Types of Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is broadly divided into:
A. Normal (Physiological) vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is a natural and normal process that helps to keep your reproductive tract clean, lubricated and healthy, warding off any infection.
The amount, color and consistency of normal vaginal discharge can vary from person to person and where you are in your menstrual cycle:
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Days 1–5: During your period or menstruation, the discharge is red and bloody.
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Days 6–14: Following a period, vaginal discharge is mostly white or slightly yellow, and sticky.
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Days 14–25: A few days before ovulation, the discharge becomes clear, thin, slippery and stretchy, similar to the consistency of egg whites. After ovulation, the discharge goes back to being white or light yellow, and sticky.
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Days 25–28: The amount of discharge reduces before the next period.
B. Inflammatory vaginal discharge
This type of leucorrhoea occurs when there is inflammation (redness and swelling) in the vagina caused by microbes.
Various types of vaginal discharge vary in color, amount, consistency, and smell. Some are normal, while others are an indication of an infection that warrants consultation with a doctor. Here you can get an idea of what different discharge can mean:
1. Clear to whitish
Watery, clear to whitish vaginal discharge is normal. It usually becomes more slippery and has the consistency of egg whites during ovulation. The amount and thickness of vaginal discharge can also increase during sexual arousal, pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives.
2. White to cream or light yellow
White to cream or light yellow discharge is mostly a sign of healthy lubrication. However, if the white discharge has a frothy consistency like cottage cheese and is accompanied by a strong smell, it may indicate a yeast/fungal/candida infection, which can also cause severe itching or irritation.
3. Red
Red discharge occurs during a period or menstruation. However, if bleeding occurs between menstrual periods or after menopause you should consult a doctor on priority.
4. Pinkish to light brown
Pink to light brown discharge mostly occurs as spotting before a period. It can also be a sign of implantation bleeding during early pregnancy. Some pink discharge can be seen after sex if intercourse has caused tears or irritation in the vagina or cervix.
6. Yellow to green
While light yellow discharge may not indicate any illness, darker yellow to green discharge could indicate sexually transmitted infections. Sometimes, the discharge may smell fishy accompanied by itching or burning in or around the vagina.
7. Gray
When you have a gray color discharge with symptoms like pain in the pelvic region or pain while peeing and discomfort or itching around the genital area, it could be a sign of infection called bacterial vaginosis.
