STAGES & COLOURS OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE: BROWN, YELLOW, WHITE, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Every woman has vaginal discharge, it is perfectly normal and is produced naturally. A woman will experience different types of discharge during her monthly cycle.

The fluid is made by glands inside the vagina and carries away dead cells and bacteria. Discharge keeps the vagina clean and prevents irritation and infection. Discharge can be linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, infections, or perimenopause.

Different Types of Discharge and When They Occur in the Menstrual Cycle

The Beginning of The Period Cycle (Day 1)

The cervix is not producing much discharge at this stage of the cycle as it is the beginning of your period.

Early to Mid-Follicular Stage: Sticky Discharge (Day 7)

At this point, estrogen levels are beginning to rise and fluid is being produced. It is likely that discharge will not be noticeable at this stage, however, some women may notice a sticky discharge.

Mid to Late Follicular Stage: Cloudy Discharge (Day 9)

As water and estrogen levels rise, the discharge becomes cloudy.

Late Follicular Stage: White Discharge (Day 14)

Ovulation usually occurs mid-way through a menstrual cycle. During this time, a clear and stretchy discharge (raw egg white consistency), will be present. The sticky discharge assists the sperm in reaching the egg for fertilisation to take place.

Luteal Phase: Thick Discharge (Day 17)

Progesterone is the dominant hormone at this stage in the cycle. Cervical fluid reduces around this time and becomes thicker or stickier.

End of Period: Brown Discharge

Brown discharge at the end of a period is perfectly normal as it’s the old blood being shed from the vagina.

Abnormal: Yellow/Green Discharge

Abnormal discharge can be worrying. If you notice an unusual odour, a change in colour (yellow/green), pain or irritation down below, then it is advised to speak to your doctor. The discharge may be a sign of thrush, bacterial vaginosis, or a sexually transmitted infection. It is rare, but discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer. It is important to attend smear tests when invited (from the age of 21 in England) to ensure any problems are detected early.

If spotting or brown discharge is persistent then it is advised to seek medical advice.

Ask the Expert 👩🏻‍⚕️

Dr Alice, who is discovering a sustainable way of living:When women experience discharge what's the best way to feel fresh and keep clean?Is it okay to douche?

Discharge is completely normal and essentially it's the vaginas way of cleaning itself. The best way to clean your vagina is simply with water and at most with non-perfumed soap. I wouldn't advise washing inside the vagina (douching) because it disrupts the pH of the vagina, and that can lead to bacterial overgrowth (known as Bacterial vaginosis) or thrush (Candida, a fungal infection).
Just to add that some women will douche and wash with soaps down below, and not have any issues. But if someone is experiencing symptoms such as heavier, smelly discharge or itching, it would be advisable to stop doing those things first of all."