Normal Vaginal Discharge

Topic Overview

A vaginal discharge is common for most women. Discharge may be more noticeable during the middle of the menstrual cycle (ovulation). Some women even find it necessary to wear a pad or panty liner because of the amount of discharge.

Normal vaginal discharge:

  • Does not smell bad.
  • Is not accompanied by pain, itching, burning, or redness.
  • Varies with age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and use of birth control pills.

A change in your normal vaginal discharge may be a symptom of a vaginal infection.

Teenage girls may have a large amount of a watery discharge caused by high hormone levels during the teen years or by taking birth control pills.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine

Current as ofOctober 6, 2017