A vaginal discharge color guide: What's normal and what's not

• Normal vaginal discharge is usually white or clear with a mild odor.
• If your discharge appears grey, it could be a sign of an infection called bacterial vaginosis.

Having vaginal discharge is completely normal. In fact, discharge serves an important purpose. It helps keep the tissue of your vagina healthy, aiding in preventing irritation and various infections.

There isn't necessarily a definition of "normal" discharge across the board for everyone who has a vagina. Rather, what's normal ranges from person to person. For example, some people might have more discharge than others.

However, certain types of discharge can be a sign that something is going on with your genitals, such as if you are ovulating or have an infection.

Here are seven common types of vaginal discharge, what they mean, and when to seek medical attention.

1. White discharge

White discharge on its own can be normal discharge, says Dr. Loriana Soma, an OB-GYN and clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Other indications that the white discharge is normal is if it:

• Ranges from white to off-white to milky
• Has a mild odor
• Ranges from watery to thick, even sticky.

2. Clear discharge

A clear, watery discharge is typically normal, keeping the vagina moisturized and healthy, says Soma.

Similar to normal white discharge, the clear discharge is normal if it has a mild odor and ranges from watery to thick.

Furthermore, an increased amount of clear discharge can be due to sexual arousal, Soma says. This is completely healthy.

3. Clear and stretchy discharge

If your discharge is clear, stringy, stretchy, or resembling egg whites, this is usually an indication of ovulation, says Dr. Andrea C. Salcedo, an OB-GYN and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Ovulation occurs at the midpoint of your menstrual cycle, usually 12 to 14 days after the first day of your period, Salcedo says. The physiological changes occurring at this stage result in the change in discharge. At this time, you are at your most fertile..

This discharge during ovulation is normal.

4. White and clumpy discharge

When the vaginal microbiome gets thrown off and there's an imbalance of yeast, this can result in white, clumpy discharge, Salcedo says. Sometimes, the discharge is described as cottage cheese-like. This can indicate a yeast infection, which usually comes along with irritation of the vaginal canal and the vulva, says Salcedo.

Other symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• Itching
• Burning
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Pain or soreness of the vagina and vulva

If you're experiencing these symptoms for the first time ever, see your OB-GYN for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. However, if you've had yeast infections in the past and this seems similar, you can opt for an over-the-counter antifungal treatment, Soma says. If this doesn't do the trick, see your doctor for a prescription treatment.

5. Gray discharge

If you have thick, gray discharge, this could potentially mean you have bacterial vaginosis (BV), especially if it also has a foul or fishy odor, says Soma. This occurs when the balance of bacteria in your vagina is off and too much bacteria grows.

Sometimes, bacterial vaginosis is asymptomatic. But if you have fishy smelling gray discharge alongside symptoms such as an itchy vagina or burning while you pee, you should see your doctor.

6. Yellow-green discharge

A slightly yellow discharge can be normal if no other symptoms are present, Soma says.

However, if there's a drastic change from your normal discharge and you're experiencing irritation, pain, or odor, you should consider seeing your doctor for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, says Soma.

Some common STIs which may result in yellow or green discharge include:

Gonorrhea:

• Abnormal bleeding in between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Pain in the pelvis or abdomen
• Pain while urinating

Chlamydia:

• Abnormal bleeding in between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Pain during sex
• Pain while urinating

Trichomoniasis:

• Abdominal pain
• Burning and itching
• Foul smelling discharge (other than yellow and green, it could also clear, white, or gray)
• Pain during sex
• Pain while urinating

Furthermore, while BV often results in gray discharge, the discharge could also be green, even though it is not an STI.

7. Pinkish-brown discharge

Pinkish or brown discharge is usually a sign that there's a small amount of blood mixed in with your discharge, Soma says.

Even though ovulation results in that stringy, clear discharge, Salcedo says pink discharge could be an indication of ovulation, too. However, this should be very light and only last a day or two.

Pinkish or brown discharge can also be related to your period, occurring right before it or right after it, Soma says. If you haven't had this type of discharge before, it's best to call your OB-GYN and discuss your symptoms as well as where you are in your menstrual cycle to determine if you need medical attention.

If you are postmenopausal and having brown discharge, Soma says you should certainly see a doctor since it's potentially a sign of cancer.

Insider's takeaway

There are many types of vaginal discharge, and what's normal for one person may be abnormal for another. It's important to get familiar with your body and know what's normal for you so you're aware when something is out of whack.

Ultimately, if you're noticing any excessive amount of discharge, clumpy white discharge, or colored discharge, Salcedo says it's best to go to your doctor.

From there, your OB-GYN can determine what's going on as well as the best course of treatment.