What Vaginal Discharge Colors are Normal?
The glands inside your vagina and cervix secrete fluids to keep your vagina moist and healthy. These secretions help shed old cells along the vaginal wall, keep the area clean, lubricate for sex, and influence fertility. They’re pretty amazing.
A normal, healthy vagina typically has daily discharge. However, everyone’s fluids vary in amount, texture, and odor, forming a unique baseline that you’ll become familiar with over time. Any deviations from this norm, such as changes in your vaginal discharge’s color, consistency, or smell, can signal various factors, including hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or they can be a sign that something is wrong, like an infection.
Why Does Vaginal Discharge Change?
Your vaginal discharge can change due to fluctuations in hormones during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause. Various factors like hydration levels, post-exercise habits, alcohol consumption, stress levels, hygiene products, bathroom wiping technique, and sexual activity can influence vaginal discharge. Additionally, injury and infection can change your discharge color, consistency, and odor.
It’s normal for your vaginal discharge to change some from week to week or year to year, as your body changes. Paying attention to these changes can help maintain the health and happiness of your vagina.
Vaginal Discharge Colors & Their Meanings
Vaginal discharge can range in color from clear to dark brown, depending on many factors. The consistency can range from thin to sticky or stringy to clumpy. The scent can range from mild and somewhat sweet to very strong, unpleasant, and “fishy.”
If you notice a strong or foul vaginal odor and unusual colored discharge, it could signal an imbalance in your vaginal flora. This may indicate the need for medical attention to treat a possible infection and restore a healthy vaginal biome. Taking a daily vaginal probiotic, such as RepHresh™ Pro-B™ Probiotic, can aid in maintaining a healthy vaginal flora.
Here's a basic guide to aid in understanding what different colors of discharge may signify. It’s important to emphasize that this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always consult with a licensed physician when seeking personal medical advice.
What Does Clear Vaginal Discharge Mean?
Clear vaginal discharge is normal. Thin, watery clear discharge (sometimes quite a lot of it) is common after exercising. Clear discharge that is stretchy and mucus-like (like the consistency of an egg white) is often a sign of ovulation. If the discharge stays thicker or slightly white after ovulation, it might be a sign of early pregnancy.
Increases in the amount of estrogen and progesterone in your monthly menstrual cycle and during pregnancy affect the consistency and amount of your normal vaginal discharge.
What Does Yellow Color Discharge Mean?
Pale yellowish discharge without odor or other symptoms is likely normal, especially right before your period. If your discharge is darker yellow or yellow-green, thicker, or clumpier with a foul smell, or you have symptoms such as pain, itching, or burning, you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can all cause a yellowish discharge that is typically thicker, heavier and smells bad. If you notice these symptoms or think you could have an STI, schedule an appointment with a clinic or your doctor.
Is Milky White Discharge Normal?
Normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky white and has a subtle scent. Your discharge may be milkier in the days right before your period, during ovulation, or a pregnancy. If the discharge is milky and slippery, it’s likely normal. If you notice thick, opaque, clumpy, white discharge along with itching or burning, it could be a yeast infection or other vaginal infection. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Does Brown Color Discharge Mean?
Brown or tan vaginal discharge contains oxidized blood and is usually normal. Fresh blood is bright red; older blood is brown as it is exposed to oxygen. You may have brownish discharge at the beginning or end of your period or from implantation bleeding when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus.
If you are spotting frequently between periods with light brown discharge, get checked out by your doctor as there may be an underlying medical cause.
Is Grayish Discharge an Infection?
Gray vaginal discharge is not normal and could signal an infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV). See your doctor right away if your discharge looks gray or “storm-cloud” colored. BV can be treated with antibiotics.
What Does Green Color Discharge Mean?
Green vaginal discharge is not normal and is a sign of a sexually transmitted infection. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other medication to treat the STI and ensure that it’s cleared up.
What About Red or Pink Color Discharge?
Pink or red vaginal discharge is tinged with fresh blood. Your discharge can be pink after vigorous sex (when slight tearing can occur), due to implantation bleeding when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, after IUD implantation or a small injury to the vagina or cervix, or as your period begins or ends. It’s typically not a cause for concern, but if you have frequent breakthrough bleeding, get it checked out with your doctor.
Vaginal Color Discharge Chart
| Color | Consistency | Smell | Amount | Other possible symptoms | Concern? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear or milky white | Egg-white or thin & watery | Mild | Typical or increased | None | Generally, no |
| White discharge | Thick, clumpy | Mild or slightly stronger | Increased | Burning, itching | Yes |
| Yellowish discharge | Thicker | Foul | Increased | Pelvic pain, burning | Yes |
| Green discharge | Thicker | Strong or foul | Increased | Pain, burning | Yes |
| Gray color discharge | Normal or thicker | “fishy” | May be increased | Itching, burning, redness | Yes |
| Pink color discharge | Thin, watery | Mild or metallic | Typical or increased | Cramping | Maybe, if this occurs frequently or between periods |
| Tan or brown discharge | Thick, clots or clumps | “iron-like” | Increased | Cramping | Maybe, if frequent or between periods |
This discharge color chart is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider about a medical condition.
Help Keep Your Vagina Healthy
Taking care of your vaginal health is an essential part of self-care. Here are some simple tips to help keep your vagina fresh, balanced, and healthy:
- Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Regularly visit your OBGYN or primary care physician for check-ups and STI testing, especially if you have multiple partners.
- Always wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of bacteria from the anus causing infections.
- Opt for cotton underwear and change out of wet workout clothes quickly to help avoid a yeast infection.
- 5. Get to know your normal vaginal discharge consistency and smell, so you’ll know when something is off.
- 6. Avoid putting scented menstrual products or soaps in the vagina. For odor-free options without added scents, look to RepHresh products.
Remember, any unusual vaginal discharge or symptoms should be promptly checked by a healthcare professional.
