Have you noticed your vaginal discharge looks, smells or feels different than usual? It’s understandable to worry when something changes suddenly.
Vaginal discharge naturally changes throughout your life. Hormones, pregnancy, menopause and even where you are in your menstrual cycle can all affect how much discharge you have and what it looks like.
However, sudden changes (especially if you have symptoms like itching, burning or pelvic pain) can sometimes mean an infection or other health issue.
Here’s what you need to know about what is normal, what isn’t and when you should see a doctor.
Why do you have vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge isn’t something your body wants to get rid of. It’s something your body needs.
“The purpose of vaginal discharge is to wash away unwanted bacteria from your cervix,” said Sarah Moore, MD, an obstetrician and family medicine doctor with Banner Health.
The fluid made by the vagina and cervix helps to:
- Keep the vagina clean
- Remove old cells
- Keep a healthy balance of bacteria
- Protect against infections
- Provide natural moisture and lubrication
Because discharge plays an important role in keeping the vagina healthy, trying to get rid of it completely isn’t necessary or helpful.
What’s considered normal?
Every person’s “normal” is a little different. The amount, texture and appearance of discharge naturally change over time.
During your menstrual cycle
Hormones are the biggest reason discharge changes from week to week.
“During the non-fertile windows in the cycle, discharge is usually thicker and stickier because it helps protect the cervix,” Dr. Moore said. “Around ovulation, it becomes clear and stretchy, like egg whites. This mucus helps sperm swim up to meet the egg when it is released.”
During pregnancy
Pregnancy often causes an increase in vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes. While having more discharge is usually normal, it’s important to be extra careful. If you notice itching, burning, a strange smell, bleeding or a sudden gush or continuous leaking of fluid, contact your pregnancy care provider right away.
During perimenopause and menopause
Dr. Moore said, "As estrogen levels go down, discharge usually decreases. After menopause, women often have much less discharge because there is less estrogen."
Vaginal dryness and irritation also happen more often after menopause. If you see any vaginal bleeding after menopause, talk to your health care provider.
When taking medications and hormones
Birth control, hormone therapy and some medications can increase or decrease vaginal discharge by changing hormone levels or affecting the natural balance of bacteria.
When is a change in discharge not normal?
Instead of focusing only on the color of discharge, pay attention to the whole picture. Changes that should be checked include:
- A strong or unpleasant odor
- A sudden increase in discharge that’s unusual for you
- A major change in texture
- Itching of the vagina or vulva
- Burning
- Pain with urination (peeing) or sex
- Pelvic pain
- Bleeding between periods or after menopause
Remember, seeing discharge by itself doesn't tell you the cause. Usually, tests are needed to find out what’s really happening.
What can cause abnormal vaginal discharge?
Several different conditions can cause discharge to change and many have overlapping symptoms.
Yeast infection
“Vaginal yeast infections usually cause thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, along with itching or tenderness,” Dr. Moore said.
However, not all itching is caused by yeast. Learn more about the symptoms and signs of yeast infections.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria called Gardnerella that naturally live in the vagina.
“The discharge from BV is usually gray, thin and may smell fishy," Dr. Moore said. "There might be some irritation but often women don’t notice any symptoms.”
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It usually causes a frothy yellow-green discharge, irritation, a foul odor and a burning feeling when you pee.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia
Some STIs may cause changes in discharge, pelvic pain or irritation. However, many people don’t have any symptoms at all.
“Gonorrhea and chlamydia may cause greenish discharge and itching or pain but often people don’t show any signs," Dr. Moore said.
If you think you’ve been exposed to an STI, your provider may suggest testing. If you are diagnosed with an STI, your sexual partners might also need testing or treatment. Learn more about common types and treatment.
Irritation from personal care products
Not every change in vaginal discharge is due to an infection. Sometimes, products used around the vulva and vagina cause irritation or upset the vagina’s natural balance.
Common causes include:
- New soaps or body washes
- Scented wipes
- Bubble baths
- Scented pads or panty liners
- Vaginal deodorants or sprays
- Some lubricants
- Fragrance-filled laundry detergents
- Douching
These products can irritate the sensitive skin of the vulva or disturb the healthy bacteria in the vagina, which can change the discharge and cause itching or burning.
“One of my teachers used to say, ‘The vagina is a self-cleaning organ,’” Dr. Moore said. “Washing and scrubbing too much can wash away the natural good bacteria and make you more likely to get an infection.”
How to care for your vaginal health
To support vaginal health:
- Wash the vulva with plain water while bathing.
- Don't use douches.
- Avoid scented soaps, washes and vaginal deodorants.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear.
- Use condoms or barrier protection to reduce the risk of STIs.
- Only take antibiotics and antifungal medicines if your doctor recommends them or after you have confirmed the cause of your symptoms. Learn how some medicines affect vaginal health.
- Get a well-woman exam each year.
When should you seek medical care right away?
Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Severe pain in your pelvis or abdomen
- A fever with unusual discharge
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- A sudden rush or continuous leaking of fluid during pregnancy
- Feeling faint or having severe pain with vomiting
See your provider if you have vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Bottom line
Vaginal discharge helps keep your vagina healthy. Changes in discharge are normal and can happen during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause or because of hormones.
However, if your discharge changes and is accompanied by itching, burning, pain, bleeding or a strong smell, don’t try to figure out what’s causing it yourself. Many health conditions have similar symptoms and testing is usually needed to find the cause.
If you notice anything different from what you normally experience, see your provider or a Banner Health specialist. They can help diagnose the problem and recommend the right treatment.
FAQs
Is vaginal discharge normal?
Yes. Vaginal discharge is normal and helps clean and protect the vagina. It can change during your cycle, pregnancy, sex, birth control use or menopause.
Why did my vaginal discharge suddenly change?
Sudden changes may happen from hormones, pregnancy, sex, medications, new products, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or an STI. See your doctor right away if you notice changes.
What color discharge should I worry about?
Yellow, green, gray, bloody or unusual discharge should be checked, especially if it comes with odor, itching, burning, pelvic pain or fever.
Should I use feminine washes or douches?
No. Plain water is usually all that’s needed to clean the vulva. Douching and scented products can disrupt the vagina’s natural balance and increase your risk of irritation or infection.
Can I treat abnormal discharge at home?
It depends. Some yeast infections may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medicine but BV, STIs and other causes need different treatment. Get checked if symptoms are new, severe or unclear.
When should I see a doctor for discharge?
See a provider if discharge smells bad, changes color, becomes thick or foamy or comes with itching, burning, pelvic pain, fever, urinary pain or bleeding outside your period.
