Vaginal Discharge After Periods: Types, Colours, and Causes

Oh, you thought you could put away your panty liners after the last few days of period spotting? Bam, vaginal discharge after periods is here to keep you on your toes. But is it normal? What causes it? Are there different types of discharge after periods? And are there some cases in which you might need medical care? Get ready to get the answers to all your questions below!

Is Discharge After Periods Normal?

Vaginal discharge after periods is completely normal and is caused by fluctuating hormones during the menstrual cycle. Not every woman experiences it but many women do have to deal with clear or white discharge a few days after their period ends.  

It is important to note, however, that there are instances in which discharge can be unhealthy. Consequently, you must know what healthy discharge looks and smells like. As long as it’s clear, white, off-white, or pale yellow, and only has a subtle scent but no strong or foul odour, you’re good to go!1

What Causes Liquid Discharge After Period?

Typically, vaginal discharge occurs when your body begins to prepare for ovulation and your estrogen levels start to rise. This causes the glands in your cervix and vagina to secrete vaginal discharge.

However, there are some causes other than ovulation and hormonal changes that can also lead to water like discharge after period. 

Some of them include bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is a bacterial infection down there, yeast infection, or even sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Factors such as birth control, breastfeeding, and sexual arousal can also have an impact on the amount of discharge. 

Types and Colors of Discharge After Period

Depending on what is causing the discharge and whether it is healthy or not, its color, smell, and consistency can vary. Let’s go over the different colours and types one by one.

White Discharge After Menstruation

As we mentioned before, white or off-white discharge is the most common type of discharge and is a sign of a clean and healthy vagina.

However, white discharge that has a thick, cottage cheese-like consistency and a foul smell can be a sign of yeast infection.

Pale yellow discharge after period is also normal and is just a consequence of dietary changes. 

But if you experience discharge that’s darker yellow, yellowish-green, or completely green, you could have a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection.

Clear Discharge After Period

Clear or slippery, egg-white discharge after period is also normal and may occur just before ovulation or during sexual arousal.

This type of discharge is also known by the name “fertile mucus” because a woman can conceive a child during this time. 

Brown Color Discharge After Period

Brown or bloody mucus discharge after period is just old blood being released which gives the discharge a brownish tint.

However, if this discharge continues for more than 2 days or becomes completely red in color, it’s time to see your doctor.

Pink Discharge After Period

Pink discharge typically occurs along with spotting at the start or end of the period. Some women also experience it at the end of ovulation.

In non-period cases, pink discharge might be a sign of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy or it might occur after sex due to minor tears or irritation in the cervix. 

Grey Discharge After Period

Grey discharge after period, especially if it’s accompanied by a fishy odour, is unhealthy and a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). 

You might also experience other symptoms like redness around the vulva, itching, and irritation. 

Do I Need to see a Doctor for Discharge After Period?

You need to see a doctor for discharge after period if it:

• Has a foul or fishy smell
• Is thick like cottage cheese
• Is dark-yellow, yellowish-green, green, grey, or red in colour
• Is accompanied by other symptoms like redness around the vulva, itching, irritation, rash or sores

Additionally, if you experience white discharge after a few missed periods, you should see your gynaecologist because it might be a sign of pregnancy.

How to Manage Discharge After Period?

There is no reason to worry about managing discharge after your period. Here is all you need to do:

• Keep your genital area clean and dry and do not use any products that might affect your pH balance. Instead you can use Azah’s pH-Balanced Intimate Wash or Azah’s Anti-Bacterial Intimate Wipes.
• Wear cotton underwear that prevent moisture buildup and allow air circulation.
• Use panty-liners made of soft, breathable material that don’t give you any rashes such as Azah’s Ultra-Thin Panty Liners.
• Practise safe sex to mitigate the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult your gynaecologist to receive the right medical care.

Conclusion

Vaginal discharge after your period is usually white, off-white, or pale yellow, and can sometimes appear brown or pink which is normal. Healthy discharge may have a mild odor, but a foul or "fishy" smell could signal an infection, as can lumpy discharge accompanied by itching or burning. 

Having to deal with vaginal discharge after period just when you’re done dealing with all that periods entail is a hard pill to swallow. Trust us, we get it. But you can be comforted by the knowledge that in most cases discharge is completely normal. All you need to do is put on a panty liner and you’re all set! But do remember that if you experience any irregular symptoms along with discharge, it’s best to see your doctor so that you can avoid any complications down the road. 

 FAQs

How to reduce white discharge after period?

White discharge after period is normal and is usually caused by hormonal fluctuations during ovulation. You might not be able to reduce it but you can certainly manage it with the help of panty liners. 

How to stop brown discharge after period?

Brown discharge after period is usually just old blood being expelled which gives the discharge a brownish tint. However, if it does not stop after 2 days you should see your doctor. 

What kind of discharge is normal right after period?

Discharge after period that is clear, white, off-white, or pale yellow, and only has a subtle scent but no strong or foul odour, is typically normal.

How many days after period white discharge starts?

You might start experiencing vaginal discharge from day 14 onwards of your menstrual cycle. This is when you start ovulating and your estrogen levels start rising, which is what causes discharge after period.

What does discharge look like after period if pregnant?

White discharge after a few missed periods or pink discharge can be a sign of pregnancy.