Vaginal discharge is a natural and often healthy part of being a woman, yet it’s something surrounded by stigma, confusion and worry. Is it normal to have discharge everyday? Understanding what it looks like is the first step in taking control of your own health. Here’s something to guide you through the vaginal discharge to know if it’s just your body doing its job or if you need to consult your doctor.

Is It Normal to Have Discharge Everyday?

Yes, it’s normal to experience discharge everyday. It’s more common if you’re pregnant, ovulating or on birth control. The fluid is important in keeping your vagina clean and lubricated, helping fight harmful bacteria that may cause bacterial vaginosis. Here’s what a normal, daily discharge looks like:

• Color: Clear or whitish
• Consistency: Wet and slippery, thick and creamy or gooey
• Amount: Around 0.5 to 1 teaspoon or 2.5 to 5 milliliters of discharge
• Smell: Faint, nonoffensive odor

What Does a Normal Discharge Look Like?

There are several types of fluids, often categorized by consistency and color. 

• Creamy white: The most common discharge is creamy white mucus. It may appear at any time of your cycle, and the consistency may vary from sticky to gooey, but it is usually normal. What isn’t normal is when they become curdled like cottage cheese, which can be a sign of infection.
  
• Clear and mucous-like: A clear, stretchy discharge is more common when you’re ovulating. This happens because your estrogen level increases, signaling the ovaries to release an egg. Intercourse during this period increases your chances of pregnancy, since this type of discharge helps sperm to reach an egg.

• Clear and watery: This type of discharge happens when you’re sexually aroused. Your vagina lubricates itself with slippery fluid, anticipating sexual intercourse. Additionally, this is also common among pregnant women. The composition and amount of discharge can vary, but not a subject of concern.
  
• Brown: A brown discharge is only normal if it occurs before and after your menstrual cycle. Also known as spotting, it can appear when blood — usually from your previous period — mixes with your discharge. This may also be an early sign of pregnancy.

When Should Discharge be a Concern?

While it’s normal to have vaginal discharge daily, some appearances can be worrisome. If you notice any of this happening more frequently than usual, it’s time to see your doctor.

• Pink or Brown: Pinkish or brownish discharge accompanied by pain and other symptoms can be a sign of an underlying infection or inflammation.
  
• Yellow or green: A light yellow discharge is normal, but a clumpy appearance can indicate a yeast or vaginal infection. If you experience this with itching, consult your doctor immediately. Meanwhile, a yellowish-green discharge with a frothy appearance and pungent odor can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomoniasis.
  
• Gray: A thin, grayish discharge may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, a condition common among those who are sexually active. If you experience this with a fishy odor, itchiness and a burning sensation during urination, consult your doctor.
  
• Sudden change in looks or smell: If your discharge suddenly changes in consistency, color, or smell, it’s worth checking out. If it’s accompanied by pain, swelling or pain during intercourse or while peeing, those are worth checking out with your health care provider.

Does Discharge Change Throughout the Cycle?

Yes, your discharge varies depending on where you are in your cycle.

• Start of menstrual cycle: The discharge is usually red or bloody.
• Follicular phase: As the egg starts to develop, the cervical mucus turns white or yellow. You may get less discharge than usual during this phase.
• Ovulation phase: During this phase, you may get whitish or clear, gooey discharge, which is normal. At the latter part of the phase, the mucus will turn cloudy white and have a sticky or tacky consistency.
• Luteal phase: You may experience whitish discharge as the cervical mucus lightens.

Are There Other Factors That Can Cause Discharge?

Aside from your cycle, some factors that can affect your vaginal discharge include the following:

1. Hormonal Contraceptives

Women take hormonal contraceptives for various reasons, including managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS patients may take hormonal contraceptives to help regulate menstruation and hirsutism or unwanted hair growth.

2. Yeast Infection

A yeast infection happens when there’s abnormal yeast growth in the vagina. It results in a clunky discharge that resembles cottage cheese. 

3. Menopause

According to obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Jenna Beckham, discharge may also happen because of a lack of estrogen, which is common among postmenopausal women. 

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Abnormal discharge may be a symptom of STIs, like gonorrhea, chlamydia and genital herpes. Using barrier protection is the best way to reduce the risk of acquiring any of these infections.

5. Other Diseases

Sometimes, foul-smelling discharge can be a symptom of other diseases, like pelvic inflammatory disease. In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer or endometrial cancer.

How to Manage Discharge

Your discharge says a lot about your vaginal microbiome, so one way to normalize it is to take care of your overall reproductive health. Here are things to do to reduce your risk of abnormal discharge.

1. Avoid Douching

Douching is when you rinse, wash or spray the inside of your vagina with water. It often involves using a bottle to flush water or a liquid solution. Doing this can disrupt the natural balance of your vagina, which may lead to infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy complications.

2. Practice Safe Sex

Use condoms or dental dams during intercourse, especially with a new sexual partner. Get an STI test at least once a year.

3. Wash Gently

Use an unscented feminine wash when cleaning the areas around your vagina. Dry the area thoroughly before wearing underwear. If you have a period, change pads or tampons frequently.

4. Consult Your Doctor

When you suddenly get an unusual discharge and discomfort, contact your doctor immediately. Prevention is better than cure.

Take Care of Your Reproductive Health

Now that you know it’s normal to have discharge everyday and what to expect, you can feel more comfortable knowing that it’s just your body functioning as it should. As soon as you notice sudden changes in your discharge, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.