VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• Normal Vaginal Discharge: May be clear or white, thin or thick. It is not odorous and there is no itching.
• Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
  • Yellow or green vaginal discharge is usually from an infection.
  • A foul-smelling discharge is usually from an infection.
  • A thick, white, itchy, cottage cheese-like non-odorous discharge is often caused by a yeast infection.

Common Causes of an Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

• Vaginitis: Vaginitis is a general term that means "vaginal inflammation." Vaginal discharge and genital itching are the symptoms of vaginitis. Vaginitis may occur because of chemical irritation (e.g. excessive douching, or excessive use of over the counter yeast medication) or vaginitis may have an infectious cause. The three main infectious types of vaginitis are:  
  • Candidiasis (thick, white, cottage cheese-like, non-odorous discharge)
  • Trichomonas (foamy, yellow-green foul-smelling discharge)
  • Bacterial vaginosis (white-gray discharge, fishy odor).
• Vaginal Foreign Bodies: Vaginal foreign bodies (e.g. forgotten tampon) must be removed to prevent vaginal infection. Sometimes these are not discovered until after the woman goes into the doctor for a bad-smelling vaginal discharge.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Gonnorrhea and Chlamydia are sexually transmitted diseases the symptoms of which may include a new or abnormal vaginal discharge. Other symptoms can include pain with urination, pelvic pain, and bleeding.

Caution - Pregnancy

• The possibility of pregnancy must be considered in all women in their childbearing years.
• In the second half of pregnancy, increasing vaginal discharge can be a subtle sign of preterm labor.

See More Appropriate Guideline (instead of this one) If

• Pain or burning with urination, see URINATION PAIN, FEMALE

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

• Urinary Pain, Female

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