Vaginal Discharge - Know What's Normal & What's Not!

Vaginal discharge is a normal physiological phenomenon, in which the consistency of vaginal discharge varies throughout the cycle. Healthy vaginal discharge is clear or white in colour, with normal and non-offensive odour. Sometimes right before menstruation, your vaginal discharge may hold a brownish tinge.

The consistency of the discharge varies mostly on the hormonal changes in the body. When the levels of oestrogen are low, the cervical mucus that is liberated as discharge may be perceived as sticky and thick. When the oestrogen levels rise up, the discharge becomes wetter, more stretchy and clearer. Also, after ovulation, the consistency becomes thicker again.

When should you worry about the vaginal discharge?

1. Greenish, greyish or absurdly brownish in colour

2. When the discharge appears thicker than normal

3. When the discharge is more than normal

4. When it smells absurd like fishy or rotten meat like smell

5. Pus-like discharge

6. White with cottage cheese-like discharge

7. When the discharge is associated with bloody discharge and burning sensation, rash or soreness.

Diseases caused by vaginal discharge

1. Yeast Infection: The vaginal discharge is cottage cheese-like and may be associated with itching of the vulva. This is also called as thrush. It can be treated easily with antifungal medications such as Fluconazole or Cotrimoxazole.

2. Vaginitis: Yellowish offensive discharge, which may be profuse, associated with itching and abdominal pain.

3. Trichomoniasis: This disease is asymptomatic in most cases and you may notice purulent discharge.