What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?

Healthy vaginas produce vaginal discharge or fluid. This is completely normal but when these fluids change, it can signal a problem. What does normal discharge look like? It is has the following characteristics:

• Odorless
• Clear, white, or slightly yellow
• Stretchable during ovulation

This article describes healthy vaginal fluids. It also explains which types of discharge may mean there's an infection.

Normal Vaginal Discharge

First, it’s important to know that all vaginas secrete fluids. Glands in your vagina and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flow out of your body every day. These fluids lubricate the vagina.

Vaginal discharge normally varies throughout the month. A healthy vagina continually secretes fluids that lubricate the vagina and vulva. Normal vaginal discharge helps clean the vagina by removing old cells. It's these mucus-like secretions that keep it healthy. The fluids can be clear or milky looking and should not have a strong odor. Sometimes, you may notice a fluid that is thin and stringy such as during ovulation.

One of the many functions of your vagina is to provide a route to your uterus and reproductive system. The fluids in your vagina also help to create a naturally acidic environment. The pH of your vagina helps prevent infections. It also helps to promote a good balance of bacteria or flora.

Menstruation and Vaginal Discharge

Your menstrual cycle has a large effect on the type of fluid your vagina makes. About halfway between your periods, you will see a normal increase in clear discharge. More wetness and clear fluid signal ovulation. That's when your ovaries release an egg. After you ovulate, your vaginal fluid has less water in it. Your vagina may then feel drier.

It's important to know your own body's patterns. Cyclic changes in your vaginal fluids are important clues to your health. Normal changes are a sign that your endocrine system is working well.

It's also important to know that you're more vulnerable to infections just before or during your period. That's because the pH balance of your vagina varies during your cycle. The acidic level is at its lowest point a few days before and during your period. Lower acid may make it easier for bacteria to thrive.

Signs of Abnormal Discharge

Differences in your vaginal fluids could mean you have an infection or other health condition. If you suddenly have much more vaginal fluid than you normally do, it may be a sign of a problem.

Color is also important. Bright yellow or green discharge could be a concern. Thick, clumped, or chunky discharge (like cottage cheese) or extra watery discharge can also mean something is amiss.

Some other signs of infection include:

• Itching, discomfort, or rash
• Burning when you urinate
• Blood when it’s not time for your period
• A foul odor
  

If you notice changes like these, talk to your healthcare provider to see what's going on.

What Abnormal or Stringy Discharge May Mean

• If you have stringy discharge that's whitish to pale yellow and thick and clumped, and you have vaginal itching or burning, you may have a yeast infection.
• If discharge is heavier than usual, watery, and grayish in color with a fishy odor, you may have bacterial vaginosis.
• If discharge suddenly increases and is green, yellow, or bloody, or is causing other symptoms, this may mean you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and should see your healthcare provider.

Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Infections

Common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): This is the most common vaginal infection. It's caused by bacteria. Discharge may be gray in color and have an odor. BV is treated with antibiotics. It won't get better with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for a yeast infection.
• Yeast infections: Vaginal yeast infections are common. Discharge consistency will be thick, white or yellow and clumpy like cottage cheese accompanied by itching and burning sensations. OTC treatments are readily available online or in a drug store. However, you shouldn't self-diagnose a yeast infection unless you have previously been diagnosed by your healthcare provider.
• Trichomoniasis: This curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) is caused by a parasite. It can sometimes cause a fishy odor.
• Chlamydia: This STI is caused by bacteria. Discharge can have a strong smell.
• Gonorrhea: This STI is also caused by bacteria. It can cause you to have more discharge than normal. You may also have a thinner or creamier discharge than is normal for you.

A note for those who use tampons: If you leave a tampon in too long, you may develop an infection that changes your discharge.

Non-Infectious Causes

Some of the things that can disrupt the vagina's environment include:

• Douches (devices or liquids to wash the vagina)
• Feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, and deodorants)
• Antibiotics (antibacterial medications)
• Pregnancy
• Unprotected sex
• Diabetes (a health condition that affects how your body turns glucose, or sugar, into energy)
  

Treatment

The treatment will depend on the underlying cause. For a yeast infection, you can get OTC Monistat (clotrimazole), but you may want to see your healthcare provider before self-treating. 

For BV, you'll need a prescription. Usually, your healthcare provider will prescribe metronidazole gel.

You'll also need to see a healthcare provider if you think you may have an STI.

Summary

Vaginas secrete fluids that change over the course of a month. These fluids keep the vagina clean and well-lubricated. They can also tell you a lot about what stage of the menstrual cycle your body is in.

Healthy vaginal fluids are generally clear or milky-looking. They are mostly water and don't have a strong smell.

You may have an infection or another health condition if your vaginal fluids change in color, consistency, or odor in ways that aren't normal for you. If you notice these changes, talk to a healthcare provider to see what's causing the differences. If you have an infection, you may need prescription medication.