If there is one type of vaginal discharge that seems to send everyone into confusion, it is white discharge. Is it normal? Is it not? What causes milky white discharge? Am I healthy if I have it?
Having vaginal discharge is completely normal – most women and girls get it. It's a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist and protects it from infection.
Usually, the very first discharge occurs during puberty and then continues throughout our lives. The amount often decreases with age and varies in quantity during different periods of life. During pregnancy for example, it is not uncommon to have abundant vaginal discharge.
Always remember that if your discharge changes – for example, in smell, colour or texture – it might be a sign of an infection. But do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.
01 Back to basics: What is vaginal discharge?
Discharge is a mucus-like substance produced by the glands in the vagina and cervix as part of the body’s process to keep itself clean, healthy, and clear of infection.
Most of the time it is a clear, sticky substance, but at different points in our monthly cycles – and in our lives – vaginal discharge can change colour, texture, and smell. Usually, there is nothing to worry about, it is just our hormones at work, and any changes to discharge are a result of that.
02 What is white discharge?
If its colour is whitish and its consistency uniform and not too thick, it is probably a normal discharge, which is not a cause for concern. Milky white discharge in women, or in this case natural mucus, is odourless and its quantity does not cause discomfort in daily life or physical activities. The abundance of mucus is usually small enough to be absorbed into underwear, but some women prefer to wear pantyliners to feel dry.
Observing vaginal discharge is not only helpful in detecting infections, for some, tracking changes in the consistency and colour of mucus can be part of natural family planning identifying fertile days in a woman's menstrual cycle.
03 What causes white discharge?
The most likely causes of milky white discharge are hormonal changes. Hormonal levels are continually changing throughout the month depending on the function needed by the body at a certain point, but usually white discharge, especially at the start or end of your menstrual cycle, is completely normal.
The most common reason for white discharge is that you are about to begin your period. For a few days at the end of one cycle and the beginning of the next, you may find the clear liquid replaced with a milky white discharge, whose amount increases, and its texture becomes thicker.
This is caused by your body releasing more oestrogen.
A surge of progesterone in the bloodstream after you have ovulated, and an egg has been released can also be a reason for milky white discharge.
The situation changes when the white vaginal discharge becomes thick and lumpy and when it starts to be accompanied by other symptoms, for example:
- persistent itching,
- irritation of the mucous membranes and delicate skin of the intimate area,
- pain.
This can indicate an infection. If you are experiencing these symptoms or are concerned about your discharge, we recommend you seek medical advice.
04 What does white discharge mean?
A white vaginal discharge is usually a sign that a woman's body is functioning normally, especially when its consistency is uniform and not too thick. If, in addition, the white discharge in women has an unpleasant odour and becomes thick and lumpy, it may indicate the presence of bacteria or fungi in the vagina. In which case we recommend you seek medical advice.
05 Different types of white vaginal discharge
A white stretchy discharge is perfectly normal and may also be of a much thicker consistency. During ovulation, a thin white discharge can appear, but in other phases of the cycle, it can also be of a much thicker consistency. However, at times its appearance may vary and differ from that of a regular white discharge.
The types of white discharge can be divided into:
- yellowish discharge - if the discharge becomes yellowish and has an unpleasant odour and you experience a burning and itching sensation, it may indicate a bacterial infection;
- milky white discharge - a white discharge resembling curdled milk may indicate a fungal infection, the milky discharge may resemble curdled milk and is often accompanied by itching, burning, an unpleasant odour, or redness in the intimate area. Vaginal Candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, is most commonly caused by Candida yeast;
- Greyish discharge, greenish or white vaginal discharge - with an unpleasant strong odour, may indicate a vaginal infection caused by a disruption of the vaginal flora;
- Thick creamy or white discharge - which has a granular consistency, sometimes with white lumps and may be accompanied by itching, indicates vaginitis.
06 How white discharge changes with age?
The appearance of vaginal discharge also depends on age. In mature women, the discharge is more abundant, while after menopause, it is no longer secreted. In girls, on the other hand, vaginal discharge is white and odourless. The appearance of a white vaginal discharge should not be a cause for concern, but if it has an unpleasant odour, we recommend you seek medical advice.
07 White discharge as an early sign of pregnancy
White discharge can also be an early sign of pregnancy, as extra discharge is produced to help keep the vagina clean. By effectively cleansing out the vagina, it acts to prevent any infections from getting up into the womb to the baby. Changes can start as early as 1-2 weeks after conception, that is, even before noticing the absence of menstruation. Normal discharge at the beginning of pregnancy is clear or milky white and does not have a strong smell. Only their abundance changes.
08 What stage of cycle is milky discharge?
Milky-white vaginal discharge is a physiological phenomenon that plays an essential role in the menstrual cycle and intimate health of a woman. Its consistency and amount vary depending on the phase of the cycle, influenced primarily by hormones, especially oestrogens. Before ovulation, the discharge becomes more abundant and elastic, facilitating fertilisation, while in later phases, it may take on a thicker, whitish form. It can also be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Although it is usually a sign of a well-functioning body, it is important to monitor any changes in its appearance, smell, or consistency, as they may indicate an infection or other health issues requiring medical consultation.
09 Is white discharge normal?
White vaginal discharge is a sign of the normal functioning of the female body and is one of the first signs of puberty. It is made up of cervical mucus, bacteria and cells of the exfoliated vaginal epithelium, where lactic acid bacilli are found.
White discharge before period, and sometimes a yellowish vaginal discharge, is a natural phenomenon, provided that its abundance does not cause discomfort and is not accompanied by any worrying symptoms. It may be noticeable on underwear, but its quantity should not cause discomfort in daily life.
10 When is white discharge a cause for concern?
White discharge with odour raises some flags, especially if it is a strong bread-like or unpleasant odour.
If you also find you have any other symptoms that are concerning you – in particular, if you have white discharge and itching, your vagina is sore or irritated, or if the discharge is lumpy, we recommend you seek medical advice as a doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment.
1. Yeast infection
One of the reasons for the thick white discharge may be a yeast infection – also known as thrush. This is particularly likely if your discharge has clumpy or cottage cheese - like consistency, possibly with strong odours, and if you have any other symptoms such as itching in the area.
You don’t need to be sexually active to get this. If you think this is the cause of your white discharge, visit a healthcare provider as you may need treatment. For example, your doctor may give you a cream or gel to help clear it up. Don’t worry: many women experience this in their lifetime, and it can usually be sorted out within a few weeks if treated correctly.
2. Bacterial infection
If you notice your white discharge giving off a strong fishy odour, you may well have a bacterial infection or bacterial vaginosis (where there is an imbalance of the bacteria in your vagina). This is often combined with watery white discharge. Just as with a yeast infection, you don’t need to be sexually active to develop this. Do visit your doctor to seek treatment.
3. Sexually transmitted infection
A sexually transmitted disease may also be a reason for thick white discharge and may be accompanied by a strong smell or pain in the pelvic area. You should seek medical advice and get treated as soon as possible.
11 How can I manage white discharge?
If there are no causes for it other than your body’s natural cycle, then don’t worry! If you would prefer a product to help with any stains or dampness you could try an Always Daily pantyliner for dry underwear feel and daily freshness. They are light and breathable, as well as thin, so you will barely feel like you are wearing one. As they have been dermatologically tested, they are safe to wear daily.
12 Keeping track of the changes in your discharge
The main point to remember in all of this is that when you think about what is ‘normal’, it is what is normal for you - not everyone else. Get to know your own cycle, as changes to it can give you a clue as to what is happening in your body.
It might even be worth keeping a diary of the type of discharge you experience throughout a typical month, so you know what to expect, and can spot any changes or potential problems more easily. Record in it what colour your discharge is and the consistency, for example, white discharge before your period. This should give you a better understanding of what is going on.