How do discharge look

However, if the white discharge has a consistency like cottage cheese or is accompanied by a strong odor, it can indicate an infection.

An individual should see a doctor. White, thick, strong-smelling discharge is usually associated with a yeast infection, which can also cause itching or irritation. If the discharge has a very slight yellow hue, it may not indicate a problem. This is especially likely if the hue only coincides with a change in diet or dietary supplements. Discharge that is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green usually signals a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.

See a doctor promptly if vaginal discharge is thick or clumpy, or it has a foul odor. Pink discharge most commonly occurs with spotting before a period. However, it can also be a sign of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. Some people experience a little bit of spotting after ovulation, which can also cause pink discharge. Discharge can be pink after sexual intercourse if the sex has caused small tears or irritation in the vagina or cervix.

Most ordinary vaginal discharge is clear or whitish. It may be slippery or have the consistency of egg whites. A person is likely to experience more clear, slippery discharge just before ovulation, during sexual arousal, and during pregnancy. Gray vaginal discharge is not healthy, and it can be a symptom of a common bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis BV. Anyone with gray discharge should promptly see a doctor. Following diagnosis, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the BV.

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:. The doctor will perform a pelvic exam. They may also need to take a sample of discharge for testing. In most people, infections or hormonal imbalances are responsible for unusual changes in vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and regular occurrence. However, there are certain types of discharge that can indicate an infection.

Abnormal discharge may be yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or foul smelling. Yeast or a bacterial infection usually causes abnormal discharge. If you notice any discharge that looks unusual or smells foul, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

There are several different types of vaginal discharge. These types are categorized based on their color and consistency. Some types of discharge are normal. Others may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. A bit of white discharge, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle, is normal. This type of discharge may be a sign of a yeast infection. A clear and watery discharge is perfectly normal.

It can occur at any time of the month. It may be especially heavy after exercise. When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating. This is a normal type of discharge. Brown or bloody discharge is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or right after your menstrual cycle.

A late discharge at the end of your period can look brown instead of red. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. This is called spotting. Spotting during an early phase of pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage , so it should be discussed with your OB-GYN.

In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer. It could be other problems such as fibroids or other abnormal growths. Your gynecologist will check for cervical abnormalities during these procedures. This type of discharge may be a sign of the infection trichomoniasis.

Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function. Exercise, use of birth control pills , and emotional stress may also result in discharge. Bacterial vaginosis is a quite common bacterial infection. It causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor, although it produces no symptoms in some cases. Women who receive oral sex or who have multiple sexual partners have an increased risk of acquiring this infection.

Page last reviewed: 25 January Next review due: 25 January Vaginal discharge. Check if your vaginal discharge is normal Vaginal discharge is not usually anything to worry about if it: does not have a strong or unpleasant smell is clear or white is thick and sticky is slippery and wet You can get vaginal discharge at any age.

When vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection If your discharge changes — for example, in smell, colour or texture — it might be a sign of an infection. Possible causes Discharge Possible cause Smells fishy Bacterial vaginosis Thick and white, like cottage cheese Thrush Green, yellow or frothy Trichomoniasis With pelvic pain or bleeding Chlamydia or gonorrhoea With blisters or sores Genital herpes. Non-urgent advice: See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:.

Information: Sexual health clinics can help with abnormal discharge Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.