Understanding Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Colors, and Treatments

You’ve probably noticed changes in your discharge at some point and wondered whether it’s normal or something to worry about. Maybe it looked different. Maybe it smelled off. Maybe it showed up at the “wrong” time in your cycle. And like many women, you didn’t know if you should ignore it, Google it, or call your doctor.

Here’s the thing: vaginal discharge isn’t always a red flag. In fact, most of the time, it’s a sign your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to.

Vaginal discharge is a natural part of the female reproductive system. It helps keep the vagina clean, lubricated, and protected from infections by flushing out dead cells and bacteria. While it may vary in color, consistency, and volume throughout the menstrual cycle, most vaginal discharge is perfectly normal.

That said, specific changes in discharge—especially in colour, smell, or texture—can signal an underlying infection or imbalance. Recognising what’s normal and what might need medical attention is an essential part of maintaining your reproductive health.

This guide will help you understand the different types of discharge, their causes, when to seek treatment, and how to maintain a healthy vaginal environment.

Is it Normal to have vaginal discharge?

Yes—vaginal discharge is completely normal and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy reproductive system. The amount and consistency of discharge can vary depending on factors such as:

• Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., around ovulation or pregnancy)
• Sexual arousal (due to increased blood flow and estrogen levels)
• Contraceptive use (especially hormonal methods that affect the vaginal pH and moisture)

Normal discharge is typically:

• Clear, white, or off-white
• Mild or odourless
• Not associated with itching, redness, or irritation
  Discharge may also increase or change slightly after menstruation, during pregnancy, or with certain medications. However, significant changes in colour, odour, or consistency may indicate an infection or other medical issue.

Some non-infectious conditions and irritants can also lead to vaginal discharge:

1. Tampons (left in too long): Can cause discharge and increase infection risk
2. Atrophic vaginitis: Post-menopausal thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls
3. Cervical ectropion: A benign condition where the cells from the cervix line the vaginal surface, increasing discharge
4. Vulval dermatitis: Inflammation from irritation, often due to hygiene products or allergens
5. Allergic reactions: Caused by scented soaps, sprays, detergents, or contraceptive gels

What are the different types of vaginal discharge?

There are 2 types of vaginal discharge:

1. Normal Discharge

• Colour: Clear or milky white
  
• Texture: Thin or slightly thick and sticky
  
• Odour: Mild or none
  
• Common Causes: Hormonal changes, arousal, pregnancy, post-menstrual phase
  
• Note: Brown or blackish discharge after a period may occur due to old blood; it is usually not a concern unless it persists.
  

2. Abnormal Discharge

• Colour: Yellow, green, grey, or bright red (outside of menstruation)
  
• Texture: Thick, frothy, or curdy
  
• Odour: Strong, fishy, or unpleasant
  
• Symptoms: May be accompanied by itching, burning, pain during urination, or pelvic discomfort.
  
• Common Causes: Infections (bacterial, fungal, or STIs), cervical or uterine conditions

Colour of Vaginal Discharge and Its Causes

The color of vaginal discharge can vary and often indicates different health conditions. Clear or white discharge is normal, while yellow, green, or grey discharge may signal infections. Brown or bloody discharge can occur around menstruation or signal other issues. Identifying these colours helps in understanding potential causes. The following table describes different vaginal discharge and their causes.

Which infections cause vaginal discharge?

Abnormal vaginal discharge can occur due to various infections as well. These include:

Non-Sexually Transmitted Infections

• Bacterial vaginosis: The abnormal vaginal discharge caused by a bacterial infection can result in a fishy-smelling discharge. It is usually without itch or soreness. The discharge consistency is thin and is of either grey or white colour. Bacterial vaginosis is the most prevalent vaginitis in females of reproductive age, with an estimated occurrence ranging from 5% to 70%
• Vulvovaginal candidiasis: The abnormal vaginal discharge due to fungal or yeast infection. It is usually accompanied by itchiness, soreness, and causes curdy white vaginal discharge, which does not usually have a distinct smell. An estimated 75% of women will have at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis, and 40–45% will have two or more episodes.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

• Chlamydia trachomatis: It is a bacteria that can transmit through vaginal, oral and anal sex. In postpubertal women, it infects the endocervix instead of the vagina. It leads to cervical discharge, which seems as if it is a vaginal discharge with pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding.
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae: It is a sexually transmitted disease marked by an abnormal yellow or green vaginal discharge that may be thin or watery, purulent (containing pus), and with mild odour.
• Trichomonas vaginalis: It is a parasitic infection that causes abnormal vaginal discharge. It may be thick, thin, or frothy and yellowish-green in colour. This infection may produce more discharge than usual, which may also have an unpleasant fishy odour. You can also experience soreness, swelling, and itching around the vagina and inner thighs. If trichomoniasis causes symptoms, they usually show up between 5 and 28 days after the infection begins.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV): It is a sexually transmitted virus that causes genital herpes. It also causes abnormal vaginal discharge having a fishy odour with painful blisters and ulcers around the genitals.

In some cases, cancer of the vagina, cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes can also be the cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. Therefore timely diagnosis of any abnormality in vaginal discharge is recommended.

Read more: Vaginal Boils

What is the difference in vaginal discharge before and after periods?

Vaginal discharge can vary throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. The vaginal discharge before periods is of more stretchable consistency and transparency. This results from increased estrogen levels, preparing the body for pregnancy. During this period, it is blood red for the first five days. After periods, the discharge may become thicker and cloudier. The post-menstrual discharge is a combination of cervical mucus and vaginal secretions. These variations are entirely normal and occur due to the body’s natural hormonal changes during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Any unusual changes or abnormalities in discharge before or after periods should be brought to a doctor’s attention for further evaluation.

When to seek treatment for vaginal discharge?

You must seek medical treatment if there is excessive vaginal discharge accompanied by a foul odour or unusual colour, predominantly dark yellow, grey, or green. Additionally, consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen or persist for more than a week. Additionally, you should be cautious if there is persistent itching, soreness, swelling, pain during urination, or discomfort during sex. If you experience fever or pain in your pelvis or belly area along with the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to see a doctor. Prompt medical attention ensures timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for any underlying infections.

How to treat vaginal discharge?

The vaginal discharge treatment usually depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals based on the type of infection. It’s crucial to have the vaginal discharge accurately diagnosed to get the treatment plan accordingly.

Some medication options for vaginal discharge

• Metronidazole:It is an oral antibiotic for treating bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginalis.
• Cefixime (oral) and ceftriaxone (intramuscular): These antibiotics are used to treat gonorrhoea.
• Fluconazole:It is an oral antifungal for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
• Doxycycline and azithromycin: These are the antibiotics taken to treat Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Vaginal imidazole preparations are antifungal medications used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis.
• Intravaginal clindamycin cream (2%):It is an antibiotic applied topically for treating bacterial vaginosis.
• Intravaginal metronidazole gel (0.75%): This gel is also used to treat bacterial vaginosis.
• Corticosteroids and antihistamines: These are oral antihistamines used to reduce itching.

Home remedies for vaginal discharge

• Cold compression to reduce itching, swelling, and irritation.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until the irritation subsides.
• Maintain genital hygiene with mild, fragrance-free soap.
• Wear cotton underwear, and avoid tight garments.
• Use pads and not tampons during an infection.
• Avoid douching. It may worsen the symptoms by removing healthy bacteria from the vagina.
• Keep your genital area clean and dry.
• Try to change sweaty undergarments immediately to prevent aggravation of infections.

How to keep the vagina healthy?

Here are some essential practices you can follow in your routine to ensure a healthy and balanced vaginal environment:

• Practice safe sex consistently by using condoms to prevent the transmission of infections.
• Learn the correct method for cleaning the genital area during baths or showers.
• After using the toilet, wipe from front to back.
• Wash thoroughly before and after using the bathroom.
• Use plain water to wash the areas around your vagina.

Conclusion

Understanding vaginal discharge is crucial for maintaining a good reproductive health. While normal discharge is also important as it is a sign of a healthy reproductive system, any abnormality may indicate an underlying health condition. Besides, prioritising vaginal health through proper hygiene, safe sex practices, and other preventive measures can ensure sound reproductive health.

Key Takeaway

Vaginal discharge isn’t something women should feel uncomfortable talking about—it’s one of the body’s earliest warning signs. Understanding the difference between normal and abnormal discharge can help detect infections early, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce long-term complications.

Frequently Asked Questions