How do I know if my discharge is normal?

Bottom lineNormal vaginal discharge is clear or white (drying pale yellow), changes through your cycle (wetter and stretchy around ovulation), has a mild scent, and comes without itching or pain; see a clinician if it turns green, yellow, or grey, becomes thick like cottage cheese (thrush) or frothy with a fishy smell (BV), is bloody between periods or after sex, or comes with itching, soreness, or pain - it's the change from your normal that matters.

Vaginal discharge is normal and healthy - it's how your vagina cleans and protects itself. Knowing your own baseline makes it easy to spot when something changes.

What's normal

• Clear or white, and it may dry to a pale yellow on underwear
• Changes through your cycle - wetter and clear/stretchy around ovulation, thicker and creamier at other times
• A mild, natural scent (not unpleasant)
• No itching, soreness, or pain
• The amount varies between people and across your cycle, pregnancy, and with birth control

Signs discharge may not be normal

See a clinician if you notice discharge that is:

• Green, yellow, or grey
• Thick and white like cottage cheese (often thrush, with itching)
• Frothy, or with a strong fishy smell (often bacterial vaginosis)
• Bloody between periods or after sex
• Accompanied by itching, soreness, pain, or a rash

The bottom line

It's the change from your normal - in color, smell, amount, or texture - especially with other symptoms, that signals a possible infection or other cause worth checking.

See when should I worry about discharge for more.

Femora helps you track your discharge across your cycle so you learn your normal and notice meaningful changes.