Normal Vaginal Discharge

What is considered normal vaginal discharge?

Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white. It shouldn’t smell bad, and its thickness may change throughout the menstrual cycle. Other characteristics of vaginal discharge include:

• Texture: It’s normal to have vaginal discharge that ranges from watery and sticky to gooey, thick and pasty. The body’s hormones cause this change to happen, but factors like infection can also change the consistency of the vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge that is chunky, foamy or accompanied by itching and changes in color may mean you have an infection.
• Color: Vaginal discharge is healthy if it’s clear, milky white or off-white. Dark yellow, brown, green or grey discharge may indicate an infection or other issue.
• Smell: Vaginal discharge may have an odor, but it shouldn’t be strong and shouldn’t be unpleasant. If you notice a fishy or foul smell to your discharge and it’s accompanied by changes in texture or color, you may have a vaginal infection.
• Amount: Some people produce lots of vaginal discharge, while others produce less. Certain factors like pregnancy, using birth control pills or ovulation can affect how much vaginal discharge you have. Sudden changes in the amount of vaginal discharge you produce could mean something is wrong.