Chronic BV, Thrush, UTIs?
Know What’s Normal and What’s Not
Vaginal discharge is completely normal—it’s your body’s natural way of keeping itself clean, balanced, and healthy. But if you’re prone to UTIs, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or thrush, it’s easy to worry about every change you see. Let’s decode what’s normal, what might signal a problem, and how you can support vaginal health.
Your Cycle and Your Discharge
Your discharge naturally changes across your menstrual cycle. This is a healthy sign of hormonal balance—so don’t be alarmed if you notice more discharge or changes in colour or texture at different times of the month.
Follicular Phase (just after your period):
Minimal or dry.
Before Ovulation:
Creamy or white with a smooth consistency.
Around Ovulation (mid-cycle):
Clear, stretchy, slippery (like egg whites) with no strong smell.
After Ovulation:
Thicker, creamy, or sticky.
Right Before Your Period:
May appear slightly yellow when it dries on underwear.
All of these changes are normal—your body is simply responding to hormonal shifts.
When Discharge May Signal an Issue
Watch out for sudden changes that include unpleasant odour, unusual thickness, persistent abnormal colour, or symptoms like itching, burning, or pelvic pain. These may indicate vaginal microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis) or infection.
Signs of Dysbiosis or Infection
Grey, white, or green discharge
Peculiar or clumpy consistency
Strong, unpleasant odour
Vaginal itching or burning
Pain with urination
Frequent urinary tract infections
Colour Guide – What It May Mean
White: Normal; but thick, ‘cottage cheese’ texture with itching = likely thrush.
Grey: Strong fishy smell = possible BV.
Green/Yellow: May indicate STIs or other infections—especially if pus-like or with bleeding/pain.
Clear: Healthy—often indicates ovulation or hormonal changes.
Brown: Common before period or with spotting.
Pink: Could mean irritation or cervical bleeding—seek advice.
Don’t panic—but do consult your healthcare practitioner if you’re concerned. Early diagnosis makes treatment easier and reduces recurrence.
Supporting a Healthy Vaginal Environment
Your daily habits play a big role in maintaining vaginal balance:
Wash with warm water only—no scented soaps, douches, or bidets that may disrupt pH or introduce pathogens. Instead, choose gentle, pH-balanced options like Pinc Wellness intimate wash or wipes for gentle cleansing.
Wear breathable cotton underwear. Go ‘commando’ at home or at night to allow airflow.
Always wipe front to back.
Consider targeted probiotics if recommended to support healthy bacterial balance.
Avoid tampons during infections (wait until symptom-free for 6+ months); sterilise menstrual cups carefully with each use.
Change out of wet clothing promptly after exercise or swimming.
Keep the vaginal area dry during infections.
Limit sexual activity during active infections, or use condoms for protection. Avoid unprotected sex, digital penetration, oral sex, unsanitised toys, and irritating lubricants or condoms.
Nutrition for Vaginal Health
Your diet can support immunity and reduce infection risk:
Vitamin C and Zinc: Boost immune function and reduce fungal virulence.
Garlic and Oregano: Natural anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties—easy to add to meals.
Anti-inflammatory diet: Focus on lean meats, oily fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, and 2+ servings of vegetables or fruit at each meal. Limit refined sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods. The Mediterranean diet is an excellent model.
Omega-3 fats: Support healthy inflammation levels. Include oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring), flaxseeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and extra virgin olive oil.
Knowing what’s normal for you is powerful. Your discharge tells a story about your health. By tuning into it, you can stay informed, spot problems early, and feel confident and empowered in caring for your body.
If you’re struggling with chronic BV, thrush or UTIs book in for a consultation with me!
