What does it mean when you have discharge
Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and Colors
A fluid that helps keep the vagina clean and infection-free, vaginal discharge is completely natural. But its color, texture, and amount can differ, depending on your age and where you are in your menstrual cycle.
Some changes, however, can be a sign of an underlying health condition. These can include significant color or odor changes as well as a difference in consistency.
From types and causes to when it’s best to seek medical attention, here’s the lowdown on vaginal discharge.
Several types of vaginal discharge exist — often categorized by color and consistency.
White
White-colored discharge is common, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. Typically, this discharge will be thick and sticky, too, with no strong odor.
Clear and watery
Around ovulation, discharge often becomes clearer and wetter. You may also notice more discharge like this when you’re sexually aroused or pregnant.
Clear and stretchy
When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating.
Brown or bloody
Brown or bloody discharge can occur during or right after your menstrual cycle. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. This is called spotting.
Spotting that occurs during the usual time of your period and after recent sex without a barrier or other protection may be a sign of pregnancy. And spotting during early pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage.
Yellow or green
Yellow-ish discharge may not indicate a health condition as it can naturally turn this color when exposed to air.
But darker yellow or green discharge — especially when it’s thick, chunky, or accompanied by an unpleasant smell — is a sign to see a healthcare professional.
Vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function resulting from natural changes in estrogen levels. The amount of discharge can increase from the likes of ovulation, sexual arousal, birth control pills, and pregnancy.
The color, smell, and texture of vaginal discharge can be adversely affected by changes to the vagina’s bacterial balance. That’s because when the number of harmful bacteria increases, vaginal infections are more likely.
Here are some of the possible infections to be aware of.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial infection. It causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor. Discharge may also look gray, thin, and watery. In some cases, the infection produces no symptoms.
Although bacterial vaginosis isn’t transmitted via sexual contact, you have a higher risk of developing it if you’re sexually active or have recently gotten a new sexual partner. The infection can also put you at a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is another type of infection caused by a parasite. It’s usually spread by sexual contact, but can also be contracted by sharing towels or bathing suits.
Up to half of the people affected have no symptoms. Those who do will often notice a yellow, green, or frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor. Pain, inflammation, and itching around the vagina as well as when urinating or having sex are also common signs.
Yeast infection
A yeast infection occurs when yeast growth increases in the vagina. It produces a thick and white discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. This discharge doesn’t usually smell.
Other symptoms include burning, itching, and other irritation around the vagina along with soreness during sex or when urinating.
The following can increase your likelihood of yeast infections:
- stress
- diabetes
- use of birth control pills
- pregnancy
- antibiotics, especially prolonged use over 10 days
Gonorrhea and chlamydia
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are STIs that can produce an abnormal discharge due to infecting the cervix. It’s often yellow, greenish, or cloudy in color.
You may also experience:
- pain when urinating
- stomach pain
- bleeding after penetrative vaginal sex
- bleeding between periods
But some people may have zero symptoms.
Genital herpes
This STI can lead to thick vaginal discharge with a strong smell, particularly after sex. Sores and blisters can appear around the genitals along with bleeding between periods and a burning sensation when urinating.
However, it’s more common to have no or mild symptoms. If symptoms do occur, you may experience repeated outbreaks throughout your life.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Heavy, foul-smelling discharge and pain in the stomach, after sex, or while menstruating or urinating may be signs of pelvic inflammatory disease.
This occurs when bacteria move into the vagina and up to other reproductive organs and can be caused by STIs that are left untreated like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Human papillomavirus or cervical cancer
The human papillomavirus infection is spread by sexual contact and can lead to cervical cancer.
While there may be no symptoms, this type of cancer can result in:
- bloody, brown, or watery discharge with an unpleasant odor
- unusual bleeding occurring between periods or after sex
- pain while urinating or an increased urge to urinate
In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can also be a sign of endometrial cancer, fibroids, or other growths.
If you’re ever worried about your vaginal discharge, talk with a clinician as soon as possible. This is particularly true if your discharge changes color, smell, or consistency or if you’re noticing more of it than usual.
Other symptoms to watch out for include:
- irritation around the vagina
- bleeding between periods, after penetrative vaginal sex, or after menopause
- pain when urinating
- fever
- pain in the abdomen or during penetrative vaginal sex
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- increased urination
When you see a healthcare professional, they’ll likely perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam.
The clinician will also ask several questions about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and general lifestyle. In many cases, an infection can be detected by a physical or pelvic exam.
If a healthcare professional is unable to diagnose the problem immediately, they may swab your vagina to get a sample of the discharge and examine it under a microscope or send it to a lab for further testing. They may also want to take a scraping from your cervix to check for human papillomavirus or cervical cancer.
Once the clinician knows the cause of the discharge, you’ll be given treatment options. These can range from a short course of antibiotics to surgery in rare cases.
As vaginal discharge is natural, it’s not possible to prevent it. But you can take measures to reduce the chance of infections.
Gently wash around your vagina with water, avoiding scented products and douches that may cause irritation. Drying the area thoroughly and wearing breathable cotton underwear can also help.
Additionally, consider using a condom or other barrier method during sexual activity and thoroughly clean sex toys to reduce your risk of STIs. And if you have a period, try to change the likes of tampons and pads frequently.
Keeping an eye on your vaginal discharge can help you track what’s typical for your body and notice changes as quickly as possible.
Anything out of the ordinary is a sign to talk with a healthcare professional. Remember that the quicker most infections are diagnosed and treated, the less chance there is of long-term complications.
Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in women’s issues. When she isn’t trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.
Vaginal Discharge Color Guide: What Is Normal?
Let’s be real: Many of us have experienced that moment when you pulled down your pants in the bathroom, saw a different color than usual, and asked, “Is that normal?”
This is often followed by questions like, “Is it the time of the month?”, “What did I eat this week?”, and even “How was the sex last night?”
Many of these colors are common and not a reflection of illness.
But even if you know you’re in the clear, what do these colors actually mean?
Well, wonder no longer. We put together a color guide that’s not only medically accurate, but also fun to look at. And even though there’s usually nothing to worry about, there’s also information on consulting a professional if you’re concerned.
Here’s your Pantone guide to vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge is the medical term for fluid that comes from the vagina, and it’s an amazing thing.
It’s how your body gets rid of dead vaginal skin cells, bacteria, and secretions from your cervix and vagina to help protect your vaginal and urinary tracts from infection. It also keeps your vaginal tissues lubricated and clean.
Your hormones impact the amount and consistency of vaginal discharge, which is why you may have different amounts at certain times, like before menstruation, during pregnancy, or while using hormonal birth control.
Red or brown bloody discharge is common during menstruation.
Colors might range from cherry red at the beginning of your period to rusty brown. But if you do see red throughout the month, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition, like an infection.
Reasons for red or brown discharge
Irregular menstrual cycle or spotting: Some people simply have irregular periods and spotting. Others experience spotting due to their birth control method or hormonal changes.
A variety of white shades of discharge, from eggshell to cream, can be common. Unless your discharge is accompanied by certain textures or smells, don’t fret too much.
Reasons for white discharge
Vaginal lubrication: White discharge can occur for many of the same reasons as clear discharge. It’s simply natural lubrication, keeping your vaginal tissue healthy and minimizing friction during sex.
Very light yellow discharge is more common than you might think. Sometimes the color is daffodil yellow. Other times it’s more of a greener chartreuse.
Reasons for yellow-green discharge
Diet or supplement use: This color is usually a sign of an infection, but if you know you’re probably in the clear (as in it’s a one-off occurrence), what you eat could affect the color. Some people report this color change occurring whenever they take new vitamins or try certain foods.
Pink discharge, ranging from a very light blush to the deep pink of a sunset, is often just a sign of the beginning of your cycle. But at other times, it can be a sign of a serious health problem.
Reasons for pink discharge
Sexual intercourse: Some people with vaginas may periodically experience light bleeding after penetration with fingers, a sex toy, or a penis, which can result in pink discharge.
Clear discharge, which can also be whitish, is usually OK. It may have an egg-white like consistency. It’s also the go-to discharge a healthy body expels to rebalance itself — because the vagina is a self-cleaning organ.
Reasons for clear discharge
Ovulation: Is it about day 14 of your cycle? You’re probably ovulating and producing cervical mucus.
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: Pregnancy can also cause a change in hormones and increase how much discharge you have.
Sexual arousal: During arousal, blood vessels in that vagina dilate and fluid passes through them, causing an increase in clear, watery discharge. Totally fine.
When white turns to gray, like storm clouds or exhaust, consult a doctor or other healthcare professional (HCP). It could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is a common overgrowth of bacteria in people with vaginas.
Your clinician will likely prescribe antibacterial ointments or oral antibiotics.
If you’re worried about your discharge color, amount, or other symptoms, your body is pretty good at letting you know. It’ll send some pretty specific cues, like itching, pain, and burning during urination, to tell you to get a downstairs checkup.
Consult a HCP if you’re concerned about potential STI exposure or if your discharge is accompanied by these symptoms or signs:
- itching
- pain
- burning sensation during urination
- strong, foul odor
- frothy texture
- thick, cottage cheese texture
- gray color
- bleeding that’s unrelated to menstruation
What underlying conditions can affect vaginal discharge?
Sometimes these conditions can be eliminated based on your individual circumstances. Gonorrhea and chlamydia, for example, can generally be eliminated if you’ve never engaged in partnered sexual contact.
Although the chart below is a starting point, it’s always a good idea to consult a HCP if you’re unable to pinpoint a cause, or if you’re unsure of your health status.
| Clear discharge | White discharge | Yellow-green discharge | Red discharge | Pink discharge | Gray discharge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial vaginosis (BV) | X | X | ||||
| Cervical cancer | X | X | ||||
| Chlamydia | X | |||||
| Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) | X | |||||
| Gonorrhea | X | |||||
| Hormone imbalance | X | |||||
| Trichomoniasis | X | |||||
| Uterine cancer | X | X | X | |||
| Vaginal infection | X | |||||
| Yeast infection | X |
Why does vaginal discharge smell?
Yup, healthy vaginal discharge has a smell. The smell comes from the combination of cells and organisms in it. Tack on sweat from neighboring groin glands, too.
Just like the amount of vaginal discharge secreted is dependent on hormones, so is the smell. This is why you might notice it smells different throughout the month.
Unless the smell is overly strong or unpleasant, it’s usually NBD.
If it bothers you, washing the area with warm water and changing your underwear daily can help keep the smell to a minimum.
You might not always think of it this way, but vaginal discharge is pretty amazing. Healthy discharge helps keep the vagina clean, ward off infections, and provide lubrication. It changes with your body’s needs.
It’s also important to keep in mind that a range of shades and amounts of vaginal discharge is considered typical and varies from person to person.
But your vaginal discharge is also a reflection of your overall health. If discharge occurs unexpectedly or changes significantly in color, consistency, amount, or smell, consult a HCP.
Likewise, if your discharge is accompanied by an itch or pelvic pain, it’s time to consult a clinician.
Read this article in Spanish.
Sarah Aswell is a freelance writer who lives in Missoula, Montana, with her husband and two daughters. Her writing has appeared in publications that include The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, National Lampoon, and Reductress. You can reach out to her on Twitter.
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Normal discharge from the genital tract
Vaginal discharge in a healthy woman is a natural physiological mechanism by which the genital tract is cleansed, pathogens that have got there are removed; as a result, the risk of infection is reduced.
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Normal discharge is usually clear, sometimes slightly cloudy, watery or slimy, and does not have an unpleasant odor. The volume of secretions depends on hormonal activity; it increases during ovulation. In young girls, the discharge is more pronounced than in adulthood.
Pathological discharge from the genital tract
A change in the nature of secretions from the genital tract indicates a disease. Unusual discharge ( leucorrhea ) may be curdled or frothy, white, green or yellow in color. They may contain impurities of pus or blood. There may be an unpleasant sour smell. Concomitant symptoms are possible - itching, burning, swelling of the labia. An increase in the amount of discharge can also be a sign of a disease. nine0005
Beli is a symptom of diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, thrush (candidiasis), trichomoniasis (trichomoniasis). The appearance of leucorrhoea is often associated with the activation of opportunistic pathogens, which occurred, for example, against the background of a decrease in immunity; the cause can also be pathogens that have entered the body sexually.
Pus in the discharge indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. An increase in the amount of discharge may be caused by hormonal disorders or pathological changes in the cervix. nine0005
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Discharge from the genital tract: should I see a doctor?
Abnormal discharge from the genital tract (from the vagina) means you need treatment. The body can cope with the problem on its own, but you should not blindly rely on it. Even the disappearance of a symptom that bothers you does not in itself mean recovery - the disease can become chronic. One of the main causes of female infertility is neglected gynecological diseases. nine0005
Discharge from the genital tract is not the disease itself, but only a manifestation of the disease. Treatment should begin with a diagnosis, and the doctor makes the diagnosis. Self-medication is not worth it. If you have a disturbing discharge from the genital tract, you should consult a gynecologist.
To establish a diagnosis, tests may be required, and sometimes ultrasound of the pelvic organs and other types of studies.
Be sure to see a doctor if you notice bleeding , not related to menstruation, and also if you are concerned about the nature of the menstruation itself (for example, there is a violation of the menstrual cycle).
Blood in the discharge may be a sign of polyps or erosion of the cervix, but may also indicate the development of fibroids or cancerous tumors.
Pass an examination and get professional advice from a gynecologist can be in any of the clinics "Family Doctor".
Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment. nine0005
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Discharge with odor.
What types of discharge do women have? In the vast majority of cases, the discharge is absolutely normal and is not a cause for concern, but there are still some types of discharge that should be alarming and require a doctor's consultation.
What is vaginal discharge? What discharge is normal? nine0072
Vaginal secretions are produced by various glands inside the vagina and cervix. These glands produce small amounts of fluids, also called vaginal secretions or lubrication. This fluid flows out of the vagina every day, helping the organ clear out the dead cells that build up on the walls of the vagina. This is a completely natural and healthy process by which our body maintains the health and cleanliness of the organs of the female reproductive system.
nine0002 Discharge varies from woman to woman. For some, the discharge is more abundant and occurs every day, while for some it is noticeable only in certain phases of the cycle.Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a slight odor. Unfortunately, a harmful stereotype is widespread that there should be no smell, but not any vaginal discharge with a smell is a sign of pathology, but only those whose smell is sharp or unpleasant.
It is also important to remember that the discharge changes with the phase of the cycle, especially during ovulation, when the discharge becomes larger and more slimy, similar in texture to egg white. nine0005
During such periods, many women experience some discomfort, because the amount of discharge becomes quite significant, in some it increases 20-30 times compared to normal. Of course, it’s unpleasant to feel that your panties are wet in the middle of the day, so Kotex panty liners are especially relevant for convenience on such days. Kotex panty liners are ideal for any type of discharge. Panty liners of the new Kotex Natural line are made of 100% cotton and tested by dermatologists, they are hypoallergenic, and this is especially important for sensitive skin and the bacterial environment of the intimate area.
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But, of course, one must be able to distinguish between normal and pathological discharges.
What are the types of discharge?
Curdled discharge with odor and white copious discharge with odor.
These are typical signs of thrush. Other symptoms: vaginal itching, soreness, burning, pain. Some women experience pain during sex and urination, as well as redness, swelling, or rash in the pubic area. You need to see a doctor. nine0005
Clear discharge with odor
If the smell is not sharp or unpleasant, then this is a normal type of discharge for the period of ovulation.
Profuse yellow discharge with odor.
Such discharge is a sign of a bacterial infection and is characteristic of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. They have an unpleasant, pungent smell.
You need to see a doctor, get tested for STDs and, if positive, tell your sexual partners. Other symptoms: itching, inflammation, pain, but these symptoms are not always present. nine0005
Bloody discharge with an unpleasant odor.
This discharge is normal during ovulation and 1-2 days before and after menstruation. The smell is due to the presence of hemoglobin in the blood. In the air, it oxidizes, and the blood acquires a characteristic metallic odor. In other periods of the cycle, such discharge is not normal, they can be a sign of serious illness.
In general, discharge with an unpleasant odor in women is abnormal, and in itself is a reason to consult a gynecologist for advice. Most often, pathological discharge is associated with STDs. nine0005
What diseases cause atypical discharge?
Bacterial vaginosis.
A fairly common type of bacterial infection.
Causes a fairly copious discharge, often with a sharp, "fishy" odor, but can also be asymptomatic. An increased risk of getting sick in women who have multiple sexual partners.
Trichomoniasis. nine0072
A disease caused by protozoan unicellular organisms, transmitted sexually. Symptoms vary, most often it is impossible to diagnose it on your own. Even in the absence of symptoms, the carrier can transmit the disease to other people, and you can become infected not only during sex, but also during a kiss or using the same toothbrush or towel.
Thrush.
Fungal infection, in addition to discharge, itching and burning are characteristic of it. Caused by the pathological reproduction of the fungus, which is also present in the healthy flora of the vagina. Risk factors: stress, diabetes, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, antibiotics. nine0005
Gonorrhea and chlamydia.
2 more types of sexually transmitted infections.
They develop when abnormal bacteria multiply in the vagina and other reproductive organs.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.
HPV is sexually transmitted and can lead to cervical cancer. Often asymptomatic, but may cause bloody, brown, or watery discharge. It is very important to undergo an annual examination by a gynecologist and do a Pap test, which determines if there are cancer cells in the uterus. In addition, a vaccine against this virus is already available today. nine0005
What can be done to reduce the risk of infections?
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Maintain good hygiene by washing daily with a mild, gentle soap or special unscented gel. You can wash the vagina only from the outside, soap should not get inside. This will help maintain the acid-base balance, which is necessary for a healthy microflora.
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Never douche, especially with aggressive means.
Douching DOES NOT cleanse the vagina of harmful bacteria, it washes out from the inside all the bacteria in general, including the beneficial ones, namely they fight the disease-causing ones. Even douching with water can upset the bacterial balance of the vagina. There is no scientific evidence that douching helps prevent STDs and vaginal infections. Moreover, it only increases the risk of infection. nine0005 -
After using the toilet, always wipe the vagina from the clitoris to the anus. This will help keep out harmful bacteria.
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Try to wear 100% cotton underwear and avoid clothing that is too tight. Non-natural fabrics and tight clothing can cause excessive sweating, and warm, humid places are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. Of course, if you want to wear something special, then a couple of times will not do much harm, but such things are not designed to be worn on an ongoing basis. nine0005
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Use condoms EVERY time you have sex without the intent of conceiving a child.
Feel free to ask your partner to show you an STD-free certificate. Your health is much more important than someone else's selfishness and dangerous stereotypes. Remember that many infections are transmitted not only through sexual contact, but also through other bodily fluids, such as saliva from kissing or oral sex. -
Try to use breathable sanitary napkins and change them according to the instructions and when they get dirty. The blood that leaves the body is sterile, but over time, bacteria grow in a warm and humid environment. nine0005
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During menstruation, it is better to wash yourself a couple of times a day.
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Do not use vaginal fragrances or deodorants. It is normal that you have your own smell, and if it is not sharp and unpleasant, then this is not a sign of illness.
All women aged 25 to 65 should have an annual gynecological examination of the cervix and Pap test (during which a sample of cells is taken and the laboratory checks for cancer).
