What is Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a clear, white, or off-white fluid that comes out of your vagina. Your uterus, cervix, and vagina produce vaginal discharge, which is mainly made up of cells and bacteria. The fluid carries dead cells and bacteria out of the body, and vaginal discharge helps keep the vagina clean and prevent infection.
Your vaginal discharge is supposed to have a certain colour that proves you’re healthy. Normal vaginal discharge is milky or white and is odourless but sometimes, an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina can cause your discharge to change colour.
This article will show you vaginal discharge colours and their meaning.
1. Clear White Discharge
This is a normal discharge. However, If a thick, white discharge goes along with other symptoms, such as itching, burning, and irritation, or has a bad odour, it is probably due to a yeast infection.
2. Yellow Discharge
Yellow discharge is an abnormal discharge, as this is a sign of a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection. There may also be an odour associated with it.
3. Brown Discharge
Brown or red discharge is usually related to irregular menstruation or pregnancy (implantation bleeding). If you have brown or red-tinged discharge and it’s not your period, it may indicate a problem. This could be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer.
Additionally, during menopause, a woman should not have any type of vaginal bleeding, which is also a sign of uterine cancer.
4. Green Discharge
Having a green discharge is not normal. This is a sign of bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomoniasis. Anyone experiencing green discharge should see a doctor immediately.
5. Pink Discharge
Pink discharge, ranging from a very light blush to the deep pink of a sunset, is often just a sign of the beginning of your cycle. But at other times, it can be a sign of a serious health problem. Some women may periodically experience light bleeding after intercourse, which can result in pink discharge.
6. Grey Discharge
Grey discharge is mostly a sign of bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance of bacteria that’s causing an infection.
It can also be a symptom of an STI such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea.
ALSO READ: The 6 Different Period Blood Colours And What It Says About Your Health
Other noninfectious causes of vaginal discharge
- An object in or near the vagina that shouldn’t be there. For example, you may leave a tampon inside your vagina.
- An irritation or rash from something (an object or chemical) that causes an allergic reaction. This could be from detergents, soaps, sexual lubricants, or materials used in condoms or sex toys.
- During pregnancy, you produce more discharge because it helps protect you from infection.
- Your discharge may become extra slippery and wet during ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg). This is to help sperm swim up to reach an egg for fertilization.
