What is vaginal discharge, and is it normal?
Vaginal discharge is the fluid or mucus that leaves your vagina throughout the day. Produced by the cervix and vaginal walls, this fluid is designed to help keep your vagina clean, moist and protected from infection.
Inside your body, this discharge is normally clear but can appear white after being exposed to air.
For this reason, vaginal discharge is generally considered ‘normal’ and nothing to worry about if it’s:
- Odourless (there’s no strong or unpleasant smell)
- Clear or white
- Thick and sticky
- Slippery and wet
You’re also likely to notice changes in the amount and texture of vaginal discharge depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Its colour and consistency may vary throughout the month.
For example, just before ovulation (when your body releases an egg), you might experience clear, stretchy and slippery vaginal discharge. In contrast, a week or so after your period ends, you’re more likely to have a creamier, white discharge.
You might also experience heavier or more frequent discharge if you’re pregnant, sexually active or using the contraceptive pill.
Signs of unusual vaginal discharge
Since ‘normal’ vaginal discharge is usually clear or white, thick and odourless, it’s important to stay aware of any changes in texture, colour or smell.
Some of the key signs to watch out for include:
- A foul-smell
- Thick, white texture (like cottage cheese)
- Green or yellow colour
- Frothy consistency
- Other symptoms like pain, bleeding, itchiness, sores or blisters
If you notice any of these changes in your discharge, it could be a sign of an underlying infection – and there are several possible causes to be aware of!
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Causes of unusual vaginal discharge
From STIs to yeast infections, a wide variety of health issues can cause unusual vaginal discharge. For example:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge, typically thin and watery, with a strong fishy smell
- Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) – another common cause, often resulting from an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida. While this discharge doesn’t normally smell, it often has a white, cottage cheese-like texture
- Trichomoniasis – an STI that can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be thick, thin or frothy in texture, yellow-green in colour and have an unpleasant fishy smell
- Chlamydia, gonorrhoea or genital herpes – these STIs can all lead to unusual vaginal discharge and may be accompanied by other symptoms. For instance, chlamydia or gonorrhoea might cause pelvic pain or bleeding, whereas genital herpes can result in blisters or sores
If you notice any changes in the colour, smell or texture of your vaginal discharge, or if you’re experiencing other symptoms, reach out to your doctor or local sexual health clinic for tailored advice.
What should I do if I have unusual vaginal discharge?
Noticing a change in your vaginal discharge can be worrying, but there are several steps you can take to address it.
The first step is to identify the exact cause of your unusual discharge, and the best way to do this is by visiting your doctor, local pharmacist or sexual health clinic.
After discussing your symptoms, they may prescribe medication to help you manage the issue. For example, you may be recommended:
- Antifungal medicine for vaginal yeast infections like thrush
- Antibiotic tablets for BV and STIs such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea
- Antiviral medicine for genital herpes
Over-the-counter support
There are several over-the-counter products available to help identify and manage the underlying cause of unusual vaginal discharge.
Canestest® Self-Test for Vaginal Infections is designed to distinguish between the most common causes of unusual vaginal discharge, such as BV or thrush.
This can help you determine the right type of over-the-counter support to use:
- For vaginal thrush, using Canesten® Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream as a combined treatment can help treat both the cause and the symptoms
- For BV, using Canesbalance® Bacterial Vaginosis Vaginal Gel can help reduce the unpleasant fishy smell and limit the growth of harmful bacteria in your vagina
Self Care Tips
It’s important to consider the types of toiletries you use in and around your vagina as making the wrong choices could increase your chances of having an infection causing unusual discharge.
For instance, you should:
- Avoid using deodorants, bubble baths or scented hygiene wipes
- Never wash directly inside your vagina
- Practise safe sex (using condoms)
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes like leggings, tights and pants
Vaginal discharge is a normal bodily function that most women will experience in their lifetime. Typically, it’s white or clear, thick and scent-free, but any variations in its colour, texture or smell could indicate an underlying issue. So, it’s important to stay mindful of any unusual changes and seek advice if you’re ever concerned.
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Vagina. Vulva. Discharge.
Let’s take a look, and see all the big, dark, uneven, hairy, honest versions of normality.