Vaginal discharge is generally a normal and regular occurrence. The vaginal discharge does an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system.
The liquid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix takes away dead cells and bacteria and keeps the vagina clean and thus, prevents infection.
But, there are some types of discharge that may occur due to an infection. , if the color, smell, or consistency seems fairly different than normal, especially if you also get symptoms like vaginal itching or burning, it indicates an infection or other condition.
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What Are The Different Types of Vaginal Discharge?
A female should identify different types of vaginal discharges and know which discharge is harmful and indicates an underlying health condition. There are several different types of vaginal discharge based on their color and consistency:
Clear And White Vaginal Discharge
Clear, transparent vaginal discharge is usually normal and not worrying and gives no pain or uncomfortable sensation to the female.
No need to worry if you see a little clear white vaginal discharge on your underwear. Such vaginal discharge can occur normally between the period cycle of a female and a small amount of white discharge is normal.
But other signs like itching, thick, cottage cheese-like discharge is usually a sign of yeast vaginal infection. So, immediately consult a gynecologist if you notice these symptoms along with the discharge
Clear Vaginal Discharge
Clear and watery discharge is absolutely normal. It may occur at any time of the month. If the vaginal discharge is clear but stretchy, it’s normal and indicates that you are likely ovulating.
Milky White Vaginal Discharge
Thick, milky white vaginal discharge is known as leukorrhea and is normal to have at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle.
At the time of ovulation, this milky white vaginal discharge may have a very thick and thick, milky white appearance. This type of vaginal discharge is also normal to experience unless there is no pain, itching, burning while peeing, pain during sex, or rashes.
But when the discharge is accompanied by these abnormal symptoms, it is a sign of an underlying vaginal problem that needs a gynecologist’s attention.
Brown or Bloody Vaginal Discharge
Brown or bloody vaginal discharge usually comes right after the periods. When the periods’ end, the female may have light red to brown colored vaginal discharge. In between periods, a female may experience also experience bloody discharge, also known as spotting.
If you are experiencing red or brown vaginal discharge after having unprotected sex, it can be a sign of pregnancy, known as implantation bleeding.
Brown or pink bleeding or discharge a few days (usually a week) before the expected period date can also be implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.
Only in rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a warning sign of cervical cancer or other problems like fibroids or other abnormal growths like polyps.
Green Vaginal Discharge
The most common cause for green vaginal discharge is trichomoniasis (an STI). A green vaginal discharge with a foul smell should always be reported to a gynecologist. Some of the symptoms of STI or vaginal infection with green vaginal discharge include- pain while urinating, itchiness in and around the vagina, pain while having sex, dry and foul-smelling vagina.
Make sure to report to your gynecologist if you have abnormal vaginal discharge along with other symptoms like pain, itching, or burning sensation.
Changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy should be closely monitored and discussed with a gynecologist in case you have other symptoms along with it.
Bottom Line
The color and texture of the vaginal discharge can vary throughout the different phases of a menstrual cycle. However, if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms along with the discharge, gynecological consultation must not be delayed.
You can get in touch with one of Pristyn Care gynecologists for expert consultation and treatment for vaginal discharge problems.
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