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Discharge (genital)

Also called: Vaginal discharge, penile discharge, abnormal discharge

Some genital discharge is normal, especially vaginal discharge, which changes through the menstrual cycle. Discharge that changes in color, smell, or amount, or comes with itching, burning, or pain, is often from a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most causes are easy to treat once tested.

Common causesYeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, STIs, normal cycle changes
Usually serious?Usually not, but STIs need treatment
Get checked ifIt changes, smells bad, or comes with itching, pain, or fever
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Glands in the cervix and vagina normally make clear or white mucus. The amount changes with the menstrual cycle, and it increases around ovulation, during pregnancy, and with sexual arousal.

Discharge that's thick and white like cottage cheese with itching is often a yeast infection. Thin gray discharge with a fishy smell is often bacterial vaginosis. Yellow or green discharge, or any discharge from the penis, may be an STI like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. A forgotten tampon can cause a very bad smell.

When to get medical care

Call 911Discharge with severe belly pain, fainting, or a very high fever.
Get care todayDischarge with fever or pain in the pelvis or belly. Discharge with pain if you're pregnant. A very bad smell that might be from a forgotten tampon. Painful sores or blisters on the genitals.
See a doctor soonA sudden change in the color, smell, amount, or texture of discharge. Itching, burning, or redness. Any discharge from the penis. Possible exposure to an STI. Bleeding between periods or after sex. Symptoms that come back after treatment.

Causes

Normal discharge increases with ovulation, pregnancy, birth control, and arousal. Abnormal discharge can come from yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis), a forgotten tampon or other object, irritation from soaps, sprays, douches, or detergents, and thinning tissue after menopause. Less common causes include pelvic inflammatory disease, skin conditions, and cancer of the cervix, vagina, or uterus.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause discharge (genital). Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • ChlamydiaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A common bacterial STI.

  • GonorrheaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A common bacterial STI that can cause discharge and burning when you pee.

What you can do at home

  • Keep the genital area clean and dry. Rinse with water; avoid harsh soaps.
  • Don't douche or use sprays, powders, or scented products.
  • Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight pants.
  • Use condoms to lower STI risk.
  • Avoid sex until you've been checked and treated.
  • Use pads instead of tampons while you have an infection.

Medicines

Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories, but get checked if it's your first one, you're pregnant, or it keeps coming back. Bacterial vaginosis and STIs need prescription medicine. Partners may also need treatment for STIs.

At the doctor

The provider will find the cause, usually with a quick sample.

Questions you may be asked

  • What the discharge looks and smells like
  • Itching, burning, or pain
  • Sexual activity and condom use
  • Your period and pregnancy chances
  • Products you use in the genital area
  • Recent antibiotics

The exam

A pelvic or genital exam.

Tests

  • A swab of the discharge for yeast, BV, and trichomoniasis
  • Urine or swab tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea
  • Blood tests for HIV and syphilis
  • A Pap test if due

Prevention

You can lower your risk.

  • Use condoms
  • Don't douche
  • Wear breathable underwear
  • Get tested for STIs regularly

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.