Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and Colors

Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and Colors

Understanding Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a natural bodily function that occurs throughout your menstrual cycle. It’s a fluid that helps keep the vagina clean and infection-free. The color, texture, and amount of discharge can differ depending on your age and where you are in your menstrual cycle. While some changes may be normal, others can be a sign of an underlying health condition.

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Types of Vaginal Discharge

Several types of vaginal discharge exist, often categorized by color and consistency.

White Discharge

White-colored discharge is common, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. It’s typically thick and sticky, with no strong odor.

Clear and Watery Discharge

Around ovulation, discharge often becomes clearer and wetter. You may also notice more discharge when you’re sexually aroused or pregnant.

Clear and Stretchy Discharge

When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, it indicates that you are likely ovulating.

Brown or Bloody Discharge

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, known as 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 Discharge

Yellow-ish discharge may not indicate a health condition, as it can naturally turn this color when exposed to air. However, 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.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function resulting from natural changes in estrogen levels. The amount of discharge can increase from ovulation, sexual arousal, birth control pills, and pregnancy.

Infections

The color, smell, and texture of vaginal discharge can be adversely affected by changes to the vagina’s bacterial balance. This can lead to vaginal infections, including:

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial infection that causes increased vaginal discharge with a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor. Discharge may also look gray, thin, and watery. In some cases, the infection produces no symptoms.

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.

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.

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, and bleeding between periods.

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.

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.

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, and pain while urinating or an increased urge to urinate.

When to See a Healthcare Professional

If you notice any unusual changes in your vaginal discharge, it’s essential to 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.

Prevention and Treatment

As vaginal discharge is natural, it’s not possible to prevent it. However, you can take measures to reduce the chance of infections.

Gently Washing the Vagina

Gently wash around your vagina with water, avoiding scented products and douches that may cause irritation.

Using Condoms and Sex Toys

Consider using a condom or other barrier method during sexual activity and thoroughly clean sex toys to reduce your risk of STIs.

Changing Tampons and Pads Frequently

When you have a period, try to change the likes of tampons and pads frequently.

Conclusion

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.

FAQs

Q: What is vaginal discharge?
A: Vaginal discharge is a natural bodily function that occurs throughout your menstrual cycle. It’s a fluid that helps keep the vagina clean and infection-free.

Q: What are the different types of vaginal discharge?
A: There are several types of vaginal discharge, including white, clear and watery, clear and stretchy, brown or bloody, and yellow or green.

Q: What causes abnormal vaginal discharge?
A: Abnormal vaginal discharge can be caused by a variety of factors, including vaginal infections, STIs, and changes in estrogen levels.

Q: How do I know if I have an infection?
A: If you notice any unusual changes in your vaginal discharge, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional. They’ll likely perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and ask questions about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and general lifestyle.

Q: How can I prevent infections?
A: You can take measures to reduce the chance of infections by gently washing the vagina, using condoms and sex toys, and changing tampons and pads frequently.

Q: What are the treatments for vaginal infections?
A: Treatments for vaginal infections vary depending on the cause of the infection. Your healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other treatments.