4 Common Types of Vaginal Discharge & Their Causes

Key takeaways:

• Because the vaginal lining is made of mucosa, moistness and a natural odor are normal.
• The vagina contains cervical glands, which also secrete mucus.
• Although vaginal discharge is normal, a foul-smelling discharge (accompanied by pain or itching) is not normal.

The vagina is a stretchy, muscular canal that’s lined with soft tissue known as mucosa (mucous membrane). Tiny glands in the mucosa secrete a fluid known as mucus, which keeps the vagina lubricated and clean. This mucus sometimes comes out of the vagina in the form of discharge. The types of vaginal discharge depend on whether it’s normal or due to a health problem.

The normal state of the vagina is one of natural moistness. The level of moisture can vary, and at times produce a discharge. This is called physiologic discharge (leukorrhea). meaning normal and non-irritating discharge with mild or no odor.

Factors that influence vaginal moisture include your hydration, hormonal influences, and your age. Women of childbearing age will see changes according to their menstrual cycle. Women who are pregnant may have an increase in normal secretions and mucus.

Menopausal women may be affected by a condition called atrophic vaginitis. It develops due to declining hormonal support of the vaginal wall, making it thin and easily irritated. This can lead to a watery vaginal discharge.

Although it's normal for a healthy woman to have some level of vaginal discharge, infections and other abnormal conditions can also create discharges. The same applies to vaginal odors. The vagina has a normal odor and can sometimes have a strong smell. But any foul-smelling odor can indicate infection.

It’s important to know, however, that not all infections cause vaginal discharge. Some sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, may have no discharge or symptoms. So, the absence of a vaginal discharge does not guarantee there’s no infection.

Common types of vaginal discharge by color

The appearance of vaginal discharge can vary depending on several factors. These include hydration, hormonal influences (including pregnancy and birth control pills), and whether or not there’s an infection. One indicator of the type of vaginal discharge is its color.

Clear or white

Normal vaginal discharge is clear or white with no foul-smelling odor. Yeast infection discharge can also be white – but it is thicker than normal discharge. It may also be accompanied by itching.

Brown

A brown discharge can merely indicate the presence of menstrual blood. This is most often seen at the end of a menstrual period. However, some infections can cause delicate cells to rupture and bleed, and this may also result in a brown discharge.

Yellow or green

A yellow or green discharge is consistent with a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Pink or red

When vaginal discharge is pink, that means it contains a small amount of blood. This is usually an indication of spotting just before a menstrual period. Red discharge, which usually occurs during a menstrual period, indicates a heavier presence of blood.

Common causes of vaginal discharge by color or appearance

The cause of a vaginal discharge can be determined by factors such as color, consistency, and odor. Tell-tale symptoms, such as burning, pain, and/or itching, can also offer clues about the cause.

Another diagnostic method is to examine a sample of the discharge under a microscope. This can help determine whether bacteria are normal (necessary to maintain vaginal acidity, or pH) or abnormal (bacterial vaginosis).

The following are some ways the color of vaginal discharge can help determine its cause.

White

A white discharge is likely normal moisture that is more concentrated than clear. If, however, it is clump-like and associated with itching, it may be due to a yeast (fungal) infection. Also, an imbalance in bacteria (such as in bacterial vaginosis) can lead to a white, often frothy discharge. This discharge often has a foul-smelling “fishy” odor.

Clear

A clear discharge without a bad odor, itching, or pain is usually normal. A woman experiencing incontinence may collect urine in her vagina, which leaks out as a clear discharge. But bacterial vaginosis can produce a clear discharge and it is an infection. So, it’s important not to assume that clear vaginal discharge means everything is normal.

Brown

A brown discharge can be normal at the end of a menstrual period. However, inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) or cervix (cervicitis) can cause some bloody discharge when delicate cells become irritated. Although not all inflammation indicates infection (it may be hormonal), any associated burning, itching, or pain requires that infection be ruled out.

Yellow or green

Some yeast (fungal) infections can produce yellow discharge. But usually, yellow or green discharge indicates a bacterial infection.Discharge with a consistency like cottage cheese is probably a yeast infection.

Red or pink

As with brown discharge, red or pink can indicate vaginal inflammation with some bleeding. This possibly results from conditions such as vaginitis (vaginal infection) or cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix). These conditions are often linked to hormonal problems, infection, or pregnancy.

Frothy texture

Certain types of infections also cause unique changes to vaginal discharge. A frothy or foamy appearance, for instance, likely indicates bacterial vaginosis).

Cottage cheese-like texture

Discharge with a consistency like cottage cheese is probably a yeast infection.

Pregnancy and vaginal discharge

During pregnancy, there are powerful increases in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This can trigger an increase in vaginal discharge. It can also lead to changes in the type of discharge that is normal for you.

Leukorrhea

An increase in this normal vaginal discharge is often among the earliest signs of pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, the discharge will continue to increase. It may also change in other ways, varying in consistency, thickness, and amount.

Excessive increase in vaginal discharge

Even though it’s normal for vaginal discharge to increase during pregnancy, an excessive increase could be a warning sign. This is especially true in the third trimester, when premature rupture of membranes needs to be ruled out.

While rupture of membranes can occur normally during labor at term, anytime before actual delivery is a concern. This is because if fluid can leak out, bacteria can get in, possibly jeopardizing your baby. This happens due to infection and is a common cause of premature birth.

Pathological vaginal discharge

Unlike vaginal fluid that is normal during pregnancy, pathological vaginal discharge indicates there is an infection. Pathological vaginal discharge colors range from dirty-white to yellowish-green.

The discharge often has a foul odor. Infections that typically cause pathological discharge include bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginalis, and vaginal candidiasis, also known as yeast.

Bleeding and infection

The hormonal changes of pregnancy can make the cells of the cervix more delicate than usual. This, in turn, can lead to bleeding.

Also, yeast infections can cause cervicitis with its accompanying bloody discharge. In many cases, cervicitis can be harmless, but it must be evaluated to rule out infection. Near the end of pregnancy, the cervix starts to thin in preparation for dilation (labor and delivery). Bleeding during this time is called bloody show.

Menstrual cycle phases and vaginal discharge

The menstrual cycle involves repeated episodes of rising estrogen, known as the follicular phase, ovulation, and rising progesterone, known as the luteal phase.

The final phase is a fall in hormones and hormonal support for the endometrium, which is the issue that lines the uterus. At each part of the cycle, the vaginal discharge may go through characteristic changes.

Follicular phase

The follicular phase is so-named because it’s when the egg follicles in the ovary mature until an egg is released, which is called ovulation. The estrogen alters the cervical mucus to make it easier for sperm to travel to the egg. The result is an elastic or stretchy change in the mucus and stringy vaginal discharge.

Ovulation phase

During ovulation, it’s all about the cervical mucus. The cervical changes facilitate the passage of sperm through the cervix, which is necessary for conception.

Luteal phase

Before your period, cervical mucus thickens. In turn, vaginal discharge may also change in consistency, becoming thicker.

Menstruation

Although referred to as “blood,” what is discarded on a tampon or sanitary napkin is actually tissue debris. It’s created when hormonal support for the endometrium declines, causing it to fall apart. Thus, the discharge with menstruation is bloody, liquid with clots, and may contain flecks of tissue.

Warning signs of infection or abnormal vaginal discharge

We humans have evolved to notice when things aren’t right. From the foul smell of rotten food that tells us not to eat it to the pain from an injury that tells us to leave alone whatever part needs to heal, we have a sense of built-in warning. Disease processes, such as pathological vaginal discharge, also have warning signals.

If you’re not pregnant

• Discomfort: When discharge is accompanied by pain, burning, or itching, this probably indicates an infection.
• Bleeding: if you experience bleeding after intercourse or exercise, this may be due to cervicitis caused by yeast or bacterial infection.
• Bad odor: This is one of those warning signs we’ve evolved to heed.

During pregnancy

• Discomfort: When a discharge is accompanied by pain, burning, or itching, the infection this likely indicates could threaten the baby.
• Bleeding: Consider any bleeding during pregnancy to be a warning sign. It should be checked out by a healthcare professional to determine if it’s coming from the placenta or a dilating cervix (preterm labor).
• Bad odor: As stated above, this is a warning sign.
• Fluid: Loss of any fluid should be evaluated to make sure it isn’t premature rupture of membranes.

When to seek medical attention for vaginal discharge

When a vaginal discharge is pathological (i.e., an infection), warning signs should be heeded.

You should see a doctor if:

• The discharge has a foul odor.
• It is accompanied by burning, itching, or pain.
• If there is bleeding when you’re not in your normal menstrual cycle.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• The discharge has a foul odor or has the consistency of pus.
• There is an associated fever.
• The pain is getting worse.
• The discomfort from your vaginal discharge extends up into your pelvis.
• With bleeding, if you become dizzy or nauseated.

Questions to ask your doctor about vaginal discharge

If you seek medical care for a vaginal discharge, these are important questions to ask your provider:

• Is this a normal or abnormal vaginal discharge?
• Is it an infection?
• Is it something I can give to my partner?
• Is it something that can affect my ability to get pregnant?

Frequently asked questions about vaginal discharge

How can you stop or prevent vaginal discharge?

Let your vagina take care of itself. Don’t ever douche. The women who have the fewest vaginal discharge problems have never douched. Limit your number of sex partners. Hydrate yourself normally. Seek care if your menstrual cycle is abnormal.

Why do some people have so much vaginal discharge?

Some women may have an infection. Some people have different physiologies with different normal functions. Some hormonal makeups can make certain individuals have more physiologic discharges.

What does it mean when you have vaginal discharge every day?

It may be perfectly normal. This is especially true if it is not associated with pain, itching, burning, or is discolored, or doesn’t have a bad odor. If it does, infection must be ruled out.

The bottom line on vaginal discharge

All women have some type of vaginal discharge. The warning signs that discharge isn’t normal include itchiness, pain, a bad odor, or fever, just to name a few. If you notice any warning signs, seek medical attention. Otherwise, all is probably well since it’s normal for the vagina to have moisture and its own natural odor.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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