Each color of discharge means something different. Check when discharge is a warning sign and when it is normal.
O discharge is nothing more than the flow that comes out of the vagina, with the exception of menstruation. In general, discharge is quite normal and occurs in all women, being noticed a few days before menstruation, appearing transparent and odorless.
However, there are other types of discharge that can be a warning sign that a woman’s health needs attention. The most common causes of discharge with a different color, smell and consistency than normal include fungi, bacteria, viruses, hormonal changes and even pregnancy.
So, when this secretion changes appearance, color and odor, you need to consult a gynecologist. Because depending on the color of the discharge, it could be an infection or irritation, among other gynecological problems. In addition, abnormal discharge may indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted disease. Next, we will learn about the types of secretions, their causes and treatment.
What is discharge?
First of all, we need to talk about the female genital system, which is made up of the vulva, vagina, uterus, tubes and ovaries. The vagina produces a secretion that can be transparent or yellowish, but without odor, which has the function of protecting and lubricating the intimate area. Therefore, discharge is a flow that comes out of the vagina, and is common to all women.
However, despite being normal, vaginal discharge is usually one of the main issues addressed by gynecologists. Especially because unusual discharge is a cause for concern for any woman. So it’s important to find out about the subject to know when discharge is normal and when it is a warning sign that something is wrong with your intimate health.
Remembering that the discharge considered normal is the most transparent, almost like egg white, which has no smell and usually appears a few days before menstruation begins.
What are the types and causes of discharge?
Now, let’s learn about the most common types of discharge and their causes, as well as what to do in each case:
1. Clear discharge
Liquid and transparent discharge, which has an appearance similar to egg white, indicates the fertile period of the menstrual cycle. In fact, it is a sign that the woman is ready to get pregnant if she is not using any contraceptive method. In this case, the discharge lasts for around 6 days and tends to disappear naturally after that.
So, as the discharge is considered normal, there’s not much you can do, it doesn’t require treatment or anything like that. Now, if the discharge persists after 6 days, the ideal is to consult a doctor, as it may indicate a hormonal imbalance.
2. Rosado
Discharge with a pinkish tone may indicate the beginning of pregnancy. Therefore, it is caused by the fertilization of the egg and occurs up to 3 days after intimate contact. It usually appears with mild abdominal cramps that are normal and end up passing without the need for any treatment.
Therefore, the recommendation is to take a pregnancy test to confirm the pregnancy and then see a doctor to start prenatal care.
3. White discharge
In the case of white discharge, it has a thick texture, similar to curdled milk. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness and a burning sensation in the vulva and vagina area. Additionally, it may also have a characteristic odor, depending on the cause.
White discharge can be caused by vaginal candidiasis, an infection in the vagina caused by the fungus candida albicans. Treatment is generally carried out with antifungal medicines such as Fluconazole, which can be taken in the form of tablets or applied to the area to be treated in the form of an ointment.
Furthermore, when there is a homogeneous white discharge and a fishy smell, it may be colpitis, a vaginosis caused by protozoa, fungi or bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to identify the cause of the discharge and then begin appropriate treatment.
4. Yellow discharge
Now the more yellowish discharge, which is accompanied by a strong fishy odor, can also be linked to other uncomfortable symptoms, such as burning and pain during sexual intercourse or when urinating. So, the main cause of this discharge could be an infection due to Trichomonas vaginalis which causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection.
Treatment is generally done with antifungal medications such as Metronidazole, Tioconazole or Secnidazole, which can be taken in the form of tablets in a single dose or during 5 to 7 days of treatment.
5. Greenish
Greenish-colored discharge is usually accompanied by an odor, itching and a burning sensation in the intimate area. It can also be caused by trichomoniasis, as well as yellow discharge. But in addition, it may be linked to vulvovaginitis, an inflammation in the vagina caused by microorganisms. However, this type of discharge is not so common in this case.
Therefore, treatment for greenish discharge is recommended by a gynecologist, who may prescribe the use of antibiotics to combat the infection, as well as alleviate symptoms.
6. Brown or Bloody Discharge
Brown or bloody discharge is usually accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the cause. When there is this type of discharge, most of the time it is an indication of some change in the uterus, such as cervical cancer, which has other symptoms such as weight loss, pain in the pelvic region and a feeling of pressure in the belly.
Therefore, before anything else, it is essential to consult a gynecologist, who will investigate the cause of the brown discharge, and then recommend the best treatment. This may involve a surgical procedure or radiotherapy depending on the case.
7. Gray discharge
Finally, gray discharge, which generally indicates bacterial vaginosis, caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota. Thus, causing a reduction in lactobacilli, that is, good bacteria, and increasing the concentration of other bacteria, which lead to gray, foul-smelling discharge. Other symptoms of this type of discharge include pain or burning when peeing and itching in the vagina.
In this case, the treatment will be indicated by the gynecologist, who may recommend the use of Metronidazole ointment, applied intravaginally for 7 days.
Which types of discharge are normal and which are dangerous?
In general, transparent, white or yellow discharge, which is not accompanied by any other symptoms, is considered normal discharge. In this case, the secretion occurs because of the glands in the vagina, which are responsible for protection and lubrication, as well as the balance of intimate health.
Now, the type of discharge that presents changes in color, texture and consistency, as well as other symptoms, such as itching, irritation, burning, odor and pain is a sign that something is not going well. Therefore, the recommendation is to seek a specialist doctor, as it may be a symptom of illness or infection.
Discharge during pregnancy
Having secretions during pregnancy is normal. Therefore, it is expected that a woman will feel more moist during pregnancy. This is a result of the vaginal glands, which produce more secretions during this period, as a result of which the woman’s body is producing more hormones than normal.
In fact, excess secretion can even create confusion in women, who may confuse the discharge with urine or even think that their water has broken, but that’s not the case. Therefore, if the discharge is normal, there is nothing to worry about.
The important thing is to notice the differences in secretions, which over time becomes routine. The warning sign is if the discharge is accompanied by other symptoms. In any case, it is important to clarify your doubts with your doctor to avoid any type of concern or complication during pregnancy.
When to seek help?
You should see a gynecologist whenever you notice a vaginal secretion that is different from what is normal. Some warning signs involve the presence of blood outside of the menstrual period, as well as the presence of other symptoms, such as pain, itching, burning, difficulty urinating or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Therefore, it is time to seek professional help to identify the cause of the change and, depending on the diagnosis, begin appropriate treatment.
Anyway, whenever you notice a discharge that is not physiological and has changes, it is the right time to make an appointment with the gynecologist.
READ MORE:
7 home remedies for yellow discharge
Bad-smelling discharge: main causes and treatment
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Bibliography:
- CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC). Chlamydia. Available at:
- METIS. gonorrhea. 2018. Available at:
- LINHARES, M, Iara et al. Vaginites e vaginoses. Femina. Vol.47. 4.ed; 234-240, 2019
- DASHARANTHY, Sonya, et. al.. Menstrual Bleeding Patterns Among Regularly Menstruating Women. American Journal of Epidemiology. Vol.175. 6.ed; 536-545, 2012
Sources: Tua Saúde Herself Laboratory Exame CliniFemina
