Confused about changes in your discharge? Don’t worry – we’ve all been there! Learn what different vaginal discharge colors mean, when it’s healthy, and when to check with a doctor.
Have you ever looked at your underwear and wondered, “Is this normal?” If so, you’re not alone. While it can feel a little awkward to talk about, vaginal discharge is actually how your vagina keeps itself clean and healthy. In that way, it’s actually a sign of good health!
So if you’ve ever worried about vaginal discharge or felt unsure about changes you’ve noticed — take a deep breath. Almost everyone experiences discharge, and learning about what’s normal (and what’s not) can help you feel more confident about your body’s natural processes.
What Is Vaginal Discharge?
No, discharge isn’t just that annoying stuff you have to scrub out of your underwear. Think of it like your body’s natural cleaning system. This fluid, which comes from tiny glands in your vagina and cervix, helps remove old cells and keeps your reproductive system healthy.
Most people have about a teaspoon of discharge daily. However, it’s normal if you have more or less. The “normal” amount is different from person to person, especially after you’re sexually active or if you’ve experienced certain health conditions.
How Discharge Changes Throughout Your Cycle
Part of what’s tricky about discharge is that what’s “normal vaginal discharge” changes throughout your menstrual cycle – and it’s supposed to! While each person’s discharge patterns are different, there are general patterns that cervical mucus and other types of vaginal discharge follow throughout your cycle.
Here’s a quick week-by-week breakdown:
Days 1-5: During your period
- Mostly menstrual blood
- May mix with regular discharge
- Can include implantation bleeding if pregnant
Days 6-14: After your period
- Less discharge at first
- Becomes cloudy white vaginal discharge as your body prepares to release an egg
- Texture might feel sticky
Days 14-25: Mid-cycle
- Clear vaginal discharge during ovulation (like egg whites)
- Returns to cloudy white afterward
- Amount might increase
Days 25-28: Before your next period
- Usually lighter
- May notice less discharge
Vaginal Discharge Color Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Let’s talk about colors! Here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier – discharge comes in quite a few different shades, and most are 100% normal. Let’s break it down:
Clear or White Vaginal Discharge
✓ Appearance: Ranges from transparent to creamy white
✓ When it’s normal: Throughout your cycle
✓ What it means: Healthy cleaning and lubrication
⚠️ Check with a doctor if: It becomes thick like cottage cheese or causes itching (could be a type of vaginitis)
Pink or Brown Vaginal Discharge
✓ Appearance: Light blush to deep pink or light to dark brown
✓ When it’s normal: Around your period or after sexual intercourse
✓ What it means: Often just light bleeding or old blood
⚠️ Check with a doctor if: You have unexpected bleeding between periods
Yellow or Green Vaginal Discharge
✓ Appearance: Pale yellow vaginal discharge to bright green vaginal discharge
✓ When it’s normal: Very light yellow can be normal with diet changes
✓ What it means: Could indicate an infection if darker
⚠️ Check with a doctor if: Discharge is bright yellow or green, especially with odor (might be a sexually transmitted infection if left untreated)
Gray Vaginal Discharge
✓ Appearance: Similar to storm clouds, light or dark gray
✓ When it’s normal: Gray discharge is never normal
✓ What it means: Usually indicates bacterial vaginosis (BV)
⚠️ Check with a doctor if: You notice any gray discharge at all
When Should I Talk to a Doctor?
Because there are so many vaginal discharge types that are healthy and linked with different stages of your cycle, it’s easy to get confused by symptoms. The good news: there are only a few signs that suggest it’s time to check in with your doctor.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Strong, unpleasant smell
- Unusual color (especially gray, green, or yellow)
- Itching or burning
- Pelvic pain
- Frothy or cottage cheese-like texture
- Signs of infection like fever or inflammation
Taking Care of Your Vaginal Health
We know talking about discharge isn’t exactly fun, but taking care of your vaginal health doesn’t have to be complicated! You can prevent most discharge-related issues with a few simple daily habits. Here’s what you need to know:
- Wear breathable cotton underwear
- Change underwear daily
- Avoid douching or using scented products
- Wipe front to back after using the bathroom
- Change pads every 4-6 hours during your period
Choose Pinkie Pads for Your Best Vaginal Health
Many of us don’t realize that the materials we use for menstrual care can make a huge difference in keeping things healthy, comfortable, and clean down there!
A little-known, not-so-fun fact: most pads in stores are full of synthetic materials and chemicals that can mess with your body’s natural balance. (That’s part of what inspired us to create Pinkie’s Pads!)
We designed Pinkie’s Pads specifically with tweens and teens in mind. Made with 100% organic cotton topsheets and a plant-based core, our ultra-thin pads give you amazing protection without nasty chemicals or discomfort. Plus, they’re super comfortable and cute to carry (no more hiding them in your sleeve on the way to the bathroom!).
