Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Colours, And Signs Of Infection

Did you know that vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy part of your body’s function? It helps keep things clean and balanced in that area. Similar to other bodily processes, the consistency and amount of discharge can change throughout your menstrual cycle, influenced by factors like hormones and activity levels. 

You may be surprised to learn that the colour of the discharge can also vary. If you're curious about what each colour means and when it could signal an infection, we reached out to Dr Kinjal Avdhut Kothari, Associate Consultant, OBG, Manipal Hospital Goa, who shared her insights on the topic.

Vaginal Discharge: Colour Guide

The colour of your vaginal discharge can be a clue about your health, and it's important to know when it could indicate an infection. Dr Kothari explained the meanings behind various colours of discharge:

• Clear or White: Typically normal, especially if it’s odourless and doesn’t cause irritation. It might be thicker at certain points in your menstrual cycle.
• Yellow or Green: Can indicate an infection, particularly if there’s a foul odour or irritation present.
• Brown: Often occurs after menstruation as the body clears out old blood. However, if it persists, it could suggest hormonal imbalances or other health issues.
• Gray: Often a sign of bacterial vaginosis, a common infection that typically comes with a fishy odour.
• Curdy White: This could be associated with a fungal yeast or candidiasis infection.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

Dr Kothari explained that normal vaginal discharge is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, especially oestrogen. During ovulation, the discharge may increase in volume and become more slippery. Other factors like sexual arousal, pregnancy, and menopause can also influence the amount and consistency of discharge.

Healthy discharge shouldn't have a bad smell, and its thickness may vary throughout the menstrual cycle. Here are a few key characteristics to note about vaginal discharge:

• Texture: Normal discharge can range from watery and sticky to thick, gooey, or pasty. While hormonal changes cause this fluctuation, infections can also alter its consistency. Discharge that is chunky, foamy, or comes with itching or colour changes may indicate an infection.
• Colour: Healthy discharge is typically clear, milky white, or off-white. Any dark yellow, brown, green, or grey discharge could signal an infection or another health issue.
• Smell: Discharge may have a mild odour, but it should not be strong or unpleasant. If the discharge has a fishy or foul smell, along with changes in texture or color, it may indicate a vaginal infection.

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Is Your Vaginal Discharge An Infection?

Several infections can cause changes in vaginal discharge, including an unpleasant smell. Many of these are sexually transmitted:

• Yeast Infection: Caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus, leading to thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. It may be accompanied by itching and swelling, and sex can become painful. Treated with antifungal medications.
• Trichomoniasis (Trich): A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite, resulting in green, yellow, or gray bubbly discharge. It’s treated with antibiotics.
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Occurs when certain bacteria grow excessively in the vagina. It can be sexually transmitted but not always. Symptoms include foul-smelling, fishy discharge. Treated with antibiotics.
• Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia: These common STIs can cause yellow or green discharge. If untreated, they may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Both are treated with antibiotics.
• Herpes: This STI causes sores, pain, and sometimes abnormal discharge, along with other flu-like symptoms. While there’s no cure, antiviral medications help manage outbreaks.

If you notice any unusual discharge or symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.

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