Understanding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

If you’ve noticed a change in your vaginal discharge, how do you know if it’s normal or a cause for concern? Because abnormal vaginal discharge can be an early sign that something isn’t quite right, it’s important to pay attention.

Vaginal discharge is a clear or white fluid that comes from your vagina. Most women discharge about a teaspoon (4 ml) of fluid a day. Normal vaginal discharge is white or clear, thick to thin and odorless. It’s formed by normal bacteria and vaginal fluids to keep your vagina and reproductive tract clean and healthy.

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal?

Yes, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and can be more noticeable at different times of the month.

Several factors can affect vaginal discharge. In addition to the natural fluctuations caused by your menstrual cycle and ovulation, vaginal discharge can also be affected by the number and kind of sexual partners you’ve had, what kind of birth control you use (or don’t use), the kind of sex you’re having or if you’ve recently experienced abuse.

Infections That Can Cause Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

There are several types of infection associated with abnormal vaginal discharge.

Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection occurs when the natural fungus Candida multiplies too much in the vagina. It can cause a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, along with swelling, itching and discomfort during sex. Antifungal treatments can clear the infection.

Trichomoniasis or Trich

Trichomoniasis is an STI passed through sexual contact with someone who’s infected. It’s caused by a parasite and can lead to vaginal discharge that’s green, yellow or gray and often bubbly or frothy. Antibiotics can treat the infection.

Bacterial Vaginosis or BV

Bacterial vaginosis happens when certain vaginal bacteria grow in excess. It can be linked to sexual activity, though it doesn’t always spread that way. BV often causes a white or gray discharge with a strong, fishy odor. Antibiotics can treat it.

Gonorrhea (Clap) and Chlamydia

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common STIs passed through sexual contact. These infections can cause cloudy, yellow or green vaginal discharge. If left untreated, they can spread and cause pelvic inflammatory disease with pelvic pain. Antibiotics treat both types of infections.

Vaginal Discharge Color Chart

While vaginal discharge changes during your cycle, extreme changes in color or consistency can be a sign of infection. A vaginal discharge color chart can help you understand the symptoms of BV vs. yeast infection vs. trich.

• White: Thicker vaginal discharge is common at the end of your cycle. Normal white discharge is not accompanied by itching. If itching is present, thick white discharge may indicate a yeast infection.
• Clear and stretchy: This is “fertile” mucous and means you’re ovulating.
• Clear and watery: This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercise.
• Yellow or green: May indicate an infection, especially if it’s thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odor.
• Brown: May happen right after your period as your body is “cleaning out” your vagina. Old blood looks brown.
• Spotting blood: This may occur mid-cycle or when ovulating. Sometimes early in pregnancy you may have spotting or a brownish discharge at the time your period would normally come. If you’ve recently had sex and have spotting instead of your period, take a pregnancy test.

When to Call Your Doctor

Abnormal vaginal discharge can mean you have an infection, such as a yeast infection, BV or a trichomoniasis infection. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor.

• Discharge that is yellow, green or clumpy
• Discharge that has a bad odor
• Vulvar pain, itching or discomfort
• Rash or sores

If you’re pregnant and notice a change in your vaginal discharge, call your doctor right away. If you have a fever, pelvic pain or severe abdominal pain, call your doctor or go to urgent care right away. These could be signs of a more serious condition.

Your doctor can give you a better answer than a simple web search. They will start by gathering additional information, such as:

• Are you taking any medications?
• Do you take herbs or vitamins?
• Are you pregnant?
• Do you have any other health problems, such as diabetes?

Your doctor can also perform a pelvic exam to help determine what is causing your symptoms and how best to treat them.