Darrick Robles Vaginal discharge is completely normal and even healthy – as are changes over the course of the menstrual cycle. This guide will help you to correctly interpret your discharge and to recognize when a medical examination makes sense.
First of all: The natural discharge has an important function that should not be underestimated. It is secreted to keep your vagina clean and moist. It also supports the natural vaginal flora of beneficial bacteria that protect against infection, infertility and premature birth.
The amount and consistency of your discharge can vary: depending on your age, whether you have regular sex or are pregnant, and what birth control methods you use.
“It’s also perfectly normal for a woman’s discharge to change throughout the menstrual cycle,” says Med-Healths Physician Dr. Rhianna McClymont. “It can be thick and sticky just after the period, then slippery, wet and clear, and then towards the end of the cycle become creamy.”
“There is also a natural vaginal odor,” the doctor adds. “But if this discharge changes visibly or develops a new, unpleasant odor, it could be a sign of a medical condition.”
If you are concerned about your discharge, you should talk to your GP or gynecologist to rule out an infection. Here’s what the different types of discharge mean.
1. White and grainy
This type of discharge is a classic sign of a vaginal thrush —especially if it looks like cottage cheese. “The fungal infection can cause severe itching, but the discharge is odorless,” says Dr. McClymont.
Vaginal thrush is caused by a yeast called Candida, which many women carry without causing any problems. However, if something upsets the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina, it can lead to Candida overgrowth. Then symptoms become apparent. Common triggers can be:
- Antibiotics
- Sex
- damaged or irritated skin
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- pregnancy
- poorly controlled diabetes
- weakened immune system
If you’ve had a yeast infection before and know the symptoms, you can easily treat it yourself. Appropriate vaginal fungus ointments are available in pharmacies.
However, you should consult a doctor if: you are having the symptoms for the first time the symptoms do not go away completely with treatment you are under 16 or over 60 you are pregnant or breastfeeding you have a weakened immune system (due to another disease such as diabetes, HIV or cancer) you have the symptoms more than 2 times in 6 months
2. Greenish, frothy, fishy
“This yellowish-green discharge can be caused by trichomoniasis. It can also appear frothy and have an unpleasant, sometimes fishy, smell,” says Dr. McClymont.
Other symptoms of the STD include pain when urinating or having sex, and soreness, itching, or swelling around the vagina. The itching can extend to the inner thighs. Frequently, however, there are no symptoms at all, so that the parasite can spread quickly. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of women and 1% of men are affected.
Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonads are transmitted during unprotected sex , for example . You can also become infected by sharing sex toys if they are not cleaned after each use.
Trichomonads can also affect the course of a pregnancy. Possible complications are low birth weight or premature birth. Therefore, it is important that you speak to a doctor if you notice this discharge. The infection can be easily treated.
3. Viscous, greenish yellow
Green-yellow discharge can be a sign of gonorrhea — a sexually transmitted infection (STI) also known colloquially as gonorrhea. Gonnorrhea, which is transmitted by gonococci, is the second most common STI in the EU.
In addition to the noticeable discharge, heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding between periods can also occur. Some women experience severe pain when urinating. About half of the affected women show no symptoms. However, complications such as inflammation of the uterus or inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries can also occur.
Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. The doctor will carry out a follow-up check about 2 weeks after you have stopped taking it. This is used to check whether the therapy has worked.
4. Strong smelling discharge
Strong-smelling discharge can indicate bacterial vaginosis , especially if it has a fishy odor and is frequent after sex. “Vaginal discharge can be thin and watery or grayish-white in color,” says Dr. McClymont. “It’s not usually associated with pain or itching.”
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. It is the most common vaginal condition in women between the ages of 15 and 44 – with half showing no symptoms.
The infection is usually easily treated with antibiotics in the form of tablets, gels or creams. However, it can recur and require longer treatment.
5. Pink or brown discharge
This can be a sign of bleeding that occurs at the beginning and end of your period. After birth , they can stand for a so-called lochia (menstrual bleeding). This bleeding is a mixture of blood, mucus, and tissue that is shed when the lining of the uterus regenerates.
dr McClymont says, “If the discharge occurs at other times in the cycle, the patient should seek medical advice. Infections, especially STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can be the cause. But diseases that affect the cervix or the lining of the uterus can also come into question.”
Tips for a healthy vagina
If you are sexually active and have changing partners, condoms offer the best protection against sexually transmitted infections.
You should also avoid intimate care products and intimate sprays that contain a lot of fragrances and promise more freshness. They can often do more harm than good to the sensitive skin in the genital area and the natural vaginal flora. If you use lubricants and care products, make sure they are unscented.
When to Seek Medical Advice: Dr. McClymont recommends consulting a doctor if your discharge is different than what you are used to. She emphasizes: “Any new type of bleeding or bloody discharge should be evaluated by a doctor – especially if it occurs after sex, after menopause or between menstrual bleeding.”
