Vaginal discharge: What it is and why you shouldn’t be embarrassed

Talking to your doctor is especially important if you have concerns about existing health conditions. This article should not be considered medical advice.

It’s about time we had a chat about vaginal discharge. Not only is it nothing to be ashamed of, but it is also a healthy, everyday part of your cycle! At times, however, the color or texture of your vaginal discharge could indicate it’s time to call the doctor. Curious about what your vaginal discharge could mean? Let’s talk about it.

What is vaginal discharge?

At the onset of puberty, the vagina starts to produce discharge.¹ This is perfectly normal! Vaginal discharge is mostly made up of water mixed with microorganisms, cells and bacteria.^1,2 The amount of vaginal discharge you experience and what it looks like can change throughout your menstrual cycle, and differs from person to person.^1,2 In many cases, normal vaginal discharge helps fight off bad bacteria and infection by removing dead cells from the lining of the vagina.^1,2

Additionally, an increase in your estrogen levels can trigger the cervix to produce mucus, often causing a small amount to be discharged through the vagina.³ Your estrogen levels can increase right before ovulation and during pregnancy.³

Vaginal discharge types

You may experience different colors and textures of vaginal discharge — but it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t looked at their underwear at least once and thought, What is that? Looking at both the color and texture of your vaginal discharge can help you decide if a visit to your doctor might be in order. This guide is a starting point to determine if what’s going on is everyday vaginal discharge — or something else. (Anything followed by an asterisk means you should contact your healthcare provider.)

Vaginal discharge color guide

• White, milky white or off-white: You may see it every day, or infrequently.² It could indicate your vagina is taking care of itself.² It could also indicate a yeast infection* (when accompanied by itching, swelling and/or pain around the vulva and a lumpy, cottage cheese-like texture).^2,4,5 Sometimes it can occur during pregnancy.⁶
• Clear: You may see it every day, or infrequently.² It could indicate that your vagina is taking care of itself, you are about to ovulate² or you are pregnant.⁶
• Gray, dark or dull: It could indicate bacterial vaginosis* (when accompanied by itching, burning and/or a fishy odor).⁴
• Red, bright red or dark brown: You may see this if you experience irregular cycles.² It can also occur during implantation bleeding.² However, if you experience bleeding anytime outside of your normal menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor.*²
• Pink or light brown: It could indicate vaginal irritation,*⁷ cervical bleeding (which can be caused by infections, irritation from spermicides, douching or the latex used in condoms, or a reaction to tampons, diaphragms or cervical caps)*⁸ or implantation bleeding.⁹
• Yellow, green, bright green: Could indicate an STI like trichomoniasis,* (when accompanied by an unpleasant odor, pain or itching while peeing and a yellow or green watery or bubbly discharge),⁵ bacterial vaginosis* (when accompanied by itching and/or a fishy odor),⁴ or noninfectious vaginitis due to an allergy or irritation from sprays, douches, perfumed detergents and soaps, etc.* (when accompanied by a thick, mucus-like texture).¹⁰

Vaginal discharge texture guide

• Stretchy or slippery like raw egg whites: If the color is clear, it could indicate you are about to ovulate.²
• Thick, pasty and dry: If the color is white, it could indicate your vagina is taking care of itself.²
• Thick and lumpy, like cottage cheese: Could indicate a yeast infection.*^2,4,5
• Thin: Watery discharge can be normal.² During pregnancy this texture also is normal if the color is clear.⁶  If the color is green or gray, it could indicate bacterial vaginosis.*⁴
• Watery or bubbly: If the color is yellow, green or bright green, it could indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI).*⁵
• Thick and mucus-like: If the color is yellow, green or bright green, it could indicate noninfectious vaginitis.*¹⁰

Vaginal discharge and fertility: Is there a connection?

When you are at your most fertile, your vaginal discharge will change color, from white to clear, and will change consistency, from thick to thin, resembling raw egg whites.^2,11 If you put it between your fingers, it may feel slippery or stretchy.^2,11

Some people will pay close attention to their vaginal discharge throughout their cycle to track fertility. However, if you’re TTC, ovulation tests can accurately tell you when you are most likely to conceive if you have intercourse and can help you get pregnant faster.

Bottom line: Vaginal discharge is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. It’s time to end the stigma! If you have any questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider.

Related Articles

• Understanding ovulation bleeding
• What is spotting and why does it happen?
• What you need to know about implantation bleeding