White discharge before or after your period is normal. It keeps the vagina clean and lubricated. However, white discharge may be a sign of infection if it is unusually thick or clumpy, or is accompanied by itchiness.

The amount and consistency of vaginal discharge can change throughout the month due to hormonal fluctuations, but any abnormal discharge should be evaluated.

This article will discuss the different types of white discharge and when they occur, as well as how to spot unhealthy discharge and when to call your healthcare provider. 

What Causes White Discharge After a Period?

During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the brain and ovaries give instructions to the reproductive system. This causes what are considered the female sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone—to rise and fall during each phase of the cycle. Vaginal discharge created by the glands in the cervix and vagina is influenced by the change in hormones. White discharge occurs a few days after menstrual bleeding ends, as estrogen levels start to increase and the body prepares for ovulation.

Is White Discharge Safe?

White or clear discharge is common, and it is generally healthy, safe, and normal. It’s usually a sign that your reproductive system is working. Discharge varies throughout your month-long menstrual cycle. The color and consistency change when hormones fluctuate.

White Vaginal Discharge Variations

Vaginal discharge keeps the vagina clean and provides lubrication or moisture. It’s normally clear, white, off-white, or pale yellow. It may have a subtle scent but does not have a strong, unpleasant, or foul odor. 

During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the amount and thickness varies. The amount of discharge may also increase with birth control, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sexual stimulation. 

Brown Discharge

Day one of your menstrual cycle is when you experience bleeding or a period. As menstrual bleeding ends, vaginal discharge turns brownish due to old blood being released. Just after this time, vaginal discharge decreases or dries up. 

Discharge and Menopause

As a woman nears menopause, lubrication decreases due to a fall in estrogen levels.

Milky White Discharge 

After this more dry period, discharge returns and is a little thick and sticky but quickly changes to a creamy, milky white that resembles a very thinned-out lotion. Some might describe it as off-white, cream, or pale yellow, especially when seeing it dry on undergarments. 

Egg White Discharge

As a woman approaches ovulation (14–16 days before bleeding), discharge increases and thins out. It becomes more clear, slippery, and stretchy, similar to a raw egg white. Another term for egg white discharge is “fertile mucus" because it occurs when a woman is ovulating and could conceive a child during this time.

Vaginal Discharge and Pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, hormones change and prepare a woman’s body. Women often notice more milky white discharge, or leukorrhea, one to two weeks after conception. Leukorrhea during pregnancy is normal and healthy.

Thick, White Discharge 

After ovulation and leading up to your period, discharge amounts decrease. It starts to thicken and change from clear to white. 

Thick, White, Sticky Discharge 

When you are not ovulating, white discharge gets thicker and stickier. It acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from traveling through the cervix. Thick, white, sticky discharge is also common after the dry spell that follows your period. 

Thick, Chunky, White Discharge

White discharge that is very thick and chunky, like cottage cheese, usually indicates something is off. When accompanied by vaginal itching or burning, it may be a sign of a yeast infection.

When to See a Doctor

If you have any of the following changes in vaginal discharge color or accompanying symptoms, see your healthcare provider:

White-Gray Discharge

Discharge that is a white-gray shade, with a strong fishy odor, may signify an infection. 

  • Bright yellow, greenish, white-grey or grey discharge
  • Pus-like discharge
  • Clumpy texture like cottage cheese
  • Foul-smelling discharge (sometimes described as “fishy”)
  • Vaginal pain
  • Painful urination
  • Swelling, redness, or itching around the vaginal area
  • A whitish coating around the vagina
  • Burning (vaginal or urinary)
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain not associated with menstrual cramps
  • Watery or bubbly (frothy) discharge with an unpleasant odor
  • Rash or sores alone or with a vaginal discharge.
  • Multiple skipped periods

It can be helpful to monitor and track monthly discharge in a notebook or on an app on your phone. Knowing your body and what’s normal for you can alert you to changes. 

Summary

Healthy vaginal discharge varies in color and consistency due to hormonal fluctuations. It varies based on factors such as birth control (oral contraceptives), a woman’s monthly cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. 

Changes With Period or Sex

Your healthcare provider may ask you about unusual color, texture, and smell, as well as any other symptoms. If these signs or symptoms worsen during your period or with sexual intercourse, be sure to mention that. 

At times it is milky or slightly thicker. The color might be white, off-white, or pale yellow. During ovulation, it is more clear, elastic, and slippery. 

Healthy discharge may have a mild odor. However, an offensive, foul, or “fishy” odor may indicate an infection. 

Thick, chunky white discharge, with a cottage cheese consistency that accompanies itching and burning, may indicate a yeast infection. 

A Word From Verywell 

Experiencing white vaginal discharge is a normal part of being a woman. Understanding different types of vaginal discharge is one of the first steps in taking charge of your sexual and reproductive health. Being aware helps you notice if anything changes. If you do have unusual changes, call your primary healthcare provider or gynecologist. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many days after your period does discharge come?
  • Most women experience a few days of little to no discharge right after bleeding from their period ends. Throughout the rest of the month, it varies in amounts and consistency as hormones fluctuate.
  • Is white discharge after a period a sign of pregnancy?
  • A milky white vaginal discharge called leukorrhea can be a normal part of a woman’s monthly cycle or an early sign of pregnancy. In early pregnancy, about one to two weeks after conception, many women notice increased leukorrhea. The volume continues to increase as hormones change and the pregnancy progresses.
  • What does white, healthy discharge look like?
  • Healthy white discharge can be thin, creamy, slippery, thick, and sticky. White discharge that is chunky, like cottage cheese, may be cause for concern, especially if itching or burning accompanies it. A mild odor is normal, but an unpleasant, strong, foul, or “fishy” odor may indicate an infection.

Most women experience a few days of little to no discharge right after bleeding from their period ends. Throughout the rest of the month, it varies in amounts and consistency as hormones fluctuate. 

A milky white vaginal discharge called leukorrhea can be a normal part of a woman’s monthly cycle or an early sign of pregnancy. In early pregnancy, about one to two weeks after conception, many women notice increased leukorrhea. The volume continues to increase as hormones change and the pregnancy progresses.

Healthy white discharge can be thin, creamy, slippery, thick, and sticky. White discharge that is chunky, like cottage cheese, may be cause for concern, especially if itching or burning accompanies it. A mild odor is normal, but an unpleasant, strong, foul, or “fishy” odor may indicate an infection.