Bacterial vaginosis: Symptoms, treatments, causes, and prevention
What Does Your Vaginal Discharge Mean?
© Provided by Health Maryna Terletska / Getty Images Medically reviewed by Sanaz Ghazal, MD Vaginal discharge is fluid produced by the vagina and cervix. Your body starts to produce discharge—which contains a mix of mucus, bacteria, and water—during puberty. Discharge helps the vagina stay clean, moist, and free of infection.
The appearance and texture of vaginal discharge—also known as cervical mucus—varies throughout the course of your menstrual cycle. It may also look, smell, and feel different if you're pregnant, taking certain medications, or experiencing an underlying medical condition.
Here are the different types of vaginal discharge and what they could mean.
What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge Look Like?Normal vaginal discharge, or leukorrhea, is clear, off-white, or white and relatively odor-free. It may be either thick or thin. Some people have stretchy, sticky discharge. It can also be gooey, slippery, creamy, or watery.
You may notice either a lot of vaginal discharge in your underwear or very little. Both can be healthy. Some people produce more vaginal discharge around the time of ovulation, about halfway through the menstrual cycle.
Related: Vaginal Discharge Is Normal—How Much Is Too Much?
Brown DischargeBrown vaginal discharge is usually caused by old blood being shed from the uterus. Reasons for brown vaginal discharge may include:
Yellow DischargePale yellow vaginal discharge can be normal and healthy. Sometimes, discharge turns yellow if it's been exposed to the air or left in your underwear for a long time.
However, if your discharge is dark yellow or has a strong smell, it could be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Red DischargeBright red, rust-colored, or brown-red vaginal discharge is typically related to menstrual bleeding. You may notice some spotting or light red discharge just before or after your period. Blood-tinged discharge may also appear during the early stages of pregnancy. In some cases, red discharge can also be a sign of other medical conditions such as polyps or fibroids.
In rare cases, red vaginal discharge can be caused by certain cancers, such as:
White DischargeWhite, odorless discharge is typically normal. Creamy, milky-white discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy. You may also notice a lot of white discharge in the second half of your menstrual cycle leading up to your period.
If you have a yeast infection, your vaginal discharge could be white, thick, and lumpy. Some people describe it as having the texture of cottage cheese.
Clear DischargeThe vaginal discharge produced just before and during ovulation—the time of your menstrual cycle when the ovary releases an egg—is sometimes called egg white cervical mucus (EWCM).
It is clear, wet, and slippery, and you can usually stretch it between your fingers. You might also notice an increased amount of clear vaginal discharge when you're aroused.
Green DischargeGreen vaginal discharge is always a sign of an underlying problem. This is especially true if you have additional symptoms, such as pain or itching.
Potential causes of green discharge include:
Pink DischargeVaginal discharge may be pink because it's tinged with a small amount of blood. This can be due to your period, ovulation, implantation bleeding, hormonal changes, or cervical irritation after having sex.
Another possibility is irregular menstruation. Some light periods that last fewer than two days can sometimes seem more like spotting than a full flow.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is yeast infection discharge?
Having a yeast infection may cause your vaginal discharge to become thick, lumpy, and white. You might also notice other symptoms like itching and burning.
What type of discharge indicates pregnancy?
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge in pregnancy is typically milky-white and thin. It can be either odorless or mild-smelling.
What type of discharge indicates ovulation?
During ovulation, vaginal discharge is clear, thin, slippery, and stretchy. This kind of discharge is sometimes called egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) because it resembles raw egg whites.
A Quick ReviewVaginal discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle, varying in color, texture, odor, and amount. Normal discharge is usually clear or white and doesn't have a strong smell. It's typically clear and slippery during ovulation and milky-white at the beginning of pregnancy.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any unusual changes in your vaginal discharge, such as a foul odor or different texture. You could have a yeast infection, bacterial infection, or inflammatory condition.
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What Do Different Types Of Vaginal Discharge Mean?
Vaginal discharge is typically white or clear, and may be thick or thin in texture. Healthy discharge can dry yellow, but if it has an odor, it may be a sign of infection.
Vaginal discharge is fluid that contains a mix of vaginal secretions and cervical mucus. The amount of vaginal discharge produced varies from person to person.
Pregnancy, changing hormones, or the presence of an infection can affect the consistency and amount of vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge has several functions. It naturally keeps the vagina clean, provides lubrication during sexual intercourse, and may help prevent infection.
Vaginal discharge can be abnormal or normal. In many cases, it does not signify a problem.
Normal vaginal discharge is clear, may be thick or thin, and is usually odorless. The amount produced and the consistency may change at different times during a woman's monthly menstrual cycle.
For instance, discharge may become heavier, thicker, and more noticeable when a woman is ovulating. It may also be white at this time.
The amount of discharge may also change due to sexual activity and the use of birth control.
There are different types of vaginal discharge based on consistency and color. Changes in the color, amount, or smell of vaginal discharge may indicate a problem.
In some cases, it is difficult to make a diagnosis based on vaginal discharge alone. Other symptoms such as burning, itchiness, or irritation are often a better indication of a problem.
Below are different types of vaginal discharge and their possible causes.
WhiteDifferent shades of white discharge may be normal, especially if it occurs during ovulation or just before a woman's period. As long as there is no vaginal itching, burning, or unusual smell accompanying the discharge, there is probably no underlying issue.
But in other instances, white vaginal discharge could be a sign of an infection. If the discharge is clumpy and looks similar to cottage cheese, it may be due to a yeast infection.
A yeast infection may also cause vaginal itching and burning. It occurs due to an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida.
Thin, white vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy odor may indicate bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is the most common vaginal infection in women between 15 and 44. Other symptoms may include burning on urination and vaginal itching.
YellowYellow discharge may or may not indicate an infection. If the discharge is a pale yellow, odorless, and not accompanied by other symptoms, it may not be a cause for concern.
In other instances, yellow discharge can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a bacterial infection.
Causes of yellow discharge include:
Clear vaginal discharge is typically normal. However, the amount may vary during a woman's monthly menstrual cycle and between individuals.
For instance, clear discharge may be stretchy and have an egg white consistency around the time of ovulation.
Normal vaginal discharge does not need to be prevented. However, taking the following precautions can sometimes prevent abnormal discharge:
Vaginal discharge is often nothing to be concerned about, but there are times when changes in discharge can indicate a problem.
Different types of infections can have similar symptoms, but they are treated differently. It is essential to see a doctor if any of the following develops:
To determine the cause of abnormal discharge, the doctor may ask about any additional symptoms, a person's general health, and their sexual history.
Treatment for the underlying cause of abnormal vaginal discharge will vary and may include antibiotics or antifungal medication.
Vaginal discharge is often normal, but there are instances when the color, amount, or consistency of discharge may indicate a problem.
Yeast infections, STIs, and BV can all lead to a change in vaginal discharge. In most cases, causes of abnormal vaginal discharge can be treated successfully.
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Vaginal Yeast Infections
They're itchy and uncomfortable, and no one really likes to talk about them. But vaginal yeast infections are very common in women. It's estimated that 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.
Though yeast infections can happen to anyone at any time, there are certain things that make getting them more likely. Most infections can be cleared up quickly and easily.
The vagina normally contains a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. The hormone estrogen helps bacteria called lactobacilli to grow. These bacteria kill harmful organisms in the vagina and keep you healthy. But when something happens to tip that balance, a fungus called candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection.
Itchiness and discomfort are the main symptoms of a yeast infection, but there are others. You may also experience any or all of the following:
If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor before treating yourself. The symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other, more serious conditions, including sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis (bacterial overgrowth in the vagina). An accurate diagnosis is important so you can get the best treatment.
There are many reasons you could get a yeast infection, including:
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories (with clotrimazole or miconazole) are the most common ways to treat yeast infections. These can take from 1 to 7 days. Your doctor may also choose to prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme).
If you're pregnant, it's safe to use creams or suppositories but avoid oral medications.
It's important for you to know that some yeast infection medications weaken condoms or diaphragms. That makes it easier for you to get pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted disease. Be sure to read instructions and warnings before using.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you may get yeast infections over and over again. It's a condition called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). If you get yeast infections at least four times a year, your doctor may recommend that you take a weekly fluconazole pill for 6 months to fight them. Oteseconazole (Vivjoa) has been approved for those with recurring problems with infections who will not be reproducing.
Some studies have shown that eating probiotic yogurt or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements may slow the growth of yeast in the vagina, lowering the risk for infections. But more research is needed before a clear connection can be made.
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