Written by
Stacy Miller
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of life for women, but when the color changes unexpectedly, it can be concerning. Knowing the meaning of the different discharge colors can provide peace of mind and give you the confidence to seek medical attention when necessary.
Along with learning about the colors of discharge, having a tool like Hormona allows you to track your hormone-related symptoms and menstrual cycle, providing valuable insights into your overall health and empowering you to make informed decisions and self-advocate. This vaginal discharge color guide will help you decipher common discharge colors and meanings, taking the mystery out of these bodily functions.
Understanding vaginal discharge colors and meaning is essential for every woman at every stage of life. While some colored discharge may indicate infections, others are normal.
The first discharge color meaning we’ll discuss is white. White discharge usually is normal and can be due to ovulation, hormonal changes, or healthy bacteria. However, if it’s accompanied by itching, it may indicate a yeast infection, a fishy odor could signify bacterial vaginosis.
Yellow vaginal discharge can be either normal or a sign of an underlying issue. A light yellow discharge, particularly if it’s consistent with your body’s normal secretions and isn’t accompanied by any other concerning symptoms, is often nothing to worry about. However, if the discharge is a darker, pus-like yellow and is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, an unusual odor, pain during urination, or pelvic pain, it could indicate an infection or other problem requiring medical attention. Therefore, this color of discharge doesn’t provide immediate clear meaning and may require some additional investigation.
Green vaginal discharge is not considered normal and could be a sign of an underlying infection. It could be caused by vaginal irritation due to minor reasons, however it could also be caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea, or bacterial vaginosis. Different discharge colors like this can also be accompanied by painful urination or intercourse, burning, itching, unpleasant odor, chills, or fever, and should be attended to by a doctor.
Next up, when discussing discharge colors and meaning is brown. Brown discharge commonly occurs before your period starts and at the end of menstruation when the uterus is cleaning out blood. It’s also normal to see brown discharge around ovulation, with hormonal changes, and as implantation bleeding. However, it could also be a sign of other issues.
Brown discharge could be a sign of STIs like chlamydia; however, this is not the primary symptom. It may also be caused by endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or as a result of a miscarriage. If the brown discharge is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, chills, vaginal bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, foul odor, or fever, you should see your doctor.
The final shade we’ll discuss when covering the different color discharge meaning is gray. Gray discharge is a possible indicator of bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by overgrowth of normal bacteria. Consult your doctor if it’s accompanied by burning during urination, itching, and a fishy odor.
Healthy discharge is typically clear or white, light yellow, while colors like gray, green, and puss-like yellow could indicate infection. While the color of your discharge is a good way to identify possible underlying issues, it isn’t the only method. The consistency can also give you insights into your health. Normal discharge should vary from watery to thick, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.
If it is clumpy or has a cottage cheese-like texture, it could point to a yeast infection. The smell is also a good indicator. Healthy discharge has a slight sweet, musky, or metallic scent, again depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle. Having a strong, unpleasant, fishy odor isn’t normal. Itching, redness, burning, or pain are also signs that point to underlying problems and should be taken seriously.
Changes in discharge color can be due to numerous reasons, but there are three common causes.
Infection is one of the main causes of yellow, green, and gray discharge. If left untreated, many of these conditions can lead to serious, long-lasting side effects, so it’s essential to speak to your doctor quickly and not wait for the infection to get worse.
It’s important to note that while hormones significantly influence the amount and texture of discharge, they don’t affect the color, which should remain relatively consistent unless an infection is present. Throughout the menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge naturally changes in consistency and quantity. Right after your period, you may experience minimal discharge and even some vaginal dryness. As you approach ovulation, discharge increases and becomes clearer and more slippery. After ovulation, it typically becomes thicker and the quantity decreases. You’ll likely notice minimal discharge and increased vaginal dryness again just before your next period begins.
Hormona is the award-winning hormone tracker that bridges the gap in hormonal health. It provides valuable insights, tips, and tools to help you decode hormonal symptoms and discharge changes. With Hormona, you have access to a full library of in-depth content, backed by science and fact-checked by medical professionals, so you can gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to take control of your health.
Knowing when to speak to your doctor about changes in discharge color is key for staying on top of your health. You should talk to a medical professional if you notice:
Monitoring your menstrual cycle, changes in discharge, and symptoms is one of the best ways to understand your body and advocate for yourself. Here are a few tips to make at-home tracking successful.
Stress does not affect the color of your vaginal discharge. Instead, the color depends on whether any infections are present.
HPV commonly remains hidden, however may cause brown or pink discharge.
Ovarian cysts usually don’t cause any symptoms and you’re unlikely to have any changes in vaginal discharge due to them.
PCOS doesn’t cause brown discharge per se. However, women with PCOS may experience brown discharge before and after periods.
No, UTI doesn’t cause brown vaginal discharge. However, you may experience UTI and brown vaginal discharge related to your menstrual cycle: in the middle, right before and after period.
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Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.
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