What does normal discharge look like?

Helping your teen spot signs

Quick summary

• Vaginal discharge is normal and helps keep the body clean and healthy
• It can change in colour, texture, and amount throughout the cycle – that’s totally okay
• If it’s itchy, smelly, or looks unusual, it’s worth speaking to a doctor for advice

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Teenage years bring plenty of changes, and vaginal discharge is one of them. 

From many of the questions luna receives, it’s clear a lot of teens may feel unsure about what's considered normal, and the natural variations they may experience over time.

If your teen is asking questions, it’s great that they feel comfortable talking to you.

But as a parent, you might also have questions – that's where luna comes in!

So here’s what to know about healthy vs. unhealthy discharge and how to explain it to your teen.

How do I know if discharge is normal?

Most vaginal discharge is completely normal and plays an important role in keeping the vagina clean and healthy.

Normal discharge:

• Varies in colour (clear, white, or slightly yellow- especially when dried)
• Can change in consistency (thin and watery, or slightly sticky)
• Might have a mild smell but shouldn’t be strong or unpleasant

It’s also normal for discharge to change throughout the menstrual cycle.

Your teen may notice some days are waterier than others, such as before ovulation or after exercise.

What does healthy discharge look like?

Healthy discharge comes in different textures, colours and amounts depending on hormones and the menstrual cycle.

Your teen might notice:

• Clear, white, or slightly yellow discharge
• A thin, slippery consistency during ovulation
• A thicker, creamier texture before a period
• Possibly slightly sticky at other points in the menstrual cycle

Some teens might have more discharge than others, and that may just be their own version of normal.

Factors like contraceptive use, stress, and sexual activity can also cause variations in discharge produced. 

As a general rule, if it’s within this range, it’s likely completely okay.

What type of discharge is unhealthy?

If your teen notices a change in discharge, it might be worth checking in. 

Some signs to watch out for include:

• Yellow-green, grey, or thick white clumpy discharge (this can indicate thrush or bacterial vaginosis)
• Strong, fishy, or unpleasant odour
• Lumpy, frothy, or cottage cheese-like texture
• Itching, burning, or redness
• Pelvic pain or bleeding (can give discharge a pinkish-hue)
• Blisters or sores

These could indicate an infection.

Some culprits include but are not limited to:

• Thrush
• Bacterial vaginosis
• STIs (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, trichomonas)

If your teen notices any of these changes, a doctor or sexual health clinic can help.

Many clinics offer walk-in services, same-day treatment, and provide a host of other useful services.

When to reassure your teen that everything is normal

If discharge is:

• White, clear, or slightly yellow when dried
• Odourless or has a mild smell
• Does not come with any other symptoms

In this case, it's usually nothing to worry about.

You might want to remind your teen that discharge is normal and healthy – it’s just the body’s way of keeping things clean!

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Is it normal to have white discharge every day?

Definitely! Many teens may have daily white discharge.

It can be more noticeable at different times of the month due to hormonal changes.

If it’s not itchy, lumpy, or smelly, it’s usually nothing out of the ordinary.

How to stop discharge?

It’s not possible – or healthy – to stop discharge completely.

However, if your teen finds it uncomfortable, they could try:

• Wearing breathable cotton underwear to help absorb moisture
• Changing underwear daily to stay fresh
• Using pantyliners if discharge is heavy (though not every day, as this can cause irritation)
• Avoiding douching, scented soaps, deodorants or wipes, which can irritate the vagina

Remind them that discharge is a sign of a healthy body, and is not something to feel embarrassed about.

How to explain discharge to your teen

It can feel awkward, but talking about discharge openly can help your teen feel more comfortable and reassured about the changes they are experiencing.

You might say something like:

• "Discharge is your body’s way of naturally keeping everything clean and healthy"
• “It changes throughout the month”
• “If it ever smells bad, feels itchy, or looks unusual, it’s okay to ask for help”

Normalising these conversations can help teens feel more confident about their body and at ease asking more questions in the future.

If they ever feel worried, remind them that their body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to.