.svg?v=133333626955077491221771076156){kind=small}
This is an information page. Viv Support has no products intended for this indication/application.
It is perfectly normal for a woman to have a little vaginal discharge. But what does it mean if your vaginal discharge changes color or suddenly has a strong odor? When do you have reason to be concerned? We will delve deeper into this shortly, but first, a bit more about normal vaginal discharge.
Is vaginal discharge normal?
In general, it is normal to have a little vaginal discharge. Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Fluid is secreted in your vagina and cervix to clean everything up and keep it healthy. This fluid usually forms vaginal discharge. Some women may produce up to a teaspoon of discharge per day, and that is normal.
How does your cycle affect your vaginal discharge?
You may have slightly more or less vaginal discharge at different stages of your cycle. Normally, the discharge is thin, clear, and sticky. Just before and around your ovulation, your vaginal discharge changes to thick, 'raw egg white white,' and creamy. At that time, most women see a little more vaginal discharge. This is all perfectly normal.
Vaginal discharge can be different colors. What does that mean?
Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear, white, or light gray in color. Anything that deviates from this, such as green or yellow, likely indicates an infection. What should you look out for with each color?
1. Transparent
A clear, watery, stretchy discharge is completely normal. This is an indication that your vagina is healthy and functioning properly.
2. White
White or light gray discharge is very common. Sometimes the discharge dries out a bit in your underwear and leaves a whitish or gray residue behind. That is also normal. Around your ovulation, vaginal discharge can become thicker and resemble raw egg white; that is perfectly fine.
When the discharge is thick, white, and has the texture of cottage cheese, this may indicate an infection by the yeast species Candida albicans . Candida can cause itching and a burning sensation during urination.
A good rule of thumb is that white discharge is normal, unless it is accompanied by an unusual odor, texture, or discomfort (for example, itching).
3. Gray
When the discharge is gray in color and has a thick consistency, this can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. This is an infection caused by an unbalanced vaginal flora. This gray discharge may be accompanied by a mild to strong fishy odor (although not always), discomfort, and painful urination. Although it usually does not itch, some women may experience itching.
4. Green or yellow
Discharge that is green or yellow can indicate an infection such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. These are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can sometimes be asymptomatic, but women will often also experience green or yellow-green discharge, in combination with painful urination, pelvic pain, and painful sexual intercourse.
In short, if you have discharge that is green or yellow in color, has an unpleasant odor, and you feel unwell, contact your GP to get tested.
5. Brown
Brown discharge can be the result of a few different situations.
- First of all, it could simply be the start or the end of your period. If that is the case, you don't need to worry about it.
- It can also mean that you are pregnant. A little brown discharge can mean that an egg has implanted in the uterine wall.
- If you have just given birth and have brown discharge, you don't need to worry about anything; that is called lochia.
- However, if you develop a fever, nausea, vomiting, or other signs of infection, it is best to contact your GP immediately.
Vaginal discharge: an overview of the various textures
Vaginal discharge can vary not only in color but also in texture. What are the different textures?
1. Sticky
Sometimes vaginal discharge has a sticky consistency. This type of discharge usually occurs the week after your period and means that your body is not in a fertile phase. During this time, your vaginal discharge can be described as white and cloudy. It may come out in clumps.
2. Creamy
When vaginal discharge is thick and creamy, it usually means that ovulation is approaching. If you are trying to get pregnant, this is a good time to go for it. Creamy discharge can also be a sign of pregnancy.
3. Smooth or stretchy
A smooth, egg-white-like consistency usually appears immediately at ovulation. This clear discharge (when still wet) can be stretched between your fingers. Once it has dried in your underwear, you might not notice the consistency as much anymore.
4. Quark
If vaginal discharge has the texture of cottage cheese, this is a reasonably good indication that you have an infection with the yeast Candida. The discharge is then usually white or light yellow and lumpy, just like cottage cheese.
5. Thick, lumpy
A thick, lumpy, and pus-like texture is usually a sign of infection. Discharge that looks like green or yellow mucus means it is time to call the doctor. STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis could be the culprit if you see this type of mucus in your underwear. Sometimes, bacterial vaginosis can also cause a green-tinged discharge.
What should you do if you smell vaginal discharge?
It is perfectly normal for your vagina to have a slight odor. The bacteria living in your vagina release that smell. It is a different matter if the smell of your vagina suddenly changes and smells strong or sharp, or emits a fishy odor. What kind of 'odors' can you think of?
- Fermented: If your vagina smells a bit like yogurt, bread, or beer, that is because it is full of the same type of bacteria that make up these foods, lactobacillus . A slightly sour or acidic smell means that everything is fine.
- Ammonia: An ammonia smell can be a sign of infection. Sometimes, bacterial vaginosis can lead to an odor that some describe as chemical. Urine also has an ammonia smell (especially if you are dehydrated), so keep in mind that urine in your underwear can also give off an odor.
- Fishy: If something smells strange, it can also be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis, an infection that occurs when your vaginal flora becomes unbalanced. It can also be the result of an STI. If you experience a fishy odor, it is probably time to make an appointment with your GP.
- Something 'rocky': If you smell something foul coming from your vagina, this could be an indication that you have forgotten a tampon. It actually happens much more often than you think. Be sure to see your doctor if you cannot remove the tampon yourself.
Changes in vaginal discharge
It is normal for a fluid to be secreted in your vagina to keep it healthy. After all, your vagina is a self-cleaning organ. This fluid usually forms vaginal discharge. What causes can lead to changes in your vaginal discharge?
- IUD: Some IUDs work by thickening the cervical mucus, and this in turn prevents pregnancy. Many women who use these IUDs experience increased discharge.
- Hormonal contraception: Discharge can be affected by the contraceptive pill. There is usually a clear, egg-white-like discharge around ovulation. However, hormonal contraception prevents ovulation, so women on the pill will not experience that type of discharge.
- Pregnancy: It is probably no surprise that vaginal discharge and smell can change dramatically when you become pregnant. Many women experience an abundance of thick, white discharge, also known as leukorrhea, when they become pregnant.
- Trichomoniasis: This is a sexually transmitted parasite. It is not normal to have this, so you definitely want to get it treated as soon as possible! It produces a foul odor, itching, and pain during urination. Men usually have no symptoms.
- Gonorrhea/chlamydia: These are both STDs (sexually transmitted infections) caused by a bacterial infection. They may have no symptoms or may present as pain during urination, discharge, and pain in the abdomen (or testicles for men). Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics such as ceftriaxon, azithromycin, and doxycycline. Chlamydia is often treated with doxycycline and azithromycin.
- Candida: An overgrowth of yeast, also known as candida, can occur as a result of pH shifts. Incidentally, the contraceptive pill can increase the risk of candida. If you have started taking the pill and experience unusual vaginal symptoms, be sure to contact your GP.
- Bacterial vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis is common and can result in a strong, fishy odor. It is the result of an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is the most common STD. In some cases, it can lead to cervical cancer. With some types, there are no symptoms. With other types, women will develop genital warts.
- Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis: This condition is most commonly seen in perimenopausal women and is usually accompanied by pain and copious green or yellowish discharge. There is often pain during sexual intercourse, along with inflammation and an associated skin rash.
- Lichen Planus: This inflammatory condition can cause swelling and irritation of the vagina. The vaginal discharge can be heavy, yellow, and sticky.
Influence of estrogen on your vaginal discharge
During (pre)menopause, estrogen levels change. As a result, discharge can dry up. Many women will notice a clear decrease in the amount of discharge they produce. Additionally, atrophic vaginitis can occur due to declining estrogen levels during this phase. This usually results in watery, gray, or yellow discharge.
Changes due to allergies
Your vagina and the bacteria that inhabit this area are extremely sensitive. You may be experiencing an allergic reaction if you have recently started using a new detergent or perhaps are using a spermicide or lubricant. Try removing the potential allergen and see if the vaginal discharge returns to normal.
Also think about sex hygiene
Infections can often be prevented by using condoms. Make sure to switch to a new condom when switching between vaginal, oral, and anal sex. This helps keep your vaginal environment healthy.
Finally
Vaginal discharge is completely normal. Don't let the commercials tell you otherwise. There is absolutely no reason to clean the inside of your vagina. Let your vagina cleanse itself as it is meant to. Make an appointment with your doctor if you are concerned about unusual smells, colors, or discomfort.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical services and information. Always consult a general practitioner or treating physician in case of doubt or if you are taking medication.
