# Types of Vaginal Discharge: What Do Colour and Consistency Mean?

> What does clear, white, curd-like, grey, yellow, green or brown discharge mean? Normal discharge versus thrush, BV and trichomoniasis, and when to be…

Published: 14 April 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay

**When vaginal discharge is normal and when it may be a sign of infection (bacterial vaginosis, thrush, trichomoniasis); types of discharge by colour and consistency, diagnosis and treatment.**

**Short answer:** Clear or slightly white discharge with no odour and no itching is normal; the amount changes with the menstrual cycle. White, curd-like discharge with itching points more towards thrush, thin grey-white discharge with a fishy smell towards bacterial vaginosis (a disturbance of the bacterial balance in the vagina), and frothy, yellow-green, foul-smelling discharge towards trichomoniasis. Colour alone does not give a diagnosis; the exact cause is found through examination and testing of the discharge.

[Vaginal discharge](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/vajinal-akinti/) is a natural part of women's reproductive health and, most of the time, a sign that everything is working as it should. Sometimes, though, its colour, smell and consistency can change, and complaints such as itching or burning may be added. In this article we go through the types of discharge by colour and consistency, explain which are normal and which may be a sign of infection, and describe how they are treated, in plain language.

## What Is Normal (Physiological) Discharge?

A healthy vagina has its own defence mechanism and a natural bacterial balance known as the "flora". This balance depends mainly on beneficial bacteria called *lactobacilli*, which keep the vagina acidic and stop harmful microbes from multiplying.

Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or slightly creamy-white, has no odour and does not cause itching or burning. It is made up of shed surface cells and beneficial bacteria, and it is a result of the vagina's own mechanism for cleaning itself and staying moist.

Related treatment page

[Vaginal Infection Treatment](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/vajinal-enfeksiyon-tedavisi/)

The three most common causes of vaginal infection are bacterial vaginosis (an imbalance of the helpful bacteria), thrush (a yeast infection) and trichomoniasis, which is sexually transmitted.

[Details →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/vajinal-enfeksiyon-tedavisi/)

## How Does Normal Discharge Change Through the Menstrual Cycle?

- **Straight after a period:** There is little discharge; the area may feel dry.
- **Around ovulation (mid-cycle):** Because the hormone oestrogen rises, discharge increases and becomes clear, slippery and stretchy between the fingers, like raw egg white. This is entirely normal.
- **After ovulation:** Under the effect of the hormone progesterone, discharge thickens, becomes sticky and clumpy, and the amount decreases.

## Types of Discharge by Colour and Consistency

The list below is a guide only; the same colour can have different causes. For the colour of the mark discharge leaves on underwear, see our article [what does the colour of a discharge stain mean?](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/akintinin-ic-camasirinda-biraktigi-leke-rengi-ne-anlama-gelir/)

- **Clear, slippery, like egg white:** Usually normal discharge around ovulation. In pregnancy, however, a sudden, watery, continuous leak of clear fluid can mean the waters have broken and should be assessed straight away.
- **Slightly creamy-white, odourless:** Normal discharge.
- **White, thick, curd-like or like cottage cheese:** The typical discharge of a yeast infection (candidiasis, thrush). It usually has no odour and comes with severe itching, burning and redness.
- **Grey-white, thin, watery and fishy-smelling:** Suggests bacterial vaginosis (a disturbance of the bacterial balance in the vagina). The smell is especially noticeable after sex or a period; itching is usually mild.
- **Yellow, pus-like:** May be inflammation of the cervix (sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea), some bacterial infections, or the early stage of trichomoniasis.
- **Yellow-green, copious, frothy and foul-smelling:** May be a sign of trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted parasitic infection); itching and pain during sex may accompany it.
- **Brown:** Most often old blood mixing with discharge just before or after a period. Brown spotting can occur in very early pregnancy. After the menopause, however, causes such as thinning of the vaginal wall or a cervical polyp should be investigated.
- **Pink or bloodstained:** Light spotting can occur around ovulation. Bleeding after sex, causes such as a sore or polyp on the cervix, and any bloodstained discharge in pregnancy need examination.

## When Should You See a Doctor?

If you notice the following changes in your discharge, there may be an underlying health problem and seeing a doctor is advised:

- A change in the colour of the discharge (yellow, green, grey or bloodstained),
- An unpleasant, bothersome smell (especially one resembling fish),
- A thickening of consistency (a cottage-cheese-like or frothy appearance),
- Severe itching, burning or redness in and around the vagina,
- Pain and burning when passing urine or during sex,
- Bloodstained or brown discharge after the menopause or in pregnancy.

## Common Causes of Abnormal Discharge

Most abnormal vaginal discharge is caused by three main infections:

### Bacterial Vaginosis (Disturbed Bacterial Balance)

The most common cause of abnormal discharge. It occurs when the beneficial bacteria in the vagina (lactobacilli) decrease and other bacteria multiply excessively.

- **Symptoms:** A grey-white, thin, watery discharge with an unpleasant, fish-like smell that becomes more noticeable after sex or a period. It does not usually cause severe itching or redness.
- **Triggers:** Douching (washing inside the vagina with water or soap), frequent changes of partner and smoking can disturb this balance.

### Yeast Infection (Candidiasis, Thrush)

Usually caused by overgrowth of a yeast called *Candida*. Most women experience it at least once in their lives.

- **Symptoms:** An odourless, thick, white, curd-like discharge; severe itching, burning, redness and swelling of the external genital area.
- **Triggers:** Antibiotic use (because it reduces beneficial bacteria), pregnancy, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and nylon or tight underwear.
- **If it keeps coming back:** A yeast infection that occurs four or more times in a year is considered "recurrent" and is investigated further. For details, see our article [why does a yeast infection keep coming back?](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/mantar-enfeksiyonu-neden-surekli-tekrar-eder/)

### Trichomoniasis (Parasitic Infection)

A sexually transmitted infection caused by a microscopic parasite called *Trichomonas vaginalis*.

- **Symptoms:** A yellow-green, copious, frothy, foul-smelling discharge; irritation and itching in the vagina and burning when passing urine.

### Other Causes

During the menopause, thinning and dryness of the vaginal wall due to falling oestrogen can cause yellowish discharge and burning. Foreign bodies left in the vagina, such as a forgotten tampon, also lead to very foul-smelling discharge. If an unpleasant smell is the main complaint, our article [when is vaginal odour a cause for concern?](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/vajinal-koku-nedir-ne-zaman-endiselenmeli/) may also help.

## Is Discharge Normal in Pregnancy?

In pregnancy, rising hormones and increased blood flow to the area cause a marked increase in the amount of discharge. This discharge is typically odourless, milky white or clear, and normal. If there is itching, an unpleasant smell, a curd-like appearance, bloodstained discharge or a continuous watery leak, you should see a doctor.

## How Is the Cause of Discharge Found?

Colour and smell give clues but do not give a diagnosis on their own. At the examination, the appearance of the discharge is assessed, the acidity of the vagina (pH) is measured and a sample of the discharge is examined under the microscope. In bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis the vagina becomes less acidic, whereas in a yeast infection it usually stays normal. If needed, a culture or more sensitive laboratory tests for sexually transmitted infections are carried out.

## How Is It Treated?

Treatment is planned by the doctor according to the cause of the discharge (bacteria, yeast or parasite).

- **Bacterial vaginosis:** Medicines taken by mouth, or vaginal pessaries and creams (antibiotics) prescribed by the doctor, are used. Because it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, treating the partner is not recommended.
- **Yeast infection:** Antifungal vaginal creams and pessaries, or medicines taken by mouth, are used. If the partner has no symptoms, routine partner treatment is not needed.
- **Trichomoniasis:** Because it is sexually transmitted, both partners must be treated at the same time even if the partner has no symptoms at all; sex is paused until treatment is complete.

*Important caution:* Treating yourself on the basis of advice from others, or with creams bought at random from a pharmacy, can lead to the wrong medicine being used and to the complaint dragging on. If you have symptoms, being examined is the most appropriate approach.

## Things to Keep in Mind in Everyday Life

- **Avoid douching:** Washing inside the vagina with water, soap or cosmetic gels upsets its natural protective acid balance. Only the external area (the vulva) should be cleaned, with lukewarm water.
- **Choose cotton underwear:** Instead of synthetic fabrics, choose cotton underwear that lets the area breathe, and avoid very tight clothing.
- **Keep the area dry:** Yeasts like warm, moist conditions; do not stay in a wet swimsuit for long after the sea or a pool.
- **Wiping direction:** After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back; this prevents bowel bacteria being carried to the vagina.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What does normal vaginal discharge look like?**

It is clear or slightly creamy-white, has no odour and does not cause itching or burning. It is normal for it to increase and become slippery around ovulation.

**What causes curd-like discharge?**

White, thick discharge that looks curd-like or like cottage cheese is most often seen with a yeast infection and usually comes with itching. Because similar complaints can have other causes, an examination before treatment is advised.

**Is yellow discharge dangerous?**

A faint yellowish stain can also be seen with normal discharge that has dried on contact with air. Dark yellow or greenish discharge, discharge with an unpleasant smell, or discharge accompanied by itching and burning may be a sign of infection and needs examination.

**What causes brown discharge?**

Most often it is old blood mixing with discharge before or after a period. Brown discharge after the menopause or in pregnancy, however, should always be assessed.

**Does my partner need treatment for discharge too?**

For trichomoniasis, yes; both partners are treated at the same time. For bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, routine partner treatment is not recommended if the partner has no symptoms.

**When should I see a doctor about vaginal discharge?**

If there is a change in the colour of the discharge (yellow, green, grey, bloodstained), an unpleasant smell, severe itching, burning or pain during sex, you should see a doctor.

Written and reviewed by

**Op. Dr. Murat Alpay**

Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa)

[Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/)

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Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/vajinal-akinti-cesitleri-nedenleri-ve-tedavi-yontemleri/  
Last updated: 2026-10-20

Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology  
Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya  
0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday

*This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*