Vaginal discharge is something almost every woman notices—but not everyone fully understands. Some amount of discharge is completely normal, while certain changes can be a sign of infection or hormonal imbalance.
Here’s a simple guide to help you know the difference.
✔ What Is Normal White Discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge is your body’s natural way of keeping the vagina clean, healthy, and infection-free.
Normal discharge usually is:
- Clear or milky white
- Not foul-smelling
- Not causing itching
- Sticky or stretchy (like egg white) around ovulation
- Thicker and white before periods
- Small to moderate in quantity
When does normal discharge increase?
This is completely normal during:
- Ovulation
- Pregnancy
- Sexual arousal
- Before periods
- Breastfeeding
- Use of hormonal pills
As long as it’s not causing discomfort, it is normal.
❗ When Should You Worry? Warning Signs
1. Thick, curdy, cottage-cheese like discharge
➡️ Most commonly yeast (candida) infection
Other symptoms: intense itching, redness, burning during urination.
2. Yellow or green, foul-smelling, frothy discharge
➡️ Could be trichomoniasis or mixed infection
Symptoms: vaginal irritation, pain during intercourse.
3. Grey-white discharge with a strong fishy smell
➡️ Suggests bacterial vaginosis
The smell often increases after intercourse.
4. Discharge with fever, pelvic pain, or bleeding
➡️ Could indicate a pelvic infection
Needs prompt medical treatment.
5. Persistent discharge despite home remedies
➡️ May need a vaginal swab test to identify the exact infection.
✔ Common Causes of Abnormal Discharge
- Yeast infection
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Sexually transmitted diseases (trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhoea)
- Poor hygiene or excessive washing
- Hormonal imbalance
- Recent antibiotic use
- Diabetes (poorly controlled)
✔ How Is It Diagnosed?
Your doctor may suggest:
- Vaginal examination
- Vaginal swab test
- Urine test
- Blood sugar testing (especially in recurrent infections)
These tests help choose the right treatment instead of trial-and-error medicines.
✔ Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause:
Yeast infection:
- Antifungal tablets or vaginal pessaries
- Antifungal creams for itching
- Partner treatment usually not required
Bacterial vaginosis / Trichomonas:
- Antibiotics
- Partner treatment may be required (especially for trichomonas)
Recurrent infections:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Good blood sugar control
- Probiotics
- Avoiding scented products and over-washing
✔ When Should You See a Doctor?
Visit a gynaecologist if you notice:
- Itching or burning
- Strong or unpleasant smell
- Change in colour or consistency
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding with discharge
- Fever or lower abdominal pain
Do not self-medicate. Many women misdiagnose themselves, causing the infection to keep returning.
Is white discharge a sign of pregnancy?
White discharge alone is not a reliable sign of pregnancy. However, many women notice increased milky white discharge in early pregnancy due to rising hormone levels.
A pregnancy test is the only way to confirm pregnancy.
What if it’s before my period?
It is normal to have thicker white discharge just before your period due to hormonal changes.
It is not a concern unless associated with itching, bad smell, unusual colour, or pain.
Any precautions to avoid infection?
- Keep the area clean but avoid excessive washing or douching
- Use cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic clothing
- Change underwear after sweating or workouts
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet
- Avoid scented soaps, vaginal washes, and perfumed pads
- Maintain good blood sugar control
- Practice safe sex
What happens if white discharge is left untreated?
If the discharge is due to an infection and not treated:
- Itching, burning, and irritation can worsen
- Infection may spread and cause pain during intercourse
- Untreated infections may lead to pelvic infection in some cases
- Certain vaginal infections can increase the risk of urine infections
Early treatment prevents discomfort and complications.
💡 Final Takeaway:
- A little white discharge is normal and healthy.
- Any change in colour, smell, consistency, or associated symptoms should be checked.
- Early diagnosis means simple treatment and quick relief.
📍 Source: Dr. Shweta Mehta – DNB, Obstetrics & Gynaecology | United Multispeciality Hospital, Kandivali West, Mumbai.
