Understanding Vaginal Discharge: Types, Causes, and What They Mean for Your Health

Vaginal discharge is normal in most women and is a natural process in the female reproductive system. It is very essential in the maintenance of vaginal health since it helps in cleaning the vagina and preventing infections. It is important to know the various forms of vaginal discharge so as to differentiate between the normal and the abnormal.  

What is Vaginal Discharge? 

Vaginal discharge is a secretion that originates from the glands located in the vagina and cervix. It washes out dead cells and bacteria hence ensuring that the vagina is clean and free from infections. Also, this is a normal phenomenon and the quantity, colour and consistency of the discharge may change with the menstrual cycle.  

Types of Vaginal Discharge 

Since women observe different types of discharge, it can indicate signs of their body functioning. Let’s have a look at vaginal discharge types here:

White Vaginal Discharge 

Normal: A white, thick, and creamy discharge is quite common at the start or end of your menstrual cycle. It is often without smell or has a very faint smell and does not cause itching or skin rash. 

Abnormal: If the discharge is thick, and it is associated with itching, burning, or has a foul smell, then it could be a sign of a yeast infection. Yeast infections are characterized by a thick white cottage cheese-like discharge. 

Clear and Stretchy 

Normal: The clear and stretchy discharge that you get is often an indication that you are ovulating. This type of discharge is commonly known as egg white cervical mucus and this is a sign of high fertility. 

Clear and Watery 

Normal: This type of discharge can occur at any time in your cycle and can be very profuse after exercise. It is often not a sign of a problem and is usually considered to be normal vaginal discharge. 

Brown Vaginal Discharge  

Normal: Brown discharge is normally just old blood that is being expelled from the body. It may happen at any time during your menstrual cycle, including after your period, before your next period, or even in early pregnancy as implantation bleeding. 

Abnormal: However, if you notice brown discharge at other times and especially if it has a foul smell or you are experiencing pelvic pain, then it may be due to an infection or some other ailment. 

Yellow Vaginal Discharge 

Normal: White or light yellow discharge that does not have a foul smell is usually normal vaginal discharge especially if it is experienced during your period.

Abnormal: Frothy, bright yellow or green discharge with a pungent smell is a sign of bacterial or STI such as trichomoniasis. 

Green Vaginal Discharge 

Abnormal: Green discharge is not a sign of health and is usually indicative of a bacterial infection or an STI. It usually has an unpleasant smell and may be associated with itching or skin rash. 

Gray Vaginal Discharge 

Abnormal: Gray discharge usually points to bacterial vaginosis (BV) if it has a fishy smell. BV is a type of infection that occurs when there is an alteration of the bacteria that is normally present in the vagina. 

Normal Vaginal Discharge vs. Abnormal Discharge

It is therefore important to be able to identify what is considered normal vaginal discharge in order to be able to identify any problems. Physiologic discharge is clear, white or slightly yellow and should not have a foul smell. It may be thin and clear or thick and sticky depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle that a woman is in. 

Normal Vaginal Discharge Characteristics 

• Clear or white 
• Mild or no odor 
• Fluctuations in the cycle: consistency of the periods 
• Rises during ovulation, pregnancy, or sexual stimulation

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Characteristics

•  Green, yellow, or gray shade 
•  Strong, foul odor 
•  Itching, burning, or irritation may be present possibly along with the rash
•  Density of the liquid, for instance, thick, chunky, or frothy

Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

The following are some of the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge: 

Infections 

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): This is a condition that is as a result of bacterial vaginosis, which is the overgrowth of bacteria that are usually found in the vagina. It commonly leads to a foul smelling, grayish vaginal discharge. 
• Yeast Infections: This is due to overgrowth of Candida fungi and results in thick white cheesy-like discharge. 
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Some of the infections that may lead to abnormal discharge include trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and the discharge is usually yellow or green and has a foul smell. 

Hormonal Imbalances 

Fluctuations in hormones such as during pregnancy, menopause or use of birth control pills can also cause changes in vaginal discharge. These changes can at times lead to abnormal discharge, although this is not always due to an infection. 

Other Health Conditions 

Other causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include; Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or cervical cancer. It is recommended that women should go for regular gynecological check-ups to check for early signs and treatment. 

When to Seek Medical Attention 

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms alongside abnormal vaginal discharge: 

•  Abnormal colour or smell of the discharge that is continuous or happens frequently
•  Vaginal itching, burning, swelling or soreness. 
•  Pain during micturition or coitus 
•  Unexplained pelvic pain 

Conclusion

Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy process that occurs in the female reproductive system. It is important to know the types and what is considered normal so that one can be able to take good care of their vagina and also be able to notice any abnormality. If you have any of the symptoms or discharge that is not normal, you should consult your doctor. Personal hygiene, safe sex practices, and regular gynecological examinations are some of the ways through which one can keep off reproductive health complications.