What Do Different Colours Of Vaginal Discharge Mean?
Vaginal discharge is a reality that every woman faces, just like a menstrual period. It is a normal event that is important for good vaginal and cervical health. However, it may be indicative of a deeper medical issue if it changes frequency or colour and is accompanied by discomfort. Some changes in colour and consistency are expected when:
- The period is due or just over
- You have been taking a course of antibiotics to treat another unrelated issue
- You have an undetected gynaecological condition leading to changes in the discharge colour and consistency
What are the different kinds of vaginal discharge? We list different colours and consistencies, what may cause them and what to do about them:
* Clear and thin: A clear, stringy and stretchy discharge usually occurs in the ovulation phase of your menstrual cycle. It occurs a week or 10 days after your period ends, when ovulation begins to prepare for a possible pregnancy. You are most fertile during this time, and the discharge’s thin and stretchy nature aids sexual intercourse and also the transport of sperm to the uterus.
* White like curd: A curdy discharge may both be common and abnormal, depending on which side of the possible problem you are on. It is, however, not always a cause for concern. It commonly occurs a few days before the period begins, and you will see it right after the period ends. White curdy discharge is not a cause for concern unless it has a foul smell or causes itching in the vulva. If you experience curdy discharge accompanied by abdominal tenderness and pain, soreness in the vulva, weakness and fatigue, and a sour or foul smell, then you need to schedule a check-up with your doctor. It is most commonly caused by a yeast infection or another issue like PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome).
* Green or yellow: These colours of discharge are certainly not normal, and doctors say that if you see this discharge, you must get a medical opinion at once. These colours are indicative of an infection, especially when they are accompanied by a fishy or strong ammonia-like odour. It is a sign of infection or cervical distress and must be checked with an ultrasound test, pap smear and other tests. It is seen most often with a disorder or infection known as ‘trichomoniasis’, which occurs due to unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner. These colours also indicate infections like Chlamydia. They are often treated with oral medication for a few weeks or months, depending on the extent of the infection.
* Rust or brown coloured: Brown or rust coloured discharged occurs a day or few hours before the onset of the period to indicate the impending menstrual cycle, or after the period, when the cervix and vaginal canal clean themselves. This is completely normal. But if you notice this discharge or spotting between periods after unprotected sex, it might indicate pregnancy or even onset of miscarriage. Run blood tests to confirm the pregnancy diagnosis. Rarely, brown discharge can indicate cervical cancer, polyps or fibroids in the uterus.
How to deal with vaginal discharge
The best defence against vaginal discharge, whether normal or not, is to use panty liners. They protect your underwear and keep you feeling dry. If the discharge is too heavy, you may consider using a soft sanitary pad like Nua for the light flow, to keep yourself feeling dry and comfortable. You can try Nua’s cramp comfort heating patch, and order their customised period napkins for different kinds of menstrual flow.
