Vaginal discharge is a fluid or mucus that comes out of your vagina. It’s completely normal and plays a really important role in keeping your vagina healthy.
Vaginal discharge is a fluid or mucus that comes out of your vagina. It’s completely normal and plays a really important role in keeping your vagina healthy.
But if it changes, it can be a sign that something’s wrong – including changes in colour. Read on to learn about different discharge colours and meanings, and when you might need to see a doctor.
It’s also normal to notice some changes in your vaginal discharge from time to time, including at certain points in your monthly
.For example, when your levels of a hormone called oestrogen go up in the middle of your cycle, just before you release an egg (ovulate), your vaginal discharge becomes clearer, thinner and stretchier. And when your oestrogen levels are low – such as just after your period has finished – it’s usually thick and sticky.
While vaginal discharge is usually clear, it can also be other colours. Some of these are nothing to worry about, but others may mean you need medical treatment.
As mentioned above, white vaginal discharge can be perfectly normal. However, it can also be caused by a yeast infection called
(candidiasis).Symptoms of thrush include:
With treatment, thrush usually goes away in 1 to 2 weeks.
These self-care steps may also help prevent thrush or ease symptoms:
See a doctor about thrush if your symptoms get worse, don’t go away with over-the-counter treatment, or keep coming back. They can offer advice and check that your symptoms aren’t actually being caused by something else, such as a
(STI).Brown discharge is caused by blood sitting inside the body for a while. When fresh blood stays inside the body, it mixes with oxygen, which turns it brown.
There are many possible reasons for red-to-brown vaginal discharge. These include:
It can be normal to get brown vaginal discharge from time to time – because of your period, for example.
However, you should see a doctor if the discharge has lasted for more than 2 weeks, you have any other symptoms, or you think you could be at risk of an STI.
You should also speak to a doctor if you have vaginal bleeding and you’re pregnant. If the bleeding is very heavy or you have severe tummy pain, call for emergency medical help.
Yellow, green, or frothy vaginal discharge may be a sign of
– (STI) caused by a parasite.Other symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
You should see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms of trichomoniasis. If left untreated, it can cause complications such as
and . with antibiotics – either a single dose, or a course that you take twice a day for 5 to 7 days. Current or recent sexual partners should also be treated.Grey or greyish vaginal discharge usually means you have
(BV) – the most common type of vaginal infection, which is caused by a change in the bacteria that live in your vagina.Other symptoms of BV include:
It sometimes goes away on its own, but it’s common for it to come back, usually within 3 months.
If bacterial vaginosis comes back, see a doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics. These are usually tablets you swallow, or you may be given a gel or cream to apply to your vagina. Read more about
.Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy is usually clear or milky white.
Around the last week of pregnancy, your vaginal discharge may have streaks of pink mucus in it. This is called a ‘show’. It happens when the mucus that’s been in the neck of your womb (cervix) during pregnancy comes away, and is a sign that your body is getting ready for labour.
Around the middle of your menstrual cycle, when you release an egg (ovulate), your vaginal discharge changes. It’s sometimes described as being a bit like raw egg white – it’s clearer, wetter and stretchier than your usual discharge.
Ovulation discharge changes to help sperm from a penis travel up the neck of the womb (cervix) to fertilise the egg, and to keep sperm healthy.
See a doctor urgently or go to the emergency department if you have vaginal discharge and:
See a doctor within a few days if you have vaginal discharge and any of the following:
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.