I have been getting discharge for about 6 months now. I've never had my period, but the discharge has changed color a little and smells different (sort like fish). Is it bad? – Aidah* Anytime a girl has a change in the way her discharge looks or smells, she should see a doctor. If you can't go to your regular doctor, visit a reproductive health clinic to get checked out. Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or whitish. (It's OK for a girl's discharge to look slightly different at times, but it shouldn't be colors other than clear, white, or off-white.) It may have a slight odor, but shouldn't have an unpleasant one. A fishy smell is often a sign of infection, like bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis (yeast infection) don't just happen to girls who have sex. For example, virgins can get yeast infections from things like taking certain medications or from stress. Changes in vaginal discharge also can be caused by STDs like gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. If STDs aren't treated, they can cause problems later in life, like infertility (the inability to have children), which is why girls who are having sex or who have had sex should see a doctor to get tested. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles Vaginal Discharge: What's Normal, What's Not Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes: cleaning and moistening the vagina and helping to prevent infections. But sometimes discharge indicates there's a problem. Get the facts on what's normal and what's not. Read More STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More I've Never Had My Period, So What's This Discharge? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More How Can I Tell If I Have a Yeast Infection? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Feeling Fresh Wondering what you can do to feel as clean as possible "down there"? Read this article for the facts on douches, wipes, and other feminine hygiene products. Read More Vaginal Yeast Infections What are vaginal yeast infections? Can anything be done to prevent them? Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.