Vaginal discharges

Vaginal discharge keeps your vagina moist and comfortable. Normal vaginal discharges are clear or white. When it dries on your underwear, vaginal discharge looks yellow, and has a slight smell.

Vaginal discharges change throughout your menstrual cycle. During your most fertile time — around ovulation about 10-16 days before your period — you’ll probably notice more vaginal discharge. This vaginal discharge will often be slippery and clear. 

There are lots of good bacteria that keep our bodies healthy. The good bacteria in your vagina keep the harmful bacteria under control. Bacteria often cause a slight smell — that’s completely healthy and normal. Healthy vaginal discharge can change from day to day.

You might have more discharge: 

• Mid-cycle — or halfway between your periods  
• If you have an intra uterine device (IUD)  
• During pregnancy  
• After sex

You might have less discharge:

• During breast feeding  
• After menopause  
• If you use the contraceptive injection  

It’s good to check your vaginal discharges regularly. If you know what your vaginal discharges look and smell like when you’re healthy, it’ll be easier for you to notice if something is wrong. 

A vaginal discharge is not normal when it: 

• Itches or is uncomfortable 
• Smells bad or very different 
• Changes colour 

It’s also not normal to have:

• Bleeding between periods or after sex 
• Uncomfortable or painful sex  
• Lower belly pain 

If your vaginal discharges are not normal, you might have some kind of infection. The most common vaginal infections are:  

• Thrush 
• Bacterial vaginosis 
• Sexually transmissible infections (STIs)  

If it’s possible that you have an STI, it’s a good idea to get an STI test.

Even if you don’t have an infection, it’s best to find out why your vaginal discharge has changed. Make an appointment with us — we can help you work out what is going on, and how to help you if something is wrong. 

Your vagina doesn’t like to be bothered too much. Here are the best ways to keep your vagina healthy every day: 

• Use water only to wash your vulva and aim to wash every day — don’t use soap or any other hygiene products 
• Don’t wash the inside of your vagina — douching upsets the natural balance of your vaginal bacteria 
• Use a water-based lubricant when having sex 
• If you use tampons to manage your period, change them every few hours and avoid leaving it in overnight  
• When you use toilet paper, wipe from front to back 
• Try not to use perfumed soaps or panty-liners, or colourful toilet paper 
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing every day— let your vagina breathe!