Discharge: Understanding the Types and When to Seek Help

Let’s break down what you need to know about discharge types, when they’re normal, and when it’s time to check in with a doctor.

What is discharge?

Discharge is the fluid that leaves the vagina, keeping it clean and balanced. It consists mostly of water but also includes small amounts of bacteria and mucus, which play a key role in removing old cells and protecting against infection. The amount, consistency, odour and colour of discharge fluctuate during your menstrual cycle and life stages like after sex, childbirth, or menopause. While some changes are natural, they can sometimes signal that it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.

White or clear

Seeing white or clear discharge in your underwear, at any point in your cycle, is normal! This is your body’s way of showing its functioning well, especially before ovulation. Around ovulation, this discharge (often referred to as cervical mucus) may look creamy or thicken like raw egg whites, signalling peak fertility. 

However, if discharge becomes thick and clumpy (think cottage cheese-like), it could be a sign of a yeast infection — common, but treatable. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you notice these changes, as many common issues, such as thrush, can often be treated with over-the-counter remedies.

Red

Red usually means menstruation – it can vary in amount and consistency throughout your cycle. However, spotting outside your period could be related to:

• Withdrawal bleeding after stopping hormonal birth control
• Implantation bleeding during early pregnancy
• Irregular menstrual cycles

If you experience frequently outside your expected period or are accompanied by pain or unusual symptoms, bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after established menopause, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. These could indicate underlying health concerns that need further investigation.

During early pregnancy, a little spotting isn’t always cause for alarm. Still, it’s wise to monitor it and consult your doctor if you’re concerned, as it could point to cervical infections or other issues.

Brown

When blood gets older and oxidises, it turns brown before exiting the body. This often happens after a late period or can result from spotting related to hormonal contraceptives. It may also constitute a “bloody show” in late pregnancy, where your body is signalling that it’s preparing for labour.

Brown discharge before or after your period is usually nothing to worry about. But if it persists outside this time frame, for a prolonged period or appears in large amounts, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.

Pink

Pink discharge is typically light fresh bleeding and often appears:

• At the start of your period
• During ovulation due to slight irritation of the cervix or vaginal tissue after sex
• As implantation bleeding when trying to conceive

If you’re hoping to conceive, pink discharge could indicate implantation bleeding. This occurs around 8-9 days after ovulation, when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining. It’s considered one of the earliest pregnancy signs.

Yellow

Yellow discharge can occur before your period or if you have a shorter cycle. In most cases, yellow discharge can be a variation of normal and is not usually a cause for concern. 

However, if yellow discharge is accompanied by additional symptoms such as a change in smell, consistency, pain, or irritation, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues. If the yellow discharge has a greenish tint or is accompanied by an unpleasant smell, it may be a sign of an STI (sexually transmitted infection) or another type of infection. If you experience additional symptoms like pelvic pain or discomfort during sex, it could indicate conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or an allergic reaction to a product. In these cases, it’s important to seek medical help promptly.

How to keep discharge healthy

The vagina is self-cleaning. But during menstruation, a little extra care is required. Here’s how to keep things fresh without overdoing it:

• Washing hands: Always wash your hands before and after changing any menstrual product. This simple habit can help prevent the transfer of bacteria to your vagina, and reduce the risk of infections.
• Gentle cleaning: Avoid using harsh soaps or scented products at all costs. These can disrupt your vagina’s natural pH balance, and lead to issues such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Stick to warm water, and if necessary, a mild, unscented soap to clean the vulva (the external part). 
• Wash externally only (the vulva): The inside of the vagina doesn’t need cleaning. Using douches, and inserting any products into the vaginal canal is unnecessary and can cause more harm than good by disturbing your body’s natural balance.
• Daily showers: Showering daily helps keep you feeling fresh. I know this can feel really difficult, especially if you are struggling mentally. If you can’t shower everyday, make sure to at least wash your vagina. If you use unscented wipes, ensure they are free from chemicals that could irritate the delicate skin around the vulva.
• Avoiding scented products: Scented pads, tampons, or vaginal washes can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance and lead to infections. Always choose unscented, chemical-free products.
• Breathable fabrics: Avoid tight clothing like synthetic underwear. These can trap heat and moisture, creating an environment where bacteria or yeast thrive. Instead, opt for loose, breathable fabrics such as cotton. Cotton allows air circulation, helping to keep the vaginal area dry and reducing the risk of infections.
• Stay dry: One common cause of odour during menstruation is dampness. Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes can help your skin breathe and keep the area dry. If you’re using pads, opt for breathable, cotton-based ones to maintain freshness.
• Change regularly: Changing your products frequently is essential for both comfort and health. Pads and tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours. Menstrual cups can last up to 12 hours, but should still be emptied and washed regularly. If you’re using reusable products like cups or period underwear, always follow the cleaning instructions to prevent infections. Neglecting to change your products can lead to bacterial infections, discomfort, and unpleasant odours.

The Fiqh of discharge

From an Islamic perspective, understanding discharge is important for determining ritual purity (ṭahārah). It affects a Muslim woman’s ability to engage in acts of worship like prayer (ṣalāh), fasting (ṣawm), and reciting the Qur’ān. 

In the Ḥanafī and Ḥanbalī schools, coloured discharge during habitual menstruation days (ʿādah) is typically considered menstrual blood (ḥayḍ). During this time, ṣalāh and ṣawm are paused until the discharge clears and ritual purity is restored through ghusl.

In contrast, the Mālikī and Shāfiʿī schools adopt a different approach. If colour does not violate any of the other conditions of menstrual blood, (such as a deep colour or specific consistency) it is treated as ḥayḍ, even if it occurs outside the expected menstrual window. Similarly, if the discharge clears, a woman must assume she is pure, regardless of her typical cycle patterns.

If there’s any uncertainty about the discharge’s nature, especially if you’re concerned about irregular bleeding or mid-cycle spotting, it’s recommended to consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar. You can explore our detailed post on the fiqh of vaginal discharge for more in-depth guidance.

Note that when assessing your discharge, try to check fresh, wet discharge immediately after removing a kursuf. A kursuf is a small piece of absorbent material, ideally made from 100% natural fabrics like cotton, to prevent irritation. It is placed at the vaginal opening and secured between the labia minora. Unlike a tampon, the kursuf is not inserted fully into the vaginal canal, and unlike a liner, it is not completely external.

Using a kursuf gently can help assess the exact colour, consistency, and volume of discharge, as it prevents the fluid from oxidising or undergoing chemical changes that might alter its appearance. 

When to seek medical advice

While most variations in discharge are normal, here are a few signs that may indicate something more serious:

• Discharge that’s unusually thick or thin
• A sudden increase in volume
• Discharge that’s grey, green, or an odd shade of yellow or brown
• Pain, itching, or swelling around the vulva
• An unpleasant, fishy, or metallic smell

These symptoms could point to infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or STIs — all of which require treatment.

It’s okay to ask for help

It’s easy to feel embarrassed about discussing your discharge or other intimate health concerns. But remember — your health matters! If something feels off, don’t shy away from seeking help. Taking charge of your health is one of the most powerful things you can do. That starts with knowledge — don’t be afraid to stay informed and ask questions!

Reviewed by Dr Mahnur