What causes abnormal vaginal discharge?

As discussed earlier, vaginal discharge is completely normal. But some changes can occur if the normal healthy bacteria balance in the vagina is disrupted. Common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include-

• Douching
• Use of scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath
• Feminine intimate hygiene sprays
• Allergens in certain soaps or bubble baths
• Use of certain antibiotics or steroids
• Pregnancy
• Unifies the texture of the vaginal skin

Other health related causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include-

• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Vaginitis
• Yeast infections
• Diabetes
• Cervical cancer
• STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea
• Various STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
• Pelvic infection (usually after a surgery)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID
• Trichomoniasis
• Vaginal atrophy

Read ahead to learn more about what different types of vaginal discharge might mean and when should you see your gynecologist.

Different Types of Discharge

• Thick white vaginal discharge- Thick, white vaginal discharge is common at the beginning and end of the menstrual cycle. Normal white vaginal discharge is not accompanied by itching or any other symptoms. If itching or other uncomfortable symptoms are present, thick white vaginal discharge can indicate a yeast infection.
• Clear, stretchy vaginal discharge- Clear, stretchy vaginal discharge is actually the fertile mucous and is a sign of ovulating.
• Clear, watery vaginal discharge- Clear and watery vaginal discharge can occur at different times of the menstrual cycle and can be heavy after exercising or strenuous activities.
• Yellow or green vaginal discharge- Green or yellow colored vaginal discharge may indicate an infection. Thick or clumpy discharge like cottage cheese which has a foul odor is a common sign of vaginal infections.
• Brown vaginal discharge- Brown vaginal discharge may occur right after periods and is just the leftover blood after the periods end. If there are no other symptoms like itching or pain along with brown discharge, it is typically normal.

Is vaginal discharge a sign of pregnancy?

An increase in vaginal discharge is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. And, in most cases, the phenomenon continues throughout the pregnancy. Normal vaginal discharge is clear in texture, milky white in color and has a mild odor. But in case a woman conceives or misses a period, there can be changes in her vaginal discharge. The discharge may get heavier as the pregnancy progresses. This is a natural way to prevent the body from infections.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is usually odourless and milky white in colour. The discharge may cause vaginal itching at times. If you a sudden increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, or if you notice a change in color of the vaginal discharge, it is advised that you take a pregnancy test.

But, yeast and other infections may cause drastic changes in the vaginal discharge during pregnancy. In that case, the discharge may turn green or yellow and have a foul smell. If you notice any such symptoms, consult with your gynecologist at the earliest.

Vaginal discharge – What’s normal and what’s not?

Vaginal discharge is a natural phenomenon that takes place within the body of every woman. The vaginal discharge comes from the glands inside the cervix and the vagina. The fluid is also known as vaginal secretions. Every day, the vagina cleanses the old lining eliminating the old cells which come out in the form of vaginal discharge.

Not all vaginal discharge is the same and not all discharge is normal. The discharge varies from woman to woman; while some experience it less, other experience it frequently and in more quantity. How can you know if the vaginal discharge that you are experiencing is normal or abnormal?

Normal vaginal discharge is odorless, thin in texture, and sticky and elastic in nature. Normal vaginal discharge is either white or off-white in color.

An abnormal vaginal discharge carries an unpleasant smell, and appears greyish, greenish or pus-like in color. If the discharge looks like cottage cheese or leads to burning and irritation in the vagina, the discharge is abnormal in nature.

Is white discharge after sex normal?

Yes, white discharge after sex is absolutely normal. This is usually caused dues to the sexual excitement that causes an increase in blood flow in the genitals. This leads to swelling in the clitoris and the labia lining of the vagina and vaginal glands secretes clear, white fluid during and after sexual intercourse.

The white discharge that appears after sex is thicker than arousal fluids and hence easily noticeable. But, if the vaginal discharge is accompanied by painful sex, or the post-sex vaginal fluid is greenish or yellowish in nature, it indicates an underlying health complication.