Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge can happen for many reasons, and it doesn't always mean you have an STI.
There is usually nothing to worry about if your discharge is:
- odourless (no unpleasant smell)
- clear or white
- thick and sticky
- slippery and wet
The amount of discharge you notice can change from time to time. You may notice heavier or more frequent discharge if you are:
- pregnant
- sexually active
- using contraception, such as the contraceptive pill
During ovulation, it is normal to notice more slippery, wet discharge.
Contact your GP or a sexual health service if you have vaginal discharge along with any of the following:
- pelvic pain
- bleeding between periods or after sex
- pain when peeing
- itching, soreness or blisters
- a change in the colour, smell or texture of your discharge
It is worth paying attention to anything that does not feel normal for you, including discharge that is:
- foul-smelling
- thick and white, like cottage cheese
- green or yellow and frothy
- accompanied by pain or bleeding
- accompanied by itching, blisters or sores
STIs that can cause vaginal discharge include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and trichomonas.
If you are sexually active and notice any unusual discharge, contact your local sexual health clinic so you can be tested for STIs.
Vaginal discharge can also be caused by thrush or bacterial vaginosis. You may be asked to visit your local sexual health clinic for a vaginal examination, so you can get the right treatment.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Treatment
If discharge is happening and you don't think it's from an STI, you can visit your local pharmacy for advice.
If discharge is happening and you think there's a chance it could be from an STI, you should contact your local sexual health clinic. If they think you need treatment or aftercare for anything that's caused your vaginal discharge, you'll be given this for free.
Free treatment is available for:
- vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush
- all STIs
Genital hygiene
You can't always prevent vaginal discharge. But it's important to keep your vagina clean and healthy. Your vagina cleans itself internally, so you don't need to clean inside it with things like a vaginal douche.
You can use panty liners if you experience heavy discharge, but don't use them all the time, as they can cause irritation.
Read genital washing advice. Don't include personal information, such as your name, location, or any personal health conditions.