Pretty much no one likes to talk about discharge — even if you're usually an oversharer, the word probably makes you cringe a little. In fact, researchers think part of the reason people hate the word "moist" so much is that it reminds them of vaginal discharge. (Seriously.)
Of course, we're sloooowly starting to get past some of the weird taboos about periods and pit hair, so who knows — maybe someday discharge won't be such a hush-hush topic either. After all, discharge is not only totally normal but it's actually crazy helpful too. "The purpose of discharge is to keep the vagina healthy by cleaning, moisturizing, and preventing infections," says Stephanie Wyckoff, MD, an OB/GYN at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. In addition to keeping things balanced, it can also alert you when something's out of whack. Here's what's normal and what's not.
1. Thin and clear
This is your standard-issue discharge — near the beginning of your menstrual cycle, your discharge will most likely be clear and watery, or thin and milky-white. As long as you're not having any weird symptoms like itching or a funky odor, you're good to go.
2. Stringy or stretchy
"Around day 14 of your cycle, you may notice a discharge the consistency of egg whites," says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB/GYN and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. This is a normal part of your cycle, but heads up — it typically means you're ovulating (the slippery texture helps sperm swim to the cervix) so if you're sexually active, now would be a good time to be extra, extra careful.
3. Thicker than usual
If you're not having any other symptoms, like a strong odor or itchiness or discomfort down there, it's probably just normal end-of-cycle creaminess. "Discharge usually increases in thickness during the second half of your cycle," Dr. Wyckoff says. If everything seems fine otherwise, don't stress about it.
4. Super heavy
It's normal to see a little more discharge near the end of your cycle, and if you're taking hormonal birth control, that can make it heavier too. But there are a few other possible causes for the excess moistness (sorry) — like an infection, a lost tampon, or a reaction to a new soap. If it's bothering you, let your doctor know.
5. Brown or bloody
If you just got done with your period, it's likely leftover blood evacuating the premises. But if you have random mid-month spotting, or this isn't the first time you've noticed blood in the mix, or even if you're just weirded out by it, talk to your gyno — she can help you figure out what might be causing it. "Brownish or blood-tinged vaginal discharge could be from a vaginal infection, a lost tampon, an ovarian cyst, or something within the uterus like a polyp," Dr. Ross says. None of those are panic-worthy, but you want to get treated ASAP if something's going on down there.
6. White and clumpy
A thick, white discharge with the texture of cottage cheese is a common yeast infection symptom. Let your doctor know — especially if you have other symptoms like an itchy vag, irritated labia, or pain when you pee. The good news? "Yeast infections are easily treated," Dr. Wyckoff says.
7. Yellow or green
Discharge can become slightly discolored when it hits the air, so if you notice some pale yellow discharge in your undies, that's the most likely explanation. But if your discharge is a thick yellow or green, it could be a sign of an infection — even a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Your gyno can do a few quick and painless tests to see what's going on.
8. Grayish
"A strong, foul, fishy odor with a thin, grayish-white discharge is a classic symptom of a bacterial infection," Dr. Wyckoff says. Of course, not every odor is caused by an infection — it could just be something as simple as what you ate today — but it's still worth a trip to the gyno to rule out something more serious.
9. Nonexistent
It's okay if you don't have any discharge at all — everyone's output is different. "As long as you're not experiencing any other unusual symptoms, your vagina is completely normal," Dr. Ross says. And hey, you get to rock white undies without stressing. If the dryness is making you uncomfortable or irritated, though — you guessed it — let your gyno know.