What color is your vaginal discharge?

Most vaginal discharge is normal especially if you are of childbearing age.

Glands in the cervix produce a clear vaginal discharge that keeps the vagina walls moist. The purpose of normal vaginal discharge is to clean and moisten the vagina and help to prevent and fight infections - much the same way that saliva cleans and regulates the environment of the mouth.

Normal vaginal discharge is sometimes white in color but can turn yellow when exposed to the air and leaves a yellow stain on the underwear.

A normal vaginal discharge has no odor (or very mild odor), causes no irritation and,  again, is usually whitish or clear. Although it's normal for the color, texture, and amount of vaginal fluids to vary, some changes in discharge may indicate a problem.

Normal vaginal discharges can vary somewhat in texture and color. They can be somewhat thin, sticky, and elastic or thick and gooey.

If you think you may have a problem, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. First, though, it helps to learn some of the differences between normal and abnormal vaginal discharge. This will help you to recognize changes that may occur.

Green vaginal discharge can be a sign of cervical disorder and requires the attention of your physician. A green vaginal discharge may be due to a sexually transmitted disease such as Trichonomis, particularly in women with multiple sexual partners. The vaginal discharge resulting from Trichonomis is often frothy and can range in color from gray to green to yellow, with a watery to milky consistency.

A yellow-green vaginal discharge could also be due to Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria. The bacteria can be passed from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sex, even when the person who is infected has no symptoms. They can also be passed from a mother to her baby during birth. A woman who has Gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all or her symptoms may be so mild that she doesn't notice them until they become more severe.

A thick white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage-cheese may signify Candida Yeast Infection. Candida Yeast is a treatable fungal infection of the vagina. Yeast infections result from an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina — the most common being a fungus called Candida Albicans. The main symptom is itching, but you may have a white, thick vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

Dark brown vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection, such as Vaginitis. Vaginitis is a broad term for a vaginal condition often characterized by swelling, itching, burning or infection in the vagina that can be caused by several different germs such as the germ that causes Trichonomis. A dark brown vaginal discharge can also be caused by an object such as a tampon that’s been lodged or forgotten in the vagina (yes, this has been known to happen!) It is therefore important that you check with your doctor so that you can determine the exact cause and receive treatment if necessary

Thick yellow vaginal discharge could be due to Cervicitis which is an inflammation or infection of the cervix. There are two types and either may be contagious. Cervicitis is very common, affecting many women at some point during their adult lives especially those with multiple sexual partners, a history of sexually transmitted disease or intercourse that began at an early age.

Many women with Cervicitis may not experience any symptoms at all, however those who do may experience the following:


*Yellow vaginal discharge, that may also be gray or white in color.
*Abnormal vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
*Sense of pelvic pressure or heaviness
*Painful sexual intercourse

A grayish vaginal discharge could also be due to Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and may cause your discharge to be heavier than usual. Your vaginal discharge may become foamy or frothy and have an embarrassingly fishy odor. If your condition is due to BV, then you may want to try an effective natural alternative to antibiotics like Metronidazole that doctors give to patients when BV is the cause of feminine odor.

As you can see, the symptoms of these infections and the vaginal discharge which they produce can overlap quite a bit and can be very similar, so it is important to see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge so you can find out exactly what the cause is and treatment can begin.