Vaginal discharge, known in Malay as keputihan, is usually completely normal. Clear or white fluid without a strong smell is how the vagina keeps itself clean and protected from infection. It is only a concern when the colour, smell or texture changes, or when it comes with itching, soreness, pain or bleeding. This guide explains what normal discharge looks like, what different colours can mean, the most common causes of abnormal discharge, how each is treated, and when to see a doctor.
What is vaginal discharge (keputihan)?
Vaginal discharge is fluid or mucus made by glands in the cervix and the vaginal walls. It carries away old cells, keeps the vagina moist, and helps protect it from infection.
A healthy vagina is slightly acidic. Good bacteria (mainly lactobacilli) produce acid that stops germs and yeast from overgrowing. When this balance is disturbed, discharge can change, and problems such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis become more likely.
What normal discharge looks like
Normal discharge is usually:
- clear or white,
- thick and sticky, or slippery and wet, depending on the time of the month,
- without a strong smell, and
- not itchy, sore or painful.
The best guide is your own pattern. Once you know what is normal for you, a change is easier to notice.
Discharge colour guide
The table below is a starting point only. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so a doctor's check is the only way to be sure.
Normal changes through the month
The amount and texture of discharge change over the month. These changes are usually normal if there is no strong smell, itching or pain:
- Around ovulation (mid-cycle): more discharge, clear and slippery like raw egg white.
- Before your period: thicker and whiter.
- During pregnancy: usually more discharge.
- When aroused or after sex: wetter.
- On hormonal contraception: the amount can change.
- After menopause: usually less discharge, and the vagina may feel drier.
Common causes of abnormal discharge
1. Thrush (vaginal yeast infection)
Thrush happens when yeast that normally lives in the vagina overgrows. Common triggers include antibiotics, hormone changes (pregnancy, hormonal contraception), poorly controlled diabetes, and tight or damp clothing. Malaysia's hot, humid weather can make it worse if the area is not kept dry. For symptoms, treatment and prevention in more detail, see our guide to vaginal yeast infection (thrush).
2. Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
BV happens when the bacteria that normally live in the vagina get out of balance. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection, but sex can trigger it. Douching (washing inside the vagina), perfumed soaps and smoking are also linked to a higher risk of BV.
3. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital herpes can all change discharge. Some cause no symptoms at all, so testing matters if you have a new partner or may have been exposed.
4. Other causes
Irritation from perfumed products (soaps, sprays, scented wipes), a forgotten tampon, or vaginal dryness after menopause can also change discharge.
How to get rid of keputihan: treatment by cause
Normal discharge does not need to be removed, because it protects the vagina. What needs treatment is the cause of abnormal discharge, and treatment depends on that cause:
- Thrush is treated with antifungal medicine as a pessary (a tablet placed in the vagina), cream or oral tablet. Some are sold at pharmacies, but see a doctor if it is your first time, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are under 16 or over 60, or if it comes back more than 4 times a year. Do not use antifungal treatment more than twice in 6 months without advice from a pharmacist or doctor.
- Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic tablets, gel or cream prescribed by a doctor.
- Trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea need antibiotics from a doctor, and partners also need treatment so the infection does not come back.
- Genital herpes is managed with antiviral medicine to control symptoms.
Because the symptoms overlap, guessing often goes wrong. For example, thrush cream will not help if the real cause is BV. A doctor can take a sample of the discharge to confirm the cause. For a few days before the test, avoid vaginal medicines, douching and sex so the result is accurate.
Daily care that actually helps
Do:
- Wash the outer area (vulva) with plain water. If you use a cleanser, choose a gentle one without strong fragrance.
- Pat the area dry after showering or using the toilet, especially in hot, humid weather.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Wear underwear with a cotton gusset and avoid very tight trousers.
- Change pads, panty liners or tampons regularly, and choose unscented ones.
- Change out of wet clothes (after exercise or swimming) as soon as you can.
Avoid:
- Douching or washing inside the vagina. It removes the good bacteria that protect it.
- Perfumed soaps, shower gels, feminine sprays, deodorants, scented wipes and talc on the genital area.
- Bubble baths and antiseptic liquids on the genital area.
Do you need a feminine wash?
For most women, plain water is enough. The vagina cleans itself, and a feminine wash does not treat thrush, BV or sexually transmitted infections.
Many women still prefer a cleanser for the outer area, especially in hot weather, after exercise or during their period. If you choose to use one:
- pick a pH-balanced formula with no soap base and no alcohol,
- use a small amount on the outer area only, then rinse with water,
- stop and go back to plain water if your skin feels sore, itchy or dry.
Drann Feminine Wash (Rose) is one example of an external cleanser: pH-balanced, with no soap base, no alcohol and no added colouring, made with aloe vera and niacinamide. It has a light rose fragrance, so if your skin is very sensitive, try it every other day first. It is a daily hygiene product, not a treatment for abnormal discharge.
For more on choosing one, see our guide on how to choose a feminine wash in Malaysia.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or clinic if:
- the colour, smell or texture of your discharge changes, or there is much more of it,
- you have itching, soreness, or pain when peeing or during sex,
- you have pelvic pain, fever, or bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause,
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding, because some infections such as BV can affect pregnancy,
- it is your first time having thrush symptoms,
- symptoms come back more than 4 times a year or do not clear after treatment,
- you have a new partner or may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.
If peeing is painful or you need to go often but your discharge has not changed, it may be a urinary tract infection; see our guide to UTI symptoms.
Get urgent care if discharge comes with a high fever and severe abdominal pain.
Myths vs facts
-
Myth: Discharge means you are not clean.
Fact: Normal discharge is a sign of a healthy vagina, not of poor hygiene. -
Myth: Washing inside the vagina makes it cleaner.
Fact: Douching removes good bacteria and raises the risk of BV and other infections. -
Myth: Any smelly discharge is thrush.
Fact: Thrush usually does not smell. A fishy smell is more often linked to BV or trichomoniasis. -
Myth: The more fragrant the product, the better.
Fact: Strong fragrance can irritate sensitive skin. Less is better.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it normal to have white discharge every day?
Yes. Most women have some discharge every day. Normal discharge is clear or white, has no strong smell, and changes in amount and texture through the menstrual cycle.
What does yellow discharge mean?
A pale yellow tinge on dried underwear can be normal. Discharge that is clearly yellow or green, frothy or smelly, or comes with itching or pain can point to an infection such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhoea, so see a doctor.
Why do I get more discharge before my period?
Hormone levels change through the cycle. Discharge is often clear and slippery around ovulation and becomes thicker and whiter before a period. This is normal if there is no strong smell, itching or pain.
How do you get rid of keputihan?
Normal discharge does not need to be removed because it protects the vagina. Abnormal discharge is treated according to its cause: thrush with antifungal medicine, and bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis with antibiotics from a doctor. Get a diagnosis before taking medicine.
Can a feminine wash get rid of discharge?
No. A feminine wash only cleans the outer area (vulva) and does not treat infections. Plain water is enough for most women, and you should never wash inside the vagina (douching).
When should I see a doctor about vaginal discharge?
See a doctor if the colour, smell or texture of your discharge changes, if you have itching, soreness, pelvic pain, fever or bleeding between periods, if you are pregnant, or if symptoms come back more than 4 times a year.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. If you are worried about discharge or any other symptom, please see a doctor or pharmacist.
