Vaginal discharge is not just "normal"; it is necessary. Think of the vagina as a self-cleaning oven. The fluid you see is a mechanism your body uses to flush out dead cells and bacteria, keeping the reproductive tract clean and infection-free.

However, the consistency and colour can change based on your cycle, hormones, or health status. While a watery vaginal discharge might just mean you are ovulating, a green vaginal discharge could signal an infection requiring immediate attention.

If you are searching for reasons for vaginal discharge or trying to figure out if what you are seeing is healthy, this guide breaks down the colour code, the causes, and the warning signs.

Not sure if your discharge is normal? A change in colour or smell can be the first sign of an infection. It’s always better to consult a gynaecologist for diagnosis to be sure about your health.

Which Vaginal Discharge is Considered Normal?

Before worrying about what is wrong, let’s define what is right.

Normal vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman, but it typically has these characteristics:

• Colour: Clear, milky white, or off-white.

• Texture: Thin and watery, sticky (like egg whites), or slightly thick.

• Smell: Odourless or a mild, musky scent. It should never smell fishy or foul.

• Volume: It is normal to produce about 1 to 4 millilitres (roughly half a teaspoon) of discharge daily.
  

Vaginal Discharge Causes

Why does it happen? The primary vaginal discharge causes are biological and functional:

1. Cleaning Mechanism: The cervix and vaginal walls produce fluid to carry away dead cells and bacteria.

2. Lubrication: During sexual arousal, the Bartholin's glands produce extra fluid to reduce friction.

3. Hormonal Fluctuations: Estrogen levels dictate the amount and texture. You will notice more discharge during ovulation, pregnancy, and sexual excitement.
   

What are the Different Types of Vaginal Discharge?

When analysing your health, look at the colour and texture. Here are the different types of vaginal discharges:

1. White Vaginal Discharge

• What it looks like: Milky, cream-colored, or pale white.

• What it means:

  • Normal: At the beginning or end of your cycle, a thin, milky white discharge is perfectly healthy.

  • Infection Warning: If you see a curdy white vaginal discharge (looking like cottage cheese) accompanied by severe itching, this is the hallmark sign of a Yeast Infection (Candidiasis).

2. Watery Vaginal Discharge

• What it looks like: Clear, transparent, and stretches between your fingers.

• What it means: This is usually a sign of high fertility. Around day 14 of your menstrual cycle (Ovulation), estrogen peaks, creating this "egg-white" mucus to help sperm travel to the egg. It can also occur during sexual arousal or after heavy exercise.

  
  

3. Yellow or Green Vaginal Discharge

• What it looks like: Dark yellow, neon green, or greenish-grey.

• What it means: This is rarely normal.

  • Yellow vaginal discharge can sometimes be a sign of a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like Gonorrhea.

  • Green vaginal discharge is a major red flag for Trichomoniasis (a common parasitic STI). It is often frothy and has a foul smell.

4. Brown or Bloody Discharge

• What it looks like: Brownish streaks or pink spotting.

• What it means: Usually, this is just "old blood" leaving the body right after your period ends. However, spotting in between periods can be a sign of hormonal imbalance or, in rare cases, cervical issues.

  
  

Is Vaginal Discharge a Sign of Pregnancy?

Yes, it can be.

Many women notice an increase in fluids shortly after conception. This vaginal discharge pregnancy symptom is medically known as Leukorrhea.

• The Cause: Rapidly rising estrogen levels and increased blood flow to the pelvic area.

• The Look: It is typically a white vaginal discharge that is thin, milky, and mild-smelling.

• The Purpose: It forms the mucus plug that blocks the cervix, protecting the baby from bacteria entering the womb.

Note: If the discharge is accompanied by bleeding or cramping, consult a doctor immediately.

When to See a Gynaecologist

While discharge is natural, a change in your "normal" is a reason to seek medical advice.

Consult a gynaecologist if you experience some or any one of these:

• A sudden change in colour to green, bright yellow, or grey.

• Texture changes like frothy, foamy, or clumpy (curd-like) consistency.

• Bad Odour: A strong, fishy, or metallic smell (often a sign of Bacterial Vaginosis).

• Physical Discomfort: Itching, burning, or redness around the vaginal opening.

• Pelvic Pain: Pain in the lower belly unrelated to your period.

How to Manage Vaginal Hygiene?

You cannot stop discharge (nor should you), but you can manage it to prevent infections.

• Wear Cotton: Synthetic panties trap heat and moisture, which bacteria love. Cotton lets the area breathe.

• Skip the Douching: Never wash inside the vagina. It disrupts the natural pH balance and causes more infections (like BV).

• Wipe Front to Back: Prevents rectal bacteria from entering the vagina.

• Use Water: Clean the outer area (vulva) with warm water and mild, unscented soap.

  
  

Conclusion

Understanding the reasons for vaginal discharge removes the shame and fear around it. It is your body's built-in health monitor. 

Whether it is the watery sign of ovulation or the clumpy warning of a yeast infection, paying attention to these signals helps you stay on top of your reproductive health.

Is your discharge causing itching or smelling different? Don't ignore it. Click here to chat with a Pinky Promise expert and get the right treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why do I have so much discharge every day?

The amount of discharge varies by person and cycle phase. High estrogen levels (during ovulation or pregnancy) or sexual arousal can cause excessive amounts. However, if it feels like water is constantly gushing or it smells bad, it’s best to get checked.

Q: Is white discharge normal before a period?

Yes. This is called "white flow." It is a thick, cloudy, or white vaginal discharge caused by the rise in progesterone. As long as it doesn't itch, it is perfectly healthy.

Q: What kills vaginal infection naturally?

While probiotics (yoghurt) and good hygiene help prevent infections, they rarely "cure" established infections like Trichomoniasis or severe Yeast infections. Medical treatment (antifungals or antibiotics) is usually required.

Q: Does stress cause discharge?

Indirectly, yes. Stress affects your hormones, and since hormones control vaginal fluids, high stress can throw off your pH balance, potentially leading to dryness or increased susceptibility to infections.