7 Common Types of Vaginal Discharges That Should Alert You

Vaginal discharge is a fluid that glands release in the vagina and cervix. This helps your body to get rid of dead cells and bacteria. Discharge also helps keep the vagina clean and prevent various infections. However, discharge often raises common questions for women, including what's normal and what's not.

The color and odor of discharges may change depending on the cycle period, overall health, and even your diet. However, sometimes these changes can be associated with health conditions like vaginal infection. So, what is considered normal? Below are 7 common types of vaginal discharge and their description.

You may notice that closer to the end of your menstrual cycle your discharge becomes a little heavier. It's also normal to see a little more discharge if you start taking new hormonal birth control or sexually active. However, there may be some other causes of excess discharges. This can be an infection, a lost tampon, or a reaction to a new soap. Let your gynecologist know about it if this causes discomfort.

It is abnormal if your discharge becomes thick yellow or green. This is a common symptom of infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea. If your discharge is green and has a fish-like odor, it can be bacterial vaginosis. It often occurs when the bacterial balance in your vagina is disrupted. Fortunately, this condition is easily treated. Contact your doctor to receive recommendations and a treatment plan.

Some women may experience discharge that is thicker than usual at the end of the cycle. This is considered normal. Discharge usually becomes thicker during the second half of your menstrual cycle. However, if along with discharges you experience unpleasant odor or itching sensation, you need to visit your gynecologist. This may indicate infection or other problems.

Grey vaginal discharge is not healthy and must alert every woman, especially if it is accompanied by strong, foul, fishy odor with a thin . These are classic symptoms of a bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis. Along with strange odor and greyish discharges you may experience vaginal itching and irritation. Not every odor is caused by an infection but it's recommended to visit your doctor and exclude the risk of something more serious.

Bloody or dark red discharge is normal if you just got done with your period. This may be leftover blood that evacuates the premises. However, if you experience spotting between your periods then talk to your gyno about it. The doctor can help you determine what might be causing it.

The dark red or bloody vaginal discharge can be associated with a vaginal infection, an ovarian cyst, or something like a polyp in your uterus. These problems are not life-threatening, but you still need to receive treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications.

You may notice a slippy white discharge on the 14th day of your menstrual cycle. This is a common sign of ovulation that may also be accompanied by pelvic pain. However, each woman has her own menstrual cycle. Thus, this discharge may appear a bit earlier or later. This discharge isa normal part of your cycle. It also indicates that your body is prepared to get pregnant. If you are sexually active and don't want to get pregnant, you need to be extra careful during this period.

A heavy and white discharge with the cottage-cheese-like texture is a common symptom of a yeast infection. This infection may occur when the levels of yeast in your vagina are disrupted. Other symptoms may include itching in vagina, irritated labia, pain when you pee, or have sex. Fortunately, yeast infections are easily treated. Let your gynecologist know if you suspect you have a yeast infection.