Vaginal discharge: What’s normal, what’s not, and when to see a doctor

Vaginal discharge is your body’s way of protecting itself. The colour, consistency, and smell can help you tell what’s normal and what might need attention.

Discharge types:

1. White: Common, especially at the start or end of your period. Creamy to light yellow is normal. Thick, cottage cheese-like white discharge with itching, burning, or strong odour could indicate a yeast infection.

2. Clear and watery: Totally normal, can appear anytime, especially around ovulation or after exercise.

3. Pink: Mild or dark pink discharge can happen due to spotting before or after ovulation, or after sex. It may also indicate implantation bleeding after unprotected intercourse.

4. Clear and stretchy: Usually means ovulation,this is normal.

5. Yellow or green: Faint yellow occasionally may be okay. Thick, chunky, or smelly yellow/green discharge could indicate trichomoniasis, usually sexually transmitted.

When to see a doctor:

• Red discharge or bleeding outside your period
• Thick white discharge with itching, burning, or strong odour
• Yellow or green discharge, especially if thick or smelly
• Fever, abdominal pain, discomfort, pain while urinating, or spotting after sex

A doctor may do a pelvic examination and take a sample of your discharge to identify the cause. Vaginal discharge is normal, but unusual changes in colour, consistency, or smell, or other symptoms, mean it’s time to talk to a trusted gynaecologist.