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The term vaginal discharge is commonly used for the fluid or mucus which is released from the vagina.
The vaginal discharge causes great concern among many women, which leads them to seek help from
their doctors or health care providers. Vaginal discharge is normal. However, if the color is different, and
the discharge is causing great discomfort, it could be a sign of some underlying health problem. Experts
usually recommend an examination to help determine the causes of vaginal discharge, and the color
change.
Vaginal discharge is harmless. It is made from the skin cells of the vagina and the cervix by the female
hormone, estrogen. Women who are going through menopause usually have the lowest frequency of
vaginal discharge, since the estrogen levels in them is lowered. The discharge also contains bacteria, and
mucus, with a slight odor.
The vaginal discharge is responsible for protecting the vaginal and the urinary tract against infections. It
also acts as a lubricant for the vaginal tissues.
The amount of vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman. The color and the consistency also
depends on the menstrual cycle of the woman. From day 1 to day 5 of the period, discharge is usually
deep red since the body is shedding the uterine lining. Following day 6 to day 14, the vaginal discharge
might be less than usual. A few days before ovulation, the mucus becomes thin and slippery. It colors
becomes white or yellow.
Types of Discharge
It is totally normal to wonder about the color of your vaginal discharge and whether it is normal, or
needs to be checked out by a medical professional. Vaginal discharge comes in various colors, and
several of them are a sign of a healthy body.
1. Red
2. White
3. Yellow-green
4. Pink
5. Clear
6. Grey
A slight yellow hued discharge is harmless. It occurs if the woman has changed her diet or is taking
dietary supplements. Discharge that becomes darker in color, such as yellowish green, or green it means
the woman has a bacterial infection. It can also signal some kind of sexually transmitted infection (STD).
Go and see your doctor instantly if the vaginal discharge has a thick or clumpy consistency with a foul,
pungent odor.
a. Itching
b. Irritation
c. A strong, foul odor.
d. Redness around the vaginal opening (vulva).
If your vaginal discharge is grey in color, go visit your doctor promptly. The doctor will give you
antibiotics to treat this bacterial infection.
When Should You See A Doctor Regarding Your Vaginal Discharge?
See a doctor if vaginal discharge has an unusual smell or appearance. A person should also seek
medical care if they experience vaginal symptoms such as:
itching
pain or discomfort
discharge that is frothy or like cottage cheese
bleeding between periods or after menopause
spotting after sex regularly
grey, green, or yellow discharge
a strong odor
a burning sensation during urination
The doctor will perform a pelvic exam. They may also need to take a sample of discharge for
testing.
cervical bleeding
irritation in the vagina
Pink
implantation bleeding
healthy discharge
White yeast infection
BV
Gray