Many women notice vaginal discharge every day — sometimes clear, sometimes cloudy — and often wonder if it’s normal or a sign of infection.
Understanding what’s normal, what changes with hormones, and what needs medical attention helps maintain good intimate health.
🩸 What Is Normal Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a natural cleansing and protective fluid produced by glands in the cervix and vagina.
Its composition includes:
- Good bacteria (Lactobacilli) — maintain an acidic pH (~3.8–4.5) to prevent harmful infections.
- Epithelial cells — shed from the vaginal lining.
- Mucus and water — secreted from cervical glands.
A healthy discharge keeps the vagina moist, clean, and infection-free.
🌸 Hormonal Influence: Estrogen and Progesterone Phases
1. Estrogen-Dominant (Pre-Ovulation Phase)
- Occurs before ovulation, roughly day 10–14 of the menstrual cycle.
- Estrogen levels rise, increasing watery or stretchy “egg white” discharge.
- Purpose: to help sperm travel easily toward the egg.
- Appearance: clear, slippery, elastic, and odorless.
- pH: slightly less acidic (~4.5–5.0).
2. Ovulation Phase
- Around mid-cycle, discharge becomes maximum and stringy, resembling raw egg white.
- Indicates high fertility.
3. Progesterone-Dominant (Post-Ovulation Phase)
- After ovulation, progesterone increases.
- Discharge becomes thicker, creamy, or slightly yellow-white.
- Quantity decreases.
- pH returns to more acidic range (~3.8–4.5).
🤰 Physiological Changes Affecting Discharge
- Menstrual Cycle:
- Normal variations throughout — clear before ovulation, white after.
- During Pregnancy:
- Increased estrogen causes more milky white, non-smelly discharge (leukorrhea).
- Protective function — prevents ascending infections.
- Pre and Postpartum:
- Before delivery: thick mucus plug discharge is normal.
- After delivery: reddish to yellow-white discharge (lochia) for a few weeks — gradually lightens.
⚠️ Abnormal Discharges — Color, Odor, and Meaning
| Color / Type | Possible Cause | Other Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| White, thick, curdy | Fungal infection (Candida) | Itching, burning |
| Grayish-white, fishy odor | Bacterial vaginosis | Foul smell, mild itching |
| Yellow or green, frothy | Trichomonas vaginalis infection | Irritation, foul smell |
| Yellow pus-like | Gonorrhea or chlamydia | Pain, pelvic discomfort |
| Brown or blood-stained | Spotting or cervical pathology | Irregular bleeding, pain |
❗ Persistent or foul-smelling discharge, itching, or pain should never be ignored.
🩺 When to Consult Your Gynecologist
You should visit your doctor if you notice:
- Change in color, consistency, or odor
- Itching, burning, or pelvic pain
- Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
- Increased discharge during pregnancy
- Recurrent infections despite treatment
Timely evaluation with a pelvic examination and pH/microscopy tests helps identify the cause and start appropriate treatment.
💬 Final Thoughts
A certain amount of vaginal discharge is completely normal and part of a woman’s reproductive health.
However, understanding the difference between physiological and pathological discharge helps in early detection and prevention of infections.
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, consult your gynecologist rather than self-treating.
About Dr. Pyreddy Pavani
Services
- Antenatal check-ups & scans review
- Normal & high-risk pregnancy care
- PCOS & fertility counselling
- Menstrual & menopausal health
- Family planning & contraception