By using Health-Shared, you agree to our Privacy Policy, including cookie policy. We use cookies to improve the users journey, but we don’t store any sensitive data and don’t use it any other way.

Health Shared Logo whiteHealth Shared Logo dark

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.

DischargePossible cause
Smells fishybacterial vaginosis
Thick and white, like cottage cheesethrush
Green, yellow or frothytrichomoniasis
With pelvic pain or bleedingchlamydia or gonorrhoea
With blisters or soresgenital herpes

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

  • your discharge changes colour, smell or texture
  • you produce more discharge than usual
  • you feel itchy or sore
  • you bleed between periods or after sex
  • you get pain when peeing
  • you get pain in the area between your tummy and thighs (pelvic pain)

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:

Do

  • wash gently
  • use water and an emollient, such as E45 cream, or plain soap

Don't

  • use perfumed soaps or gels
  • use deodorants or scented hygiene wipes
  • douche

This content is published in: