Medical News Today: A color-coded guide to vaginal discharge

It is common to wonder whether the color or consistency of vaginal discharge is normal or needs to be checked out. Vaginal discharge can be many colors, and several indicate a healthy body.

In this article, we provide a color-coded guide to vaginal discharge. Learn what the colors mean and when to see a doctor.

What is vaginal discharge?

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Vaginal discharge is normal. However, some colors may indicate health issues.

Vaginal discharge is fluid secreted from tiny glands in the vagina and cervix. This fluid leaks from the vagina each day to remove old cells and debris, keeping the vagina and reproductive tract clean and healthy.

The amount of vaginal discharge can vary significantly from person to person. The color, consistency, and amount can also change from day to day, depending on where a person is in their menstrual cycle:

  • Days 1–5. At the beginning of the cycle, discharge is usually red or bloody, as the body sheds the uterine lining.
  • Days 6–14. Following a period, a person may notice less vaginal discharge than usual. As the egg starts to develop and mature, the cervical mucus will become cloudy and white or yellow. It may feel sticky.
  • Days 14–25. A few days before ovulation, the mucus will be thin and slippery, similar to the consistency of egg whites. After ovulation, the mucus will go back to being cloudy, white or yellow, and possibly sticky or tacky.
  • Days 25–28. The cervical mucus will lighten, and a person will see less of it, before getting another period.


Red color palette.

The shade of red can vary from bright to a dark rust color. Red discharge is most commonly the result of bleeding during a period.


Anyone who experiences bleeding between menstrual periods should see a doctor. Though there are many benign causes of intermenstrual bleeding, it can sometimes signal a serious condition.

Anyone who has gone through menopause and not had a period for at least 1 year should see a doctor if they experience vaginal bleeding. It can sometimes be a sign of endometrial cancer.

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White cream and yellow color palette.

The shade of white can extend to include cream or light yellow. If a person has no other symptoms, white discharge is most likely a sign of healthy lubrication.

However, if the white discharge has a consistency like cottage cheese or is accompanied by a strong odor, it can indicate an infection. An individual should see a doctor.

White, thick, strong-smelling discharge is usually associated with a yeast infection, which can also cause itching or irritation.


Yellow green color palette.

If the discharge has a very slight yellow hue, it may not indicate a problem. This is especially likely if the hue only coincides with a change in diet or dietary supplements.

Discharge that is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green usually signals a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. See a doctor promptly if vaginal discharge is thick or clumpy, or it has a foul odor.


Pink color palette.

Discharge can be light or a much deeper pink. It usually contains a little bit of blood.



Discharge can be pink after sexual intercourse if the sex has caused small tears or irritation in the vagina or cervix.

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Most ordinary vaginal discharge is clear or whitish. It may be slippery or have the consistency of egg whites.



Gray color palette.

Gray vaginal discharge is not healthy, and it can be a symptom of a common bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV).

BV usually causes other vaginal symptoms as well, including:

  • itching
  • irritation
  • a strong odor
  • redness around the vulva or vaginal opening

Anyone with gray discharge should promptly see a doctor. Following diagnosis, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the BV.

When to see the doctor

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Discuss any unexplained changes in vaginal discharge with a doctor.

See a doctor if vaginal discharge has an unusual smell or appearance. A person should also seek medical care if they experience vaginal symptoms such as:

  • itching
  • pain or discomfort
  • discharge that is frothy or like cottage cheese
  • bleeding between periods or after menopause
  • spotting after sex regularly
  • grey, green, or yellow discharge
  • a strong odor
  • a burning sensation during urination

The doctor will perform a pelvic exam. They may also need to take a sample of discharge for testing.

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Below is a summary of causes for each color of vaginal discharge:

In most people, infections or hormonal imbalances are responsible for unusual changes in vaginal discharge. Medication may be necessary.

A person should see a doctor if they notice irregular changes in vaginal discharge or other symptoms that might indicate a reproductive health issue.

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