Discharge is one of the most common things women search for privately, and one of the least talked-about openly. The anxiety is almost always worse than the reality. Most types of discharge are completely normal. The ones that are not are usually easy to treat.
Here is a straightforward guide to what discharge means at different points in your cycle, what changes are worth paying attention to, and when to see a doctor.
What normal discharge looks like
Vaginal discharge is the body's way of keeping the vagina clean and moist. It is produced by glands in the cervix and vaginal walls, and its appearance changes throughout your menstrual cycle in response to hormone levels.
After your period (days 5-9): Little to no discharge. What there is tends to be dry or slightly sticky.
Approaching ovulation (days 10-14): Discharge increases. It becomes clear, wet, and stretchy, similar to raw egg white. This is fertile mucus. Its purpose is to help sperm travel through the cervix. If you notice this mid-cycle, your body is doing exactly what it should.
After ovulation (days 15-28): Discharge becomes thicker, creamier, and white or slightly cloudy. This is the progesterone phase. The thicker consistency blocks the cervix.
During pregnancy: Discharge typically increases and becomes milky white. This is called leucorrhoea and is normal.
On hormonal contraception: The pill, patch, or hormonal coil can reduce or change discharge patterns. Some women on the progesterone-only pill notice thicker, white discharge throughout the cycle. This is a normal hormonal effect.
The key point: white or clear discharge that does not smell, itch, or burn is almost always normal. It varies in quantity and consistency from woman to woman, and from cycle to cycle.
When discharge is not normal
Discharge that has changed colour, consistency, or smell, or that is accompanied by itching, burning, or pain, may indicate an infection or other condition that needs treatment.
White, thick, cottage-cheese-like discharge with itching
This is the classic presentation of thrush (vaginal candidiasis). It is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida, which lives naturally in the vagina. Thrush is not sexually transmitted. It is triggered by antibiotics, stress, high blood sugar, or hormonal changes. Over-the-counter antifungal treatment (pessary or oral capsule) clears most cases within a few days.
If thrush keeps coming back (four or more times a year), a longer course of treatment or investigation for underlying causes (such as diabetes or immune issues) is worth doing.
Grey or off-white discharge with a fishy smell
This is typically bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. BV is caused by an imbalance in the natural vaginal bacteria, not by a specific pathogen. It is not an STI, though it can be triggered by sex, new partners, or douching.
BV is treated with antibiotics (metronidazole). It often recurs. If you are getting repeated episodes, a longer treatment course or maintenance regime may help.
Yellow or green discharge
Yellow or green discharge, particularly if thick, frothy, or accompanied by a strong smell, suggests infection. Possible causes include trichomoniasis (an STI), gonorrhoea, or chlamydia. These need testing and antibiotic treatment.
If your discharge has turned yellow or green, a sexual health screen is the fastest way to identify the cause. Results for most infections are available within a few days.
Watery or blood-tinged discharge between periods
Watery discharge outside of menstruation can be normal in small amounts, particularly around ovulation. If it is persistent, heavy, or blood-tinged, it is worth checking. Possible causes include cervical ectropion, polyps, or (rarely) cervical or endometrial changes. A smear test and gynaecological examination can rule out anything concerning.
Discharge after menopause
Any new discharge after menopause should be assessed. Vaginal atrophy (thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls from low oestrogen) can cause a thin, watery discharge. Infections are also possible. A gynaecological examination will identify the cause.
Discharge and STIs
Several sexually transmitted infections cause changes in discharge, and some cause no symptoms at all. If you have a new sexual partner, have had unprotected sex, or notice a sudden change in your discharge, a sexual health screen is a sensible step.
The infections most commonly associated with discharge changes are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and mycoplasma genitalium. All are treatable with antibiotics. The earlier they are identified, the less likely they are to cause complications (such as pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect fertility).
What you do not need to do
Do not douche. Douching disrupts the natural vaginal bacteria and increases the risk of BV and thrush.
Do not use perfumed products internally. Scented soaps, washes, and wipes can irritate the vaginal lining and alter pH balance.
Do not panic about normal white discharge. If you have searched "white creamy discharge" and ended up here, you almost certainly have normal progesterone-phase discharge. If it does not itch, burn, or smell, it is fine.
Worried about a change in discharge?
If your discharge has changed and you want it checked, call 020 7183 1049 or book online. Same-day sexual health screening and gynaecological consultations are available. No GP referral needed.
Ground Floor, 117A Harley Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AT
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