Vaginal Discharge

When should I worry about vaginal discharge?

Women naturally have a clear or white vaginal discharge at certain times in their monthly cycle. A vaginal discharge may indicate a problem if you have:

• An unpleasant odor
• A change in color or texture
• Vaginal itching, burning, or redness
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting that’s not your period

When these changes occur, chances are you have a yeast infection, bacterial infection, or STD.

What type of vaginal discharge occurs with a yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections develop from an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. The fungus normally lives in your vagina, but it can grow out of control if you take antibiotics, hormonal medications, or have uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system.

Yeast infections cause symptoms such as:

• A thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge
• A watery vaginal discharge
• Itching in the vagina and vulva
• A burning sensation
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain

You have recurrent yeast infections when you have four or more yeast infections within a year.

What type of vaginal discharge signals a bacterial infection?

Bacterial vaginosis develops from an overgrowth of the bacteria that normally live in your vagina. If you have this condition, you may experience:

• A thin, white, or gray vaginal discharge
• A vaginal discharge with a foul-smelling, fishy odor
• Vaginal itching
• Burning during urination

You should also know that some women may not have any symptoms or may only notice the odor.

Do STDs cause a vaginal discharge?

STDs often cause an unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Gonorrhea and chlamydia typically produce a yellow or green-colored discharge. If you have an STD, you may also develop sores or bumps in the genital area, pelvic pain, a rash, or abnormal bleeding.

If you have any signs of an STD or had sex with a partner diagnosed with an STD, the Promised Land Women’s Center team provides confidential STD screening and treatment.

How do gynecologists treat a vaginal discharge?

Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and STDs are all treated with medications. If you have a recurrent yeast or bacterial infection, you may need a longer course or higher treatment dose.

To get immediate care for a vaginal discharge, don’t wait to schedule an appointment online or by calling Promised Land Women’s Center.