Menstrual Discharge: What's Normal?

Vaginal discharge varies cyclically and individually. During menstruation, blood dominates; cervical mucus is minimal. Absence of noticeable non-blood discharge during menses is normal.

Cycle phases:

• Follicular (post-menses): Scant, sticky.
• Ovulatory: Copious, clear, stretchy (spinnbarkeit) — peak fertility.
• Luteal: Thick, white, less volume.

Abnormal signs (see clinician): foul odor, green/yellow/gray color, cottage-cheese texture (yeast), frothy (trichomonas), blood-tinged outside period, vulvar itching/burning, pelvic pain.

Volume ranges widely (1–4 mL/day average). Hormonal contraception often reduces or alters discharge.