Thick, white discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle. In most cases, it indicates that the vagina is cleaning itself to prevent infection.

However, a person should take note of changes in the consistency, smell, and color of their discharge, as such changes could indicate an infection.

In this article, we discuss what causes thick, white discharge and what a person should do if they notice a change in the consistency or color of their discharge.

Vaginal discharge is often a white or clear liquid. It is normal for discharge to change slightly in consistency and transparency,depending on where a person is in their menstrual cycle.

Several factors can affect the consistency, color, and volume of vaginal discharge. These include:

Fertility

Changes in vaginal discharge may sometimesTrusted Source be an indicator of fertility levels.

For example:

  • No discharge or just a little dampness could indicate the lowest fertility level of the month.
  • Thick, creamy, whitish discharge could indicate an intermediate level of fertility.
  • Transparent, stretchy, clear discharge could indicate the highest fertility level of the month.

Infections may cause vaginal discharge to appear thick, white, and clumpy. A vaginal yeast infection, for instance, produces this consistency of discharge. If a yeast infection is present, a person may experienceTrusted Source accompanying symptoms, such as:

Yeast infections are commonTrusted Source in pregnancy. However, the presence of yeast does not necessarily mean an infection. A person should talk with their doctor about the change in discharge to determine the cause.

Thin, milky, white discharge is a common type of discharge from the vagina.

The frequency of vaginal discharge can vary among individuals, with some experiencing it every day and others less frequently.

Thin, milky discharge is usually not an issue unless a person experiences other symptoms or the volume of discharge increases.

During pregnancy, thin and milky vaginal discharge is common and is due to increased estrogen levels.

The discharge is typically odorless. A person may need or want to use a pad or pantyliner to absorb excess discharge.

Changes in discharge color, consistency, or odor could indicate that a person has an infection or underlying health condition.

Reddish or brown discharge

A reddish-to-brown discharge from the vagina typically follows the menstrual cycle. It is often the result of the vagina cleaning out the last bit of blood after a period.

If brown discharge frequently recurs throughout the cycle, it could indicate an underlying health condition, such as uterine or cervical cancer.

Yellow or green discharge

A yellow or green-tinted discharge may indicate a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection (STI). A person should schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional to find out what is causing the discharge.

White, clear, and odorless discharge is normal and should not be a cause for concern. It is a normal part of the menstrual cycle.

The body typically uses the discharge to clear the vagina of bacteria to prevent infection. A person may notice some slight changes throughout their cycle, which are usually due to hormone levels fluctuating.

If a person experiences heavy discharge or notices the volume increasing each month, they may wish to seek medical advice.

A person should see a healthcare professional if they experience yellow or green discharge or discharge with a clumpy texture, as they may have an infection.

A person should also talk with a healthcare professional if they experience the following symptoms in relation to discharge:

  • itchiness
  • pain when urinating or in the pelvic area
  • a strong or bad odor

There is no way to prevent vaginal discharge. It is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and vaginal function. A person may find that wearing a pad or pantyliner can help absorb excess discharge.

A person can take steps to keep their vagina healthy and free of infection. Ways to avoid vaginal infections include:

  • changing out of wet bathing suits and clothes as soon as possible
  • avoiding douching
  • washing the outside of the vagina with warm water only (soap is not needed)
  • cleaning reusable products like menstrual cups, diaphragms, or other objects that a person has inserted into the vagina after use
  • opting for breathable, cotton underwear over synthetic fabrics

Is thick, white discharge an STD?

Generally speaking, a thick, white vaginal discharge is not cause for concern. In fact, it’s often a part of a normal menstrual cycle.

However, in some cases, it can point to a person having an STD called gonorrhea.

Why does my discharge look like white cheese?

If a person has thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, they may have a vaginal yeast infection known as thrush. This infection is usually accompanied by an itchy and irritated vulva and vagina.

If a person suspects they have thrush, they should seek medical advice as antifungal drugs are usually required to treat it.

Does thick, white discharge mean I’m not pregnant?

The most notable sign a person is not pregnant is continuing to have their regular menstrual period.

Thick, white discharge does not necessarily indicate a person is not pregnant.

Rather, it is common for a person to have a milky, white discharge when they are pregnant. This is known as leukorrhea and can increase in volume during pregnancy due to elevated estrogen levels.

Thick, white discharge is normal. The vagina secretes discharge to clean itself and prevent infection.

Each person’s discharge is slightly different and varies throughout the month, depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle. However, a person should watch for changes in volume, odor, consistency, and color, as these changes can sometimes be signs of an infection.