What Does White Vaginal Discharge Mean? Causes & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• White vaginal discharge is usually normal and caused by the healthy shedding of cervical mucus, old cells, and vaginal fluids.
• Sometimes, white vaginal discharge is a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.
• If your discharge is thick, clumpy, or accompanied by other symptoms like pain and burning, consult a healthcare professional.

When you notice white vaginal discharge, your first thought might be to question whether or not it’s something to worry about. The vagina is a self-cleaning and largely self-sustaining organ. Its walls put out natural secretions that help with lubrication and healthy functioning.

Likewise, many glands near and inside the vagina secrete fluids that create discharge of differing colors and consistencies. So, it’s not abnormal to experience white vaginal discharge. However, it’s important to understand when white discharge is a sign of a healthy vagina and when it may indicate an infection.

Is it normal to have white vaginal discharge?

Yes, it is normal to have thin, clear, or milky white vaginal discharge. This type of normal discharge is a common result of the normal secretions of the many glands near or inside the vagina. You might also see it referred to as leukorrhea.

Normal, healthy vaginal discharge can be clear, filmy, or white, depending on hydration levels and hormonal changes.

It’s also normal for discharge to have an odor. This scent may sometimes be strong but should not be unpleasant, foul, or fishy, as these symptoms may point to an infection. Estrogen and sexual stimulation are some of the things that can increase vaginal fluid and make a vaginal discharge thicker and white.

What is white vaginal discharge?

White vaginal discharge is a secretion made up of several parts, including:

• Water
• Cervical mucus
• Shed vaginal wall cells, which fall away as they age and get replaced by new cells
• Fluids from the upper genital tract
• White blood cells

The glands of the vagina that play a part in creating discharge include the following:

• Vaginal glands. The upper vagina wall layers do not contain any glands. However, fluid can pass through these walls from the mucus layer below them. Vaginal fluid contains proteins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids that help make up healthy discharge.
• Bartholin glands. The Bartholin glands are a pair of mucus glands near the bottom of the vaginal opening. Their primary function is the production of a slick secretion that aids in lubrication.
• Skene’s glands. Also known as the lesser vestibular glands, these two glands are located on either side of the urethra near the top of the vagina. They release a lubricant for the urethral opening that is believed to help prevent viruses, fungi, and bacteria from entering.
• Mucus glands of the cervix. Mucus is a viscous gel that acts as a defense against infectious organisms from the outside. In other words, mucus guards the “inside” world of the uterus and inner abdomen. After being secreted, it migrates into the vaginal cavity to mix with other secretions, cells, and normal vaginal bacteria.

Though white discharge can be normal, it may sometimes be a sign of an infection. Thick, pus-like, and curd- or cottage cheese-like white discharge can point to a vaginal infection. Discharge of this kind might be accompanied by other infection symptoms, like pain, discomfort during intercourse, itching, and burning. You can read more about vaginal discharge colors here.

Common causes of white vaginal discharge

White vaginal discharge that comes and goes without any other symptoms is probably normal and due to natural hormonal changes. However, other causes of white vaginal discharge may also be at play.

Hormonal changes

As you progress through your menstrual cycle, you may notice changes in the amount, color, and consistency of your discharge. For example, thick and creamy white discharge may be more common in the days right after your last period. Stretchy, slippery discharge that resembles egg whites may appear around ovulation (or day 14 of your cycle).

Yeast infection

The most common cause of abnormal white vaginal discharge is a yeast infection. You may be surprised to learn that yeast already exists in small numbers within a healthy vagina. However, all this yeast needs to overgrow and take control is the right conditions.

Fungi love dark, damp places. While the vagina may naturally be prone to moisture, using products that disrupt your normal bacterial flora – such as douching products or “feminine hygiene” products – can leave you more prone to infections.

A yeast infection may cause a thick, white vaginal discharge that is curd-like or akin to cottage cheese. This discharge tends to be infamously accompanied by itching and burning. If you notice a sudden change in your discharge along with these other symptoms, a yeast infection may be to blame.

Bacterial vaginosis

The vaginal flora is dominated by the lactobacilli, which are named due to their ability to produce lactic acid for vaginal health. However, when the lactobacilli decrease in numbers or become overwhelmed by other bacteria, the delicate balance the vagina relies on can suffer.

Too many “bad” bacteria can lead to a condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). White-to-gray vaginal discharge that is thin and watery is a telltale sign of BV, as is a strong “fishy” odor and itching and burning.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a parasite. While many people with trichomoniasis don’t experience symptoms, some might notice a frothy, bubbly discharge that may sometimes take on a white appearance.

Blocked gland ducts

The Bartholin and Skene’s glands have ducts that empty into the vagina. If the duct becomes blocked, e.g., from dead cells, the gland can distend with fluid and become infected. White, pus-like discharge may emerge as a result.

Other infections

While less common, white discharge may also be a sign of other infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is more known for a greenish pus-like discharge, often associated with severe pain, including with urination. However, its pus can present as a white discharge. Chlamydia may or may not lead to a noticeable discharge that is white or pus-like.

What white discharge may mean based on appearance, texture, or another symptom or condition

Since white discharge is sometimes normal and sometimes not, it helps to pay attention to other symptoms that might point to a clear cause.

• White discharge with no odor: Usually normal and may result from hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle.
• White discharge with an odor: A fishy odor indicates bacterial vaginosis; a foul odor indicates bacterial infection.
• Creamy or milky white discharge: Can be normal or, less commonly, a sign of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
• Thick white discharge: Curd-like white discharge is typically caused by a yeast infection.
• Thin, egg white-like discharge: Usually hormonal and a natural result of the thickening of cervical mucus that occurs during ovulation.
• White discharge and vaginal itching: Typical of yeast.
• White discharge while pregnant: Usually hormonal, due to estrogen or progesterone.
• White discharge during sexual intercourse: May be normal discharge that has collected over time and is forced outward due to the mechanical action of intercourse.
• White discharge before a menstrual cycle: Typically made of shed cells due to progesterone; alternatively, near your period, can be caused by a sudden increase in shed cells due to the falling of hormones.

When you should see a doctor about a white vaginal discharge

Healthy white vaginal discharge should not be uncomfortable or foul-smelling. Sudden changes in discharge or discharge that comes with other new symptoms may be a sign that it’s time to visit your doctor.

You should see a doctor if:

There is any variation from the white, clear, or thin non-odorous discharge you typically experience, specifically:

• Discharge with a fishy or foul odor
• Discharge arising after a new sexual partner
• Discharge accompanied by burning, itching, or pain

You should go to the emergency room if:

• Any of the above are present but with a fever, pelvic pain, or irregular vaginal bleeding.

Questions to ask your doctor about white vaginal discharge

• What do you think is causing my white vaginal discharge? Is it normal?
• How will you treat my symptoms?
• Do I need to notify my partner?
• What steps can I take to prevent future infections or unwanted symptoms?

How to get rid of or treat white vaginal discharge

Discharge that looks normal and comes without a bad smell, itching, or burning doesn’t need to be treated. You can’t “get rid” of normal white vaginal discharge. However, you can take steps to address unhealthy or unusual discharge.

Antifungal creams or suppositories

If your discharge is a sign of a yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal creams or suppositories to help. You can also purchase some of these medications over the counter.

Antibiotics

White discharge that’s caused by a bacterial infection, like bacterial vaginosis, is usually treated with a round of antibiotics. Be sure to take the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better before you finish them.

Lactobacillus or yogurt suppository or supplement

Consuming yogurt and other foods rich in bacteria that support vaginal health may help balance your pH levels and reduce unwanted symptoms. This method is a non-antibiotic treatment option that has shown promising results in many preliminary studies, but it’s not meant to be a replacement for prescription medications.

Frequently asked questions: white vaginal discharge

If you still have questions about white vaginal discharge, these answers may help:

Why do you have white vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse?

White discharge that appears after sexual intercourse may simply be the result of dislodged collections of cervical mucus or normal vaginal fluids. In some cases, white discharge can also be caused by semen from male ejaculation.

Can you completely stop getting white vaginal discharge?

No, you can not completely stop getting normal white vaginal discharge, but you can treat and prevent unhealthy discharge. The best thing to do for normal discharge is to leave it alone. You can also opt to wear a panty liner or cotton underwear if your discharge becomes bothersome.

Final thoughts on white vaginal discharge

Even though white vaginal discharge can be a normal part of your physiology, it can also sometimes be a sign something isn’t right. If you experience thick, chunky white discharge or other symptoms – like itching, burning, or pain – it’s probably time to speak to a healthcare professional. Otherwise, your discharge will likely change along with your hormones and other bodily functions.

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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