White Discharge: Types, Causes & When to See a Doctor

White discharge: what is normal, and when to see a doctor

Most girls and women notice white or clear discharge on their underwear. Many worry about it and feel too shy to ask. In most cases it is normal and healthy. This post explains what discharge is, how it changes through the month and through life, and the signs that mean you should see a doctor.

What is white discharge?

White discharge, also called leucorrhoea, is fluid made by the cervix (the neck of the womb) and the walls of the vagina. It keeps the vagina moist and clean, and helps protect it from infection. The amount and thickness change with your hormones, so it is different at different times of the month.

Discharge usually starts six months to a year before a girl's first period. It is one of the signs that her body is growing up.

How discharge changes through the month

• After your period: often little discharge, or a slightly sticky one.
• Around ovulation (the middle of the cycle): more discharge, clear, wet and stretchy, like raw egg white.
• Before your period: often thicker, creamy and white.

All of these are normal. Discharge may also increase with sexual arousal, after exercise, in pregnancy, or with some contraceptives such as pills or an IUD.

Signs of an infection

Discharge that is unusual for you can be a sign of an infection. Common ones are:

• Yeast infection (thrush): thick, white discharge like curd or cottage cheese, with itching, burning or redness. It is more common in pregnancy, after a course of antibiotics, and in people with diabetes.
• Bacterial vaginosis: thin grey or white discharge with a fishy smell, often stronger after sex.
• Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis: yellow, green or frothy discharge, a bad smell, pain when passing urine, or pain in the lower belly. These infections often cause no symptoms at all, so get tested if you may have been exposed.

If your discharge is unusual for you, please see a doctor rather than treating it at home. Most infections clear quickly with the right medicine. Do not put oils, creams or home remedies inside the vagina unless a doctor has told you to.

Discharge at different stages of life

• In pregnancy: more white discharge is common and usually normal. If you are pregnant and notice any bleeding, pink or brown discharge, or a sudden gush of watery fluid, call your doctor.
• After childbirth: bleeding and discharge, called lochia, can last for several weeks. It starts red and slowly turns pink, then yellowish-white. See a doctor if it smells bad, you have a fever, or the bleeding gets heavier.
• Around menopause: discharge usually becomes less, and the vagina may feel dry. Any bleeding or blood-stained discharge after menopause must be checked by a doctor.

Looking after yourself

• Wash the outside area (the vulva) with plain water. Avoid scented soaps, sprays and vaginal washes.
• Do not douche or wash inside the vagina. It cleans itself, and washing inside can cause infections.
• Wear clean cotton underwear and change it daily. Dry the area well after bathing.
• Use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

When to see a doctor

• Your discharge smells bad, or the smell is new.
• It is green, grey, frothy or like curd, or yellow with a bad smell.
• You have itching, burning, soreness, or pain when passing urine.
• You have pain in your lower belly, or a fever.
• You notice bleeding between periods, after sex, in pregnancy, or after menopause.

Have a question about discharge or your period? Call our menstrual helpline on 85888 70999. It answers at any hour.

FAQs

Is white discharge before my period normal?

Yes. Thick, creamy white discharge before a period is common and healthy, as long as there is no itching, soreness or bad smell.

Can white discharge tell me if I am pregnant?

No. Discharge cannot tell you whether you are pregnant. If you have had sex and your period is late, take a home pregnancy test.

What does thick white discharge mean?

Thick white discharge is often normal before a period. If it looks like curd and comes with itching or burning, it may be a yeast infection. See a doctor for the right treatment.

Should I wash inside the vagina to stop discharge?

No. Discharge is the vagina's way of keeping itself clean. Washing inside, or using scented products, can upset its balance and cause infections.

When should I worry about discharge?

See a doctor if your discharge changes colour, smells bad, or comes with itching, burning, pain or fever, or if you notice any unusual bleeding.

In short

White discharge is a normal, healthy part of life for most girls and women. Learn what is usual for you. If something changes, a doctor can usually help quickly. There is no need to feel embarrassed to ask.

About Pinkishe Foundation

Pinkishe Foundation is a specialist implementation organisation for menstrual health. We deliver, reliably, in schools and communities across India. Support our work with a donation.

Learn more

• Period and ovulation calculator
• Menstrual myths and facts
• Test your knowledge: take our menstrual quiz