Understanding Vaginal Discharge: Normal vs. Abnormal

Vaginal discharge is a normal physiological secretion maintaining vaginal health. Characteristics vary across the menstrual cycle:

• Follicular phase: Clear, stretchy (egg-white) near ovulation.
• Luteal phase: Thicker, white/cream, less volume.
• Volume: Typically 1–4 mL/day.
• Odor: Mild, not foul.
• pH: 3.8–4.5 (lactobacilli-produced lactic acid).

Abnormal Signs (See a Clinician)

• Color: gray, green, yellow, bloody (outside menses)
• Consistency: cottage-cheese (yeast), frothy (trichomonas)
• Odor: fishy (BV), foul
• Symptoms: itching, burning, dysuria, pelvic pain

Common pathologies: bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, trichomoniasis, STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea). Diagnosis: wet mount, pH, NAAT. Treatment is pathogen-specific.