The Big Guide to Vaginal Discharge: white, pink, grey, yellow-green

Vaginal discharge can occur on its own or be accompanied by other symptoms. In either case, however, it is an integral part of a woman’s life and a natural indicator of a woman’s health.

This article will guide you through the world of vaginal discharge and explain, for example, what brown discharge means, thick white discharge without odour, how to recognise yeasty discharge and in which cases it is necessary to seek medical help.

What is vaginal discharge and how important is vaginal acidity?

Vaginal discharge is fluid secreted from tiny glands in the vagina and cervix. This fluid is constantly forming in the vagina, and through it, dead cells and debris are expelled from the vagina. The presence of discharge, unless it is of an unusual colour, is therefore a prerequisite for maintaining the purity and health of the reproductive tract.

Another indicator is the odour. A natural and healthy vaginal environment has a ph of 3.8-4.5, which means acidic, and an acidic discharge, resembling the smell of cottage cheese, is therefore normal. However, if the sour smell becomes more intense and is accompanied by itching, it may be a sign of yeast overgrowth, especially candida albicans. A smelly discharge resembling fishy or putrid odour is also a warning sign of a bacterial infection. A metallic smell can in turn alert you to the onset of menstruation.

What amount is normal and when is it an abnormal vaginal discharge?

The amount of vaginal discharge is individual and can vary greatly from woman to woman. The color, consistency and quantity also vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle:

Days 1-5: At the beginning of the cycle, the discharge is usually red or bloody as the body sheds the uterine lining.
Days 6-14: After menstruation, vaginal discharge usually subsides. As the egg begins to develop and mature, a white or yellowish discharge appears. It may also appear cloudy and sticky.
Days 14-25: A few days before ovulation, the mucus will be watery and slippery, similar to the consistency of egg white. After ovulation, cervical mucus will become cloudy again, and may be sticky white or yellow in color.
Days 25-28: The cervical mucus becomes thinner and the mucus becomes less thick.

What colors of discharge can we encounter? Which ones are healthy?

Clear discharge

• Common discharges in women are transparent or whitish in color. They can be watery or have the consistency of egg whites.
• Healthy clear, watery discharge occurs mainly before ovulation, due to sexual arousal and in pregnancy. A thick discharge in pregnancy without other symptoms is normal. It is caused by hormones and its function is to clean the vagina and protect it from infections.

White discharge

• If you have no other symptoms, white discharge probably indicates healthy lubrication. The shade of healthy white discharge can sometimes turn creamy or light yellow.
• However, if the white vaginal discharge is accompanied by a strong smell, it may indicate an infection. A lumpy vaginal discharge is also a sign of infection, and you should see a doctor if you experience it.
• A thick white discharge accompanied by a foul smell is a common sign of a yeast infection, which can also cause vaginal itching or irritation.

Yellow-green discharge

• If the discharge has a very faint tinge of yellow, it may not indicate a problem. This is especially true if you have changed your diet significantly, sometimes it can also be a reaction to a new dietary supplement.
• A darker shade of yellow, yellow-green or green discharge, usually signals bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection.

Pink discharge

• The discharge may be light or even dark pink. The reason for the discoloration is that it usually contains an admixture of blood.
• Pink discharge most often occurs before the onset of menstruation. This phenomenon is referred to as “spotting”. However, it can also indicate the implantation of the egg in the early stages of pregnancy.
• A pinkish discharge can also occur after intercourse if the vagina or cervix has been injured or irritated during intercourse.

Red discharge

• The shade of red can vary from bright red to light brown discharge to brown discharge or black discharge. Red discharge is most often caused by bleeding during menstruation.
• Menstrual bleeding usually occurs on average every 28 days, although a range of 21 to 35 days is also normal. The duration usually lasts 3-5 days.
• In some women, a brownish discharge from the vagina also appears after ovulation.
• Persistent bleeding outside the menstrual period is a reason to see a doctor. Although there are many harmless causes of extra-menstrual bleeding, it can sometimes signal a serious condition.
• Any postmenopausal woman who has not menstruated for at least 1 year should see a doctor if she develops vaginal bleeding. Red or dark brown vaginal discharge could also be a sign of cancer of the uterine lining.

Grey discharge

Grey vaginal discharge is not healthy and can be a symptom of a common bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Bacterial vaginosis usually causes other symptoms as well, including:
• itching
• irritation
• a strong smell
• redness of the vulva or vagina.

What to watch out for and when to see a doctor:

See a doctor if you develop a watery, foul-smelling vaginal discharge or if the discharge has an otherwise unusual smell or appearance. Also seek medical care if you experience the following symptoms:
• Itchy discharge,

• pain or discomfort in the vagina,

• a thick white discharge that is foamy or a lumpy discharge that resembles cottage cheese,

• bleeding outside of menstruation or after menopause,

• more frequent bleeding after sex,

• grey, green or yellow vaginal discharge,

• fishy-smelling discharge,

• strong smell,

• burning in the vagina or when urinating.

Frequently asked questions

What does the discharge accompanying STDs look like?
A sexually transmitted infection may be accompanied by a yellow or greenish discharge. See a doctor when it appears.

What does the discharge look like in bacterial vaginosis?
The discharge in bacterial vaginosis is usually grey or white, and there is often a fishy smelling discharge.

Why is my discharge yellow-green?
A yellow-green discharge may indicate a sexually transmitted infection. It may be accompanied by a strong smell, however, even with an infection, yellow, odourless discharge sometimes occurs.

Why do I have a constant discharge that is clear and sticky?
Healthy discharge is usually clear or milky white. It forms abnormally before ovulation, when we feel sexual arousal or in pregnancy.

Tip for conclusion

In most women, infections or hormonal imbalances are responsible for unusual changes in vaginal discharge. In either case, your doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate or completely eliminate the problems.
Remember that vaginal discharge is an indicator of health and needs to be monitored. If you notice irregular changes in your discharge, you’d better see a doctor.