Vaginal discharge is normal – most women and girls get it. It’s a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and protects it from infection.
What is Normal Vaginal Discharge?
- Clear or white in colour.
- Can be watery, sticky, or slightly thick.
- May increase around ovulation, pregnancy, or during sexual arousal.
- Has a mild or no smell.
As you get older, you may notice a discharge from your vagina between menstrual periods which is normal. The amount, colour and thickness of it is different for each person.
Vaginal Itch and Soreness
Click Vaginal Itch & Soreness if these are the main problems.
NHS Information for Patients
The NHS webpage explains more. See Information on Vaginal Discharge for further information.
What is Abnormal Discharge?
Abnormal discharge may be a sign of infection or another health issue. Signs to watch for include:
- Unusual colour – Yellow, green, grey, or brown discharge.
- Strong or unpleasant smell – A fishy or foul odour.
- Thick, lumpy texture – Like cottage cheese.
- Itching, redness, or swelling – Around the vagina or vulva.
- Pain or burning – When urinating or during sex.
Possible Causes of Abnormal Discharge:
- Thrush – A yeast infection causing thick, white, lumpy discharge with itching.
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – Causes a fishy-smelling, greyish-white discharge.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – Like chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which may cause yellow or green discharge.
- Cervical or vaginal infections – Can cause changes in discharge.
- Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, menopause, or birth control can affect discharge.
How to Maintain Vaginal Health:
- Keep clean but avoid over-washing – Use mild soap and water.
- Avoid scented products – No perfumed soaps, sprays, or douches.
- Wear breathable underwear – Cotton is best to prevent irritation.
- Practice safe sex – Use condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.
- Wipe front to back – Helps prevent infections like UTIs.
Pharmacy Help for Vaginal Discharge
A thick, white, lumpy discharge with itching may be thrush, which can be treated with antifungal creams, pessaries, or capsules from a pharmacist.
When to See a Doctor:
- Sudden change in discharge – In colour, smell, or texture.
- Fishy-smelling, thin, grey discharge – it may be bacterial vaginosis
- Itching, redness, or swelling – with yellow o greenish discharge.
- Pain or discomfort – when peeing or during.
- Bleeding between periods or after sex – Unexplained spotting or bleeding.
- Frequent infections – If thrush or BV keeps coming back.
A doctor may do tests to check for infections and suggest treatment. Most infections are easily treated with creams, antibiotics, or antifungal medication.
Get help from NHS 111 if:
- your vaginal discharge changes colour, smell or texture
- you produce more discharge than usual
- you feel itchy or sore
- you bleed between periods or after sex
- you get pain when peeing
- you get pain in the area between your tummy and thighs (pelvic pain)
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Final Tips:
Some discharge is normal, but any major changes should be checked by a doctor. Good hygiene and safe sex practices can help prevent infections. If you are unsure, seek medical advice.