Avoid upsetting the pH balance in your vagina by skipping soaps, scented washes, douches, or any other products that strip the vagina of its natural moisture and built-in defenses. The vagina does a wonderful job of maintaining the pH balance of an entire spectrum of bacteria and fungi that live in it. From time to time, this balance is upset, and certain bad bacteria or fungi are allowed to thrive. It’s important to see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms along with unusual vaginal discharge: As long as the milky white discharge does not have an odor and there are no other symptoms, it’s most likely a sign of typical vaginal health.

Learn about yellow vaginal discharge as a possible symptom of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. READ MORE If your discharge has an odor, is white-gray, or is clumpier than usual, it could be time to consult your doctor. However, if you’re dealing with pH imbalance, a yeast infection, STI, or another issue, your vaginal discharge could be one of the main signs something is up. The discharge can help clear away bacteria, germs, and dirt. It also helps form a mucus plug in the cervix. This keeps the cervix healthy and prevents the spread of bacteria into the uterus during pregnancy.

As long as the discharge you’re experiencing does not also meet those criteria, the excess fluid coming out of your vagina is a sign of overall health. In other words, it’s a good thing. If you experience excessive vaginal discharge, it could be a sign of an underlying condition, and you might need to seek medical care to stop it. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. This can help you avoid an infection in the days just after your period, when your vagina produces less fluid than it does during the other points of your cycle.

Can men get or spread bacterial vaginosis? We’ll answer both of these questions and describe the conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those… READ MORE However, if the color of the discharge develops a white-gray shade and a strong fishy odor, the discharge may be a sign of an infection. This milky white discharge may also be a sign that you’re pregnant. In the early stages of pregnancy, some people produce a thin, milky white discharge. This discharge results from hormonal changes, which are the beginning stages of pregnancy. If you believe you have a yeast infection, over-the-counter treatment options are available. Prescription medications are used in more moderate or severe cases. While it’s not foolproof, the body’s natural defenses can also help prevent germs and bacteria from making their way into the cervix.

Vaginal discharge is used to help keep your vaginal tissues moist and lubricated. It’s influenced by your reproductive hormones, which is why it changes throughout the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge is completely common — and it’s healthy for it to change color and texture as you go through different parts of the ovulation cycle.

Vaginal discharge is also your body’s way of maintaining the pH balance of your vagina. The fluids act as natural lubrication to move bacteria, dirt, and germs out of your vaginal cavity. Do you tend to get vaginal yeast infections before your period? Find out what causes this, what treatments and home remedies are available, and steps… READ MORE

It’s a good idea to abstain from intercourse while you’re being treated for the infection. Partner treatment is not required for vaginal yeast infections, since it’s not considered an STI. However, in some people with recurrent infections, their partner may be treated. Either way she's never brought it up and I still can't believe what I did. Time has made it better for me. She acts normal around me. I'll live with this guilt and dirty pleasure for some time. I still wonder if she found them soaking in my sperm. Hopefully the wet swimming clothes kind of blended in with the wetness. Vaginal itching and irritation usually aren't cause for concern, but burning may be a sign of an underlying condition. Here are other symptoms to… READ MORE In the first days of your menstrual cycle, you may experience thin, milky white vaginal discharge. Some people describe this discharge as an “egg white” consistency.If you’ve experienced more than 4 yeast infections in a 1-year window, make an appointment to see your doctor. Vaginal discharge is a healthy part of vaginal health. The type of vaginal discharge you experience changes during your menstrual cycle, but in almost all cases, it’s a sign that everything is working well. In fact, the discharge can mean your vagina is healthy.