When Is Vaginal Discharge Normal? What Do White, Yellow and Green Discharge Mean?

In brief:

• The amount of discharge varies through the cycle; it is clearer and more slippery around ovulation.
• White, cottage-cheese-like discharge with itching suggests a yeast infection; grey discharge with a fishy smell suggests bacterial vaginosis.
• Yellow, green or frothy discharge may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection.
• Washing inside the vagina (douching) and scented products may upset its balance.

What is normal discharge like?

According to the NHS, discharge is usually no cause for concern if:

• It has no strong or unpleasant smell
• It is clear or white
• It is thick and sticky, or slippery and wet

The amount varies from person to person and day to day. It usually increases during pregnancy, when sexually active and when using contraception. Around ovulation, between periods, it becomes clearer and more slippery (NHS).

What do the colour and smell of discharge mean?

The NHS lists changes in discharge and their possible causes as follows:

White discharge

Clear or white discharge is usually normal. If it thickens and looks like cottage cheese, with itching and burning, it may be a vaginal yeast infection (NHS). For details, see What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?.

Grey discharge with a fishy smell

Thin, watery, grey-white discharge with a fishy smell, particularly after sex, is a typical sign of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause itching. Half of women have no symptoms at all (NHS).

Yellow or green discharge

Yellow-green, frothy discharge with an unpleasant smell may be a symptom of the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis. It may come with itching, redness, pain when urinating or pain during sex. Many people have no symptoms, so testing is needed if it is suspected (NHS). A partner also needs treatment for trichomoniasis.

Brown discharge

Brown discharge is usually old blood seen at the beginning or end of a period. For other causes and when it matters, see What Causes Brown Discharge?.

When should you see a doctor?

The NHS recommends seeking healthcare if:

• Your discharge has changed or is heavier than usual
• You have itching or burning
• You bleed between periods or after sex
• You have pain when urinating
• You have pelvic pain

The NHS advice is clear: do not diagnose yourself. Similar discharge can occur with different infections, which require different treatments.

Discharge: what should you do and avoid?

The NHS recommends:

Do:

• Gently wash the skin around the vagina with warm water and a mild, unscented soap.

Do not:

• Do not use scented soaps, gels, deodorants or scented wipes.
• Do not wash inside the vagina (douche).

For everyday care, see A Guide to Intimate Care.

Frequently asked

Why does discharge increase around ovulation?

Around ovulation, discharge becomes clearer and more slippery (NHS). This is a normal part of the cycle.

Is odourless yellow discharge normal?

Normal discharge is clear, white or off-white; dark yellow discharge may signal a problem (Cleveland Clinic). Yellow or green, frothy or unpleasant-smelling discharge suggests an infection such as trichomoniasis. Even without a smell, see a doctor if its colour has changed or it comes with itching or burning (NHS).

Does discharge increase in pregnancy?

Yes. Discharge usually increases in pregnancy (NHS). Tell your midwife or doctor if its colour, smell or consistency changes.