Green Vaginal Discharge – Intimate Rose

Although it is normal for vaginal discharge to change color for varying reasons, a green vaginal discharge is not normal, especially when it is thick and clunky, and accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Usually, a green vaginal discharge signals an infection that requires treatment. Read on to learn more. 

What Does it Mean if You Have Green Vaginal Discharge?

Women typically experience a range of different colored vaginal discharges over a monthly cycle, most of which are nothing to worry about. Discharge can be orange, rust, or slightly brown before and after menstruation, for example. For the rest of the month, vaginal discharge is normally clear, white, cream, or light yellow. 

When the vaginal discharge becomes a deep yellow or green, however, it’s usually a sign of infection. In most cases, a thick green discharge is accompanied by an unpleasant odor and additional symptoms such as itching, swelling, or burning during urination, but not always.  

Typically, a thin yellow discharge signals the beginning of an infection, darkening to a thicker yellow-green discharge as the infection progresses, and deepening to lime-green color with an unpleasant odor and a clunkier texture when at its peak.

If you experience green vaginal discharge, with or without additional symptoms, it is always advisable to make an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.  

What Causes a Green Vaginal Discharge? 

An infection is the usual source of a green vaginal discharge, and the following are the most common causes of these vaginal infections. 

Trichomoniasis

One of the most common causes of green vaginal discharge is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called Trichomoniasis, also known as ‘trich’. It is caused by a parasite known as Trichomoniasis Vaginalis (TV), which is passed from one partner to another during sexual intercourse. 

Additional symptoms can include a foul odor from the vaginal discharge, as well as itching and swelling of the vagina, and a burning sensation while urinating or during sex. However, only 30% of people who contract trich will experience any symptoms. 

According to the CDC, roughly 1 million people are infected with trich each year and over 3.7 million Americans are living with the infection at any given time.   

How to Diagnose & Treat Trichomoniasis

If you are experiencing a green vaginal discharge, with or without any of the above-mentioned symptoms, schedule a consultation with your doctor for a sexual health check-up. Trich is diagnosed through a physical exam and some laboratory tests and is easily cured with a course of antibiotics. 

If diagnosed with trich, it is important to inform your sexual partners and ensure they too consult with their doctor about treatment, even if they are asymptomatic. 

Gonorrhea & Chlamydia

Similar to trich, gonorrhea and chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections that cause a green vaginal discharge, and they too are often asymptomatic for most people. When symptoms appear, they can include discomfort when urinating, pelvic pain, and spotting between menstrual cycles, in addition to a green vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.

How To Diagnose & Treat Gonorrhea & Chlamydia

Just like trich, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor to diagnose or rule out either of these infections if you notice a green vaginal discharge. It is also vital to inform all sexual partners to do the same. Left untreated STIs can spread to the uterus and ovaries causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can often result in infertility or ectopic pregnancies.  

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis is an infection caused by the overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina and it can also result in a green vaginal discharge. While it is not an STI, researchers believe BV is linked to unprotected sex due to semen being more alkaline than the naturally acidic environment of the vagina. This change in the pH balance of the vagina can allow bacteria to thrive, resulting in a BV infection. 

Although it is more prevalent in sexually active women aged 15-44, studies have found that women of any age who douche or smoke can also experience BV infections. As well as a gray-green colored vaginal discharge, BV symptoms can include a fishy odor, a burning sensation during urination, and vaginal itching. 

How To Diagnose & Treat Bacterial Vaginosis

Unfortunately, even though a course of antibiotics will successfully treat a BV infection, over 50% of women experience a recurring infection within 12 months. There are, however, preventative steps that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of re-infection. 

For example, using condoms during sex and washing the vagina after sex, quitting douching & smoking, and wearing breathable cotton underwear are all preventative measures.

In addition, consider adding a daily probiotic, like Flora Bloom Probiotics for Women from Intimate Rose. Probiotics significantly help to balance the vaginal pH, as well as improve your overall digestion and lower the risk of recurring BV infections.  

Current research also looks positive in confirming that Boric Acid Suppositories, like those from Intimate Rose, when taken as a regular supplement, can prevent recurring BV infections.  

What Does Green Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy Mean?

If you experience a green vaginal discharge during pregnancy, it means you have an infection and you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. A trich infection during pregnancy, for example, can trigger premature deliveries, or result in low birth weights for the baby.  

How to Diagnose & Treat Green Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

If you experience green vaginal discharge while pregnant, be extra cautious and see your doctor immediately. Pregnancy-friendly antibiotics can be prescribed for expectant moms with vaginal infections that will not affect the baby. 

Conclusion

A green vaginal discharge is never normal, and almost always signals an infection, especially if accompanied by a foul odor, itching, swelling, or burning during urination. It is always advisable to contact your doctor as soon as you notice any green vaginal discharge, who will more than likely prescribe a course of antibiotics as treatment.

In addition, natural supplements, such as Boric Acid suppositories and Probiotics, can help keep future infections at bay. 

References 

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – Trichomonasias CDC Fact Sheet

https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – STD Facts – Gonorrhea – https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – Chlamydia STD Information – https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/

Hindawi – Association between Semen Exposure and Incident Bacterial Vaginosis –

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/idog/2011/842652/

National Center for Biotechnology Information – Clinicians use of Intravaginal Boric Acid Maintenance Therapy for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Bacterial Vaginosis -https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6878170/

Green Discharge: Causes and Treatments

• Green discharge can be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis, a condition that may require an antibiotic.
• It may also be a sign of sexually transmitted infections like trichomonas, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
• Leaving a tampon in for too long may cause inflammation that leads to abnormal discharge.

Green discharge

Having vaginal discharge is normal, but normal discharge is usually clear, white, or slightly yellow. If you have green discharge, this can be a sign that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or another serious infection like pelvic inflammatory disease.

Here are six reasons why you might have green discharge and how you can tell what’s causing it.

1. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by the trichomonas parasite. In some cases, you may not have any symptoms with trichomoniasis, but if you have a vulva, you’re likely to have symptoms like:

• Genital itching or pain
• Pain while urinating
• Pain during sex
• Foul-smelling discharge that can be white, gray, yellow, or green

How to treat it:  To treat trichomoniasis, you’ll need to see your doctor, who can prescribe antibiotics like metronidazole (Flagyl) and tinidazole (Tindamax).

2. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a painful infection that affects reproductive organs like your uterus and fallopian tubes.

PID can result from surgeries or childbirth, but it’s most often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia, says Felice Gersh, MD, an OB-GYN and founder/director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine.

“Symptoms of PID can come on quickly in some people,” says Jennifer Wider, MD, a women’s health expert. This can include:

• Pain and tenderness in your lower belly
• Green or yellow discharge that may have a foul odor
• Pain during sex or urination
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

How to treat it: Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics and treat any underlying sexually transmitted infections. You may also want to abstain from sex for a while if it’s causing severe pain.

“If someone experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to see a health care provider ASAP,” Wider says, to avoid serious complications like pelvic scarring and infertility issues.

3. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that you can get from having unprotected sex.

Gonorrhea can cause thick green or yellowish discharge, Wider says, along with other symptoms like:

• Pain when urinating
• Bleeding in between periods

However, “it’s important to note that some people experience no symptoms at all,” Wider says.

How to treat it: To treat gonorrhea, your doctor can give you an injection of an antibiotic called ceftriaxone, along with an oral dose of azithromycin (Zithromax).

4. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another bacterial STI that can cause green discharge, though more often, the discharge is white, yellow, or gray, Wider says.

Like gonorrhea, chlamydia can develop without any symptoms, but in other cases, you may experience:

• Bleeding in between periods
• Pain during urination
• Pain during sex
• Abdominal pain

How to treat it: Your doctor can treat chlamydia using a single dose of antibiotics or a seven-day course, depending on your age and whether or not you’re pregnant. Your partner also needs to get tested for chlamydia and treated if they test positive.

5. Bacterial vaginosis

According to Gersh, bacterial vaginosis typically happens for two reasons:

1. An overgrowth of bacteria that don’t belong in the vagina.
2. An overgrowth of certain normal vaginal bacteria, creating an imbalanced environment.

You’re more likely to have bacterial overgrowth if you douche, use scented soaps on your vulva, or have unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Bacterial vaginosis causes symptoms like:

• A fishy or foul odor
• Itching
• Burning during urination
• Watery discharge that can be gray, white, or green

 How to treat it: If you think you have bacterial vaginosis, you’ll need to see a doctor or OB-GYN for treatment. Your doctor will generally prescribe an antibiotic, either as a pill or a cream to put inside your vagina.

6. Leaving in a tampon too long

Leaving a tampon in for too long — especially after your period ends — can create green discharge and eventually lead to serious complications. 

Note: You should change your tampon every four to eight hours to prevent infection.

“The blood in the tampon provides the perfect food for bacteria, and the tampon provides the perfect material to grow bacteria,” Gersh says.

Bacteria can multiply quickly and cause inflammation, “resulting in a heavy green discharge and a typically horrible odor,” says Gersh.

Leaving in a tampon too long can also trigger a life-threatening, rare condition called toxic shock syndrome that can lead to organ failure.

How to treat it: If you have any unusual symptoms after leaving a tampon in, contact your doctor or get medical attention as soon as possible to get treatment.

Most often, you’ll need antibiotics from your doctor, but in more severe cases, you may need IV fluids or treatment for organ damage.

Insider’s takeaway

“Green discharge is always abnormal,” Gersh says, and may come from sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease, or leaving in a tampon too long.

Any time you have a foul odor, green discharge, a fever, or pain, it’s best to see your doctor as soon as possible.

“Most infections can be easily treated — the earlier they are diagnosed the better!” Wider says.

Madeline Kennedy

Madeline Kennedy is a health writer for Insider covering a wide range of topics including reproductive and sexual health, mental health, nutrition, and infectious disease. Before joining Insider, Madeline worked as a health news writer for Reuters, and a domestic violence therapist. She has a master’s degree in social work from UPenn and is interested in the intersection of health and social justice.

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causes, complaints, diagnostics and methods of treatment on the website of the clinic “Alfa Health Center”

Acute manifestations of vaginitis significantly reduce the quality of life of a woman, interfere with normal work, sexual intercourse, and sleep. Chronic inflammation can lead to impaired reproductive function up to infertility or cause sepsis (blood poisoning). Therefore, it is important to seek medical help as soon as the first symptoms appear.

In the clinic “Alfa Health Center” in Moscow, you can be examined by an experienced gynecologist and cure vaginitis, preventing complications.

How inflammation develops

The inner surface of the vagina is lined with epithelium – these are cells that protect the muscle wall and blood vessels from damage, participate in the formation of local immunity. The outer layers of the “coating” contain glycogen, which is the main food and energy source for lactic acid bacteria. Microorganisms break down glycogen molecules. As a result of the ongoing reactions, a slightly acidic environment is formed in the vagina, in which harmful bacteria do not survive. Moreover, the number of lactobacilli in the normal microflora is so high that pathogens simply cannot gain a foothold on the mucosa and die.

The activity of lactic acid bacteria directly depends on the amount of glycogen in the cells of the mucous membrane. The substance is formed under the influence of sex hormones. The level of glycogen also depends on the nutrition, mental and emotional state of the woman, metabolism and a number of other factors. Any changes in the hormonal background or in the familiar environment can disrupt the formation of glycogen. Lactobacilli do not receive sufficient nutrition and die, reducing the protective function of the body. During this period, the causative agents of vaginitis can freely gain a foothold on the mucosa and form a colony.

The infection settles in the female body, destroys epithelial cells, causes the expansion of blood vessels, increases the influx of leukocytes and phagocytes to the affected area. Mucous swells. Gradually, the process spreads to the vulva (vulvovaginitis) and labia, captures the muscular wall of the vagina. The decay products of epithelial cells irritate the nerve endings, causing unpleasant symptoms. At the same time, increased secretion begins in the internal genital organs. Mucus should remove pathogens from the vagina – this is a natural defense mechanism against infection. If the walls of blood vessels are damaged, blood may be mixed with the vaginal secretion.

Causes of vaginitis in women

Various factors can provoke inflammation. The most common causes of vaginitis are:

• Sexually transmitted infections. Infection occurs from a sick partner. Infectious vaginitis is caused by gonococci, Trichomonas, tubercle bacillus and other microorganisms;
• Microtrauma of the vagina. The mucosa is damaged during childbirth, abortion, operations. Signs of vaginitis may appear after rape, inaccurate use of sex toys or other objects as sexual paraphernalia;
• Metabolic disorders. At risk are women with obesity, diabetes, pathologies of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland. Endocrine diseases disrupt the synthesis of glycogen and affect the biocenosis of the vaginal microflora;
• Hormonal disorders. Symptoms of vaginitis often appear during pregnancy, in the postmenopausal period, after the removal of the ovaries. Some girls experience discomfort even before menstruation, when the level of estrogen in the blood increases;
• Failure to comply with the rules of intimate hygiene. Improper washing causes the death of lactobacilli and creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogens. Moreover, bacterial vaginitis is equally likely to occur with insufficient hygiene, and with too frequent manipulations. Also dangerous are gels with flavors, underwear made from low-quality materials, a rare change of pads during menstruation;
• Other reasons. Vaginitis can appear as a local allergic reaction to tampons or intimate lubricants, be a consequence of stress, gastrointestinal diseases, immunodeficiency, long-term use of antibiotics, etc.

It is important to establish the cause of inflammation in each case. Treatment of vaginitis will be effective only if the main provoking factor is eliminated.

Forms and symptoms of the disease

Depending on the cause of inflammation, the following forms of vaginitis are distinguished:

• Bacterial (non-specific). The causative agents of the disease are staphylococci, streptococci and other opportunistic microorganisms that live in the vagina of a healthy woman, but under normal conditions do not cause inflammation. Nonspecific vaginitis is also called aerobic or purulent. Pathogens require oxygen to reproduce actively. In the initial stage of development, aerobic vaginitis is not inflammation, but the process of death of beneficial microflora, which can be determined by analyzing a smear even before the onset of signs of the disease. In the absence of treatment, purulent vaginitis is manifested by profuse yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor. Bacterial inflammation (vaginosis) recurs more often than others, becomes chronic and requires systemic treatment;
• Infectious (specific). Distinguish trichomonas, mycoplasma and other types of vaginitis. Specific inflammations develop within 3-30 days after contact with an infected partner. The discharge acquires a frothy character, a pungent odor, becomes cloudy, yellowish. The woman suffers from severe itching and burning in the perineum, her body temperature rises. Pain with vaginitis is localized in the lower abdomen. The danger of a specific form is in the mobility of the pathogen. For example, Trichomonas easily rises through the genital tract to the uterus and ovaries. Often, the infection affects the organs of the peritoneum. With gonorrheal vaginitis, the formation of ulcers, erosions is possible;
• Fungal (candidiasis). Vaginitis of this group is also known as thrush. The cause of inflammation is the active reproduction of microorganisms of the genus Candida. Fungal vaginitis is more common in childhood, during pregnancy. With timely treatment, the symptoms quickly subside, but the therapy is carried out with a full course to reduce the risk of relapse. Candida vaginitis is manifested by itching, burning, characteristic curdled discharge, dryness in the vagina, swelling of the labia. Beli acquire a sour smell;
• atrophic. This is postmenopausal vaginitis, which appears with the onset of menopause. During this period, the level of estrogen, the sex hormone, drops sharply in the woman’s blood. The epithelial layer in the vagina becomes thinner, the number of lactobacilli decreases. The acidity of the intimate microflora also changes – it shifts to the alkaline side. Atrophic vaginitis gives a woman a lot of discomfort, such as itching and burning in the perineum. The vagina loses elasticity, so pain appears during sex. There is almost no unpleasant odor with vaginitis with atrophy;
• Allergic. A special type of inflammation caused by contact with an allergen. The patient has swelling, hyperemia of the mucous membranes, profuse discharge and severe itching. Allergic vaginitis is treated easier than all other forms – it is only necessary to exclude contact with the trigger and relieve the exacerbation;
• Vaginitis during pregnancy. The disease is isolated in a separate group, since inflammation is not caused by the penetration of an infectious agent, but by a decrease in local immunity. Changes in nutrition, hormonal imbalance weaken lactobacilli. Pathogens actively develop, causing inflammation.

According to the nature of the course, three forms of the disease are distinguished:

• Acute vaginitis. Symptoms appear and increase within 1-3 days. The duration of the phase is up to 2 months. The clinic of vaginitis is pronounced, all the main signs are well defined. In an acute form, inflammation can be quickly stopped and a chronic process prevented. Therefore, we always recommend that girls come to an appointment at the first change in their usual state;
• Subacute vaginitis. Transitional form between acute and chronic pathology. Edema remains on the mucous membrane, a secret is abundantly produced, the menstrual cycle changes. Within 2-6 months, the subacute form is still treatable with a systematic and competent approach;
• Chronic vaginitis. Periods of remission are replaced by exacerbations. Symptoms of inflammation can be erased, mild. Itching and burning are observed almost constantly and increase with a change in diet, after sexual intercourse, physical activity, etc. Recurrent vaginitis requires effort on the part of the patient herself.

According to the nature of the discharge, vaginitis is divided into three groups:

• serous – white liquid and transparent;
• mucous membranes – the discharge becomes viscous, thick, cloudy;
• purulent – a secret with a pungent odor, yellow or yellow-green.

Vaginitis diagnosis

History taking and examination . Diagnosis begins with an appointment with a gynecologist. The doctor interviews the patient, finds out the possible factors that caused inflammation, listens to complaints. What is important is the prescription of the onset of symptoms and the features of its development, the nature of the diet and lifestyle of the woman, her age.

After the interview, they proceed to the inspection. If we are talking about children’s vaginitis, the doctor carefully examines the external genitalia, assesses the condition of the skin. Women undergo a standard examination on a gynecological chair. Already during palpation, an experienced gynecologist can make a preliminary diagnosis. On examination, a smear is also taken for microflora. Based on the results of the analysis, it is possible to determine the presence and type of genital infections, the number of yeasts, white blood cells, etc.

Additional tests . With infectious vaginitis, the doctor may prescribe a PCR study to determine the pathogen and culture for antibiotic resistance. The results of such tests for vaginitis will help you choose the most effective treatment directed against a particular microorganism. It is also recommended to examine the blood and urine to identify concomitant diseases.

It is necessary to take tests for vaginitis several times until complete recovery.

Treatment of vaginitis

Therapy must be comprehensive. The doctor prescribes drugs to relieve inflammation, normalize microflora, strengthen immunity. Specific medications are also selected to eliminate the cause of vaginitis. Hospitalization of the patient is not required – a woman can follow the doctor’s recommendations at home.

Mandatory is the treatment of a partner with vaginitis. A man should go to an andrologist or urologist for an examination.

Depending on the type and cause of the inflammation, your doctor may prescribe the following drugs to treat vaginitis:

• antibacterial, antifungal tablets, antibiotics;
• vaginal suppositories;
• douching with drug solutions, vaginal sanitation;
• sitz baths.

During treatment, it is recommended to follow a diet with the exception of smoked, fatty, sweet foods and alcohol. The diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals. A woman needs to observe sexual rest, be attentive to the choice of underwear, use pads without fragrances, and rest as much as possible.

Hormonal vaginitis against the background of menopause or removal of the ovaries is treated with hormone replacement therapy. Preparations are selected individually. The dosage of drugs is calculated taking into account the hormonal status of the woman. Vaginitis with menopause also requires the use of lubricants and special intimate lubricants to eliminate vaginal dryness.

Possible complications of the disease

Vaginitis with adequate treatment usually resolves without consequences. If you neglect the doctor’s recommendations, the inflammation becomes chronic and is very difficult to stop.

Severe complications of vaginitis include:

• urinary tract infections: cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis;
• decreased fertility, difficulties in carrying a pregnancy, perinatal and neonatal fetal death, infertility;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• synechia (fusion of the labia) in childhood;
• bacteremia (blood poisoning).

Prevention of vaginitis

You can reduce the risk of developing inflammation by following simple rules:

• Annually visit a gynecologist even in the absence of complaints. The results of the smear will help to identify vaginitis at an early stage and begin treatment before the onset of severe inflammation;
• Follow your diet. Proper nutrition has a beneficial effect not only on women’s health, but also on the state of the whole organism as a whole. When traveling to exotic countries, do not abuse the local cuisine. Try to keep the menu familiar to your stomach;
• Ensure intimate hygiene. A woman should have a permanent, healthy sexual partner. For casual contact, be sure to use a condom and avoid alternating anal and vaginal penetration during intercourse;
• Choose good quality underwear. Thongs, lace panties are best worn as little as possible. Buy underwear made from natural materials that do not cause overheating of the perineum, absorb moisture and allow air to pass through;
• Timely consult a doctor for the prevention and treatment of diseases. This applies not only to vaginitis, but also to any other pathologies. At an early stage, almost all diseases are easily treated. The less often antibiotics are prescribed, the better your beneficial microflora will feel.

Expert recommendation

The best measure for the prevention of vaginitis and other female diseases is the correct sexual education of the girl. Mothers need to show their daughters from childhood how to wash themselves, what underwear to choose. As they grow older, they move on to more serious issues and talk about the relationship between a man and a woman. By puberty, a girl should already have an idea about the features of her anatomy and be able to listen to the signals of her body. There is no need to be ashamed of such topics. Unfortunately, a child will not be able to find information about sexual hygiene on the Internet and on the street – it is not popularized.

If you feel uncomfortable talking about this with your grown-up daughter, come with her to an appointment with an experienced gynecologist. The doctor will find the right words. In the doctor’s office, your child will be able to learn about everything that you are embarrassed to say out loud.

Sign up for a consultation with a gynecologist at the Alfa Health Center clinic. We will answer all the “uncomfortable” questions on women’s health and help to maintain women’s health. Prices for services are indicated on the website.

Sources:

1. NV Lysakova – Nonspecific vaginitis: modern principles of treatment. Research Article. Journal of the National Scientific Center for Surgery named after A. N. Syzganov No. 4, 2012

2. I. O. Marilova, I. G. Afanasyeva, K. A. Gusevskaya – Acute vaginitis of mixed etiology: a modern approach to treatment. Journal “Obstetrics and Gynecology: News. Opinions. Education”, 2019

Vaginal discharge. Normal. Pathological. Treatment of vaginal discharge in St. Petersburg.

Contents

1. Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge
2. Possible causes of abnormal vaginal discharge
3. When should I see a doctor?
4. Treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge

Usually women wonder if the color or consistency of vaginal discharge is normal or if it needs to be checked. Vaginal discharge can be different in quantity, color, character – what can discharge indicate and when to see a doctor? – a common question that a gynecologist hears at an appointment.

Vaginal secretions have an important hygienic function in the female reproductive system. Fluid produced by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection.

In most cases, vaginal discharge is completely normal: it maintains a healthy environment in the vagina, provides lubrication and protects against infection and irritation. The amount, color, and consistency of normal vaginal discharge ranges from white and sticky to clear and watery, depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle. For example, there will be more discharge during ovulation, breastfeeding, or sexual arousal. They may have a different smell when you are pregnant or your personal hygiene has been compromised. Moreover, the discharge is individual and for each woman they have special characteristics.

Vaginal discharge may vary from day to day:

• Menstrual days 1-5. At the beginning of the cycle, the discharge is usually bloody, because. there is a detachment of the inner lining of the uterus – the actual menstrual days.
• Menstrual days 6-14. After a certain period of time, a woman may notice a decrease in vaginal discharge. As the egg begins to develop and mature, the cervical mucus becomes cloudy and white or yellow. The discharge may be sticky to the touch.
• Menstrual days 14-25. A few days before ovulation, the mucus will be thin and slippery, similar to the consistency of egg whites. After ovulation, the mucus will again become cloudy, white or yellow, and possibly sticky.
• Menstrual days 25-28. The cervical mucus will lighten and the woman will notice a change in its amount.

None of these changes are cause for alarm. However, if the color, smell or texture seems very different than usual, especially if you also have vaginal itching or burning, then you may be dealing with an infection or other pathological condition, which indicates an urgent need to see a doctor for referrals for examination – smears, ultrasound.

Most causes of abnormal vaginal discharge, such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or menopause, are relatively harmless and do not pose much danger to the patient, but they can be quite uncomfortable and reduce quality of life.

Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Because they can spread to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes and be passed on to sexual partners, early detection and treatment of STIs is important.

The patient should be alerted to brownish or bloody vaginal discharge, which may be a sign of cervical cancer.

Any change in the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina can affect the smell, color or texture of the discharge.

Make an appointment

Make an appointment with a urologist by calling
8(812)952-99-95 or by filling out the online form – the administrator will contact you to confirm the appointment

Causes related to infection or inflammation

• Gardnerellosis
• Cervicitis
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Gonorrhea
• Forgotten or long-term tampon
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Trichomoniasis
• Vaginitis
• Yeast infection (thrush)

Other reasons

• Certain hygiene practices such as douching or using scented sprays or soaps
• Pregnancy
• Vaginal atrophy (genitourinary syndrome of menopause)
• Cancer of the vagina
• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal fistula
• Diabetes
• Taking birth control pills (COCs)
• Taking antibiotics or steroids
• Women with more than one partner at the same time

Seek medical attention if vaginal discharge has an unusual smell or appearance.