Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is normal – most women and girls get it. It's a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and protects it from infection.

Check if your vaginal discharge is normal

Vaginal discharge usually isn't anything to worry about if it:

• doesn't have a strong or unpleasant smell
• is clear or white
• is thick and sticky
• is slippery and wet

You can get vaginal discharge at any age.

The amount of discharge varies. You usually get heavier discharge during pregnancy, if you're sexually active or if you're using birth control. It's often slippery and wet for a few days between your periods (when you ovulate).

When it can be a sign of an infection

If your discharge changes – for example, in smell, colour or texture – it might be a sign of an infection.

Discharge	Possible cause
Smells fishy	bacterial vaginosis
Thick and white, like cottage cheese	thrush
Green, yellow or frothy	trichomoniasis
With pelvic pain or bleeding	chlamydia or gonorrhoea
With blisters or sores	genital herpes

See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:

Sexual health clinics can help with abnormal discharge

Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.

Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you don't need an appointment. They'll often get test results quicker than GP practices.

Find a sexual health clinic

You can't prevent vaginal discharge

Panty liners can help with heavy or excessive discharge or if you're worried about any smell.

To help prevent irritation, soreness or dryness:

Page last reviewed: Sun Jan 2021 Next review due: Sun Jan 2021