Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBacterial VaginosisTrichomoniasisChlamydiaGonorrheaWhen to See a DoctorFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Bacterial Vaginosis
Trichomoniasis
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
When to See a Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
The consistency, amount, color, and smell of discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle for a number of reasons, includingpregnancy, use of birth control, andmenopause. It may also change due to the presence of an infection.
Grey discharge is not normal and could indicate an infection. Read on for more about infections that may cause changes in vaginal discharge and when to seek medical care.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Grey vaginal discharge can be a sign ofbacterial vaginosis(BV). BV is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.
Causes and Risk Factors of Bacterial Vaginosis
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with BV include:
Though not everyone who has a trichomoniasis infection hassymptoms, some may experience:
It is possible to have chlamydia and have nosymptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include:
If a person does havesymptoms, they may experience:
How Much Discharge Is Normal?The amount of discharge can be different for each person, but one to one-half teaspoon of discharge per day is common.
How Much Discharge Is Normal?
The amount of discharge can be different for each person, but one to one-half teaspoon of discharge per day is common.
If your vaginal discharge is a different consistency,color, smell, or amount than what is normal for you, discuss it with your healthcare provider. It’s possible that the change in vaginal discharge may not be due to an infection, but a provider can help determine the cause.
They may test you for common infections and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
Summary
Vaginal discharge is common and is usually normal for people who have vaginas. There are many reasons that a change in the color, consistency, amount, or smell of discharge may occur. Some causes require treatment. Other causes are associated with non-medical issues, such as pregnancy, birth control use, or menopause.
If changes in vaginal discharge are associated with characteristic vaginal or sexually transmitted infections, talk with a healthcare provider to identify the cause and appropriate treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Though vaginal discharge is normal, it’s still important to get familiar with what your discharge typically looks and smells like day-to-day. That way, you can better identify if there is an unexpected change in the amount, texture, color, or smell of your discharge.
If and when you do notice a change, speak with a healthcare provider. They can help investigate why the change in discharge occurred and if it requires any treatment. If you are sexually active, they can also speak with you about STI testing, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Vaginal discharge typically is clear or white and may have a thick consistency. Grey discharge may look slightly off-color and have a different consistency, such as being foamy or having a cottage-cheese texture. These changes are often associated with an infection.
Generally, vaginal discharge does not have a smell.However, a strong or “fishy” smelling discharge may indicate the presence of an infection.
The presence of estrogen in the body triggers the production of vaginal discharge. The discharge itself is made up of cells, fluid, and naturally occurring bacteria from the vagina and cervix. It is a normal and common experience for people with vaginas.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.UpToDate.Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (beyond the basics).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About bacterial vaginosis (BV).MedlinePlus.Trichomoniasis.MedlinePlus.Chlaymdia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chlamydia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gonorrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & Infertility.Nemours Teen Health.Vaginal discharge: What’s normal, what’s not.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.UpToDate.Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (beyond the basics).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About bacterial vaginosis (BV).MedlinePlus.Trichomoniasis.MedlinePlus.Chlaymdia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chlamydia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gonorrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & Infertility.Nemours Teen Health.Vaginal discharge: What’s normal, what’s not.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
UpToDate.Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (beyond the basics).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About bacterial vaginosis (BV).MedlinePlus.Trichomoniasis.MedlinePlus.Chlaymdia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chlamydia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gonorrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & Infertility.Nemours Teen Health.Vaginal discharge: What’s normal, what’s not.
UpToDate.Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (beyond the basics).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About bacterial vaginosis (BV).
MedlinePlus.Trichomoniasis.
MedlinePlus.Chlaymdia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chlamydia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About gonorrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & Infertility.
Nemours Teen Health.Vaginal discharge: What’s normal, what’s not.
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