Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is the fluid made by glands lining the insides of the cervix and vagina. They help clean the vagina by removing dead cells and bacteria from the body to prevent infection.

What causes abnormal Vaginal Discharge?

Antibiotics
Steroids
Bacterial infection
Birth control pills
Cervical cancer
Sexually transmitted infections
Diabetes
Pelvic infection after surgery
Vaginal atrophy
Vaginitis
Yeast infections

What does the colour of Vaginal Discharge mean?

Clear: This usually occurs before ovulation and during sexual arousal or pregnancy.
White: This is a sign of normal lubrication. However, if it is thick and has a strong odour, it can indicate an infection.
Pink or red: This occurs with spotting before a period. Bright or dark rust colour indicates bleeding during a period.
Green: Dark yellow or green colour accompanied by a foul odour, is usually indicative of a sexually transmitted or bacterial infection.
Grey: It can be a symptom of a bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis.
While vaginal discharge is normal, the amount, odour, and colour depend on the time in our menstrual cycles and whether there is an infection, in which case we need to see a doctor.