Vaginal Discharge: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ever notice changes in your vaginal discharge and wondered if it is normal or a sign of something else? You are not alone, as this is one of the most frequently asked questions by women to 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

Types of Vaginal Discharge

This can be understood in two key categories:

1. 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.

2. 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.

Why is Vaginal Discharge Important?

Vaginal discharge plays an important protective role in the body. The glands inside the vagina and cervix produce fluid that carries away dead cells and bacteria. This natural cleansing process helps maintain vaginal hygiene and prevents infections.

Healthy vaginal discharge also:

• Maintains the natural pH balance of the vagina
• Keeps the vaginal tissues lubricated
• Protects against harmful bacteria and infections
• Changes according to the menstrual cycle and hormone levels

What Are the Causes of Vaginal Discharge?

The reason for vaginal discharge can be normal, or there can be some other issue that might be causing it and needs attention.

1. Normal Causes

• Ovulation: During the middle of the menstrual cycle, discharge becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery. This helps sperm travel easily and is a healthy sign of fertility.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels during periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while taking birth control pills can increase the amount of discharge.
• Use of Hormonal Contraceptives: Birth control pills and other hormonal methods can alter the pattern and quantity of discharge due to changes in hormone levels.
• Sexual Arousal: A clear and watery discharge may appear during arousal. This is the body’s natural lubrication mechanism.
• Pregnancy: Increased blood flow and hormonal activity during pregnancy often lead to more vaginal discharge. This helps protect the birth canal from infections.
• Breastfeeding: Hormonal shifts after delivery, especially lower estrogen levels, can temporarily change the amount and texture of discharge.

2. Abnormal Causes

• Infection (Candidiasis):Vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by a specific type of fungus called Candida. It leads to a thick, white, curd-like discharge, accompanied by itching, redness, and irritation.
• Bacterial Vaginosis: An imbalance of natural vaginal bacteria that leads to thin, grey or white discharge with a fishy smell, especially after intercourse.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections: Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis can cause yellow, green, or frothy discharge with pain during urination or intercourse.
• Poor Intimate Hygiene: Use of harsh soaps, scented products, or douching can disturb the natural vaginal environment and lead to abnormal discharge.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A serious infection of the reproductive organs that can cause foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pain, and fever.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions that affect estrogen levels, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome, may change the nature of discharge.
• Cervical or Uterine Infection: Infections of the cervix or uterus can cause unusual discharge, often accompanied by lower abdominal discomfort.

Vaginal Discharge Across the Menstrual Cycle

• Before the Period: Discharge may be thicker, white, or creamy as progesterone levels rise.
• Ovulation: Aroundovulation, 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.

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.

Diagnosis of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Accurate diagnosis is important to find the root cause:

 

Type of Diagnosis	Relevance
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	This 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.

When to Consult a Doctor?

You should consult a doctor if you notice:

• Sudden change in colour, smell, or amount of discharge
• Persistent itching or irritation
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Fever along with discharge
• Discharge after menopause
• Blood-stained discharge unrelated to periods

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 in 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

Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy part of your body’s routine, and in most cases, it simply reflects natural hormonal changes. The important thing is to notice when something feels different, whether it is a change in colour, smell, or discomfort. Do not ignore unusual signs. A little awareness and timely medical advice can go a long way in keeping your intimate health on track.

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.

What are the four types of vaginal discharge?

The four common types include clear and watery, milky white, thick white curd-like, and yellow or green discharge. Each type may indicate normal changes or possible infection depending on associated symptoms.

What is the most common reason for vaginal discharge?

The most common reason is normal hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Infections like yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis are also frequent causes of abnormal discharge.

What is the best treatment for discharge?

Treatment depends on the cause. Fungal infections require antifungal medicines, bacterial infections need antibiotics, and sexually transmitted infections require specific medications prescribed by a doctor.

What can I eat to stop vaginal discharge?

A balanced diet helps maintain vaginal health. Including curd or yoghurt with probiotics, fresh fruits, green vegetables, and plenty of water supports good bacteria and overall hygiene. However, diet alone cannot treat infections, and medical treatment may be required.