Nearly everyone has discharge on ordinary days, and it's normal: it keeps the vagina moist, clean and protected from infection. It changes through the cycle: some days almost dry, some sticky, some slippery like raw egg white. Clear or white discharge with no strong smell and no itching is the usual picture.
How does discharge change through the cycle?
Right after your period it's often fairly dry, and then discharge turns sticky or creamy. Closer to ovulation there's more of it, and it's clear, slippery and stretchy. After ovulation progesterone thickens it, and there's less again.
How do I keep track?
Once a day, check the toilet paper or your underwear and note what you see: dry, sticky, creamy or slippery. There's no need to put your fingers inside. Log the wettest type of the day, and after a few cycles your rhythm will show, even if you don't notice every stage.
Medicines, breastfeeding and a pelvic exam that used lubricant can all change what you see. Mark those days separately.
How should I look after that area?
Wash the outside with warm water, and a mild, unperfumed soap if you like. The vagina cleans itself, so there's no need to douche, and perfumed gels, deodorants and scented wipes can dry and irritate the skin.
Can discharge tell me when it's safe?
Discharge doesn't give an exact ovulation date, and a dry day doesn't guarantee anything, because sperm usually live inside the body for up to 5 days, sometimes up to 7. Mucus is used in fertility awareness methods taught by trained teachers. Even with those, 24 in 100 women get pregnant within a year when the rules aren't followed exactly.
Common questions
How can I tell mucus from arousal fluid or semen?
It can be hard, because arousal fluid, semen and lubricant can look alike. Check at a calm time of day and mark the days after sex separately.
I hardly have any discharge. Is that bad?
Not necessarily, since amounts vary a lot. There can be less while breastfeeding, on hormonal contraception or on some antidepressants. See a doctor if dryness lasts a few weeks and what you've tried isn't helping, or if it gets in the way of daily life.
In short
- Once a day, log it: dry, sticky, creamy or slippery
- Wash the outside with warm water, never inside
- Mark days after sex or new medicines separately
Source: NHS: Vaginal discharge
Educational content; it does not replace professional medical advice.