White, Green or Grey? Signs Your Vaginal Discharge Sends
- Discharge is normal and healthy.
- Unusual colour, texture, smell or discomfort may signal an infection or imbalance.
- Tracking your discharge can reveal changes in your cycle, health or hygiene.
What is it?
Vaginal discharge is a combination of bacteria, fluid and mucous produced by glands in the vagina and cervix. This discharge is your body’s way of keeping the vagina healthy. It helps keep the vagina clean, lubricate the vaginal tissues, and protect the vagina from infections. You might notice the discharge in your underwear or on toilet paper after you wipe.
Discharge varies from person to person but learning what is typical for your body can help you catch signs when something feels off.
What does Healthy Discharge Look Like?
Normal discharge does not mean the same for everyone but it usually looks like:
- Clear or milky white
- Slightly sticky, stretchy, or slippery
- Mild or no odour
- About half to one teaspoon
Discharge often changes through your menstrual cycle. Hormones, stress, diet and sexual activity can all influence how it looks or feels. Its job is to keep a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast and when that balance goes off-kilter, infections can occur.
When to Pay Attention?
Discharge that looks, smells or feels different than usual could be a sign that something is wrong. Consider checking in with a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Thick, chunky or foamy texture of the discharge
- The colour of discharge is green, grey or dark yellow colour
- Strong or fishy odour
- Itching, burning or soreness in your vagina
- Bleeding outside your period or after sex
- Pelvic pain or unusual swelling
What Causes These Changes?
Any changes in the balance of bacteria found in the vagina can affect vaginal discharge. Infections are the most common cause. Some of them include:
- Yeast infections (often cause thick, white discharge)
- Bacterial vaginosis (thin discharge with a strong smell)
- STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea
Other factors that can cause abnormal vaginal discharge are:
- Having unprotected sex
- Chronic health conditions like diabetes
- Birth control pills
- Antibiotics or steroids
- Genital skin care practices like douching
- Certain soaps or detergents used on the vulva and vagina
Everyday Vaginal Care
So, what can you do to prevent vaginal infections
- Wash your vagina with warm water or mild, unscented soap
- Avoid douching or using scented products
- Wear breathable cotton underwear
- Change pads/tampons regularly
- After using washroom, wipe front to back
- Pee after sex to reduce UTI risk
Every small step you take in caring for your vagina can go a long way in supporting your body’s natural balance.
Conclusion
Your vaginal discharge is like a messenger. Paying attention to the colour, texture, smell and amount of discharge can give you early clues about what is happening in your body. It reflects shifts in hormones or imbalances and infections in vagina. Learning to observe your discharge helps you stay in tune with your health.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327379#yeast-infection
https://www.monistat.com/vaginal-health-blog-articles/vaginal-discharge-101-what-every-woman-should-know
https://shvic.org.au/for-you/genital-health/vaginal-discharge
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
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