Vaginal discharge is the natural fluid produced by glands inside the vagina and cervix. Its primary job is to flush out old cells and bacteria, acting as a continuous, built-in cleaning system to prevent infection and provide lubrication.

Throughout your menstrual cycle, shifting levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone affect your vaginal discharge, taking it from dry to creamy, or from clear and stretchy to thick and white. Hence, knowing the types of discharge, which ones are normal and when to consult a gynaecologist is important.

What are the Vaginal Discharge Types Throughout the Stages of the Menstrual Cycle?

If you aren't on hormonal birth control, the colour and consistency of your discharge will vary from day to day. Here is what a typical 28-day cycle looks like:

Days 1-5: The Menstrual Phase

This is your period. The body is shedding the uterine lining, so the discharge is red or bloody. The flow, colour, and duration vary from person to person.

Days 6-9: The "Dry" Days (Dry White Discharge)

Right after your period ends, estrogen is low. You might have no discharge at all or just a little bit of dry white discharge that feels tacky or sticky. There’s nothing to worry about here; it’s completely normal.

Days 10-13: The Pre-Ovulation Phase (Creamy/Milky)

As your body gears up for ovulation, estrogen starts rising. The cervix starts producing more fluid. It often looks like lotion or watered-down milk. This white creamy discharge or milky discharge is a sign that your follicles are growing.

Day 14: Ovulation (The Egg White Phase)

This is your most fertile window. Estrogen peaks 1-2 days before ovulation, making the vagina feel much wetter. This type of discharge will be clear, slippery, and super stretchy (like raw egg whites). You can often stretch it inches between your thumb and finger.

This again is completely normal, and a sign that you are fertile!

Days 15-28: The Luteal Phase (Sticky/Thick)

As soon as ovulation is over, Progesterone takes over. The discharge dries up again. It may return to being cloudy, whitish, or yellowish and become thick or "gluey."

NOTE: Periods can shift by 3-7 days due to stress or various other reasons, so don't worry! This is just to give you an idea of how your discharge changes throughout the cycle. However, if you notice foul smells in discharge, grey/green colours, or constant irregularity, consult a gynaecologist.

What Are the Different Types of Vaginal Discharge?

When looking at vaginal discharge types, colour and texture are your best clues. While some changes are normal, others are red flags. Here is a breakdown of the various discharge colours and their causes.

1. Red or Bloody

• Normal: During your period (Days 1-5).

• Check Needed: If you see bright red or rusty discharge between periods (intermenstrual bleeding), it could be hormonal or a sign of an infection or cervical issue.

• Urgent: Vaginal bleeding after menopause (when you haven't had a period for a year) is never normal. Consult a gynaecologist immediately, as it can be a symptom of endometrial cancer. But please don’t panic. Seeking assistance is the first step, and if taken early, things can be managed efficiently.

2. White (Creamy vs. Clumpy)

This is the most common type of discharge, but the texture matters.

• Creamy/Milky: If it is smooth and odourless, white creamy discharge is usually just healthy lubrication.

• Clumpy/Thick: If it looks like cottage cheese and you feel itching or burning, this is likely a Yeast Infection. It’s not an STD, but you need treatment.

3. Clear and Watery

• Normal: Totally normal. It can happen at any time, especially after heavy exercise or during ovulation.

4. Clear and Stretchy

• Normal: This mucus-like texture means you are likely ovulating.

5. Pink

• Normal: Spotting just before your period starts.

• Causes: It can also happen after sex if there is minor irritation or small tears. Occasionally, it can be a sign of implantation bleeding if you had unprotected sex recently.

6. Yellow or Green

• Normal-ish: Faint yellow can sometimes happen with diet changes or supplements.

• Warning: A distinct yellow or green discharge can be STD. Especially if it is thick, chunky, or smells bad, it is NOT normal. It strongly suggests an infection like Trichomoniasis (an STD).

You should always pay attention to your vaginal discharge. Even the slightest change must not be ignored. If you see any unusual changes in your discharge, please don’t stress out. Just talk to a gynaecologist and get a consultation for reassurance. It's better to address the issue at the earliest, to stop things from getting worse.

When Should You See a Gynaecologist?

Every woman experiences vaginal discharge; it’s normal. But bad discharge or abnormal discharge is not. Your body is usually pretty loud when something is wrong.

You should talk to a gynaecologist if:

1. The Smell: You notice a strong, foul, or fishy odour.

2. The Colour: It turns bright yellow, green, or distinct grey.

3. The Feeling: You have itching, burning, pain in the abdomen, or discomfort when you pee.

4. The Timing: You have spotting after sex regularly or bleeding after menopause.

It is easy to feel grossed out or embarrassed by these changes, but please don't be. Every woman deals with this! If you are unsure if your creamy discharge is normal or an infection, chat with a gynaecologist. It is the quickest way to stop worrying and get a solution.

Conclusion

Your body talks to you through these changes. That milky discharge or dry white discharge is often just a status update on your hormones.

Most of the time, your vagina is doing exactly what it's supposed to do: keeping itself clean. But if the status update changes to itchy, green, or smelly, it’s time to seek expert guidance for prevention and treatment.

If you are worried about a sudden change in your discharge, consult a gynaecologist at Pinky Promise today. We can help you figure out if it’s just hormones or something that needs a quick fix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is white creamy discharge a sign of pregnancy?

It can be! Many women experience increased leukorrhea (mild, milky discharge) in early pregnancy due to rising estrogen levels. However, since this also happens before your period, you can't rely on it as a pregnancy test.

Q: Why do I have dry white discharge before my period?

This is due to Progesterone. After ovulation, this hormone peaks to thicken your uterine lining. It also makes your cervical mucus thick, sticky, or dry to prevent sperm from entering the uterus (since the egg is already gone).

Q: Is it normal to have discharge every single day?

Yes, absolutely. Some women have a lot of discharge daily (needing a panty liner), while others have very little. As long as the colour and smell are consistent for you, it’s normal.

Q: What causes clear, jelly-like discharge?

That is your ovulation mucus! It becomes clear and stretchy (like raw egg whites) to act as a highway for sperm to travel through the cervix. It usually means you are in your fertile window.

Q: Can stress change my discharge?

Yes. Stress affects your hormones, and hormones control your discharge. High stress might make you "drier" than usual or throw off your bacterial balance, potentially leading to a yeast infection.

Q: Does bacterial vaginosis (BV) go away on its own?

A: Sometimes, but rarely. BV is an imbalance of bacteria. While mild cases might resolve, it usually requires antibiotics. Leaving it untreated can increase your risk of catching other infections.

Q: Why is my discharge watery?

A: Watery discharge is common during exercise (sweat mixing with fluids), during sexual arousal, or just after your period ends. However, if it gushes suddenly or smells bad, get it checked.