White discharge: what is normal, and when should I see a doctor?
Medically reviewed by our consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (MBBS, MS OBG). Last reviewed: 10 November 2026.
Some white discharge is normal: it keeps the vagina clean and changes through the monthly cycle. See a doctor if the discharge changes colour, smells bad, looks like curd, comes with itching, burning, soreness or pain in the lower tummy, or appears after periods have stopped. A simple examination and a few tests usually find the cause.
Is white discharge normal?
Yes, in most women. The glands of the cervix and vagina make a small amount of clear or milky fluid every day. It keeps the vagina moist, carries away old cells and helps protect against germs. The amount and texture change through the cycle: it is often thin and stretchy, like raw egg white, around the middle of the cycle, and thicker and stickier before a period. It may also increase with sexual excitement, on the contraceptive pill, or at times of stress.
Normal discharge is clear or white, does not smell unpleasant and does not cause itching or pain. It may leave a faint yellowish mark on underwear as it dries; that alone is not a sign of infection.
When should I see a doctor about discharge?
- The discharge has turned yellow, green or grey, or is frothy.
- It smells bad or fishy, especially after sex.
- It is thick and white like curd, with itching or soreness around the vagina.
- There is burning while passing urine, pain during sex, or redness and swelling of the outer parts.
- It is stained with blood, or there is bleeding between periods or after sex.
- It comes with fever or pain in the lower tummy.
- It appears after your periods have stopped for good, at menopause.
- It keeps coming back after treatment.
Come to the hospital the same day if there is high fever, severe tummy pain or a bad-smelling discharge with feeling unwell. These can mean an infection that has spread higher up, which needs prompt care.
What are the common causes of abnormal discharge?
- Yeast (thrush, candida). Thick, white, curd-like discharge with itching and soreness. It is more likely after a course of antibiotics, in diabetes, and in the hot, humid months.
- Bacterial vaginosis. A thin grey or white discharge with a fishy smell. It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is upset. It is not caused by poor hygiene, and washing inside the vagina can make it worse.
- Trichomonas and other infections passed on through sex. These can cause a frothy, yellow-green or smelly discharge, burning or pain. Some, such as chlamydia, often cause no symptoms at all. Where an infection like this is found, the partner usually needs treatment too.
- Infection of the cervix or of the pelvic organs. Discharge with pain in the lower tummy, pain during sex or fever needs prompt attention, because untreated pelvic infection can affect the fallopian tubes.
- Other causes. A forgotten tampon, an allergy to soaps or sprays, changes of the cervix, low hormone levels after menopause, and sometimes a polyp. Rarely, a blood-stained or watery discharge is the first sign of a cancer of the cervix or womb, which is why a persistent change should always be checked.
The same symptom can come from different causes, so please do not guess the cause from this list. Treatment that suits one cause does not help another.
What happens at the visit?
The doctor asks about the discharge, how long it has been there, your periods, contraception and any medicines you have tried. With your consent, a gentle examination is done, and a swab of the discharge may be taken. You are welcome to have a female attendant or a relative with you. See what happens at a gynaecology visit in Vasco.
Which tests are done at the lab?
The Pai Hospital Laboratory, inside Pai Hospital, Vaddem, Vasco-da-Gama, is open 24 hours, every day. Depending on what the doctor finds, the tests may include:
- Culture and antibiotic-sensitivity of the swab. Done in-house. It shows which germ is growing and which medicines work against it. Culture reports usually take a few days, because the germs need time to grow.
- Urine routine and urine culture. Burning while passing urine can come from a urine infection rather than the vagina.
- Blood sugar. Yeast infections that keep coming back can be a sign of diabetes; see blood sugar and HbA1c tests.
- Blood count and CRP when there is fever or pain; see CBC and CRP tests.
- A Pap smear if your cervical screening is due or the cervix looks unusual; see the Pap smear test in Vasco.
Some specialised tests, such as those for particular infections passed on through sex, may be sent to a partner laboratory and take longer; the laboratory will tell you. If possible, come for the swab before starting any antibiotic or vaginal cream, because they can hide the germ in the test.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the cause the doctor finds: tablets, a vaginal cream or pessary, or a treatment for both partners. Finish the full course even if the symptoms settle early. Avoid buying creams or antibiotics over the counter on a guess; repeated wrong treatment is a common reason for discharge that keeps coming back.
What can I do to keep the vagina healthy?
- Wash the outer area with plain water; avoid scented soaps, sprays and douching (washing inside the vagina).
- Wear cotton underwear and change out of damp clothes soon, especially in the monsoon.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Change pads regularly during periods.
- Use condoms with a new partner; read how condoms protect against infections.
- If you have diabetes, keeping the sugar under control helps prevent yeast infections.
Where can I see a doctor in Vasco?
Pai Hospital is in Vaddem, Vasco-da-Gama. Consultations are held Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to 7 pm, by appointment, and the hospital is open 24 hours for gynaecology emergencies. Directions are on our contact page. More answers are on gynaecology questions answered. Written and reviewed by the Pai Hospital Team.
Your questions
Is white discharge every day normal?
Usually, yes. A small amount of clear or white discharge that does not smell bad and does not itch is the vagina's normal way of keeping itself clean. It changes through the cycle and is often more around the middle of the cycle and before a period.
When is white discharge a sign of infection?
When it changes colour to yellow, green or grey, smells bad or fishy, looks like curd, or comes with itching, burning, soreness, pain during sex or pain in the lower tummy. Then it is worth seeing a doctor.
Which tests are done for vaginal discharge?
The doctor may take a swab for culture and antibiotic-sensitivity, which the Pai Hospital Laboratory in Vasco does in-house, along with a urine test, blood sugar or a Pap smear if needed. Culture reports usually take a few days.
Can I use a cream from the chemist?
It is better not to guess. Different germs need different treatment, and a cream that helps a yeast infection does not treat bacterial vaginosis or an infection passed on through sex. Repeated wrong treatment can make the problem keep coming back.
Does my husband need treatment too?
Only for some causes. If the doctor finds an infection passed on through sex, the partner usually needs treatment at the same time, so that it does not pass back. Yeast and bacterial vaginosis usually do not need partner treatment.
Should I wash inside the vagina?
No. Washing or douching inside the vagina upsets its natural balance and can cause infection. Wash only the outer area with plain water and avoid scented soaps and sprays.
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This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.