What is the Texture of Your Vaginal Discharge Telling You?

Along with the color and odor of your vaginal discharge, the texture can tell quite a bit about what may be going on with your cycle and with your health. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky white. It may have a subtle scent, but it’s not unpleasant. Changes in texture can take place as you move through the weeks of your menstrual cycle. But some textures (when accompanied by other symptoms) are not normal, and can be an indication that you may have a yeast infection or other type of infection. Here are some common textures that women may experience in their vaginal discharge, along with what it may be, other symptoms involved, and what you can do.

*Always see your healthcare professional if this is your first yeast infection.

Recognizing Normal and Abnormal Discharge

Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle scent that is not unpleasant or foul smelling. Changes that may signal a problem include an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in the color, smell or texture of the discharge. You may also experience other symptoms with a change in discharge, such as  irritation, itchiness or burning in or around your vagina. The combination of these factors can help reveal what may be going on in your body. A vaginal discharge is considered abnormal if it is:

• Heavier than usual
• Thicker than usual
• Pus-like
• White and clumpy (like cottage cheese)
• Grayish, greenish, yellowish, or blood-tinged
• Foul- or fishy-smelling
• Accompanied by itching, burning, a rash, or soreness

Only you know your body. If you have vaginal discharge that doesn’t seem normal for you (with or without other symptoms), talk to your healthcare professional.

Check Your Symptoms

See what your vaginal discharge and other symptoms may be telling you.