Types of Vaginal Discharge, What They Mean and What is Normal?  

Vaginal discharge serves the function of a housekeeper carrying away all the dead cells & bacteria from the cervix and vagina. It keeps the vagina clean and prevents any chance of infection. The types of vaginal discharge, such as its odour and colour, can range from clear to milky white. For example, the amount of discharge will vary when you are breastfeeding or sexually aroused compared to when you are pregnant. However, if you feel that the smell or colour is different from usual along with conditions, such as vaginal itching and burning sensation, it can be the result of an infection.

Causes of abnormal discharge

Here is a list of things that can cause an unusual vaginal discharge.

• Use of antibiotics
• Bacterial infection, common in case of pregnant women
• Cervical cancer
• Usage of birth control pills
• Sexually transmitted infections, such as Gonorrhoea
• Diabetes
• Use of scented soaps and lotions
• Thinning & drying of vaginal walls during the menopause phase
• Yeast infection
• Irritation in the vagina

Types of Abnormal Discharge and Their Causes

Brown or bloody discharge

Cause - Possible case of cervical cancer or irregular menstrual cycle.

Pink discharge

Cause - Shedding of the uterine lining, occurs after childbirth.

Yellow or greenish discharge

Cause - Possible case of Gonorrhoea, an STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) which affects the urethra and rectum area.

Thick and white discharge

Cause - Possible case of yeast infection, which might result in pain and swelling around the vulva region and painful sexual activity.

White, grey, or yellow discharge with an odour

Cause - Possible case of bacterial vaginosis resulting in vaginal inflammation.

Diagnosis of abnormal discharge

Your doctor can start the diagnosis by confirming your medical history and including questions such as,

• When did the excess vaginal discharge begin?
• What is the colour of the discharge?
• Presence of any odour or smell?
• Presence of itching or pain around the vagina

The doctor can also prescribe a list of tests to conduct a further examination.

Treatment of abnormal discharge

The treatment will depend on your current condition. For example, if you have a yeast infection, the doctor can prescribe an anti-fungal cream or an antibiotic pill.

You can also prevent vaginal infection by taking the following steps:

• Keeping the intimate area clean by washing using a mild soap
• Avoid using any scented soap or sprays
• After using the washroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent any bacterial infection

References

1. Vaginal discharge in pregnancy. nhs.uk

2. Spence D, Melville C. (2007). Vaginal discharge.