White Discharge Is Usually No Big Deal — But Here’s When It Is

Having white vaginal discharge is usually akin to the sky being blue — it's normal, and even kind of a given. But, like many health-related things, there's always a range of "normal." To that point, while white discharge is typically no cause for concern, there are a few situations where it can be a red flag.

"White discharge is very common — so common that we wouldn't necessarily consider it abnormal on its own," says Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. (Clear discharge is the same way. Green discharge, not so much.) But, because nothing in life is simple, "It can also be the sign of an infection, so you need to pay close attention to other symptoms," says Jennifer Wider, MD, a women's health expert and ob-gyn.

The good news: White discharge is rarely caused by a health issue that merits a freak out. Still, it can signal that something is off with your health. So, what's behind your white discharge and when should it be concerning? Here's what ob-gyns want you to know.

Christine Greves, MD, is an ob-gyn at Orlando Health Women's Institute Center for Obstetrics & Gynecology and obstetrical and gynecological surgeon at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Jennifer Wider, MD, is a women's health expert, author, and podcast host.

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the potential causes of white discharge. Generally speaking, it's important to keep in mind any other symptoms you may (or may not) be dealing with. Here, five things white discharge can mean.

Again, white discharge falls on the spectrum of "normal." So, if you notice white discharge on any given day and you're not experiencing any unusual symptoms along with it, you're fine to pass go, collect 200 dollars, and move on with your day. "White vaginal discharge is common and can be completely normal," Dr. Wider says.

A yeast infection, aka candidiasis, is a common vaginal infection caused by a fungus called Candida. While Candida is normally found in small numbers in the vagina, it can overgrow and cause uncomfortable symptoms, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Those include itching and burning of the vulva, along with redness and swelling down there, per ACOG. But the yeast infection may also cause a white discharge, Dr. Greves points out. "That discharge can be thicker than normal, cottage cheese-like, and more clumpy," she says.

Luckily, yeast infections can usually be treated with an OTC medication like miconazole, Dr. Greves says. But if your symptoms aren't getting better after a round of treatment, it's a good idea to check in with an ob-gyn for an evaluation—you could be dealing with a particularly stubborn yeast infection, or another issue entirely.

You may notice white or whiter-than-usual discharge during certain times of your cycle. "Sometimes at ovulation, or 14 days after your period, the discharge can become stringy, wetter, and may have a white tint," Dr. Wider says. Dr. Greves agrees, noting that it can also take on a milky, egg white-like appearance. But you can also experience white discharge when you're approaching your period, Dr. Greves says. "At that point, it may become more white and a little thicker," she says.

It's important to stress that, if you think you might be pregnant, the best thing to do is to take a pregnancy test. But if you're looking for little signs to suggest that there's a baby on board, white discharge could be one (of many).

"In pregnancy, the body produces more discharge as a way to protect against infection," Wider explains. "The discharge can be clear, white, or off-white." But FYI that discharge should have little, if any, odor, she says. And if you end up seeing a white discharge instead of blood when your period is due, that might also be a sign that you're pregnant, Dr. Greves points out.

Bacterial vaginosis, aka BV, is a condition caused by an imbalance in the types of normal bacteria that live in the vagina, per ACOG. BV is the most common vaginal condition in women aged 15 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners all raise your risk of getting BV, per the CDC.

Symptoms include pain, itching, or burning in the vagina; a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex; a burning feeling when you pee; itching around the outside of the vagina; and a white or gray vaginal discharge, according to the CDC. "The discharge is usually thin," Dr. Greves says. "It has a strong, unmistakable odor," Dr. Wider adds.

Unfortunately, BV won't go away on its own, so you'll have to see a doctor for this one. "It needs to be treated with an antibiotic," Dr. Wider says.

While many people have fluctuations in discharge color over the course of their cycle, it can be normal to see white discharge daily. Ultimately, it all comes down to the individual. "This varies between people," Dr. Wider says. "Some people just produce more discharge than others, especially when they're pre-menopausal."

White discharge on its own shouldn't be anything to freak out about. But if you're having white discharge along with itching, burning, or other irritation down there—or if it's out of the ordinary for you—Dr. Greves says it's a good idea to reach out to an ob-gyn.

"Be in touch with your body," she says. "If you don't know what's going on, talk to your doctor."

Korin Miller is a writer specializing in general wellness, health, and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in Women's Health, Self, Health, Forbes, and more.