Body & health

Vaginal discharge

Alsodischargecervical mucuswhite dischargeleucorrhoealeukorrhea

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Vaginal discharge is fluid made by glands in the vagina and cervix that keeps the vagina clean and moist. Its amount and texture normally change through the menstrual cycle.

At a glance

  • Discharge is fluid from glands in the vagina and cervix that keeps the vagina clean and moist.
  • Its amount and texture normally change through the menstrual cycle.
  • Healthy discharge is usually clear or white with little or a mild smell.
  • It often increases around ovulation, during pregnancy, with arousal or with some hormonal contraception.
  • Colour changes, a strong smell, itching or pain can signal an infection.

In detail

Healthy discharge is usually clear or white, may be thin or thick, and has little or a mild smell. It tends to become more slippery around ovulation, and it often increases during pregnancy, with arousal, or when using some hormonal contraception.

A change in colour (for example grey, green or yellow), a strong fishy or unpleasant smell, itching, soreness or pain can signal an infection such as bacterial vaginosis, thrush, trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhoea. A sexual health clinic or doctor can test for the cause, which is more reliable than guessing from symptoms alone.

In a sentence

  • The nurse said that a change in vaginal discharge was a good reason to come in for a test.
  • The leaflet explains that discharge often becomes more slippery around ovulation.

Common questions

Is vaginal discharge normal?

Yes. Discharge is a normal way the vagina keeps itself clean and moist, and its amount and texture change through the cycle. Clear or white discharge with little smell is typical.

What kind of discharge should be checked?

Grey, green or yellow discharge, a strong fishy or unpleasant smell, itching, soreness or pain can be signs of infections such as bacterial vaginosis, thrush, trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhoea. A sexual health clinic or doctor can test for the cause, which is more reliable than guessing from symptoms.

Related terms

Sources

  1. NHSVaginal discharge
  2. ACOGVaginitis