Vaginal discharge is a natural phenomenon essential to female intimate health. It is a self-cleaning mechanism that protects the vagina and maintains its balance.[¹]If you have any questions about the appearance, color, or smell of your discharge, this guide answers all your questions.
Decryption: What Your Vaginal Discharge Really Reveals
TO REMEMBER
- White discharge: Normal throughout the cycle, more abundant at ovulation
- Yellow discharge: Normal if mild, no odor or itching
- Green/gray discharge: Consult a doctor (often a sign of infection)
- Elastic transparent losses: Signal ovulation (fertile period)
- Warning signs: Strong odor, itching, pain, abnormal color
- Cycle phase: Naturally influences the amount and appearance of discharge
Normal VS Abnormal: How to Recognize Healthy Losses?
Normal vaginal discharge is secreted by glands in the cervix and vagina. It helps to:
- Maintain vaginal pH balance
- Eliminate dead cells and impurities
- Protect against infections
- Facilitate lubrication
DID YOU KNOW ?
The vagina produces an average of 1 to 4 ml of discharge daily, which is the equivalent of a teaspoon. This amount can double during ovulation.[²].
The Vaginal Color Palette: Mycosis, STIs, Cycle… We Decode Everything!
The color of your vaginal discharge is one of the most important indicators of your intimate health. Each color can have a different meaning and help you understand what's going on in your body. Here's a detailed guide to the different colors you might observe.
| Color | Aspect | Possible causes | When to worry |
|---|---|---|---|
| White / Transparent | Creamy to liquid, elastic near ovulation | ✓ Normal: cycle variations ✓ Ovulation (transparent, elastic) ✓ Start/end of cycle (whiter, thicker) |
⚠️ If consistency of "cottage cheese" ⚠️ If intense itching ⚠️ If bread/yeast smell |
| Yellow / Yellowish | Slightly yellow to pale yellow | ✓ Normal: oxidation in air ✓ Normal: hormonal variations ✓ End of cycle |
⚠️ If bright yellow or greenish ⚠️ If unpleasant odor ⚠️ If burning, itching |
| Green / Greenish | Often thick or foamy | ❌ Bacterial vaginosis ❌ Trichomoniasis ❌ Gonorrhea |
⚠️ Always consult ⚠️ Risk of STIs |
| Grey | Liquids, adhering to the vaginal walls | ❌ Bacterial vaginosis | ⚠️ Consult, especially if it smells "fishy" |
| Dews / Roses | White discharge tinged with blood | ✓ Normal: start/end of period ✓ Sometimes normal: ovulation ✓ Possible implantation (pregnancy) ❌ Irritation of the cervix |
⚠️ If recurring outside of periods ⚠️ So abundant ⚠️ If accompanied by pain |
| Brunettes / Brown | Light to dark tint | ✓ Normal: end of period ✓ Normal: oxidized blood ✓ Possible early pregnancy |
⚠️ So persistent ⚠️ If accompanied by pain ⚠️ So unusual for you |
Now that we've seen a general overview of the different colors, let's explore each of them in more detail to better understand their meaning.
1. White Discharge (Leukorrhea): Friend or Foe?
- Normal appearance: White to off-white, creamy to slightly thick consistency, usually odorless or with a slight acidic odor[³].
- When to worry: If your white discharge looks like cottage cheese, is accompanied by intense itching, or has a strong odor, consult a professional. It could be vaginal thrush.[⁸].
DID YOU KNOW ?
Vaginal discharge is mostly composed of exfoliated vaginal cells, cervical gland secretions, and beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which protects against infection by maintaining a vaginal pH between 3,8 and 4,5.[⁴].
2. Yellow/Yellowish Discharge = Danger?
Normal causes:
- Oxidation on contact with air
- Normal hormonal variation
- End of menstrual cycle
When to worry: Yellow discharge can be normal, but see a doctor if it is:
- Accompanied by an unpleasant odor
- Associated with itching or burning
- Very abundant and unusual in appearance
Yellow discharge with an odor may indicate an infection such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or an STI such as chlamydia.
3. Green Losses = Maximum Alert!
Green vaginal discharge is usually abnormal and requires medical attention. It is often associated with:
- Bacterial vaginosis[¹]
- Trichomoniasis (sexually transmitted infection)[⁵]
- Sometimes gonorrhea
These infections are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, irritation, pain during intercourse or when urinating.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Trichomoniasis, caused by a single-celled parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis), is one of the main causes of greenish discharge. According to studies, up to 70% of infected people show no symptoms, making it easy to spread unintentionally.[⁵].
4. Pale Pink vs. Bright Pink Discharge: Spotting, Ovulation… or Problem?
Pink discharge can occur at different times:
- Before menstruation: Signs that your period is coming soon
- During ovulation: Some women have light ovulation bleeding
- Early pregnancy: Implantation bleeding when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus
- After intercourse: Mild irritation of the cervix
When to consult: If pink discharge occurs regularly outside of menstruation, is heavy or is accompanied by pain.
5. Brown or Maroon Discharge: Old Blood or Infection?
Brown discharge is usually blood that has taken time to drain from the uterus. Oxidation upon contact with air gives this brown color.
Usual causes:
- Start or end of periods
- Ovulation spotting
- Leftover blood after menstruation
- Implantation in early pregnancy
When to consult: If this discharge is unusual for you, persists, or is accompanied by pain.
Gray discharge
Gray discharge is almost always abnormal and usually indicates bacterial vaginosis. It is often accompanied by a characteristic "fishy" odor, especially after intercourse.
Liquid, Thick, Sticky… What the Texture Reveals to the Touch!
The consistency of your vaginal discharge is just as revealing as its color. It varies naturally throughout your menstrual cycle and can give you valuable clues about your gynecological health and fertility. Here's how to interpret the different textures you might observe.
| Consistency | Appearence | Typical period | Meaning | When to worry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thick and white | Creamy, like yogurt | Start and end of cycle | Natural protective barrier | ⚠️ So lumpy like "cottage cheese" ⚠️ If intense itching |
| Liquids & transparents | Clear, stringy, elastic like egg white | Ovulation period | Fertile period, facilitates the passage of sperm | ⚠️ Rarely a cause for concern unless there is a strong odor or pain |
| Viscous/Sticky | Sticky, elastic | Right after your period | Infertile phase | ⚠️ Rarely worrying |
| Abundant & watery | Very liquid, like water | Variable | May be normal or a sign of infection | ⚠️ If sudden change ⚠️ If strong smell ⚠️ If irritation |
| Sparkling | Foamy, greenish texture | Abnormal | Often a sign of infection | ⚠️ Consult a professional |
| Lumpy | White grains, cottage cheese consistency | Abnormal | Probable candidiasis | ⚠️ Consult a professional |
1. 'Cottage Cheese' Texture? Fungus on the Horizon... Take Action!
Normal at the beginning and end of the cycle, they form a protective barrier. Very thick and accompanied by itching, they can indicate candidiasis.
2. Liquid & Clear Discharge: Ovulation or Infection?
This egg white-like discharge is typical of ovulation. It facilitates the passage of sperm and indicates your fertile period.
3. Heavy Discharge: Cycle, Stress… or STI?
Increased loss volume is normal:
- During ovulation
- During pregnancy
- Under hormonal contraception
- During sexual arousal
When to consult: If the increase is sudden, associated with a strong odor or other symptoms.
4. Sticky or Viscous Discharge: What Your Cycle Reveals
Normal at the beginning of the cycle and after ovulation, they create a barrier that is more difficult for sperm to cross during less fertile periods.
Very Odorous Vaginal Discharge: Yeast Infection, STI or Simple Imbalance?
The odor of vaginal discharge varies naturally, but is generally mild. This is an important aspect to monitor, as a change in odor can be one of the first signs of infection.
1. Normal Losses
Most women notice a slight natural odor that varies throughout their cycle. This odor, while subtle and not unpleasant, is completely normal.
- Slightly acidic
- Discreet odor that can vary depending on diet, hygiene, cycle
2. Signs of Infection
A change in your normal odor is often the first sign of an imbalance in your vaginal flora or an infection. Each type of infection produces a characteristic odor.
- Fishy smell (bacterial vaginosis)
- Strong and unpleasant odor (trichomoniasis)
- Yeasty or bready smell (candidiasis)
3. Odorless Losses
The complete absence of odor is not a cause for concern; quite the opposite. It is generally a sign of good vaginal health.
Odorless discharge is completely normal. If your discharge is clear, white, or even slightly yellow and has no particular odor, there's usually no cause for concern.
Menstrual Cycle: The Secret Calendar of Your Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge naturally changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Understanding these variations can help you better understand your body and identify your fertile window. Here's how discharge changes during the different phases of your cycle.
| Cycle phase | Cycle days* | Aspect of losses | Meaning | Fertility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rules | J1-J5 | Menstrual blood | Elimination of the endometrium | Very weak |
| Early follicular phase | J6-J9 | Not abundant, thick, white, sometimes absent | Ovarian resting phase | Low |
| Late follicular phase | J10-J12 | Wetter, more abundant, creamy | Preparation for ovulation | Moderate |
| ovulation | J13-J15 | Transparent, elastic, abundant, egg white texture | Egg release | Maximum |
| Early luteal phase | J16-J21 | Return to thicker, creamy white consistency | After ovulation | Gradually decreases |
| Late luteal phase | J22-J28 | Less abundant, thicker, sometimes tinted | Preparation for menstruation | Very weak |
*Based on a standard 28-day cycle. Lengths may vary from woman to woman.
Follicular phase (after menstruation)
This first phase, which begins immediately after menstruation, corresponds to the maturation of one or more follicles in the ovary.
- Aspect : Not abundant, white, thick
- Meaning: Infertile phase[⁶]
Pre-ovulatory period
As ovulation approaches, the body prepares for the release of an egg and the discharge begins to change consistency.
- Aspect : Become more abundant, clearer, more elastic
- Meaning: Approaching the fertile period
ovulation
This is the key moment in the cycle when the ovary releases a mature egg, ready to be fertilized. The discharge reaches its maximum elasticity.
- Aspect : Very transparent, elastic, egg white texture
- Meaning: Peak fertility period[⁷]
Luteal phase (after ovulation)
After ovulation, the body prepares either for a potential pregnancy or for the next menstrual cycle.
- Aspect : Become thicker, less abundant
- Meaning: Less fertile phase
Before menstruation
The last days of the cycle precede the return of menstruation and are often accompanied by premenstrual signs.
- Aspect : May turn slightly brown or pink
- Meaning: Approach to the rules
Emergency or Not? 6 Signs That Require a Quick Consultation
Your body is sending you signals. Learn to distinguish between normal and urgent with this checklist.
- GREEN/GREY losses + fever ou pelvic pain
- BLEEDING post-menopause or off-cycle recurrent
- SMELL of rotten fish + foamy discharge
- Intense itching + losses lumpy (type "cottage cheese")
- burns when urinating or during intercourse
- BRIGHT YELLOW color persistent + gene
Take pictures of your losses if possible, and note the associated symptoms (duration, cycle, treatments). Your gynecologist will have all the elements for a quick diagnosis!
Stress, the Pill, Intercourse… These Factors That Disrupt Your Vaginal Flora
Many factors can affect the amount, consistency, and color of your vaginal discharge. Understanding these influences helps you better interpret the changes you observe.
Physiological factors
- Menstrual cycle
- ovulation
- Pregnancy
- feeding
- Menopause
External factors
- Stress
- Hormonal contraception
- Medicines (especially antibiotics)
- Sex
- Excessive intimate hygiene
Intimate Hygiene: Mistakes That Worsen Discharge
Good intimate hygiene is essential for maintaining the balance of vaginal flora and preventing infections. Here are some practical tips for taking care of your intimate health.
| TO DO | TO AVOID |
|---|---|
|
✓ Wash only the outside of the vagina with a mild pH-neutral soap
|
✗ Vaginal douching (increase the risk of infections[⁹])
|
|
✓ Wear cotton underwear which allow the skin to breathe
|
✗ Scented products (soaps, wipes, sprays) which disrupt the vaginal flora
|
|
✓ Change your sanitary protection regularly (every 4 to 8 hours)
|
✗ Synthetic underwear which create a warm and humid environment
|
|
✓ Wipe from front to back to avoid carrying bacteria[⁹]
|
✗ Tampons kept too long (risk of toxic shock syndrome)
|
DID YOU KNOW ?
Contrary to popular belief, douching actually increases the risk of infections rather than decreasing it. One study found that women who regularly douched were 3,2 times more likely to develop infections like bacterial vaginosis.[⁹].
Period Panties, Panty Liners… Solutions to Manage Your Daily Losses!
Vaginal discharge can stain underwear and create discomfort. Fortunately, there are several practical solutions for managing it on a daily basis while maintaining your comfort and hygiene.
Panty liners
Useful for light discharge, but can create a moist environment conducive to infection if worn too long.
Period panties
Ideal and ecological solution for vaginal discharge:
- Comfortable and breathable
- Reusable and economical in the long term
- Absorption adapted to different flows
- Environmentally friendly
Unlike disposable panty liners, Period Panties can be worn safely all day long. They are particularly recommended for women with heavy or regular bleeding.
Your Vagina Is Talking to You: Learn to Listen to It!
Vaginal discharge is a valuable indicator of your intimate health.[¹⁰].
Yes, variations are normal (thanks, hormones!). But now you know how to spot the real alerts (STI, mycosis, infection) and when to consult without delay.
Listen, don't be paranoid. Your vagina is resilient, and now you have the keys to pampering it. 💖 When in doubt, a professional is your best partner—no question is off limits!
Scientific references
[¹] Vaginal discharge: causes, diagnosis, and treatment. British Medical Journal 2015. https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4357
[²] Cyclic Changes in Composition and Volume of the Cervical Mucus. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2002. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/87/2/946/2847480
[³] Normal vaginal flora, disorders and application of probiotics in pregnancy. International Journal of Women's Health 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3992796/
[⁴] The Vaginal Microbiome: New Information about Genital Tract Flora Using Molecular Based Techniques. Frontiers in Microbiology 2016. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936/full
[⁵] Vaginitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician 2018. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0301/p321.html
[⁶] Changes in Vaginal Physiology During the Menstrual Cycle. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2000. https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2000/07000/Changes_in_Vaginal_Physiology_During_the_Menstrual.8.aspx
[⁷] Physiologic and Pathologic Changes of the Vagina in Women With and Without Bacterial Vaginosis. Journal of Women's Health 2007. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jwh.2007.0615
[⁸] Candida and Candidiasis. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 2002. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC87045/
[⁹] Vaginal Hygiene Products Use and Risk of Vaginal Infections. PLOS One 2019. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0215473
[¹⁰] Bacterial Communities in Women with Bacterial Vaginosis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3889920/
