White discharge what does it mean

If you think your vaginal discharge has changed, make an appointment with your doctor right away. This is especially important if you've had sex because it could be a sign of an STD. Most causes of vaginal discharge can be treated. Reviewed by: Robyn R. Miller, MD.

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You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip. Search Close Search. Vaginal Discharge. Keep an eye on vaginal emissions and changes that mean you should see a doctor. Vaginal discharge is normal and varies during your menstrual cycle. Different Types of Discharge White — Thick, white discharge is common at the beginning and end of your cycle.

Normal white discharge is not accompanied by itching. If itching is present, thick white discharge may indicate a yeast infection. Clear and watery — This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising. However, if the white discharge has a consistency like cottage cheese or is accompanied by a strong odor, it can indicate an infection.

An individual should see a doctor. White, thick, strong-smelling discharge is usually associated with a yeast infection, which can also cause itching or irritation. If the discharge has a very slight yellow hue, it may not indicate a problem. This is especially likely if the hue only coincides with a change in diet or dietary supplements. Discharge that is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green usually signals a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.

See a doctor promptly if vaginal discharge is thick or clumpy, or it has a foul odor. Pink discharge most commonly occurs with spotting before a period. However, it can also be a sign of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. Some people experience a little bit of spotting after ovulation, which can also cause pink discharge. Discharge can be pink after sexual intercourse if the sex has caused small tears or irritation in the vagina or cervix.

Most ordinary vaginal discharge is clear or whitish. It may be slippery or have the consistency of egg whites. A person is likely to experience more clear, slippery discharge just before ovulation, during sexual arousal, and during pregnancy. Gray vaginal discharge is not healthy, and it can be a symptom of a common bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis BV. Anyone with gray discharge should promptly see a doctor. Following diagnosis, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the BV.

See a doctor if vaginal discharge has an unusual smell or appearance. A person should also seek medical care if they experience vaginal symptoms such as:. The doctor will perform a pelvic exam. They may also need to take a sample of discharge for testing.

In most people, infections or hormonal imbalances are responsible for unusual changes in vaginal discharge.