Understanding Vaginal Discharge and What It Means

Understanding Vaginal Discharge and What It Means

Naomi Moore Naomi Moore
4 minute read

Listen to article
Audio generated by DropInBlog's Blog Voice AI™ may have slight pronunciation nuances. Learn more

Different colors of vaginal discharge and what they mean

No woman wants to see a big, sticky blotch of discharge when she takes off her panties—especially on a night that might get hot and steamy!

In this article, you’ll learn:

  • The different types of vaginal discharge
  • How to know if your discharge is normal
  • What to do when it’s not

Discharge Is Normal

Let’s start by saying that vaginal discharge is completely normal. It's your vagina's way of cleaning itself—removing dead cells and bacteria to stay healthy.

Discharge is how your body keeps things fresh, so don’t be alarmed when you see it.

How Does Vaginal Discharge Happen?

Your vagina is supported by an army of good bacteria that work hard to keep it clean. Think of it as your personal cleaning crew, fighting off bad bacteria.

When your vagina is done cleaning, it “throws the mop water away” through discharge. This flow comes from the uterus to the cervix, cleaning out bad bacteria and dead cells.

Everyone experiences discharge at some point, and for many women, it happens daily.

However, some types of discharge can signal that something is wrong and needs attention.

How to Tell What’s Normal or Not by Your Discharge

Your discharge can give you important clues about your vaginal health. Here are four things to watch for:

  1. Color
  2. Smell
  3. Volume
  4. Consistency

#1. Color

Normal discharge is sticky and can be creamy white, light grey, or even colorless. The color often depends on the woman and can change during the menstrual cycle.

Any color outside this range, like pure white, red, or brown, could indicate an issue:

  • Red Discharge: If your discharge has a red tint, it usually means your period is coming soon. However, if it’s red in the middle of your cycle, see a doctor—it could indicate an injury or infection.
  • Brown Discharge: Brownish discharge right before or after your period is normal. This happens because old blood is breaking down in your vagina. But if it happens at other times, it could signal an infection.
  • Green, Yellow, or Blue Discharge: These colors typically indicate a bacterial infection, STI, or overgrowth of harmful bacteria. You should see a doctor if you notice this.

#2. Smell and Texture

  • Curdy Discharge: A white, curdy texture often means a yeast infection. It may come with itching and discomfort.
  • Fishy or Foul-Smelling Discharge: A strong fishy smell suggests bacterial vaginosis (BV), where bad bacteria have taken over. This needs treatment, and a boric acid suppository like FlowerPower’s Boric Acid Suppositories can help restore balance.

#3. Volume

Some women naturally experience more discharge than others, and that’s okay. If your discharge volume suddenly increases, visit your doctor to make sure everything is fine.

  • Heavy Discharge: Increased discharge is normal during intercourse or when aroused. Drinking plenty of water can also increase the amount of discharge.
  • Vaginal Dryness: Very little discharge may mean your vaginal cells aren't producing enough moisture, which is common in post-menopausal women. A vaginal moisture supplement like She Juicy can help.

#4. Consistency

Pay attention to any changes in the consistency of your discharge. For example, if your discharge suddenly becomes thinner or changes color, this could be a sign that something is off.

What Your Discharge Is Telling You

Your vaginal discharge is a natural way your body communicates with you. So when it changes, don’t ignore it. If something feels off, it’s always best to check with your doctor.

Have any questions? Feel free to email us at hello@getflowerpower.com.

You can also check out FlowerPower’s best-selling vaginal health products here.

« Back to Blog