What is vaginal discharge?

Last reviewed June 1, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineVaginal discharge is fluid produced by glands in the vagina and cervix that cleans and lubricates the vagina, maintains an acidic pH (3.8-4.5) to prevent infection, and changes with hormonal shifts across the menstrual cycle; about 1-4 ml a day (clear to white, mild odor) is typical.

Vaginal discharge is a fluid produced by glands inside your vagina and cervix. It plays an important role in keeping your reproductive system healthy.

What does discharge do?

Discharge serves several essential functions:

• Cleans the vagina - It carries away dead cells and bacteria, acting as the vagina's natural self-cleaning mechanism
• Prevents infection - The fluid maintains an acidic environment (pH 3.8–4.5) that discourages harmful bacteria and yeast from growing
• Provides lubrication - It keeps vaginal tissues moist and comfortable
• Supports reproduction - During ovulation, discharge changes to help sperm travel toward the egg

What's normal?

Normal discharge varies from person to person, but generally:

• Color: Clear to milky white
• Texture: Can range from thin and watery to thick and sticky, depending on where you are in your cycle
• Amount: About 1–4 ml per day (roughly half a teaspoon), though this can increase around ovulation, during pregnancy, or with sexual arousal
• Smell: Mild or no odor - it should not smell foul or fishy

What produces discharge?

Discharge comes from two main sources:

1. Cervical glands - Produce mucus that changes in consistency throughout your cycle
2. Vaginal walls - Produce a transudate (fluid that seeps through the tissue) that helps with lubrication

The balance of estrogen and progesterone throughout your menstrual cycle directly influences the amount and type of discharge you produce.

Tracking your symptoms with Femora can help you notice patterns in your discharge throughout your cycle.