Guide to vaginal discharge: What’s normal, what’s not, and why it matters?

Let’s get one thing straight: vaginal discharge is normal. It’s your vagina’s way of keeping things clean, balanced, and protected. Just like your eyes use tears to stay fresh, your vagina uses discharge to maintain its health. But because we don’t talk about it enough, many people don’t realize how common and essential discharge really is.

So let’s break the silence and decode the basics.

What is vaginal discharge and why is it important?

Vaginal discharge is a fluid made up of mucus, cells, and bacteria that helps:

Clean the vagina;
Keep it moist;
Protect against infection;
Support fertility.

Its appearance, texture, and volume change throughout your menstrual cycle, influenced by hormonal shifts. Even if you’re not trying to conceive, your body still produces discharge, because it’s part of your reproductive rhythm.

Should it smell like roses?

No - and it shouldn’t have to. Your vagina is a delicate ecosystem, and disrupting its pH with soaps or douches can throw everything off balance. Vaginas are self-cleaning, like high-tech ovens. They’re meant to smell like... well, vaginas.

Clean only the vulva (the outer part) with water or pH-balanced products. Skip the harsh soaps, fragrances, and anything that promises to make you smell like a bouquet.

What does each type of vaginal discharge mean?

Here’s your cheat sheet to decoding discharge from cycle cues to red flags:

Type	Description	What it might mean
Thin & Clear	Watery or slightly cloudy	Totally normal. Varies with cycle phase.
Stringy or Stretchy	Raw egg white texture	Ovulation alert! Peak fertility time.
Thick & Creamy	White, lotion-like	Common in second half of cycle. No symptoms = no worries.
Super Heavy	Increased volume	Could be hormonal, sexual activity, or irritation. Check for lost tampon or harsh products.
Brown or Bloody	Spotting or old blood	Post-period leftovers or mid-cycle spotting. If frequent, see your gyno.
White & Clumpy	Cottage cheese texture	Likely a yeast infection. Look for itchiness or irritation.
Yellow or Green	Colored, possibly smelly	Could be an STI or bacterial imbalance. Time to get checked.
Greyish	Thin with fishy odour	Classic sign of bacterial vaginosis. Needs treatment.
None at All	Dryness or absence	Normal for some. If uncomfortable, talk to your doctor.

Discharge is your body’s way of communicating. Listen to it and don’t ignore changes that feel off.

How to care for your vagina & vulva

Your vagina is a self-cleaning powerhouse, but your vulva needs a little help. Here’s how to keep things fresh without disrupting your natural balance:

Wear breathable underwear (cotton or bamboo);
Avoid synthetic fabrics and scented products;
Switch to Lunette Period Cup - gentle on your pH;
Do regular self-checks and get to know your anatomy;
Practice safe sex - condoms protect against STIs.

Discharge isn’t gross. It’s smart, dynamic, and essential. It tells you when you’re fertile, when something’s off, and when your body needs support. Understanding it means understanding yourself and that’s the most empowering thing you can do. So grab a mirror, tune into your cycle, and treat your intimate health like the priority it is.

This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience unusual symptoms, discomfort, or have any concerns about your vaginal health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or gynecologist. Your body deserves expert care.

photo: courtesy of Pinterest