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Body anatomy

Is vaginal discharge normal?

  • Short answer
  • Reading level 13-15
  • Yes. Clear or white discharge is a normal part of keeping the vagina clean and healthy, and it usually increases around ovulation and before a period. Discharge that is suddenly different, smells unpleasant, comes with itching, or is blood-stained between periods is worth having checked.

    What this does and does not tell you

    This is general information, not a diagnosis. Only a clinician can examine you, take your history and run tests. The same symptom has different causes in different people.

    If something is sudden, severe, or getting worse quickly, get medical advice rather than reading on.