Now that we briefly covered the types of normal vaginal discharges, as well as some of the ones that are abnormal, let us figure out what makes a vaginal discharge abnormal. While you are likely going to consult with your healthcare provider if your vaginal discharge is abnormal, be sure to take some things into consideration, even if you are having a normal vaginal discharge. If you are having vaginal discharge that is suddenly increasing in quantity, is green or yellow, has a foul smell, or is causing vaginal symptoms, you should consult with your health care provider to determine the cause and to receive treatment.
If you are having a discharge that is heavier than normal, is watery and greyish with a foul, fishy smell, then you probably have bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that produces gray or white discharge with a strong, fishy smell. If your discharge is green in color and smells fishy, it may be bacterial vaginosis, which, similar to yeast infections, occurs when bacteria in your vagina are out of balance. A thick, white, curd-like discharge is a common symptom of a yeast infection, which occurs when the level of yeast in your vagina is off balance.
A thick, lumpy, or lumpy discharge, or very watery discharge, may also be an indication that something is wrong with your vagina. If your discharge is white or pale yellow in color, and is thick and lumpy, and if you experience vaginal itching or burning, then it is very possible you are suffering from vaginal yeast infections.
Discharge may slightly discolor as it hits the air, so if you see a little bit of pale yellow discharge on your underwear, this is the most likely explanation. Although, it should be noted that occasionally, white discharge may also turn abnormal if an underlying health condition is present. If your white discharge starts smelling or looking different from what you are used to, this may mean that you have one of the following underlying conditions requiring treatment. If this is the first time it is happened or if the discharge looks different from previous infections, consult with your primary care physician.
If your discharge is thick yellow or green, that may be a sign of infection – or even sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. If you are experiencing yellow, brown, or even an orange color of discharge, that may mean that you have a sexually transmitted infection. Whether itas frothy discharge or a green, thick one, itall probably be easy to tell your vaginal discharge isnat the way it usually looks.
Maybe thereas an unusual smellaor the color of your discharge isnat the clear, translucent white it usually is. Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the functioning of your vagina, and white discharge is generally not cause for concern. Having a discharge is a natural part of having a vagina, but sometimes changes to the discharge may indicate problems.
Changes in your discharge that may indicate a problem include increased quantity, as well as changes in the color, odor, or texture of your discharge. Another change that can indicate a problem is a discharge that is a bright yellow or greenish in color. Now, it is important to note that the discharge typically changes color and consistency during the course of the menstrual cycle, because of fluctuations in hormone levels.
You might notice some light white discharge early in your monthly menstrual cycle, or late. If you have a 28-day menstrual cycle, you might see this kind of discharge from between day 12 to 16.
You may notice a sticky, moist discharge in the labia between ovulation and dry days. By ovulation, in the femaleas menstrual cycle, many people notice stringy discharge, which can even start to get thick. You mightA feel a distinct spongy feeling directly on top of your vulva, with strings of egg-white-like discharge.
This kind of vaginal discharge is considered to be normal if it is not lumpy or foul-smelling. When a normal vaginal discharge has an imbalance of bacteria and emits foul smell or color, it becomes abnormal.
Vaginal discharge is the way that your body disposes of dead vaginal skin cells, bacteria, and fluids that come from the cervix and vagina, helping protect the vaginal tract and urinary system from infections. White discharge is just natural lubrication that keeps the tissue in your vagina healthy and minimizes friction when you are having sex. Discharge also lets you know where in the menstrual cycle you are, if you have any infections or STI, and it even acts like an energy-boosting meal for your sperm.
Arousal fluid is generally clear, but can blend in with regular vaginal discharge to appear white. Sure, it may have a distinctive smell, it is sometimes different color, or consistency, but the discharge is totally normal. Depending on where you are at in the cycle, your discharge can come out a bit thicker, but the key is it is mostly clear. It is normal to see a bit more discharge toward the end of your cycle, and if you are taking hormone-based birth control or are sexually active, this may also make it heavier.
Your hormones affect how much and how consistent vaginal discharge is, so at some times, such as before your period, when you are pregnant, or when you are using hormonal birth control, you might see a different amount. If you do not have other symptoms, such as strong smells, or itching, or discomfort in your lower part, this is likely just regular late-cycle creaminess.
Chlamydia infections sometimes present with symptoms such as mucus- and pus-containing cervical fluid, which may appear like an abnormal vaginal discharge in some women. Also like Chlamydia, gonorrhea discharges are often filled with mucus and pusaand usually look cloudyaand may vary in color from white to yellow to green. The white ooze, called leukorrhea, is a very common type of vaginal discharge that may happen in pregnancy, and itas not something to be concerned about,a says ONeill Starkey. While normal discharge represents proper elimination of fluids and old cells, excess discharge may indicate a medical problem.