What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a perfectly normal part of vaginal health. It’s a mix of fluid or mucus and cells that your vagina produces to keep it moist, clean and protected from infection. The colour and texture can vary – from thick to thin and clear to cloudy.
What is considered normal vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is usually nothing to worry about if it is:
- Clear or white
- Thick and sticky
- Slippery and wet
In other words, having thick, white vaginal discharge that doesn’t have a strong or unpleasant smell is usually considered to be a sign of normal, healthy discharge, as is a clear, thin or slippery discharge.
You may also find that the amount of vaginal discharge you experience varies throughout the month, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. For example, during ovulation, your discharge may become more slippery and wet in texture.
People who are pregnant, sexually active or using certain types of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, may notice heavier or more frequent vaginal discharge.
Types of discharge that aren’t normal
Now we know what ‘normal’ vaginal discharge looks like, let’s talk about the opposite. What should you do if your vaginal discharge does have a strong, unpleasant smell or is accompanied by other symptoms?
Well, you are the best person to recognise what’s normal for your body, so it’s important to look out for anything that seems different to usual. This could include noticing that your vaginal discharge is:
- An unpleasant or fishy odour
- Thick and white (like cottage cheese)
- Green or yellow
- Frothy
- Accompanied by other symptoms like pain, bleeding, itchiness or blisters
Depending on the appearance or smell of vaginal discharge, it could indicate an underlying condition:
- If your vaginal discharge smells fishy, this may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- If your vaginal discharge has a thick, white, cottage cheese-like texture, this could indicate a vaginal yeast infection (thrush)
- If your vaginal discharge is green, yellow or frothy, it might be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as trichomoniasis
- If you experience vaginal discharge alongside pelvic pain or bleeding, this could point to two other STIs: chlamydia or gonorrhoea
- If you develop blisters or sores along with your vaginal discharge, this could indicate genital herpes – another type of STI
It’s important to speak to your doctor or visit a local sexual health clinic if you notice changes in the colour, smell or texture of your vaginal discharge, or if you’re ever concerned about the symptoms you’re experiencing.
What might cause thick, white discharge?
Thick, white vaginal discharge that doesn’t have a strong or unpleasant smell is likely to be a normal part of the menstrual cycle.
If you find that your vaginal discharge develops a stronger-than-usual or foul and fishy smell, it could be a sign of an infection like BV. So make sure to seek advice from your doctor if you’re not sure.
Likewise, if the texture becomes clumpy and is accompanied by itching, you may have a yeast infection such as thrush. It’s important to seek medical advice from your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Your discharge can also change in colour and texture throughout the month due to natural hormone fluctuations. Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, you might notice different shades and consistencies – from thick and white to thin and clear.
Managing unusual vaginal discharge
If you experience unusual vaginal discharge, you will need to seek advice from your doctor.
You may also like to use is the Canestest® Self-Test for Vaginal Infections, which is designed to help identify the underlying cause of unusual discharge, such as BV or thrush. With this information, you can speak to your doctor about treatment options.
If you have vaginal thrush, you may be recommended an over-the-counter product like Canesten® Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream – a combined treatment designed to target both the cause and symptoms of thrush.
Meanwhile, if you’re diagnosed with BV or an STI like trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhoea, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics. Since different conditions require different treatments, it’s important to seek medical advice to ensure you get the right care.
Can I take any preventative measures?
While you can’t always prevent vaginal discharge, it’s important to keep your vagina clean and healthy by practising good vaginal hygiene.
To do this effectively, make sure to gently wash the skin around your vagina with warm water and mild, non-perfumed soap, avoid using any deodorants, bubble baths or scented hygiene wipes, and never wash inside your vagina. It's a self-cleaning organ, so there's no need to use products like vaginal douches.
Thick, white vaginal discharge can be a sign of a healthy vagina, as can a clear, slippery or wet discharge. But, if a strong or fishy odour starts to develop or symptoms like feeling itchy or sore, having pain, blisters or bleeding between periods, this could signal an underlying infection or condition.
If you’re concerned about what your discharge could mean, speak to your doctor or local pharmacist for tailored advice.
