Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Sexual and reproductive Vaginal discharge Vaginal discharge You can experience vaginal discharge for many reasons. It doesnt always mean you have an STI. Vaginal discharge is nothing to worry about if its: odourless (no unpleasant smell) clear or white thick and sticky slippery and wet The amount of discharge you might experience can vary. You might experience heavier or more frequent discharge if youre: pregnant sexually active using contraception , such as the contraceptive pill During ovulation, youll notice more slippery and wet discharge, which is normal. Contact your GP or sexual health service if: You have vaginal discharge and: you experience pelvic pain youre bleeding between periods or after sex you experience pain when peeing you feel itchy, sore or have blisters your vaginal discharge changes in colour, smell or texture You should look out for anything that doesnt seem normal for you. This can include discharge which is: foul-smelling thick and white (like cottage cheese) green or yellow and frothy accompanied by pain or bleeding accompanied by itchiness, blister or sores STIs that can cause vaginal discharge include: chlamydia gonorrhoea genital herpes trichomonas If youre sexually active and you experience any abnormal discharge, contact your local sexual health clinic to get tested for STIs. Vaginal discharge can also be caused by thrush or bacterial vaginosis . You might be asked to visit your local sexual health clinic for a vaginal examination to ensure you get the correct treatment. Free treatment If youre experiencing discharge that you dont think has been caused by an STI, you can visit your local pharmacy for advice. If you experience discharge and think theres a chance it could be caused by an STI, you should contact your local sexual health clinic . If they think you need treatment or aftercare for anything thats caused vaginal discharge, youll be given this for free. Free treatment is available for: vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush all STIs Genital hygiene You cant always prevent vaginal discharge. But its important to keep your vagina clean and healthy. Your vagina cleans itself internally. So you dont need to clean inside with things like a vaginal douche. You can use panty liners if you experience heavy discharge. But dont use them all the time as they can cause irritation. Read genital washing advice Source: Scottish Government - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 27 February 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Book a sexual health appointment online Find your nearest sexual health service Enter a place or postcode NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852