A Comprehensive Guide To The Vagina & Spotting If Something Is Wrong

Vaginal discharge is completely normal, but when there's a change, it can mean that something is wrong. But how do you know when there's a change?

Vaginal discharge is an indicator of if everything is working well with your reproductive organs. The fluid is made in the vagina and the cervix, and it travels down the vagina and carries dead cells and bacteria out of the vagina.

The normal color of vaginal discharge ranges from clear to milky-white color. Your discharge undergoes changes to color, smell, and consistency when something is wrong; here's what you need to know.

White

While discharge can be expected, you should be aware of changes to consistency and smell. If your discharge becomes thick with a cottage-cheese like appearance, accompanied by burning or itching is not normal.

Usually, those symptoms are associated with a yeast infection. Yeast infections are expected; you can get them from stress, from using antibiotics, or even from your birth control pills.

These can be treated easily using OTC medications that can clear your infection out in as little as four days. It's nothing to be ashamed of, so tell your doctor if something is wrong; otherwise, you're prolonging the discomfort!

Clear

Clear discharge is normal; it can be watery or stretchy depending on the time of the month. Stretchy is an indication of ovulation; all it means is that you're fertile, so get to baby-making!

Pink Or Red

During your period, you might see all shades of red because of the blood. If you're bleeding outside of your regular cycle, you should talk to a doctor because that indicates something is wrong.

Once you've gone through menopause, you shouldn't experience any bleeding after a year. If you do, consult a doctor because it could be an indication of cervical cancer.

Pink-colored discharge usually occurs as a sign of spotting; it can occur during pregnancy, especially when the egg implants itself to your uterus's wall. It also happens when there's irritation or tears in the vagina after sex.

Yellow-Green

Slightly yellow discharge can still be expected, but it's usually because of a change in diet or supplements. Dark yellow or yellow-green discharge indicates something is wrong.

It can indicate an STD like trichomoniasis, which makes the discharge thick and gives it an unpleasant smell. If this happens, go to the doctor to have it treated because it can't be ignored as it will turn serious.

Gray

Gray discharge that accompanies itching, an odor, and redness around the vulva or vagina could indicate bacterial vaginosis. It's a common bacterial infection that can be transmitted through multiple sexual partners.

The odor with bacterial vaginosis is usually foul or fishy-smelling. Your doctor can easily treat it with an anti-bacterial dose of medication.

If you notice any odd changes with your vaginal discharge, then you should speak to your doctor ASAP. It's better to have the condition treated sooner because you may feel discomfort for prolonged periods.