistency before your period starts.
Diet, Stress, and Hygiene Habits
A diet high in sugar can promote yeast growth. High stress levels can weaken your immune system and disrupt your hormonal balance, leading to changes. Perhaps most importantly, douching is not recommended. The vagina is self-cleaning, and douching can wash away good bacteria, leading to an imbalance and actually increasing the risk of infection.
When to See a Doctor
It's important to listen to your body. You should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following alongside a change in discharge:
• A change in colour or consistency that is new and persistent.
• A strong or foul odour, especially a fishy smell.
• Accompanied by itching, burning, swelling, or redness.
• Pain during urination or sexual intercourse.
• Bleeding or spotting between periods or after menopause.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for your comfort and to prevent potential complications, especially with STIs.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If you see a doctor for abnormal discharge, they will likely:
1. Discuss your symptoms and medical history.
2. Perform a pelvic exam to check for external and internal signs of infection or irritation.
3. Take a sample of the discharge for laboratory analysis. This swab test can identify the presence of yeast, bacteria, or other organisms.
Treatment is entirely dependent on the cause:
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Treated with prescription antibiotics (oral pills or vaginal gels/creams).
• Yeast Infections: Treated with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications (creams, ointments, or suppositories).
• Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia: Treated with prescription antibiotics. Sexual partners must also be treated to prevent reinfection.
Prevention and Maintenance of Vaginal Health
Prevention is always better than a cure. You can support a healthy vaginal environment by:
• Wiping front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the vagina.
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding overly tight clothing.
• Avoiding douches, scented sprays, and scented tampons/pads, which can cause irritation.
• Practising safe sex by using condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.
• Eating a balanced diet and managing stress levels.
• Staying hydrated.
Conclusion
Vaginal discharge is a natural and essential bodily function. By paying attention to its colour, consistency, and smell, you can gain valuable insights into your reproductive health. While many variations are perfectly normal and tied to your hormonal cycle, significant changes can be your body's first alert system to a potential issue like an infection. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, or if unusual discharge is accompanied by discomfort, don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Being proactive about your vaginal health is a powerful step toward overall well-being and peace of mind.
Consult a Gynaecologist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Gynaecologist for Personalised Advice
Dr Jaya Kumar Agarwal
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
25 Years • MBBS , DGO , DNB (obstetric and gynecology) DGE diploma in Gyne endoscopy (Germany )
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Amodita Ahuja
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
10 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
New Delhi
AAKASH MEDSQUARE, New Delhi
Dr. Debashree Saha
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
4 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Kolkata
DR. DEBASHREE SAHA Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Pallab Roy
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
6 Years • MBBS, MS Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kolkata
Dr Pallab Roy, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Sreeparna Roy
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS , MS (OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY), Fellowship in Infertility, Endoscopy & Ultrasonography), Fellowship in Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy,DRM
Barasat
Diab-Eat-Ease, Barasat
Consult a Gynaecologist for Personalised Advice
Dr Jaya Kumar Agarwal
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
25 Years • MBBS , DGO , DNB (obstetric and gynecology) DGE diploma in Gyne endoscopy (Germany )
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Amodita Ahuja
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
10 Years • MBBS, DGO, DNB (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
New Delhi
AAKASH MEDSQUARE, New Delhi
Dr. Debashree Saha
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
4 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Kolkata
DR. DEBASHREE SAHA Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Pallab Roy
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
6 Years • MBBS, MS Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kolkata
Dr Pallab Roy, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Sreeparna Roy
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS , MS (OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY), Fellowship in Infertility, Endoscopy & Ultrasonography), Fellowship in Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy,DRM
Barasat
Diab-Eat-Ease, Barasat
