Vaginal Discharge Changes: What the Colour, Texture and Smell Could Mean

Vaginal discharge is a normal part of reproductive health. It helps keep the vagina clean, moist and protected from infection. However, its colour, texture, amount and smell can change during the menstrual cycle, around ovulation, during pregnancy and with hormonal changes. While some changes are completely normal, a sudden change in discharge can sometimes signal an infection or another health problem.

Knowing what is usual for you can make it easier to spot when something needs medical attention. So, we spoke to Dr Gunjan Sarin Malhotra, Veteran Gynaecologist and the Founding Director of Gynaika, New Delhi, to learn how to identify vaginal discharge changes and when to consult a doctor.

What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?

Healthy vaginal discharge can vary from person to person. It is usually clear, white, or off-white and may be thin, slightly sticky, or creamy.

According to the NHS UK, its consistency can change throughout the menstrual cycle. Soon after a period, discharge may be relatively dry or sticky. Around ovulation, it can become clearer, wetter and more slippery. This type of discharge is linked to rising oestrogen and is considered normal.

The amount can also increase during pregnancy, sexual arousal, or with hormonal changes.
Normal discharge generally does not have a strong or unpleasant smell.

White And Creamy Discharge

White or creamy discharge is often normal, particularly when there are no other symptoms.

It may become thicker at certain points in the menstrual cycle. However, thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese, especially when accompanied by intense itching, redness, burning, or soreness, may indicate a vaginal yeast infection.

It is important not to diagnose an infection based on colour or texture alone because several conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Clear and Stretchy Discharge

Clear, slippery and stretchy discharge is commonly seen around ovulation. It may resemble raw egg white and can occur when oestrogen levels rise.

This change is part of the body's natural reproductive cycle and helps create an environment that allows sperm to move more easily through the reproductive tract.

Some women may notice more discharge than usual during this time, which is not necessarily a sign of infection.

Yellow or Green Discharge

Yellow or green discharge, particularly when it is new or accompanied by a strong smell, irritation or pain, should not be ignored.

It can occur with certain vaginal or sexually transmitted infections. Some infections may also cause pain when passing urine, pelvic discomfort, or pain during sex.

However, discharge colour alone cannot identify the specific cause. A healthcare professional may need to examine the symptoms and perform tests before recommending treatment.

Also Read: Vaginal Dryness In Your 20s and 30s: Doctor Shares Causes and Signs You Should Not Ignore

Grey Discharge With A Strong Smell

Thin, greyish or off-white discharge accompanied by a strong, fishy odour can be associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance in the normal vaginal bacteria.

BV does not necessarily cause itching or significant irritation, so a change in smell may be one of the main clues.

It is not the same as a yeast infection and requires different treatment.

Foul-Smelling Discharge

A strong, unpleasant or foul smell that is different from your usual vaginal odour can indicate an infection or another problem.

The smell may be more noticeable after sex or during menstruation, but a persistent or unusually strong odour, particularly when accompanied by abnormal discharge, itching, pain or burning, should be assessed by a doctor, according to a study published in the Scholars International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Avoid trying to cover the smell with scented washes, sprays, or vaginal deodorants. These products can irritate the vaginal area and may disrupt its natural balance.

Brown Or Blood-Tinged Discharge

Brown discharge often contains old blood. It can occur towards the end of a period or as light spotting between periods.

Occasional spotting can also happen because of hormonal contraception or other hormonal changes.

However, unexplained bleeding or repeated blood-stained discharge should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if it happens after sex, between periods, or after menopause.

Does The Amount Of Discharge Matter?

Yes, but there is no single amount that is considered normal for everyone.

Discharge can increase around ovulation, during pregnancy, and with sexual arousal. Some women naturally have more discharge than others.

A sudden and persistent increase, especially when combined with a change in colour, texture, smell, or other symptoms, is more important than the actual amount.

Also Read: Is Using a Bidet Safe for Vaginal Health?

When To See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if vaginal discharge is accompanied by:

• A strong or unpleasant odour
• Green, grey or unusual yellow discharge
• Thick discharge with significant itching or soreness
• Burning while urinating
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Pain during sex
• Sores, blisters or swelling around the genital area
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Repeated changes that do not settle

If there is a possibility of a sexually transmitted infection, testing is important even if symptoms are mild or absent, as some infections can cause few noticeable symptoms.

Avoid Self-Treating Based On Colour Alone

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that every change in discharge is a yeast infection and using an over-the-counter treatment without knowing the cause.

Different conditions can produce overlapping symptoms, while some infections may have few symptoms at all. A doctor or sexual-health professional can determine whether testing or treatment is needed.

Also avoid douching or using perfumed products inside the vagina. The vagina has its own natural cleaning system, and unnecessary products can cause irritation or disturb its normal bacterial balance.

Final Word

Vaginal discharge naturally changes in colour, texture, amount and frequency throughout the menstrual cycle. Rather than judging discharge by colour alone, pay attention to changes from your usual pattern and any symptoms that occur alongside them. This can help you recognise when a normal hormonal change ends and a health problem may need attention.