Vaginal discharge is a completely natural function of the female body. Yet, it remains a topic many women feel uncomfortable discussing. Understanding the facts about vaginal discharge is crucial for maintaining reproductive health, identifying possible infections early, and promoting awareness of what’s normal versus what’s not.

In this post, Dr. Neha Bajaj, renowned gynecologist at Kailash Hospital, sheds light on what every woman should know about vaginal discharge.

What is the Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a natural and normal process. It’s a clear, white, or off-white fluid produced by the uterus, cervix, and vagina. This fluid is composed of cells and bacteria, which help to clean the vagina, lubricate the vagina, and fight off harmful bacteria and infections. While vaginal discharge is normal , changes in its appearance , smell or consistency can indicate an infection or underlying health issue.

Vaginal discharge is a fluid made up of cells and bacteria that your vagina regularly produces. It helps in keeping the vaginal environment clean, moist, and protected from infections. The amount, consistency, and color of discharge can vary depending on age, hormonal levels, sexual activity, and menstrual cycle phases.

According to Dr. Neha Bajaj, “ Vaginal discharge is one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms. It’s nothing to be ashamed of—in fact, it tells us a lot about your health. ”

Is Vaginal discharge normal?

Vaginal discharge is a natural fluid that cleans and moistens the vagina, preventing infections. This is totally normal. It’s composed of water, mucus, normal bacteria, and cells from the vagina and cervix. Normal Vaginal Discharge is 1-4 milliliters (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) per day, it is white or clear in colour, has a thick or thin consistency and it is mostly odorless. But consult a physician if you experience, itching or redness of the vagina, pain or swelling, foamy, greenish-yellow, or bloody discharge, discharge with a foul odor, pain during sex or pain while urinating. Abnormal discharge can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or more serious conditions like sexually transmitted infections or pelvic infections.

Different type of Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman. Some individuals naturally produce more discharge, while others produce less. These are also categorized by their colour and consistency. Different type of vaginal discharge are:

• Normal White Discharge: A white-coloured discharge is normal, especially during the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. This type of discharge is usually thick, sticky, and odorless.
• Clear and Watery Discharge: Around ovulation, the discharge typically becomes clear and watery. You may also notice an increase in this type of discharge during sexual arousal or pregnancy.
• Clear and Stretchy Discharge: A clear, stretchy, and mucous-like discharge indicates that you are likely ovulating.
• Brown or Bloody Discharge: Brown or bloody discharge appears during or after your menstrual cycle. You may also experience spotting, which is a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. In some cases, spotting can be a sign of Pregnancy, especially if it occurs around the time of your period and after unprotected sex. It also indicates miscarriage, particularly during the early stage of pregnancy.
• Yellow or Green Discharge: A slight yellow tint may be normal, as discharge can change colour when exposed to air. However, if the discharge is darker yellow or green, thick, chunky and accompanied by a strong unpleasant odor it needs medical attention.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

Though vaginal discharge is safe and normal. But in some cases, it can happen due to serious causes. Those causes of vaginal discharge are:

• Vaginal Yeast Infection: A vaginal yeast infection occurs when Candida, a type of fungus, overgrows in the vagina. Symptoms include thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, vaginal itching and swelling and painful sex. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications.
• Trichomoniasis (“Trich”): Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) spread through sexual contact with an infected person. It’s caused by a parasite, which leads to abnormal vaginal discharge (green, yellow, or gray) and bubbly or frothy discharge. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there’s an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Here bad bacteria overpower good bacteria. While it can be transmitted through sexual contact, it’s not always the cause. Symptoms of BV include, white or grey vaginal discharge, and strong and foul-smelling odor (often fishy).
• Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: Gonorrhea and chlamydia are two common STIs that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Symptoms that you may get, cloudy, yellow, or green vaginal discharge. If left untreated, these infections can lead to serious complications, includingPelvic inflammatory disease (PID or Pelvic pain.

How to keep your Vagina healthy?

There are certain ways outs to keep your vagina clean. Those points are:

1. Gentle Cleaning: Clean your vulvar area with mild soap and water once a day.

2. Let your vagina clean on it’s own: Your vagina self-cleans with the help of healthy bacteria, keeping it acidic and preventing infections.

3. Avoid Perfumed Products: Stop using scented soaps, gels and wipes.

4. No Douching: Refrain from washing the inside of the vagina.

5. Loose Clothing: Avoid tight underwear, bathing suits, and sweaty clothes for extended periods. Choose cotton underwear.

6. Stay hydrated: Drink the proper amount of water because it helps to flush out toxins.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience persistent discomfort, unusual discharge, pain during urination, or itching, consult a gynecologist immediately. Timely medical intervention can prevent minor infections from developing into serious problems.

At Kailash Hospital, women’s health is a top priority. With specialists like Dr. Neha Bajaj, the hospital offers expert consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of gynecological concerns, including vaginal infections and reproductive health management.

Treatment for Vaginal Discharge

The treatment approach will vary depending on the underlying cause of the vaginal discharge.

• Yeast Infection: Antifungal medications are typically used to treat abnormal vaginal discharge caused by a yeast infection. These medications come in various forms, including oral pills, vaginal creams and vaginal gels.
• Trichomoniasis: To treat “trich” infections, your doctor will prescribe these medications, Metronidazole (Flagyl) or Tinidazole (Tindamax).
• Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis is typically treated with antibiotics, which come in two forms. One is oral antibiotic pills and the second is vaginal antibiotic creams.
• Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: Both Gonorrhea and Chlamydia infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

In Conclusion

Vaginal discharge is a natural part of a woman’s reproductive system. Understanding what’s normal—and what’s not—can empower you to take charge of your health. Open conversations and regular checkups can go a long way in promoting wellness.

If you have questions or concerns about your vaginal health, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Neha Bajaj at Kailash Hospital for trusted and compassionate care.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is vaginal discharge normal?

Answer: Vaginal discharge is a natural fluid that cleans and moistens the vagina, preventing infections. This is totally normal. It’s composed of water, mucus, normal bacteria, and cells from the vagina and cervix.

2. What is the normal colour of vaginal discharge?

Answer: Normal vaginal discharge can be clear, white, or off-white.

3. What is the normal consistency of vaginal discharge?

Answer: Normal vaginal discharge can be thin and watery or thick and sticky.

4. What are the signs of abnormal vaginal discharge?

Answer: Abnormal vaginal discharge can be thick, chunky, or foamy, and may have a strong, unpleasant odor.

5. What are the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge?

Answer: Abnormal vaginal discharge can be caused by infections like, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, Gonorrhea /Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis or other underlying medical conditions.

6. How can I keep my vagina clean?

Answer: Vagina is a self-cleaning organ but by practicing good hygiene by washing the vulvar area with mild soap, avoiding scented products or douching, wearing cotton underwear can help to keep your vagina clean.

7. Is brown or bloody vaginal discharge normal?

Answer:  Brown or bloody discharge may appear during or after menstruation. Spotting, or light bleeding between periods, can occur. Possible causes are pregnancy or miscarriage.