Abnormal Vaginal Discharge: What's Normal and When to See a Gynaecologist

What Counts as Normal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a completely normal part of a healthy reproductive system. It helps keep the vagina clean and protected from infection. Normal discharge is typically clear to milky white, has little to no strong odour, and varies in amount and consistency through the menstrual cycle.

How Normal Discharge Changes Through the Cycle

Discharge is usually thinner and more watery around ovulation (roughly mid-cycle), and can become thicker, stickier, or reduce in amount at other points in the cycle. Pregnancy, hormonal contraception, and breastfeeding can also change the amount and texture of normal discharge, which is expected and not usually a cause for concern on its own.

Signs That Discharge May Be Abnormal

• A strong, unpleasant, or fishy odour
• A change in colour to yellow, green, or grey
• A texture that becomes frothy, or thick and clumpy like cottage cheese
• Discharge accompanied by itching, burning, soreness, or redness
• Pain during urination or intercourse alongside the discharge
• Spotting or bleeding between periods along with unusual discharge

Common Causes of Abnormal Discharge

Bacterial vaginosis (an imbalance of normal vaginal bacteria), yeast infections (candidiasis), and sexually transmitted infections such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea are among the common causes of abnormal discharge. Each tends to have a somewhat different pattern of colour, odour, and associated symptoms, which is why a clinical examination — and sometimes simple tests — is useful rather than guessing based on appearance alone.

सामान्य योनि स्राव (vaginal discharge) साफ या दूधिया सफेद, बिना तेज गंध के होता है और मासिक धर्म के अलग-अलग समय पर इसकी मात्रा बदलती रहती है। लेकिन अगर स्राव का रंग पीला, हरा या भूरा हो जाए, तेज या बदबूदार गंध आए, या साथ में खुजली, जलन या दर्द हो, तो यह संक्रमण का संकेत हो सकता है। ऐसे में बिना देर किए स्त्री रोग विशेषज्ञ से जांच करवानी चाहिए।

Self-Care Habits That Help (and Ones to Avoid)

Wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding tight non-breathable clothing for long periods, and gently washing the external genital area with plain water are generally helpful. Vaginal douching, scented soaps, and scented feminine hygiene sprays are best avoided, as they can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and actually increase the risk of irritation or infection rather than preventing it.

When Abnormal Discharge Needs a Doctor's Visit

See a gynaecologist if discharge has an unusual colour, odour, or texture that doesn't resolve within a few days, if it's accompanied by itching, pain, or burning, or if you have any bleeding between periods or after intercourse along with the discharge. Self-treating with over-the-counter products without a clear diagnosis can sometimes delay proper treatment or mask symptoms of something that needs a different approach.

What to Expect at the Clinic

A visit typically involves a discussion of your symptoms and history, a pelvic examination, and sometimes a simple swab test to identify the cause of the discharge. Based on the findings, treatment — such as antifungal or antibiotic medication — can usually be started quickly once the cause is identified.

Preventing Recurrent Infections

If you experience infections repeatedly, your gynaecologist may look at contributing factors such as diabetes control, antibiotic use, hygiene practices, or your partner's treatment status (for certain infections), to help reduce how often episodes recur.

Frequently Asked Questions