Abnormal vaginal discharge can be identified by changes in color, consistency, and odor. It can be a sign of a medical problem and should be investigated. Different colors can indicate different infections. Other symptoms may accompany discharge, and it is important to seek medical attention. Some conditions are contagious and should be treated promptly.
An abnormal vaginal discharge is typically characterized by an unpleasant odor or a significant change in its color or consistency. Also, if the discharge is accompanied by discomfort from itching or burning, this may be a sign that there is a medical problem that should be investigated and treated by a healthcare professional. Women should also keep in mind, however, that experiencing vaginal discharge on a regular basis is quite normal and nothing to worry about. By paying attention to her discharge, a woman can be aware of changes that may indicate that something is wrong.
The color of a woman’s vaginal discharge can change during her monthly cycle, but it is often clear or perhaps milky in color. Weird vaginal discharge can come in different colors. For example, while many women who have irregular periods may have reddish-brown discharge, this colored discharge is rarely found in women who may have some type of vaginal bleeding caused by cervical cancer or another pelvic condition. Yellow or greenish discharge may indicate a trichomoniasis or gonorrhea infection. Thick white discharge can indicate a yeast infection.
In many, though not all, cases, an abnormal vaginal discharge may be accompanied by an unusual or unpleasant odor. This is also a common sign of a problem and should prompt a woman to seek medical attention. However, the discharge from a yeast infection may not have a significant odor. A fishy smell can be caused by a condition known as bacterial vaginosis, while other conditions can simply be characterized by a particularly unpleasant odor.
Other symptoms may accompany vaginal discharge. For example, yeast infections can cause a woman to experience pain during intercourse. Other infections, such as trichomoniasis, can cause painful urination. Other symptoms may include itching or general soreness in a woman’s genital region. Redness and swelling can also be signs of a potential gynecological infection or condition.
Many of the conditions that cause abnormal vaginal discharge don’t go away on their own. They can also be contagious and passed back and forth between a woman and her sexual partner or sexual partners if both are left untreated. For this reason, abnormal vaginal discharge should be taken seriously. Women experiencing this may also consider stopping sexual activity until they receive a medical diagnosis of their condition and, if appropriate, medical treatment.
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