Vaginal discharge: what is normal
What healthy discharge looks like, signs of infection, and how to care for the area.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- Discharge that changes colour, smell or texture, or there is much more than usual.
- Itching or soreness, pain when you pass urine, or pelvic pain.
- Bleeding between periods or after sex.
Key things to remember
- Discharge is normal and protects the vagina.
- Do not wash inside the vagina.
- A change in smell, colour or texture should be checked.
📖 Read the full lesson
Vaginal discharge is normal and most women and girls have it. It keeps the vagina clean and moist and helps protect it from infection.
Normal discharge has no strong or unpleasant smell and can be clear or white, thick and sticky, or slippery and wet. There may be more during pregnancy, when you are sexually active, when using contraception, and around the middle of your cycle.
A change in smell, colour or texture can be a sign of infection. A fishy smell can mean bacterial vaginosis; thick white discharge like cottage cheese can mean thrush; green, yellow or frothy discharge can mean trichomoniasis; and discharge with pelvic pain, bleeding, blisters or sores can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection.
To avoid irritation, wash the skin around the vagina gently with water and mild, unperfumed soap. Do not use perfumed soaps, scented wipes or deodorants there, and do not wash inside the vagina (douching).
📚 Sources
- NHS (UK) — Vaginal discharge Last reviewed 15 Feb 2024 · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-018 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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