Vaginal Discharge: What Is Normal & What Isn’t?

This easy to follow vaginal discharge colour guide will help you understand why this happens and when you need to see a doctor.

Vaginal discharge — most people shy away from this topic or find it too gross to talk about but there’s no denying that vaginal health is important as it contributes to overall health. Information is key and understanding what’s going on in your body helps you feel more secure with your natural bodily functions. ‘Coz let’s face it, in our internet-driven world, the wrong information gets more attraction than the right ones. This only leads to people, more specifically, women feeling insecure about themselves. Case in point: the viral TikTok videos of women claiming to never have any vaginal discharge. So, without further ado, let’s get real about vag discharge.

How many times have you gone to the bathroom and noticed a weird colour near the crotch area? If you are a woman in your 20s or older, there’s no denying that this has happened more than once and trust us, you’re not the only one. Most vaginal discharge is normal and the colour is not always clear. Things like sex, food and even your periods play a role in determining the colour of your vaginal discharge. Keep in mind though; while this is mostly harmless, there are a few situations where you’ll need to see a doctor. We get that the change in colours might scare even the best of us which is why we’ve created a guide to help you out…… and it’s all backed by science.

So when should you worry? Well, keep reading to understand more about what’s happening down there and the reasons for the colour change.

Vaginal Discharge Colour Guide

Blood Red To Dried Brown

You’ve probably noticed this after your period. While the shades of red can differ from cherry-red to a rusty brown, it is all normal. This is known as spotting and it is common when you have irregular periods. Particular birth control methods or even hormonal changes can also result in this colour change.

When to worry?

This vaginal discharge is common only during your period. If it happens the entire month, then you need to see a doctor. Chances are you could be suffering from an infection.

Cream And Milky White

Cream, eggshell hue, milky white — this type of vaginal discharge is simply your body’s natural lubrication. It keeps your vaginal tissue healthy and makes sex less painful by minimizing friction.

When to worry?

This colour is normal but the itching is not. If it is accompanied by this symptom or has a strange texture or smells weird, then you need to consult a professional.

Pale Yellow To Neon Green

Not a very delightful thing to read, but the human body does have its not-so-appealing sides. While you may feel the panic set in after noticing a light yellow discharge down there, the truth is, it’s normal. So, what causes this unusual colour? Remember, what goes into your body does have an effect on what comes out. If this hue is similar to your new diet or dietary supplements, then it is not problematic.

When to worry?

If your discharge is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green or green and is thick or even has a foul odour, consult your doctor ASAP. This is a sign of a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.

Blushed Deep Pink

Shades of pink ranging from a light hue to a deep pink usually occur before your period and it is nothing to be worried about. Aside from your menstrual cycle, some women might even find this colour change while ovulating or after sexual intercourse.

Clear

Most ladies already know that a clear or egg-white discharge means you’re most likely healthy. Your vagina is self-cleaning and this discharge is proof of that as it expels the nasties and balances out the pH levels.

Aside from this, ovulation, pregnancy and getting aroused can all lead to this type of vaginal discharge. So, the next time you have a wild night in the sack or reread 50 shades of grey, don’t worry if you notice this, down there.

When Should You See The Doctor?

– Storm-Cloud Grey

As mentioned above, white discharge is normal. But when the colour starts to change to a cloudy grey, then you need to consult your doctor. This colour discharge is a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV) which is a common infection.

– Signs & Symptoms

Even though vaginal discharge comes in different colours, if things still don’t feel right down there and you’re in a constant state of worry, you can always clear your doubts with a doctor. While most colour change is normal, if any of the above colours are accompanied by the following signs and symptoms listed below, you need to visit your OBGYN.

– Itching

– Pain

– Burning sensation while you pee

– A strong, foul odour

– Frothy texture

– Vaginal bleeding

– Bleeding that’s unrelated to your period

Conclusion

In 2021, women’s health, especially vaginal health is still not openly discussed. ‘Coz of this many teens and young women end up believing false information which is damaging to their self-esteem. It’s time we all get comfortable with openly talking about everything that happens within the body; vagina and all.

When it comes to vaginal discharge, we’re not going to lie, this is not a particularly pleasant topic but guess what? It happens, it’s natural and a healthy discharge keeps the vagina clean, wards off infections, and provides lubrication. Keep in mind that not everybody’s body works the same way. While some women may not experience much discharge, some may have a clear one while others a different colour.