Vaginal discharge is normal for women. Normal vaginal discharge is clear or white in color, and does not smell. It is clearer and more slippery during ovulation, and thick and sticky during the rest of the menstrual cycle.
However, if the vaginal discharge you experience is accompanied by an unusual color, odor, vaginal itching or burning, you might be experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge. If your discharge is abnormal and corresponds with any of the symptoms illustrated in the chart below, please go see your doctor.
Also, in instances where you’ve just experienced childbirth and are in the process of shedding the lochia, call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms (in addition to the lochia symptom above):
- The bleeding is too heavy
- The discharge smells bad
- You have a fever of 100.4 F or higher
- You see blood clots
