Daily vaginal discharge is normal unless it’s accompanied by other symptoms, like itching, burning, or a bad odor. It’s easy to think of discharge as an inconvenience, but it’s actually a pretty amazing aspect of vaginal health. And as with all things related to the human body, what is “normal” can be up for interpretation. 

Read on to learn more, including what normal vaginal discharge looks like, how much is normal, and when to see a healthcare provider.

What is vaginal discharge? 

Vaginal discharge is fluid from the cervix and vagina that helps clear out old cells and keep your reproductive tract clean. Aside from menstrual blood, practically any fluid leaving the vagina can be characterized as vaginal discharge — think of it as the solution your vagina uses to self-clean.  

Though “normal” varies slightly from person to person, normal vaginal discharge is generally mucus-like, clear, whiteish, or slightly yellow. Discharge can have a slight odor (it’s a cocktail of dead vaginal skin cells and bacteria that comes out of an organ, after all), and normal discharge can smell faintly musky, sour, or “earthy”. Closer to your period, you might notice that the smell of your discharge is a bit more noticeable or starts to smell more metallic. 

Vaginal discharge also responds to the hormonal fluctuations caused by your menstrual cycle and follows a pretty predictable pattern. Typically speaking, healthy vaginal discharge will follow a monthly pattern. Normal vaginal discharge types include:  

  • Dry  discharge: after your period, there may be little to no cervical mucus or discharge present.
  • Sticky and white: as estrogen levels start to rise, CM becomes sticky and pasty (often crumbly and white when dried). 
  • Creamy vaginal discharge: as the water content increases throughout your menstrual cycle, discharge can start to look milky, similar to lotion.‍
  • Clear sticky vaginal discharge:  just before ovulation, CM becomes clear and resembles the consistency of raw egg whites. After ovulation, CM returns to dry and sticky until your next period and the cycle continues.

Any changes in the odor or color of your discharge might indicate a potentially imbalanced microbiome, and may indicate an untreated vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infection — so it’s best to reach out to your doctor!

Abnormal vaginal discharge might be gray, yellow, or green, have a watery, clumpy, or frothy consistency, and have a foul or fishy odor.

Abnormal discharge can also be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), so it's really important not to ignore it. It's also worth noting that many bacterial infections can cause similar symptoms, so as tempting as it is to self-diagnose, your best bet is to see your healthcare provider.

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Is it normal to have discharge every day?

Many of us grew up believing discharge is unhealthy, but that’s not the case. Yes, in some cases vaginal discharge can be a telltale symptom of an infection, but it really depends on the type of discharge. The color, consistency, and smell of your vaginal discharge is a key indicator of whether it’s healthy or abnormal. 

Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and discharge is quite literally proof of that — so having vaginal discharge every day is just a sign of a healthy vaginal microbiome. 

What amount of vaginal discharge is normal?

On average, premenopausal women have about one-half to one teaspoon (2 to 5 mL) of (mostly odorless) vaginal discharge every day. But how much vaginal discharge you make can vary from person to person, so what is normal for you might be unusual for someone else. The key is getting used to how much daily discharge your body makes, so it’s easier to spot any problematic changes. 

You might notice more discharge near ovulation (about halfway through your cycle), in early pregnancy, or when switching to a new form of hormonal birth control.‍

Too much discharge, on the other hand, can be a sign of an infection. But once again, "too much" is subjective.

Why do I have so much discharge? 

There are several reasons why you might have a lot of vaginal discharge. For starters, it might just be totally normal for your body. Here are some reasons why you might have excessive discharge, both harmless and worth checking out.

Ovulation

The amount of vaginal discharge you produce can change throughout your menstrual cycle. When you're ovulating, you may notice an increase in discharge that has the consistency of raw egg whites. As estrogen levels peak one to two days before ovulation, your body starts producing more cervical mucus, which becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy to help sperm travel up toward the egg.

If you’re trying to conceive, keeping track of your vaginal discharge can help you figure out when you're ovulating and can get pregnant. This is called the cervical mucus method or natural family planning. If you can stretch your discharge between your index finger and thumb, it's a reliable sign that you're ovulating and have a good chance of conceiving.

Pregnancy

An increase in vaginal discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy. It’s normal to have more vaginal discharge in pregnancy, as early as a couple of weeks before conception (before you even know you’re pregnant). It’s your body’s way of preparing for pregnancy and preventing any infections traveling up from the vagina to the uterus. Pregnancy vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear, or milky white and doesn’t smell bad.

Arousal

It's normal to experience extra lubrication or wetness when you're feeling sexually aroused. Your body is just getting ready for intercourse and trying to make things more comfortable for you. It’s worth noting, though, that arousal fluid is slightly different from daily discharge. Rather than being a daily biological function, arousal fluid is produced by glands in and around the vagina (called Bartholin glands) in response to sexual stimulation.

Infections 

Abnormal vaginal discharge can often be a sign of an infection, including an STI. Here are some common conditions that cause excessive discharge, and what symptoms to look out for:

  • BV: grey, watery discharge that has a fishy odor.
  • Yeast infection: thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
  • Trichomoniasis: frothy, green discharge that has a foul or “rotten” smell. 
  • Chlamydia: thick, yellow or white vaginal discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor.
  • Cytolytic vaginosis (CV): white, watery, or clumpy vaginal discharge.

Why does my vaginal discharge smell?

Normal vaginal discharge has a slightly tangy or musky smell that is entirely unique to you. Remember, it’s a bodily function, so it’s ok for it to have a mild odor. That said, any sudden or significant changes in odor (especially if it’s fishy or “rotten”) could indicate an imbalanced microbiome  and may indicate an untreated infection.

Abnormal vaginal discharge treatment

If you do notice any bothersome symptoms, including abnormal discharge, try not to panic. Most vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections are easily treatable. After performing a physical examination and possibly running a few tests (like a swab or urine sample), your doctor will prescribe the right medication based on what’s causing the issue.

Treatment depends on the type of infection, but here are some of the most common options:

  • Antibiotics: Often prescribed for infections like bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. Common options include metronidazole, clindamycin, azithromycin, and doxycycline.
  • Antifungal medications: Used for yeast infections. These may include fluconazole (oral), or vaginal treatments like miconazole and clotrimazole.
  • Antiparasitic medications: If trichomoniasis is the cause, your doctor may prescribe metronidazole or tinidazole.
  • Boric acid suppositories: A gentle yet effective option for treating recurrent yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. These are usually used as vaginal suppositories and can be found over-the-counter, though it’s best to use them under medical guidance.

It’s important to finish the full course of whatever treatment your doctor gives you, even if you start to feel better before it’s done.

After getting your Evvy test results, eligible users have the option to order a personalized prescription treatment program developed by a provider based on your unique vaginal microbiome results. It’s a personalized, science-backed approach to getting the care you need, without the guesswork or waiting rooms.

How to prevent abnormal vaginal discharge 

Your discharge is often related to how well-balanced your vaginal microbiome is, so one way to normalize your discharge is to take better care of your microbiome (and overall reproductive health). 

Although you can't entirely prevent vaginal infections, there are a few things you can do to keep your vagina healthy and reduce your risk of developing one:

  • Don't douche: douching can flush away the healthy bacteria in your microbiome and make you more prone to BV. Similarly, feminine hygiene products can affect your vaginal pH and give bad bacteria a chance to grow. Wash your vulva with warm water and, if really necessary, mild soap.
  • Practice safe sex: use a barrier method like condoms or dental dams, especially with a new sexual partner. Cover sex toys with a condom during partnered sex, and make sure to clean them after each use. 
  • Get tested regularly: anyone who is sexually active (yes, even if you're in a monogamous relationship) should get an STI test at least once a year (or more often if you have several sexual partners).

We know you’ve probably heard these strategies before, and that they don’t always help — it can be frustrating to get the same advice without different results. 

When to see your healthcare provider 

Vaginal discharge is a key indicator of vaginal health, and knowing if the discharge you're producing is normal or not is vital for your overall well-being. 

Knowing your baseline can help you know if you should see your healthcare provider. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms: 

  • Green or gray discharge 
  • A foul, rotten, or fishy odor
  • Frothy, clumpy, or watery vaginal discharge 
  • A drastic increase in the amount of discharge
  • Vaginal itching
  • A burning sensation when you pee or have sex
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Pelvic pain or discomfort.

Get care with Evvy  

This is why Evvy exists! By testing and retesting your microbiome over time, you can see how the changes you make in your diet, lifestyle, and self-care routine are impacting your vaginal microbiome’s defense against infections. 

Built with leading OB-GYNs, Evvy is the first-ever platform for vaginal healthcare that combines state-of-the-art testing, prescription treatment, and 1:1 coaching to create personalized care as unique as your vaginal microbiome.* For eligible testers, we offer access to first-of-its-kind clinical care, including a personalized prescription treatment program developed by a care provider, supportive coaching, and much more. Start your vaginal health journey with Evvy today.

FAQ

Is it normal to have vaginal discharge daily?

Yes! It's normal to have a healthy vaginal discharge every day. Most people produce around half to one teaspoon of discharge daily, but this amount can vary from person to person and depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. 

Why am I getting discharge every day? 

Discharge is a normal and healthy bodily function. Your reproductive tract produces discharge (a mix of cervical mucus and vaginal secretions) to flush out old cells and bacteria and keep your vagina clean and lubricated. Making discharge every day is a good thing and a sign that your vagina is healthy and happy.

Is it normal to have discharge every day that smells?

That depends on the smell! Healthy vaginal discharge is made up of bacteria and old cells, so it’s normal for it to have a slight smell. It can have a range of normal smells, from musky and earthy to sour. That said, the odor is usually pretty mild. A very strong or foul smell, whether it’s fishy or “rotten”, is a sign of a vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis, or an STI — especially if accompanied by other vaginal symptoms, including pelvic pain, itching in or around the vaginal opening.

Can you stop daily discharge?

You can’t stop normal discharge, nor should it be stopped! It's your body's way of keeping your vagina clean and healthy. You can, however, reduce your risk of developing an infection that will lead to abnormal vaginal discharge. 

When should I be concerned about my discharge? 

The color, consistency, and even smell of discharge varies throughout your cycle, but there are definitely times when discharge can be a sign that something’s off. You’ll want to pay attention if the discharge suddenly and dramatically changes in color, consistency, or smell. For example, if it turns green, gray, or dark yellow, becomes unusually thick or frothy, or starts to smell really strong or fishy, that’s worth checking out. Also, if it’s accompanied by itching, burning, swelling, irritation, or pain during sex or while peeing, those are red flags too. Basically, if your discharge feels different in a way that’s uncomfortable or just doesn’t seem right for your body, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. It might be something simple like a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, or it could be an STI.