Vaginal pus can be caused by infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Normal vaginal flora can be disrupted by pH changes, medications, and hormonal changes. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis and can increase the risk of contracting STDs and HIV. Urinary tract infections and STDs can also cause pus in the vagina.
Produced in response to an infection, vaginal pus can range in color from yellow or green to white and may have a frothy, mucus-like or cottage cheese-like consistency, sometimes with an unusual odor. Common causes of pus in the vagina include yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infection, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Typically referred to as vaginitis, vaginal discharge is usually accompanied by inflammation, itching, and pain.
Vaginal secretions are normally produced by the female reproductive organs, namely the cervix, vagina or uterus. Microbes, the normal flora, are always present in the vagina in the form of yeasts and bacteria; however, the problem occurs when the growth and presence of normal flora is disrupted or out of balance. Playing a significant role, pH determines the vaginal environment for the growth of microorganisms. The normal pH for the vagina ranges from 3.8 to 4.2, more on the acidic side. Vaginal creams and deodorants, medications, hormonal changes, and STDs are a few examples of things that can alter vaginal pH, causing pus in the vagina.
Affecting about one-third of U.S. women, 61 percent in Iran, and up to 50 percent in sub-Saharan Africa as of 2011, the most common cause of vaginitis is bacterial vaginosis, a condition typically caused by a microbe known as Gardnerella vaginalis. Characterized by a fishy odor, itching, and gray pus in the vagina, the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis is thought to be increased by having multiple sexual partners, which can alter the vaginal environment and cause the condition. Other risk factors include douches and baths with perfumes and bubble bath formulas. Women with bacterial vaginosis, even if they are asymptomatic, are at increased risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), gonorrhea, and chlamydia. If a woman already has HIV, having bacterial vaginosis increases the likelihood of passing HIV to her sexual partners.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to a medical condition in which bacteria, typically E coli from the digestive tract, enter the urinary system through the urethra and travel up the rest of the tract to the bladder, ureters, and kidneys . Urinary tract infections in women are manifested by the feeling of having to urinate frequently, even if a small amount of urine is passed, as well as pain in the abdomen and fullness of the bladder. Those with kidney involvement will generally also have visible blood and pus in their urine, chills, and fever. In addition to E coli, yeast, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can also cause urinary tract infections.
Several STDs are characterized by pus in the vagina, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, the number one treatable STD among young women. Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, trichomoniasis manifests as frothy, yellow-green pus and itching, although it may be asymptomatic in some people. A potential threat to permanently damage the female reproductive system, chlamydia is a very common STD that can be spread by the anal, oral and vaginal routes. Symptoms of chlamydia include painful urination and vaginal discharge, although most experience no symptoms. In women, gonorrhea, another common STD, also tends to be asymptomatic, as those with symptoms experience discharge from the vagina, pain during intercourse, and bleeding between periods.
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