All women experience vaginal discharge, and sometimes when it presents with color or odor, it could indicate the presence of a vaginal infection. That's why today we want to share with you the characteristics of normal vaginal discharge and what the different colors it can come in can mean.
Vaginal discharge
It's a natural secretion of a woman's body, so it's completely normal. It's usually viscous and colorless; it helps maintain our pH during fertile years and, among other benefits, helps sperm travel through the vagina to the fallopian tubes. Its function is to cleanse, moisturize, and protect the vagina from possible vaginal infections.
Fun fact
It's a natural secretion of a woman's body, so it's completely normal. It's usually viscous and colorless; it helps maintain our pH during fertile years and, among other benefits, helps sperm travel through the vagina to the fallopian tubes. Its function is to cleanse, moisturize, and protect the vagina from possible vaginal infections.
What is normal vaginal discharge?
It's a natural secretion of a woman's body, so it's completely normal. It's usually viscous and colorless; it helps maintain our pH during fertile years and, among other benefits, helps sperm travel through the vagina to the fallopian tubes. Its function is to cleanse, moisturize, and protect the vagina from possible vaginal infections.
Meaning of Vaginal Discharge Colors
White
Thick, white vaginal discharge with a consistency similar to curdled milk is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, and a burning sensation in the vulva and vagina.
It can also be a symptom of vaginal yeast infection, an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. If the discharge has a milky appearance and a fishy odor, it may be an indicator of cervicitis, a vaginal infection caused by fungi and bacteria.
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Yellow or Greenish Yellow
Yellow, grayish, or greenish-yellow discharge with a fishy odor occurs with pain and a burning sensation during intercourse or urination.
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It may be related to the spread of Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted vaginal infection.
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If it resembles pus, it may be a symptom of chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease that can cause very mild symptoms.
Brown or Bloody
Brown vaginal discharge or the presence of blood in the discharge is generally associated with other symptoms such as pain and burning when urinating.
One of the possible causes of brown vaginal discharge is the presence of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted bacteria.
Having brown vaginal discharge can also indicate vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, or endometrial cancer. Therefore, if you are not on your period and have brown discharge, it is best to see a gynecologist for a checkup.
Transparent
The presence of clear, egg-white discharge is a signal from our body that we are in our fertile period, meaning this is the best time to get pregnant.
Pink
Pink discharge: If you've recently had sex and notice pink vaginal discharge two or three days later, you're likely pregnant. This type of vaginal discharge is said to appear one or two days after the egg is fertilized. In addition to the pink vaginal discharge, you're likely to experience mild abdominal cramps.
What treatment should I follow depending on the color of my vaginal discharge?
There are different types of vaginal infections whose symptoms can be similar, but the treatment varies in each case. Therefore, it is best to see your gynecologist as soon as you notice vaginal discharge that is an abnormal color or has an odor.
During the consultation, your gynecologist will determine the type of condition you have and will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis.