Vaginal Discharge

“In general, the golden rule is: vaginal discharge is normal
if the colour is clear, white or yellow, it is not smelly, and
is not associated with vulval discomfort or tummy pain”.1

Umbrella
What may the Vaginal Discharge Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Vaginal Discharge
  • Vaginal Infection
  • Vaginal Inflammation

Definition

What is vaginal discharge?

DotS the definition of vaginal discharge may vary. In Vaginal Discharge Color: What’s Normal and What Isn’t – What Is Vaginal Discharge? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“Vaginal discharge is fluid that comes from your vagina. It’s produced by your uterus, cervix or your vagina itself when they discard fluid and old cells.

If you’ve ever heard someone say that “your vagina is a self-cleaning oven,” this is, in part, what that means. When your reproductive system is functioning properly, it naturally clears out the old stuff to make room for the new”.2

Normal

What is normal vaginal discharge?

In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Secretions or Discharge the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“All women have vaginal discharge or secretions which help keep the vagina and vulva moist and remove bacteria and dead cells. Normal secretions vary throughout the menstrual cycle, from thin and slippery during ovulation to thick and white just before your period. It is common for discharge to be discoloured red or brown a day or two before or after as the period starts and finishes.

After menopause the vaginal skin thins and discharge may alter.

Some vulval and vaginal secretions change in colour and consistency with an infection”.3

In What’s Normal: Discharge – Normal Discharge the (Australian) Caredownthere elaborate on:

“In general, the golden rule is: vaginal discharge is normal if the colour is clear, white or yellow, it is not smelly, and is not associated with vulval discomfort or tummy pain”.4

In Vaginal Discharge: Check If Your Vaginal Discharge Is Normal the (United Kingdom) NHS note:

“Vaginal discharge is not usually anything to worry about if it:

  • Does not have a strong or unpleasant smell
  • Is clear or white
  • Is thick and sticky
  • Is slippery and wet”.5

Abnormal

What is abnormal vaginal discharge?

In Vaginal Discharge: Basics – Definition the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“Abnormal vaginal discharge — for instance, fluid with an unusual odor or appearance or discharge that occurs along with itching or pain — may be a sign that something’s wrong”.6

Cause

What causes abnormal vaginal discharge?

In Vaginal Discharge: Basics – Causes the Mayo Clinic note:

“Most causes of abnormal vaginal discharge — such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or menopause symptoms — are relatively harmless, but they can be uncomfortable”.7

Caredownthere explain:

“We can’t go into all the possible causes for abnormal discharge, but we want to reassure you that there are lots of harmless causes, not just sexually-transmitted infections and cancer”.8

Menopause

After menopause, how may vaginal discharge change?

Caredownthere note:


Vaginal Discharge“After the menopause the vaginal discharge gradually stops, but will return if the woman starts hormone replacement therapy”.9

The JH explain:

“After menopause, odour may change as the bacteria in the vagina also changes. The odour will be different compared to when you were still having periods”.10

In Is This Normal? Q. Are there other problems that can arise during menopause that can cause changes in discharge? the (United States) Harvard Health note:

“In menopause, the lack of estrogen often leads to thin, dry skin in the vulva and vagina and a vaginal environment that prevents “good” bacteria from flourishing. In such a situation, other bacteria can grow, sometimes resulting in increased or bothersome vaginal discharge that is not necessarily dangerous but can affect quality of life”.11

Douching or Not

Should women douche?

No. In Douching: What Is Douching? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:

“The word “douche” means to wash or soak. Douching is washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. The mixtures usually come in a bottle or bag. You squirt the douche upward through a tube or nozzle into your vagina. The water mixture then comes back out through your vagina.

Douching is different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower. Rinsing the outside of your vagina with warm water will not harm your vagina. But, douching can lead to many different health problems.

Most doctors recommend that women do not douche”.12

Clean

How can vaginas be kept clean?

In Vaginal Discharge: Care and Treatment – How Do You Keep Your Vagina Clean and Smelling Good? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic elaborate on:

“Using mild soap and water to gently clean your vulvar area once daily should be enough to keep your vagina clean. Your vagina naturally keeps itself clean with the help of certain healthy bacteria. These bacteria keep your vagina acidic, which prevents microorganisms and fungus from growing out of control.

Other tips for keeping your vagina clean include:

  • Avoid using perfumed soaps, gels, wipes or other feminine products.
  • Don’t douche or wash inside your vagina.
  • Avoid wearing tight underwear, leotards, bathing suits or sweaty clothes for long periods of time.
  • Wipe your vagina from front to back. This prevents bacteria from your rectum from getting into your vagina”.13

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have abnormal vaginal discharge?

If you think you have abnormal vaginal discharge, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Caredownthere explain:

“Your health professional is the best person to give you the right advice for your situation”.14

The JH note:

“If you are worried about the odour of your vulva and vagina, and/or have symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or painful urination, see your doctor”.15

In Vaginal Discharge: Basics – When To See A Doctor the Mayo Clinic also note:

“Schedule a doctor’s visit if you have:

  • Greenish, yellowish, thick or cheesy vaginal discharge
  • Strong vaginal odor
  • Redness, itching, burning or irritation of your vagina or the area of skin that surrounds the vagina and urethra (vulva)
  • Bleeding or spotting unrelated to your period”.16

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Vaginal Discharge?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Vaginal Discharge?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information About Vulval Diseases
  2. Bacterial Vaginosis
  3. Bacterial Vaginosis
  4. Bacterial Vaginosis
  5. Bacterial Vaginosis
  6. Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Fact Sheet
  7. Caredownthere.com.au
  8. Chlamydia
  9. Chlamydia
  10. Chlamydia Infections
  11. Chlamydia Infections In Women
  12. Chlamydia – CDC Fact Sheet
  13. Douching
  14. Feminine Odor Problems? What You Should Know About Douching
  15. Hormonal Health – Clues Made Clear
  16. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  17. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  18. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease
  19. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease: Patient Handouts
  20. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  21. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  22. Is This Normal?
  23. Medical Advice
  24. Medical Advice: Bacterial Vaginosis
  25. Medical Advice: Chronic Thrush (also Known as Candida)
  26. Menopause and Sexuality
  27. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  28. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  29. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  30. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  31. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  32. Sexual Health – Keeping Your Vagina Clean and Healthy
  33. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  34. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
  35. Sexually Transmitted Infections, All You Need To Know – Podcast
  36. The Vulva & Vagina – Fact Sheet
  37. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
  38. Thrush In Men and Women
  39. Trichomoniasis
  40. Trichomoniasis
  41. Trichomoniasis
  42. Trichomoniasis – CDC Fact Sheet
  43. Vagina: What’s Normal, What’s Not?
  44. Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  45. Vaginal Candidiasis
  46. Vaginal Discharge
  47. Vaginal Discharge
  48. Vaginal Discharge
  49. Vaginal Discharge Color: What’s Normal and What Isn’t
  50. Vaginal Discharge [Multiply Languages]
  51. Vaginal Discharge: When To See A Doctor
  52. Vaginal Dryness
  53. Vaginal Dryness
  54. Vaginal Itching and Discharge – Adult and Adolescent
  55. Vaginal Yeast Infection
  56. Vaginal Yeast Infections
  57. Vaginitis
  58. Vaginitis
  59. Vaginitis [Multiply Languages]
  60. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  61. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  62. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation
  63. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
  64. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour
  65. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? [+ Diagram]
  66. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  67. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
  68. Vulval Care Advice
  69. Vulvovaginal Health
  70. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  71. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  72. What Is Vaginal Steaming and Is It Safe?
  73. What’s Normal: Discharge
  74. Yeast Infection (Vagina)

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. What’s Normal: Discharge – Normal Discharge. Caredownthere https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal_discharge.html Accessed: 02 January 2023
  2. Vaginal Discharge Color: What’s Normal and What Isn’t – What Is Vaginal Discharge? Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vaginal-discharge-mean/ Accessed: 02 January 2023
  3. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Secretions or Discharge. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 02 January 2023
  4. What’s Normal: Discharge – Normal Discharge. Caredownthere https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal_discharge.html Accessed: 02 January 2023
  5. Vaginal Discharge: Check If Your Discharge Is Normal. Page Last Reviewed: 25 January 2021. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-discharge/#normal-vaginal-discharge Accessed: 02 January 2023
  6. Vaginal Discharge: Basics – Definition. 22 June 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/basics/definition/sym-20050825 Accessed: 02 January 2023
  7. Vaginal Discharge: Basics – Causes. 22 June 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/basics/causes/sym-20050825 Accessed: 02 January 2023
  8. What’s Normal: Discharge – Abnormal Discharge. Caredownthere https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal_discharge.html Accessed: 02 January 2023
  9. What’s Normal: Discharge – Normal Discharge. Caredownthere https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal_discharge.html Accessed: 02 January 2023
  10. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 02 January 2023
  11. Is This Normal? Q. Are there other problems that can arise during menopause that can cause changes in discharge? Harvard Health https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/is-this-normal Accessed: 02 January 2023
  12. Douching: What Is Douching? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching Accessed: 02 January 2023
  13. Vaginal Discharge: Care and Treatment – How Do You Keep Your Vagina Clean and Smelling Good? Last Reviewed: 22 July 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge Accessed: 02 January 2023
  14. What’s Normal: Discharge – Abnormal Discharge. Caredownthere https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal_discharge.html Accessed: 02 January 2023
  15. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour. Last Updated: 11 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 02 January 2023
  16. Vaginal Discharge: Basics – When To See A Doctor. 22 June 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050825 Accessed: 02 January 2023
Topic Last Updated: 02 January 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 02 January 2023

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by