Normal vaginal discharge is clear or white, may be thin or sticky, has little or no smell, and changes through the menstrual cycle. It keeps the vagina clean and healthy. Discharge that changes colour, smells strongly (especially fishy), is frothy or lumpy, or comes with itching, pain or bleeding can be a sign of infection and should be checked.
Normal discharge through the cycle
- After a period: little discharge
- Before ovulation: creamy or sticky
- Around ovulation: clear, wet and stretchy like raw egg white
- Before a period: thicker and white
- Pregnancy: often more discharge than usual, thin and white
What different colours and textures may mean
| Discharge | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Clear or white, no smell | Usually normal |
| Thick, white, like cottage cheese, with itching | Thrush (vaginal candidiasis) |
| Thin, grey or white, fishy smell (often worse after sex) | Bacterial vaginosis (BV) |
| Frothy, yellow-green, with a smell and soreness | Trichomoniasis |
| Yellow or green, possibly with pelvic pain or pain passing urine | Chlamydia or gonorrhoea |
| Brown or blood-stained | End of a period or spotting; if it happens after sex, between periods or after menopause, get checked |
| Foul-smelling with fever after birth or abortion | Possible womb infection: seek urgent care |
Many sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, often cause no symptoms at all. Testing is the only way to know.
When to see a doctor or nurse
- Change in colour, smell or amount
- Itching, burning, soreness or swelling
- Pain when passing urine or during sex
- Pelvic or lower tummy pain, or fever
- Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
- You think you may have been exposed to an STI
- You are pregnant and your discharge changes, or you leak watery fluid
Tips for vaginal health
- Wash the outside (vulva) with water or a mild, unperfumed soap. The vagina cleans itself.
- Avoid douching and inserting herbs, soap or “tightening” products. They upset the natural balance and increase infection risk.
- Wear cotton underwear and change out of wet clothes quickly.
- Wipe front to back.
- Use condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.
- Don’t self-treat repeatedly with over-the-counter medicines; recurrent symptoms need testing.
For nurses: what to ask and examine
- Onset, colour, smell, itch, pain, bleeding, last menstrual period, contraception and pregnancy status
- Sexual history in a private, non-judgmental way
- Vaginal pH and swabs as per local protocol
- Offer HIV and syphilis testing alongside STI screening, and partner notification when needed
Frequently asked questions
Is white discharge normal?
Yes, white discharge without a strong smell or itching is usually normal.
Why does my discharge smell fishy?
A fishy smell is most often bacterial vaginosis, which is common and treatable. See a doctor or nurse.
Can stress change discharge?
Hormonal changes linked to stress can affect your cycle and discharge, but new symptoms should still be checked.
Related reading: Talking about sexual health and STI testing · Vaginal infections: types and treatment · Cervical cancer screening
Checked against NHS guidance on vaginal discharge. Updated 5 November 2026. This guide does not replace a medical examination.