What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a fluid that comes out of the vagina. Healthy vaginal discharge is typically a clear or white fluid that contains cervical mucus, vaginal secretions, and cell debris. This discharge can lubricate the vagina as well as keep it clean and free of infection.
Depending on the person, the amount and appearance of vaginal discharge can vary. The consistency and color can change throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, for example. Vaginal discharge can also occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse.
While some changes occur naturally, others may point toward an underlying health condition or an infection.
Signs of vaginal discharge
Some types of vaginal discharge can occur naturally, including after sex. However, certain colors, odors, or textures can be a sign of health conditions, physiological changes, or infections.
Knowing the signs of vaginal discharge — and what each type of discharge could mean — can help you better understand your bodily functions. Vaginal discharge can also be a sign of another issue, like a bacterial infection or other condition.
Types of vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge can appear in different colors. While some colors are perfectly normal, others can signal an underlying medical condition. Vaginal discharge can be present in the following colors:
Clear discharge
Vaginal discharge produced before, during, and after sex can be a result of arousal. Increased blood flow to the genitals can cause glands in the vagina to secrete a clear, thin fluid that lubricates during sex. Before, during, or after sex, you may notice more of this watery fluid.
Like fluids produced during arousal, ejaculation may be clear or watery in appearance. It’s unclear how many women can ejaculate, but one study found that around 10 to 54% of women expel fluids during sex or orgasm.
For the most part, clear discharge is not a cause for concern. However, if you experience a burning sensation or pain while urinating, this could be a sign of an infection.
White discharge
You might notice discharge that has a thicker consistency and a white, milky appearance. This kind of discharge can occur naturally due to hormonal fluctuations. Throughout your menstrual cycle, your discharge may change from clear and stretchy to thick and white.
White discharge is natural and not a cause for concern, unless it has a strong fishy odor or an unusually thick or clumpy texture like cottage cheese. These could be signs of bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.
Brown discharge
At the end of your menstrual cycle, you may see traces of blood in your vaginal discharge. This gives it a brown or reddish color.
Spotting blood or brown discharge can occur normally during ovulation (when your ovary releases an egg, about halfway through your menstrual cycle). If you’re experiencing spotting or a brownish discharge when your period would normally start, this could be a sign that you’re pregnant.
If you’re early in pregnancy and noticing brown discharge, this could also be a sign of a miscarriage.
While uncommon, brown discharge in postmenopausal women can be a sign of HPV or cervical cancer.
Yellow discharge
Yellow discharge can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as trichomoniasis {National Health Service: “Vaginal Discharge.”}. Yellow-colored discharge can also be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis or gonorrhea.
Green discharge
Green discharge may be a sign of trichomoniasis.
Causes of vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function. You may notice changes in amount and consistency with sexual arousal, ovulation, or other lifestyle changes, like taking birth control pills or exercising frequently.
Abnormal vaginal discharge, however, may be caused by an infection or disease, such as:
- Diabetes
- Trichomoniasis
- Yeast infections
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
When to see the doctor for vaginal discharge
If you have unusual discharge, see your doctor as soon as possible, especially if the discharge occurs alongside other symptoms, such as:
- Pain while urinating
- Itching or burning
- Pelvic pain (pain in the area between your stomach and thighs)
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Increased discharge
Diagnosing vaginal discharge
To diagnose the cause of your vaginal discharge, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, your recent sexual partners, your birth control and antibiotic use, and recent changes in your health or lifestyle.
Your doctor will then perform a pelvic exam, where they will use a speculum to look at your cervix. They will also take a sample of your discharge to examine under a microscope. Your doctor may also place their fingers inside you to check for tenderness, which is a sign of some STDs or pelvic inflammatory disease.
If they suspect you may have gonorrhea or chlamydia, they will also send a sample of your vaginal fluid for testing.
