Types of Vaginal Discharge

Glands within the vagina and cervix secrete fluid known as vaginal discharge. This fluid functions to keep the vagina clean and prevent infection. Vaginal discharge is typically normal and may vary in odor in color between women and time in the menstrual cycle. Several factors such as antibiotic or steroid use, bacterial infection, birth control pills, cervical cancer, STDs and other disorders such as pelvic inflammatory disease and diabetes can alter discharge.

However, different colors of vaginal discharge may be signs of other clinical conditions.

Types of Discharge	Meaning
Bloody or dark brown	Irregular menstrual cycles
Cloudy or yellow	Gonorrhea
Frothy, yellow-greenish	Trichomoniasis
Thick, white and cheesy	Yeast infection
White, gray or yellow with fishy odor	Bacterial vaginosis

It is important to note any changes in your normal vaginal discharge and report any findings to your primary care doctor or gynecologist!

References

Watson, S. (2008, September 30). Vaginal Discharge: What’s Abnormal? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-discharge-whats-abnormal