Vaginal Discharge: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ever noticed changes in your vaginal discharge and wondered if it’s normal or a sign of something else? You are not alone, as this is one of the most common questions women ask their gynaecologists. Discharge is actually your body’s natural way of staying clean and protected, but its colour, texture, and amount can vary during your cycle, pregnancy, or even daily life. The key is knowing which changes are normal and which may need medical attention. Let’s break it down together in a simple way.

What is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is normally a white fluid or mucus discharged from the vagina in menstruating women. The discharge is made up of dead skin cells, bacteria, and mucus of the cervix and vagina.

As women grow older and reach menopausal age, vaginal discharge decreases in amount and frequency. Young women and girls can experience up to 2 to 5 mL of vaginal discharge daily.

However, if you are experiencing additional symptoms during vaginal discharge like itching near the vaginal opening, green vaginal discharge, bad-smelling discharge, abdominal pain, and pelvic pain, then we recommend you visit a doctor.

Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge

While some discharge is completely normal, changes in its appearance or associated signs can point to an underlying issue. Watch out for:

• Vaginal rash
• Itching near the vaginal area
• Burning during urination and near the vaginal area
• Very thick mucus texture of discharge
• Bad-smelling discharge
• Green or yellow discharge

Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Early Pregnancy

During the first trimester, many women experience an increase in thin, white, or milky discharge, commonly referred to as leukorrhea. This is usually harmless and caused by hormonal changes that increase blood flow to the vaginal area.

Second Trimester

During the middle stages of pregnancy, discharge often becomes more noticeable. It is usually clear, white, or slightly sticky. Its purpose is to protect the birth canal from infections.

Late Pregnancy

Towards the end of pregnancy, vaginal discharge may increase further. Thick mucus discharge, sometimes streaked with blood, can be an early sign of labour.

Physiological Vaginal Discharge Across the Menstrual Cycle

Before the Period

Discharge may be thicker, white, or creamy as progesterone levels rise.

Ovulation

Around ovulation, discharge usually becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery, resembling egg whites, helping sperm travel easily.

After a Period

There may be minimal discharge, often light and dry, as hormone levels stabilise.

During Sex

Sexual arousal triggers the release of clear and slippery discharge, acting as a natural lubricant.

What Causes Vaginal Discharge?

Normal discharge is influenced by hormones and the body’s natural cleansing process. It is white with a mucus-like texture. It is odourless and does not cause irritation or a burning sensation in your vagina, and it helps keep your vagina clean.

If you observe more vaginal fluid than you usually do and it is causing an itching or burning sensation in your vagina, then it might be a sign of abnormal vaginal discharge. The causes can be:

1. Yeast Infections: Vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by a specific type of fungus called Candida. This bacterium is always present in the human body, but it begins to grow rapidly in the case of infection. Yeast infections usually produce a thick white vaginal discharge, which can be itchy and cause pain during sexual intercourse.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Bacterial Vaginosis is a common infection that can occur if you are sexually active with a new partner. BV induces a very foul-smelling and watery vaginal discharge. If left untreated, it can put you at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea and chlamydia can induce abnormal vaginal discharge. The discharge will be green and yellow. You might also experience other symptoms like abdominal pain, heavy bleeding during menstruation, bleeding after sexual intercourse, and burning while urinating.
4. Vaginal atrophy: The thinning and drying of the vaginal wall due to a lower amount of estrogenic hormone in the body is referred to as vaginal atrophy. It is more common in menopausal women and causes vaginal discharge and burning. It can sometimes also lead to tightening of the vaginal canal.
5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia often cause pelvic inflammatory disease. It infects a woman’s reproductive organs, including fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and ovaries. This disease also induces heavy vaginal discharge and pain in the lower belly.

Types of Vaginal Discharge

Let’s look at the types of vaginal discharge to make it easier for you to diagnose your situation and take the necessary treatment steps.

Types of Vaginal Discharge by Texture

• Sticky Vaginal Discharge: It is often seen before or after periods, linked to hormonal fluctuations.
• Thick Vaginal Discharge: It is common in early pregnancy or before menstruation.
• Transparent Vaginal Discharge: It is generally normal and occurs mostly around ovulation.
• Clear Vaginal Discharge: It is a sign of healthy vaginal function and often occurs during mid-cycle or arousal.
• White Milky Vaginal Discharge: It is normal in pregnancy or the luteal phase, unless accompanied by itching/odour.
• Clumpy Vaginal Discharge: A clumpy discharge may indicate a yeast infection if accompanied by itching or burning.
• Cottage Cheese Vaginal Discharge: A classic symptom of yeast infection called vaginal candidiasis.
• Jelly-like Vaginal Discharge: It can occur during ovulation or in late pregnancy when the mucus plug loosens.
• Creamy White Vaginal Discharge: It is normal before menstruation, but persistent changes may need evaluation.

Types of Vaginal Discharge by Colour

• White Vaginal Discharge
  – Normal: If the discharge is thin and milky, especially before periods or in pregnancy.
  – Abnormal: If it is thick, clumpy, or foul-smelling, it may suggest a yeast infection.

• Yellow Vaginal Discharge
  Light yellow discharge can be harmless, but dark yellow with an odour often points to infection.
• Green Vaginal Discharge
  It is usually linked to sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis. It is often frothy and smelly.
• Brown Vaginal Discharge
  It indicates old blood and is common before or after periods. Light brown discharge in early pregnancy may occur, but persistent discharge needs attention.
• Pink Vaginal Discharge
  It may appear after sex, ovulation, or cervical irritation. In early pregnancy, pink spotting can be due to implantation bleeding.
• Red Vaginal Discharge
  It is common during menstruation. Red spotting outside periods, especially in pregnancy, requires medical advice.
• Black Vaginal Discharge
  It represents retained old blood, sometimes normal after periods, but can signal complications if ongoing.
• Orange Vaginal Discharge
  It is uncommon and may suggest infection if paired with unusual odour or discomfort.
• Clear/Transparent Vaginal Discharge
  It is generally healthy and seen during ovulation or sexual arousal as natural lubrication.

Diagnosis of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

A proper diagnosis is important to understand the condition closely and suggest treatment accordingly. Common dignoatic approaches include:

Type of Diagnosis	How Does it Help?
Pelvic Examination	Your gynaecologist will examine the vagina and cervix to assess overall health and detect any visible abnormalities.
Pap Smear	This test screens for cervical abnormalities or early signs of cervical cancer.
Vaginal pH Testing	Measuring the vaginal pH helps distinguish between bacterial, yeast, or other types of infections.
Microscopic Examination of Discharge	A sample of the discharge is examined under a microscope to identify yeast, bacteria, or parasites.
Cervical Sample (Scraping)	In some cases, a sample is taken from the cervix to check for infections or screen for cervical cancer.

Treatment of Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge treatment depends on whether the discharge is normal or caused by an infection or underlying condition. If the discharge is abnormal, the following treatments are commonly suggested based on the cause.

Yeast infection: It is treated with antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral tablets to reduce yeast overgrowth and ease irritation.

Bacterial vaginosis: It is managed with oral or topical antibiotics. Completing the full course is essential to prevent recurrence.

STIs: It requires specific antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines depending on the infection. Partners may also need treatment.

Hormonal causes: It may be corrected by adjusting contraceptives or using hormone-based therapy under medical guidance.

Note: When you visit a doctor, make sure you provide them with all the information correctly. This will help in the right treatment planning. Some common questions they may ask you are: How often do you experience vaginal discharge? What is the texture of the discharge? What is the colour of the discharge? Does the colour change frequently? Is there any smell to your vaginal discharge? Do you experience itching and burning with your vaginal discharge?

Self-Care Tips for Vaginal Discharge

Here are some tips you can follow:

• Avoid using soap on your vagina, as it disturbs the pH balance of the vaginal area
• Do not use perfumes near the vaginal area
• Avoid scented tampons and douching products
• Do not wear wet underwear for long
• Do not wear tight clothes for long; let your intimate area breathe
• Visit a doctor for routine check-ups, especially if you are sexually active

Conclusion

White vaginal discharge is very common in menstruating women. Do not be alarmed if you have normal vaginal discharge. However, keep an eye on it and get immediate help if you start experiencing abnormal discharge along with other symptoms. There are many treatment plans and preventive care out there to manage this condition.

FAQs

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal?

White vaginal discharge is completely normal, and a lot of menstruating women experience it. You only have to worry if your vaginal discharge changes colour frequently. We advise you to visit a doctor in such a situation.

If My Vaginal Discharge Changes, Do I Have an Infection?

Yes, if your vaginal discharge changes colour and texture, you might have a yeast or bacterial infection. Visit a doctor at once to know your situation better.

Why Do Women Get Vaginal Infections?

Women get vaginal infections for various reasons, like yeast infection, bacterial infection, pelvic inflammatory diseases, etc. However, you do not have to worry excessively if you catch vaginal infections. With some precautionary steps, they can be treated easily and quickly.

Is Vaginal Discharge During the Menstrual Cycle Normal?

Yes, vaginal discharge during the menstrual cycle is normal and might change slightly in colour. All you have to do is observe your discharge closely and visit a doctor if you see an abnormal discharge. From there on, your doctor will advise you accordingly.

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal in Pregnancy?

Yes. Most pregnant women experience increased white or milky vaginal discharge, which is normal unless it becomes foul-smelling, green, yellow, or is accompanied by pain and itching, then medical advice is needed.