The amount and consistency of vaginal discharge can change throughout the month due to hormonal fluctuations, but any abnormal discharge should be evaluated.
This article will discuss the different types of white discharge and when they occur, as well as how to spot unhealthy discharge and when to call your healthcare provider.
What Causes White Discharge After a Period?
During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the brain and ovaries give instructions to the reproductive system. This causes what are considered the female sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone—to rise and fall during each phase of the cycle. Vaginal discharge created by the glands in the cervix and vagina is influenced by the change in hormones. White discharge occurs a few days after menstrual bleeding ends, as estrogen levels start to increase and the body prepares for ovulation.
Is White Discharge Safe?
White or clear discharge is common, and it is generally healthy, safe, and normal. It’s usually a sign that your reproductive system is working. Discharge varies throughout your month-long menstrual cycle. The color and consistency change when hormones fluctuate.
White Vaginal Discharge Variations
Vaginal discharge keeps the vagina clean and provides lubrication or moisture. It’s normally clear, white, off-white, or pale yellow. It may have a subtle scent but does not have a strong, unpleasant, or foul odor.
During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the amount and thickness varies. The amount of discharge may also increase with birth control, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sexual stimulation.
Brown Discharge
Day one of your menstrual cycle is when you experience bleeding or a period. As menstrual bleeding ends, vaginal discharge turns brownish due to old blood being released. Just after this time, vaginal discharge decreases or dries up.
Milky White Discharge
After this more dry period, discharge returns and is a little thick and sticky but quickly changes to a creamy, milky white that resembles a very thinned-out lotion. Some might describe it as off-white, cream, or pale yellow, especially when seeing it dry on undergarments.
Egg White Discharge
As a woman approaches ovulation (14–16 days before bleeding), discharge increases and thins out. It becomes more clear, slippery, and stretchy, similar to a raw egg white. Another term for egg white discharge is “fertile mucus" because it occurs when a woman is ovulating and could conceive a child during this time.
Thick, White Discharge
After ovulation and leading up to your period, discharge amounts decrease. It starts to thicken and change from clear to white.
Thick, White, Sticky Discharge
When you are not ovulating, white discharge gets thicker and stickier. It acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from traveling through the cervix. Thick, white, sticky discharge is also common after the dry spell that follows your period.
Thick, Chunky, White Discharge
White discharge that is very thick and chunky, like cottage cheese, usually indicates something is off. When accompanied by vaginal itching or burning, it may be a sign of a yeast infection.
When to See a Doctor
If you have any of the following changes in vaginal discharge color or accompanying symptoms, see your healthcare provider:
Bright yellow, greenish, white-grey or grey discharge Pus-like discharge Clumpy texture like cottage cheese Foul-smelling discharge (sometimes described as “fishy”) Vaginal pain Painful urination Swelling, redness, or itching around the vaginal area A whitish coating around the vagina Burning (vaginal or urinary) Pelvic or abdominal pain not associated with menstrual cramps Watery or bubbly (frothy) discharge with an unpleasant odor Rash or sores alone or with a vaginal discharge. Multiple skipped periods
It can be helpful to monitor and track monthly discharge in a notebook or on an app on your phone. Knowing your body and what’s normal for you can alert you to changes.
Summary
Healthy vaginal discharge varies in color and consistency due to hormonal fluctuations. It varies based on factors such as birth control (oral contraceptives), a woman’s monthly cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
At times it is milky or slightly thicker. The color might be white, off-white, or pale yellow. During ovulation, it is more clear, elastic, and slippery.
Healthy discharge may have a mild odor. However, an offensive, foul, or “fishy” odor may indicate an infection.
Thick, chunky white discharge, with a cottage cheese consistency that accompanies itching and burning, may indicate a yeast infection.
A Word From Verywell
Experiencing white vaginal discharge is a normal part of being a woman. Understanding different types of vaginal discharge is one of the first steps in taking charge of your sexual and reproductive health. Being aware helps you notice if anything changes. If you do have unusual changes, call your primary healthcare provider or gynecologist.
