Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMilky WhiteThick WhiteClumpy WhiteThick, White, StickyOther Discharge ColorsPreventionWhen to See a ProviderFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Milky White
Thick White
Clumpy White
Thick, White, Sticky
Other Discharge Colors
Prevention
When to See a Provider
FAQ
Whitevaginal dischargeis usually normal and a sign of a healthy reproductive system. Most people who have avaginahave some discharge.White milky white vaginal discharge is usually a sign of a normal menstrual cycle. Your discharge can give you a clue about what stage of the cycle you’re in. A milky white discharge can also be an early sign of pregnancy.However, there are times when white vaginal discharge is a sign of a problem like a yeast infection orbacterial vaginosis(BV). Vaginal infections usually cause a “cottage cheese-like” white discharge as well as other symptoms like itching, burning, and a foul odor.This article will go over what having milky white vaginal discharge and other discharge colors could mean, when vaginal discharge is normal, and when you should call your provider.Milky White DischargeMilky white discharge can be a sign that your body is preparing for ovulation. It could also be an early sign of pregnancy.When your body is getting ready to release an egg from an ovary (ovulate), it makes awatery discharge. The discharge will be thinner in consistency and may look like egg whites. It will also be odorless and cause no discomfort.If you become pregnant, you may have a clear or milky discharge. That is odorless and mild. This kind of white vaginal discharge is calledleukorrhea, and it’s a normal part of pregnancy.How Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?Thick White DischargeThroughout a person’s menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge can change in consistency and color. When it looks like a thick white discharge, it can be a sign ofovulation.What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?Your normal discharge may range from milky to white. It will vary from person to person.Tracking your menstrual cycleand taking note of how your discharge looks at different points can help you figure out when it’s normal and when it might not be.What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?Clumpy White DischargeIf you’re seeing clumpy white discharge, it can be a sign of a yeast infection. Vaginal discharge from a yeast infection usually has a thicker, clumpier consistency (like cottage cheese) and comes along with symptoms like burning and itchiness.How Common Are Vaginal Yeast Infections?Vaginal yeast infections are common. In most cases, they are very treatable. In fact, 75% of people with a vagina are likely to experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.The causes of a vaginal yeast infection vary. For example, wearing a wet bathing suit too long, douching, or taking antibiotics can cause yeast infections.Vaginal yeast infections are usually treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. However, if you get them often or they keep coming back, you should see your provider for treatment and find out if you have a condition likediabetesthat can make them more likely to happen.Your provider may prescribe antifungal medications such as oralfluconazole. Vivjoa (oteseconazole) is used for chronic yeast infection in females who are not able to become pregnant (for instance, because of menopause or hysterectomy).While the vagina is self-cleaning and a certain level of yeast is normal, having too much yeast can alter the pH of the vagina and cause an infection.Here are some tips for preventing vaginal yeast infections:Always change out of wet clothing or bathing suits as soon as possible:Yeastgrows best in wet and warm environments, making bathing suits and wet clothing the perfect setup for a yeast infection.Avoid douching:Douching can kill the bacteria that control yeast overgrowth in the vagina.Don’t use scented tampons or pads:Fragrance can be irritating to the vaginal tissues which are very sensitive.Keep your blood sugar levels as normal as possible if you have diabetes:Diabetes can make you more likely to get yeast infections. Managing the condition can help prevent them.Are Yeast Infections Contagious?Thick White Sticky DischargeThick white sticky discharge is a sign of a healthy vagina and menstrual cycle. The discharge acts as a barrier to protect the cervix from infection.As you get closer to ovulation, your vaginal discharge will thin out into a clear or milky discharge. This is a sign of fertility because it’s easier for sperm to swim through than a thicker discharge.Other Discharge ColorsVaginal discharge that is reddish-brown, green, yellow, or gray can be a sign of a health problem.Here is a list of what thecolor of your vaginal dischargecould be a sign of:Yellow:Infection, STIsGreen: Bacterial vaginosis, STIsGray:Bacterial vaginosisReddish-brown:The end of a period, infectionsPink:Implantation bleeding, pregnancy, the start of a period, vaginal injuryRed:Spotting, period, infections, miscarriage, cancerKeep in mind that the color of your vaginal discharge on its own is not always a reliable way to know what’s causing it. The amount of discharge, what it smells like, and the consistency of it also matter. If you have vaginal discharge that is unusual for you, tell your provider.Preventing Vaginal DischargeVaginal discharge is often completely normal and necessary for the health of your body. However, if you have excessive discharge, you can talk to your provider about ways to manage it.Coping with vaginal discharge can be as simple as wearing a liner in your underwear. If there is a medical cause for the discharge, your provider can recommend the best treatment for the underlying condition.When to See a Healthcare ProviderIf you have any vaginal discharge that could be from an infection, such as a thick, white, and chunky discharge, or any discharge that is abnormal for you, see your healthcare provider.Your provider will ask you about the odor, consistency, and color of the discharge, as well as whether you have symptoms like itching or burning. Your provider will also want to know if the discharge only happens at certain phases of your menstrual cycle or during or after sex.Based on the cause, your provider will tell you the best way to treat the vaginal discharge. If you have an infection that does not resolve after the first round of treatment, your provider may need to do more tests to figure out what’s causing it.SummaryVaginal discharge is normal and necessary for the health of your reproductive system. However, there are times when changes to your discharge can signal a problem.If you have vaginal discharge that is thick, clumpy, or an unusual color, call your provider. It can be a sign of an infection, like an STI, or another problem with your health.Frequently Asked QuestionsA thick white discharge can indicate that a person is ovulating. This is when their ovaries release a mature egg. However, the color and consistency of discharge can vary from one person to another. A change in the typical appearance of your discharge may be a sign of an infection.Abnormal discharge usually means changes in color, consistency, or amount. If there is itching, burning, pain during urination, bleeding outside of a period, or a foul odor paired with yellowish, greenish, or grayish-white discharge, it can be a sign of an infection or other health condition.In these cases, it’s best to contact a healthcare provider.Milky white discharge is sometimes an early sign of pregnancy, or it can mean the body is preparing for ovulation. People who are pregnant may have clear or milky and odorless discharge.
Whitevaginal dischargeis usually normal and a sign of a healthy reproductive system. Most people who have avaginahave some discharge.
White milky white vaginal discharge is usually a sign of a normal menstrual cycle. Your discharge can give you a clue about what stage of the cycle you’re in. A milky white discharge can also be an early sign of pregnancy.
However, there are times when white vaginal discharge is a sign of a problem like a yeast infection orbacterial vaginosis(BV). Vaginal infections usually cause a “cottage cheese-like” white discharge as well as other symptoms like itching, burning, and a foul odor.
This article will go over what having milky white vaginal discharge and other discharge colors could mean, when vaginal discharge is normal, and when you should call your provider.
Milky White Discharge
Milky white discharge can be a sign that your body is preparing for ovulation. It could also be an early sign of pregnancy.
When your body is getting ready to release an egg from an ovary (ovulate), it makes awatery discharge. The discharge will be thinner in consistency and may look like egg whites. It will also be odorless and cause no discomfort.
If you become pregnant, you may have a clear or milky discharge. That is odorless and mild. This kind of white vaginal discharge is calledleukorrhea, and it’s a normal part of pregnancy.
How Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?
Thick White Discharge
Throughout a person’s menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge can change in consistency and color. When it looks like a thick white discharge, it can be a sign ofovulation.
What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?Your normal discharge may range from milky to white. It will vary from person to person.
What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?
Your normal discharge may range from milky to white. It will vary from person to person.
Tracking your menstrual cycleand taking note of how your discharge looks at different points can help you figure out when it’s normal and when it might not be.
Clumpy White Discharge
If you’re seeing clumpy white discharge, it can be a sign of a yeast infection. Vaginal discharge from a yeast infection usually has a thicker, clumpier consistency (like cottage cheese) and comes along with symptoms like burning and itchiness.
How Common Are Vaginal Yeast Infections?Vaginal yeast infections are common. In most cases, they are very treatable. In fact, 75% of people with a vagina are likely to experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.
How Common Are Vaginal Yeast Infections?
Vaginal yeast infections are common. In most cases, they are very treatable. In fact, 75% of people with a vagina are likely to experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.
The causes of a vaginal yeast infection vary. For example, wearing a wet bathing suit too long, douching, or taking antibiotics can cause yeast infections.
Vaginal yeast infections are usually treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. However, if you get them often or they keep coming back, you should see your provider for treatment and find out if you have a condition likediabetesthat can make them more likely to happen.
Your provider may prescribe antifungal medications such as oralfluconazole. Vivjoa (oteseconazole) is used for chronic yeast infection in females who are not able to become pregnant (for instance, because of menopause or hysterectomy).While the vagina is self-cleaning and a certain level of yeast is normal, having too much yeast can alter the pH of the vagina and cause an infection.
Here are some tips for preventing vaginal yeast infections:
Are Yeast Infections Contagious?
Thick White Sticky Discharge
Thick white sticky discharge is a sign of a healthy vagina and menstrual cycle. The discharge acts as a barrier to protect the cervix from infection.
As you get closer to ovulation, your vaginal discharge will thin out into a clear or milky discharge. This is a sign of fertility because it’s easier for sperm to swim through than a thicker discharge.
Vaginal discharge that is reddish-brown, green, yellow, or gray can be a sign of a health problem.
Here is a list of what thecolor of your vaginal dischargecould be a sign of:
Keep in mind that the color of your vaginal discharge on its own is not always a reliable way to know what’s causing it. The amount of discharge, what it smells like, and the consistency of it also matter. If you have vaginal discharge that is unusual for you, tell your provider.
Preventing Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is often completely normal and necessary for the health of your body. However, if you have excessive discharge, you can talk to your provider about ways to manage it.
Coping with vaginal discharge can be as simple as wearing a liner in your underwear. If there is a medical cause for the discharge, your provider can recommend the best treatment for the underlying condition.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have any vaginal discharge that could be from an infection, such as a thick, white, and chunky discharge, or any discharge that is abnormal for you, see your healthcare provider.
Your provider will ask you about the odor, consistency, and color of the discharge, as well as whether you have symptoms like itching or burning. Your provider will also want to know if the discharge only happens at certain phases of your menstrual cycle or during or after sex.
Based on the cause, your provider will tell you the best way to treat the vaginal discharge. If you have an infection that does not resolve after the first round of treatment, your provider may need to do more tests to figure out what’s causing it.
Summary
Vaginal discharge is normal and necessary for the health of your reproductive system. However, there are times when changes to your discharge can signal a problem.
If you have vaginal discharge that is thick, clumpy, or an unusual color, call your provider. It can be a sign of an infection, like an STI, or another problem with your health.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA thick white discharge can indicate that a person is ovulating. This is when their ovaries release a mature egg. However, the color and consistency of discharge can vary from one person to another. A change in the typical appearance of your discharge may be a sign of an infection.Abnormal discharge usually means changes in color, consistency, or amount. If there is itching, burning, pain during urination, bleeding outside of a period, or a foul odor paired with yellowish, greenish, or grayish-white discharge, it can be a sign of an infection or other health condition.In these cases, it’s best to contact a healthcare provider.Milky white discharge is sometimes an early sign of pregnancy, or it can mean the body is preparing for ovulation. People who are pregnant may have clear or milky and odorless discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
A thick white discharge can indicate that a person is ovulating. This is when their ovaries release a mature egg. However, the color and consistency of discharge can vary from one person to another. A change in the typical appearance of your discharge may be a sign of an infection.
Abnormal discharge usually means changes in color, consistency, or amount. If there is itching, burning, pain during urination, bleeding outside of a period, or a foul odor paired with yellowish, greenish, or grayish-white discharge, it can be a sign of an infection or other health condition.In these cases, it’s best to contact a healthcare provider.
Milky white discharge is sometimes an early sign of pregnancy, or it can mean the body is preparing for ovulation. People who are pregnant may have clear or milky and odorless discharge.
4 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.Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1Sobel JD, Nyirjesy P.Oteseconazole: an advance in treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.Future Microbiol. 2021;16:1453-1461. doi:10.2217/fmb-2021-0173Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.American Academy of Family Physicians.Vaginal discharge.
4 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.Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1Sobel JD, Nyirjesy P.Oteseconazole: an advance in treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.Future Microbiol. 2021;16:1453-1461. doi:10.2217/fmb-2021-0173Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.American Academy of Family Physicians.Vaginal discharge.
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.
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1Sobel JD, Nyirjesy P.Oteseconazole: an advance in treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.Future Microbiol. 2021;16:1453-1461. doi:10.2217/fmb-2021-0173Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.American Academy of Family Physicians.Vaginal discharge.
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1
Sobel JD, Nyirjesy P.Oteseconazole: an advance in treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.Future Microbiol. 2021;16:1453-1461. doi:10.2217/fmb-2021-0173
Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Vaginal discharge.
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