White Discharge: When It’s Normal and When It’s Not

Understanding Milky-White Discharge

Most of the time, milky or thick white vaginal discharge is completely normal. In fact, it’s a sign that your body is working properly. 

However, certain changes to vaginal discharge – such as a clumpy texture, a foul smell, or itching in and around the vagina – could indicate an infection. 

Read on to learn about the different types of white discharge, what they may mean, and when you should see a doctor. 

What Is Milky-White Discharge?

The texture of normal vaginal discharge can range from watery to thick and gooey. Milky-white discharge is usually thicker and has a creamy appearance. White discharge can be almost clear, milky-white, or even off-white. It may even have a slight odor, but it should never be unpleasant.

Discharge is heavily influenced by your reproductive hormones, which is why it changes in color and consistency throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Differentiating Milky-White Discharge from Other Types of Discharge

After your period, discharge becomes thin, sticky, and milky-white in color. In the days leading up to ovulation, it may thicken and become creamier in texture. During ovulation, it becomes stretchier and often resembles raw egg whites.

Milky-white discharge can also be an early sign of pregnancy. This is due to an increase in pregnancy hormones (such as progesterone, estrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)), which are preparing the body for pregnancy.

Thin milky-white or grayish-white discharge with a fishy smell – or thick, clumpy milky-white discharge – can indicate a vaginal condition, such as bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis. 

White vs. Clumpy Discharge: How to Tell the Difference?

The texture, color, smell, and amount of discharge is unique to everyone. 

The important thing to pay attention to is how your discharge changes, and if these changes are normal for you. 

Sudden changes could indicate an infection or underlying condition. You should speak to your healthcare provider if you notice:

• A sudden change in color or consistency that you’ve never experienced before.

• Your discharge is yellow, green, or gray in color.

• Your normal discharge becomes foul-smelling.

• Your discharge is also accompanied by itching, pain, and/or burning around the vagina or inside the vagina.

Is Thick White Discharge Normal?

Yes. Thick white discharge, also called leukorrhea, is completely normal. Most women experience some leukorrhea throughout the menstrual cycle, with the volume increasing during pregnancy.

The purpose of leukorrhea is to help keep the vagina clean and moist. It also helps sperm travel to the cervix.

What Causes Thick White Discharge?

Physiological Factors

Ovulation

If you track your menstrual cycle characteristics using a diary or cycle-tracking app (like the Mira App), you may notice that your vaginal discharge becomes clear, slippery, and watery around ovulation. This is due to rising estrogen levels, which help to create a sperm-friendly environment in the vagina. 

Pregnancy

An increase in volume of white discharge a few weeks after ovulation may be an early sign of pregnancy.

While leukorrhea in early pregnancy is usually milky-white in color, it can also be thin, clear, and slippery – similar to the raw egg white discharge often experienced during ovulation. This change in vaginal discharge is caused by changing hormones, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and hCG.

During pregnancy, vaginal discharge plays an essential role in keeping harmful bacteria out of the cervix and preventing infections.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s cycle is different, and milky-white discharge does not always mean pregnancy. The only way to know for sure if you are pregnant is by taking a pregnancy test no sooner than one day after your missed period. 

Sexual Arousal

When you are sexually aroused, you may notice more discharge as it thickens and increases. This is normal and expected since this fluid helps clean, protect, and lubricate the vagina.

Microbiome Imbalance and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Yeast Infection

Discharge caused by a yeast infection may appear white or off-white in color. It may also be thick and clumpy in texture, often resembling cottage cheese.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of candida, or yeast, that grows naturally in the vagina. This can happen when the vagina is not kept clean and dry (for example, if you sit too long in a wet bathing suit). Or, less frequently, due to certain medications or medical conditions. 

Due to hormonal fluctuations, yeast infections are more common during pregnancy. They can also indirectly affect fertility, as it may be more difficult to conceive if you have a recurrent yeast infection. 

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance of normal vaginal flora. This infection can cause a change in the amount, color, and consistency of discharge.

Trichomoniasis

This infection, transmitted by sexual contact, is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and it’s possible to be infected without knowing it.

With trichomoniasis, discharge can have a frothy consistency. It may also be accompanied by a soreness of the genitals, painful sex, and itching/burning sensations in the vagina. 

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

Both gonorrhea and chlamydia are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can change the look of vaginal discharge. They can also cause painful urination and discharge that is white, green, or yellow in color.  

Hormonal Imbalances

Vaginal discharge is controlled by your hormones. If your hormones are not in balance, this can cause a change to the look and feel of your vaginal discharge. 

Allergic Reactions or Irritation

Allergens and irritants can disrupt the vagina. For this reason, milky-white discharge may simply be an allergic reaction or response to irritation in or around the vagina. Common irritants include:

• Detergents

• Lubricants

• Sex toys 

• Soaps

Symptoms Associated with Milky-White Discharge

Itching and Irritation

If milky-white discharge is accompanied by itching, swelling, or redness around the vulva and/or vagina, this often indicates an underlying issue in need of medical attention. 

Unusual Odor

Vaginal odor can change day to day and throughout your cycle. But if it becomes foul-smelling or unusual (for you), it may indicate an underlying concern – such as an infection. 

Not all smells are bad though. For example, odors caused by sweating or sexual intercourse are typically normal. 

However, it’s always worth speaking to your doctor about an odor that is persistently strong and/or abnormal. 

Pain or Discomfort

Thick white discharge may be normal for you. However, if it is accompanied by pain, it could also be a sign of an underlying health issue. Pain or discomfort coupled with a change in your discharge is always a reason to see your doctor. 

Abnormal Color or Texture

Changes in the color and texture of discharge can also indicate an underlying concern. Getting to know the regular colors of your discharge can help you better understand when to seek help. 

It’s important to note that not all colors are bad and do not always indicate a problem. If your discharge becomes abnormal for you, it’s time to seek healthcare advice to rule out any underlying conditions.

Other Associated Symptoms

Other symptoms to look out for include:

• Burning sensation when you pee or have sex

• Missing periods

• Rashes or sores in/around the vagina

• Spotting

It’s important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms alongside milky-white or abnormal discharge.

When to See a Doctor

Unless you notice any unusual signs or symptoms, you should assume that your vaginal discharge is normal, healthy, and nothing to worry about. 

Some of the signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for include:

• Thin, watery gray or brown discharge with a fishy odor

• White, yellow, or bloody discharge with a foul odor

• Thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese

• Discharge that significantly differs from your usual vaginal discharge

• Itching or burning of the vagina and/or vulva

• Painful urination and/or sexual activity

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment from your doctor as soon as possible. Most of the time, an underlying problem or infection is nothing to worry about. However, prompt treatment is required to protect your long-term reproductive health and fertility. 

Treatment Options for Milky-White Discharge

Non-Infectious Causes

If your milky-white discharge is abnormal, or if you find it bothersome, there are some things you can do to manage it. 

Lifestyle and Hygiene Changes

The vagina maintains a certain pH, which can be thrown off by hygiene products containing fragrance or chemicals. To keep yourself clean, always use an unscented, gynecologist-tested soap on the vulva only. You should never use scented sprays or douches, nor should you ever wash inside the vagina.

You can also maintain proper vaginal hygiene by keeping the vagina dry. Always change out of swimsuits and sweaty gym clothes ASAP to prevent yeast infections, as yeast can overgrow when the vagina is in a damp environment. You should also wear 100% cotton underwear to keep the vagina clean and dry.

Lastly, vaginal hygiene should always include using a barrier method of contraception – such as a condom or dental dam – during sexual activity. Other forms of birth control, like the oral contraceptive pill, do not protect against STIs, so you need to use a barrier method anytime you engage in sexual activity with a new partner.

If you struggle with recurrent vaginal infections or other vaginal conditions, it can also help to enrich your diet with probiotics. These beneficial organisms grow naturally in the vagina and help maintain a healthy pH. You can find probiotics in certain foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods are filled with them. 

You can also take a dietary supplement containing probiotics. Probiotic supplements are sold over the counter at many drugstores and supermarkets. You should look for a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, which comprises most of the vaginal flora. The best probiotics have over one billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of live probiotics. Keep them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.

Infectious Causes

When milky-white discharge is caused by an infection, the only way to treat it is with the appropriate medication.

Antifungal medications

The treatment for yeast infections is an antifungal medication. You can purchase intravaginal antifungal medication at the drugstore. Or, if you would rather take a pill, you can see your doctor for a prescription.

Antibiotics

If you have an STI like chlamydia or gonorrhea, you will need to take antibiotics. Antibiotics are only available with a prescription. Sometimes, you may be able to get relief in as little as one dose of antibiotics.

Other prescription medications

The choice of medication used to treat milky-white discharge will depend on the cause of the discharge. Popular prescription medications include antibiotics and antifungals. These can come in the form of a pill, cream, or suppository.

Alternative Remedies and Natural Treatments

There are a variety of natural remedies and treatments that can help relieve milky-white discharge. 

Many remedies are aimed at changing the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina with the help of foods that naturally contain probiotics (such as yogurt or fermented foods). What you eat can contribute greatly to the overall health of your vagina. Many times, these treatments are used as a complement to your doctor’s treatment.

Follow-up Care and Prevention

If you have successfully treated the underlying cause of your milky-white discharge, no follow-up care is needed. 

There is no way to prevent vaginal discharge. It is part of a normal, healthy reproductive system. 

Managing excessive discharge may be as easy as wearing a panty liner. It’s also important to be mindful of what’s ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’ for you and your discharge. If something doesn’t feel right, seek treatment from your healthcare provider. 

The Dos and Don'ts of Good Vaginal Health

White Discharge and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Thin, milky-white discharge can be a sign that you are approaching your fertile window — or even that you’re pregnant. To tell the difference, it’s important to pay attention to timing.

If you experience milky-white discharge after your period but before the middle of your cycle, it may be a sign that you are approaching your fertile window and ovulation. If you are actively trying to conceive (TTC), tracking these subtle changes in discharge can help you know when to have sex. 

Alternatively, thin, milky-white discharge after ovulation but before your period could indicate early pregnancy – especially if you are having more vaginal discharge than usual. If you think you might be pregnant, you should take a pregnancy test no sooner than one day after your missed period.

For accurate pregnancy planning, we recommend using the Mira Monitor. With Mira, you can see how your fertility hormones fluctuate in real time and better understand where you are in your cycle. 

Final Thoughts: What Does White Discharge Mean for Vaginal Health? 

Most of the time, milky-white discharge is a sign that your reproductive system is happy, healthy, and working properly. 

There is a broad spectrum of what is considered ‘normal’ when it comes to vaginal discharge. In order to maintain good vaginal health, it’s important to be mindful of what is ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’ for you and seek medical guidance if your discharge feels ‘off’.

You should also speak with your doctor if you experience discharge that is:

• Gray, green, or yellow in color

• Accompanied by a foul-smelling odor

• Frothy or clumpy in texture

• Accompanied by itching, burning, or redness in or around the vagina

These symptoms may indicate an underlying health concern, such as a yeast infection or STI, that is in need of immediate treatment.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is milky white discharge normal?

Yes. Milky-white discharge (sometimes called ‘leukorrhea’) is normal. Most women experience some leukorrhea during their menstrual cycle. It’s also common to experience an increase in leukorrhea in early pregnancy.

What does milky-white discharge indicate during pregnancy?

An increase in milky-white discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy. This increase in discharge is a consequence of an increase in pregnancy hormones. 

Can stress cause milky white discharge?

Yes. Chronic stress can cause hormonal changes in the body. This in turn can lead to changes in discharge. 

Can hormonal birth control affect vaginal discharge?

Yes. Hormonal birth control can cause cervical fluid to thicken, which may lead to changes in vaginal discharge.  

How long does a yeast infection last?

Mild infections may only last a few days, while moderate to severe infections can take months to resolve.

What are the possible complications of untreated bacterial vaginosis?

Untreated bacterial vaginosis (BV) can increase the risk of STIs and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you are pregnant, BV can also increase the risk of early labor or birth. 

Can milky white discharge be a sign of an STI?

Sometimes. An increase in abnormal milky-white discharge may indicate an STI. 

What are the risk factors for developing vaginal infections?

You may be at a greater risk of developing a vaginal infection if you:

• Use contraceptive devices (such as diaphragms and cervical caps) 

• Have a weakened immune system

• Are sexually active

• Have certain health conditions, such as cancer or diabetes

How can I prevent milky white discharge?

Normal milky-white discharge is healthy and cannot be prevented. 

To prevent abnormal milky-white discharge due to infection, consider the following recommendations:

• Wear breathable cotton underwear.

• Use a barrier method of contraception with new sexual partners.

• Incorporate natural probiotics and probiotic supplements into your diet.

• Seek medical advice if you experience vaginal discharge that is accompanied by itching, burning, or a foul-smelling odor.

• Always take the full course of medication prescribed to you.