Vaginal discharge is normal and a healthy indicator of the female reproductive system. It helps to keep our vagina clean and free from infections.

However, not everyone is aware of the same. People have numerous queries regarding vaginal discharges, particularly those who are in their adolescent phase.

Plus, at times, your vaginal discharge may vary in colour too, which could indicate certain underlying conditions.

Care to know more about it?

Mykare Health is here to help you understand this. Here is a detailed manual on vaginal discharge— types of colour-coded discharges and situations where it should ring alarm bells.

Understanding Vaginal Discharge

Throughout a menstrual cycle clear or white discharges are normally seen. This is called vaginal discharge.

It is a clear, white or off-white fluid coming out of the vagina. It is produced by the cervix or uterus and mainly formed from cells and bacteria.

Vaginal discharges act as natural lubricants for the vagina and help fight off the infection and bacteria across the region.

These discharges are considered normal yet any changes such as change in colour, amount, consistency or smell may be a sign of infection or any other conditions.

Normal vaginal discharge has a wide standard. A healthy form of this discharge is considered a clear whitish coloured discharge without any pungent smell.

Are you afraid of your vaginal discharge that is sticky, fluidy, watery or gooey?

The texture of the discharges from vagina can vary due to different hormonal activities in your body or because of infections.

Infections make your vaginal discharge come out as chunky, foamy or cause you to itch, irritate and change its colour.

When your vaginal discharge is not clear, white or off-white it may be caused by infection or other conditions. Hence we have included the ultimate colour guide to facilitate understanding regarding colour changes in vaginal discharge which may indicate infections.

Any smell that lacks strength and/or unpleasantness and fishiness/foulness is alright unless accompanied by a change of colour or texture.

Thus any sudden change in the volume of the discharges indicates something might be going wrong and should be watched carefully.

Types Of Discharge

1. Clear or White Discharge

Clear or white discharge is typically normal and varies throughout the menstrual cycle.

When It’s Normal:

• Clear and stretchy: Indicates ovulation.

• White and thick: Often seen at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle.

When to be Concerned:

If the clear discharge is accompanied by itching or burning, it could be a sign of a yeast infection.

2. Yellow or Green Discharge

Yellow or green discharge can be a sign of an infection.

Possible Causes:

• Bacterial Vaginosis: Often has a fishy odor.

• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection, often accompanied by a foul odor and discomfort.

When to be Concerned:

Unusual texture (e.g., thick or chunky) or unpleasant smell.

3. Brown or Bloody Discharge

Brown discharge often contains old blood.

When It’s Normal:

At the end of the menstrual cycle.

After childbirth (lochia).

When to be Concerned:

• Spotting Between Periods: Could indicate hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or other conditions.

• Pregnancy: Spotting or brown discharge can be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

4. Pink Discharge

Pink discharge can occur when blood mixes with vaginal discharge.

Possible Causes:

• Early Pregnancy: Known as implantation bleeding.

• After Intercourse: Can be due to cervical irritation.

• Mid-Cycle Spotting: Associated with ovulation.

When to be Concerned:

If accompanied by pain or a foul odour.

5. Gray Discharge

Grey discharge is often associated with bacterial vaginosis.

Possible Causes:

Bacterial Vaginosis: Characterised by a fishy odour.

When to be Concerned:

If there is a strong odour and discomfort.

Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharges

There are many causes of vaginal discharge. Most of them are caused by STIs (sexually transmitted diseases).

Infectious Causes

• Yeast Infection:

These are caused when a fungus called Candida grows out of control.

Symptoms:

Thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge Swollen and itchy vagina Painful sex

Treatment: Anti fungal medication can treat yeast infection.

Bacterial vaginosis or BV

It occurs due to the presence of certain bacteria in vagina.

Symptoms: Vaginal discharge that is white or grey With an unpleasant fishy odour

Treatment: Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibacterial medication.

Gonorrhea (clap) and chlamydia

These are two common STIs and can be transmitted from an infected person to another.

Symptoms:

Cloudy, yellow or green vaginal discharge.

Treatment:

Antibacterial medications are prescribed. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease due to left untreated BVs; it's an infection if not corrected on time after being detected through tests. It may cause pelvic pain for those infected women later.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the following, it’s important to consult a doctor.

• Sudden changes in discharge colour, consistency, or amount.
• Accompanying symptoms such as itching, burning, swelling, or pain.
• Foul odour or unusual bleeding.

Vaginal discharge is a normal and essential part of the female reproductive system, serving to maintain cleanliness and prevent infections.

Understanding the variations in discharge—such as changes in colour, consistency, and smell—is crucial for identifying when there might be a health concern.

While clear or white discharge is typically normal, any sudden changes, particularly those accompanied by other symptoms like itching or foul odour, should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.

Improved health outcomes and the early identification of any problems can result from awareness and appropriate information regarding vaginal discharge.

Regular monitoring and consulting with medical professionals when changes occur can ensure optimal reproductive health.