Is Daily Vaginal Discharge Normal?

Daily vaginal discharge is normal unless it’s accompanied by other symptoms, like itching, burning, or a bad odor. It’s easy to think of discharge as an inconvenience, but it’s actually a pretty amazing aspect of vaginal health. And as with all things related to the human body, what is “normal” can be up for interpretation. 

Read on to learn more, including what normal vaginal discharge looks like, how much is normal, and when to see a healthcare provider.

What is vaginal discharge? 

Vaginal discharge is fluid from the cervix and vagina that helps clear out old cells and keep your reproductive tract clean. Aside from menstrual blood, practically any fluid leaving the vagina can be characterized as vaginal discharge — think of it as the solution your vagina uses to self-clean (yes, your vagina really can do all that and more). 

Though “normal” varies slightly from person to person, normal vaginal discharge is generally mucus-like, clear, or whiteish. Discharge can have a slight odor (it’s a cocktail of dead vaginal skin cells and bacteria that comes out of an organ, after all), and healthy discharge can smell faintly musky, sour, or “earthy”. Closer to your period, you might notice that the smell of your discharge is a bit more noticeable or starts to smell more metallic. 

Vaginal discharge also responds to the hormonal fluctuations caused by your menstrual cycle and follows a pretty predictable pattern. Throughout your cycle, vaginal discharge changes from dry → sticky and white → thin, creamy/milky → then slippery/stretchy and clear. 

Typically, any changes in the odor or color of your discharge might indicate a potentially imbalanced microbiome, and may indicate an untreated vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infection — so it’s best to reach out to your doctor!

Abnormal vaginal discharge might be gray, yellow, or green, have a watery, clumpy, or frothy consistency, and have a foul or fishy odor.

Abnormal discharge can also be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), so it's really important not to ignore it. It's also worth noting that many bacterial infections can cause similar symptoms, so as tempting as it is to self-diagnose, your best bet is to see your healthcare provider.

Is daily vaginal discharge normal?

Many of us grew up believing discharge is unhealthy, but that’s not the case. Yes, in some cases vaginal discharge can be a telltale symptom of an infection, but it really depends on the type of discharge. The color, consistency, and smell of your vaginal discharge is a key indicator of whether it’s healthy or abnormal. 

Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and discharge is quite literally proof of that — so having vaginal discharge every day is just a sign of a healthy vaginal microbiome. 

What amount of vaginal discharge is normal?

On average, premenopausal women have about one-half to one teaspoon (2 to 5 mL) of (mostly odorless) vaginal discharge every day. But how much vaginal discharge you make can vary from person to person, so what is normal for you might be unusual for someone else. The key is getting used to how much daily discharge your body makes, so it’s easier to spot any problematic changes. 

You might notice more discharge near ovulation (about halfway through your cycle), in early pregnancy, or when switching to a new form of hormonal birth control.

Too much discharge, on the other hand, can be a sign of a bacterial infection. But once again, "too much" is subjective.

When to see your healthcare provider 

Vaginal discharge is a key indicator of vaginal health, and knowing if the discharge you're producing is normal or not is vital for your overall well-being. 

Knowing your baseline can help you know if you should see your healthcare provider. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms: 

• Green or gray discharge 
• A foul, rotten, or fishy odor
• Frothy, clumpy, or watery vaginal discharge 
• A drastic increase in the amount of discharge
• Vaginal itching
• A burning sensation when you pee or have sex
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pelvic pain or discomfort.

Abnormal vaginal discharge treatment

If you do notice any bothersome symptoms, including abnormal discharge, try not to panic. Most vaginal infections and STIs are easily treatable. After performing a physical examination, your doctor will prescribe either antibiotic medicine or antifungal medications to treat the infection.

Although you can't entirely prevent vaginal infections, there are a few things you can do to keep your vagina healthy reduce your risk of developing one:

• Don't douche: douching can flush away the healthy bacteria in your microbiome and make you more prone to BV. Similarly, feminine hygiene products can affect your vaginal pH and give bad bacteria a chance to grow. Wash genitalia with warm water and, if really necessary, mild soap.
• Practice safe sex: use a barrier method like condoms or dental dams, especially with a new sexual partner.
• Get tested regularly: anyone who is sexually active (yes, even if you're in a monogamous relationship) should get an STI/STD test at least once a year — more often if you have several sexual partners.

FAQ

Is it normal to have vaginal discharge daily?

Yes! It's normal to have healthy vaginal discharge every day. Most people produce around half to one teaspoon of discharge daily, but this amount can vary from person to person and depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. 

Why am I getting discharge every day? 

Discharge is a normal and healthy bodily function. Your reproductive tract produces discharge (a mix of cervical mucus and vaginal secretions) to flush out old cells and bacteria and keep your vagina clean and lubricated. Making discharge every day is a good thing and a sign that your vagina is healthy and happy.

Is it normal to have discharge every day that smells?

That depends on the smell! Healthy vaginal discharge is made up of bacteria and old cells, so it’s normal for it to have a slight smell. It can have a range of normal smells, from musky and earthy to sour. That said, the odor is usually pretty mild. A very strong or foul smell, whether it’s fishy or “rotten”, is a sign of a vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis, or an STI — especially if accompanies by other vaginal symptoms, including pelvic pain, itching in or around the vaginal opening.