Photography by Natalie Rose Dodd. Art direction by Marta Pucci.
What is vaginal discharge and how does it change throughout your cycle?
Everything you need to know about vaginal and cervical fluid.
Top things to know:
Vaginal discharge does not mean you have an infection
Your discharge naturally changes throughout your cycle, influenced by hormones, helpful vaginal bacteria, and your stage of life
You can track your discharge in Clue using the categories sticky, creamy, eggwhite, or atypical, to understand your cycle and body better
What’s considered “normal” vaginal discharge?
You may have noticed that sometimes you have more vaginal discharge, and sometimes less. Sometimes it’s clear and stretchy; other times, it might be cloudy or clumpy. You might go days without seeing any discharge, and then one morning you wipe, and—bam—there’s a big glob stretching a few inches between the toilet paper and your body.
That’s all typical.
Tracking your vaginal discharge can help you better understand your cycle and recognize the signs of ovulation (1). It might even help you decide whether or not you need extra lube during sex.
Clue tracking tip: In the Clue app, you can log your discharge as sticky, creamy, eggwhite, or atypical. Logging consistently can help you spot patterns and better understand your body’s signals—whether you’re tracking ovulation, trying to conceive, or just curious.
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What exactly is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is any non-period fluid that exits your vagina. It’s mostly made of water, along with some microorganisms (including bacteria) and cells from your vaginal walls (2). This fluid helps protect the vagina from infections, keeps the tissue healthy, and clears out old cells (2).
Discharge can include cervical fluid, arousal fluid, lubrication, semen after sex, or fluid caused by infections like bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection (3,4). The type and amount of discharge can change depending on your cycle phase, hormone levels, life stages (like pregnancy or menopause), and more (2). These vaginal discharge changes are expected—and can offer helpful signals about where you are in your cycle.
What is cervical fluid?
Cervical fluid, also called cervical mucus, is produced by the cells of the cervix (the opening between the uterus and vagina) (3). It changes throughout your cycle, from thick and sticky to thin and stretchy, depending on your hormone levels (2). As estrogen rises before ovulation, cervical fluid becomes clearer and more slippery, making it easier for sperm to move through the cervix (5). After ovulation, progesterone rises and cervical fluid thickens again (5).
What is arousal fluid? And what does it mean to “get wet”?
Arousal fluid—or vaginal lubrication—is filtered from blood plasma (the liquid part of blood minus the blood cells) (6). Sexual arousal (excitement) increases blood flow to the tissue of the vagina (4). There is more pressure in the swollen tissue causing the fluid to be pushed to the surface of the vaginal walls (4). This increase in moisture, or “wetness”, is vaginal lubrication or arousal fluid (4).
How does discharge change throughout the cycle?
Your menstrual cycle has two main phases: the follicular phase (before ovulation) and the luteal phase (after ovulation) (3). Throughout these phases, hormones like estrogen and progesterone influence the type and amount and texture of vaginal discharge (5). Although hormone levels can affect different types of vaginal discharge, cervical mucus, produced by the cervix, follows consistent and recognizable patterns across the menstrual cycle (5).
These changes can offer useful clues about where you are in your cycle and when you might be fertile:
1. During menstruation (your period)
You’re bleeding, so you probably won’t notice any discharge. The cervix isn’t producing much fluid at this time, and estrogen and progesterone are low (5).
2. Just after your period: Dry or minimal discharge
Your body starts producing more estrogen, but fluid production is still low (5). Some people feel dry during this time.
3. Leading up to ovulation: Sticky, then creamy
Estrogen rises, and your cervix produces more fluid. Discharge may start off sticky, then turn creamy or lotion-like. It might look white, cloudy, or even yellowish when dried on your underwear (5).
4. Ovulation: Clear, stretchy, egg white
Estrogen peaks one to two days before ovulation, making cervical fluid slippery, clear, and stretchy—similar to raw egg whites (5). This is your body’s most fertile time, and discharge can stretch between your fingers for inches (5).
5. After ovulation (luteal phase): Sticky or dry
Estrogen drops, and progesterone takes the lead, decreasing discharge (5). This luteal phase discharge is typically less abundant and may feel dry or sticky compared to the slippery discharge before ovulation (5).
Then, your period begins, and the cycle starts again.
Everyone’s cycle is unique. These patterns may look slightly different for you, and that’s completely okay.
Factors that can affect vaginal discharge
Hormonal changes: Including puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause, menopause, and starting or stopping hormonal birth control (2,5).
Infections: Such as vaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea (2,7).
Other health conditions: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and other hormonal imbalances can also influence discharge patterns by impacting the menstrual cycle (8,9).
How do I get rid of vaginal discharge?
You don’t need to “get rid” of healthy vaginal discharge—it’s a natural part of how your body works. If something feels off, like a strong odor or a sudden increase in volume—it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider (10).
Tips for keeping discharge within the expected range:
Avoid douching and scented products
Wash with unscented soap and warm water (outside only)
Clean sex toys and menstrual cups thoroughly
Use condoms to help reduce the risk of infection (2,11)
Does birth control affect vaginal discharge?
Yes. Hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills (especially those containing only a progestin) can make cervical fluid thicker (5). This helps prevent pregnancy by making it harder for sperm to move (5). You might notice less discharge or a change in consistency, and that’s expected (12).
Do pregnancy and breastfeeding affect discharge?
Absolutely. Changing estrogen levels during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding can cause dryness or changes in discharge (2). Some people notice more watery discharge in pregnancy, while others feel much drier—especially when breastfeeding. If dryness causes discomfort, try a lubricant or talk to your healthcare provider about options like vaginal estrogen creams (2).
When to contact your healthcare provider
See your provider if you notice:
“Abnormal” vaginal discharge color, such as green, yellow, or gray discharge
A metallic, foul, or fishy odor
Texture that’s unusually thin or chunky (like cottage cheese)
Sudden, large increase in the volume of discharge
Vulva itching, redness, swelling, or pain (11)
And hey—if you ever feel embarrassed bringing it up, remember: this is your body, and you deserve answers. No shame, ever.
Download Clue to track your vaginal discharge so you can get to know your body better.
FAQs
Am I ovulating or just wet?
If your discharge is clear, stretchy, and feels slippery (like raw egg whites), you’re likely in your fertile window and may be ovulating soon (5). If you’re feeling wet during or after sexual arousal, it’s likely arousal fluid (4). Tracking discharge daily in Clue can help you distinguish the difference over time.
What does early pregnancy discharge look like?
In early pregnancy, many people notice more discharge than usual, and it’s typically white or milky, thin, and odorless (2). If you notice yellow or green discharge or a strong smell, check in with your provider to rule out infection (11).
How soon after jelly-like discharge do you ovulate?
That stretchy, jelly-like discharge (AKA eggwhite cervical fluid) usually appears one to two days before ovulation (5). This is your most fertile time. You may ovulate the day or day after this type of discharge peaks (5).
