Different vaginal discharge types can say a lot about your health status. There are times when virginal discharge amounts can change. Immediately after a period, there is almost no discharge. Two to three days after the period ends, there is a thick, white discharge. A few days later, the consistency changes to appear more like mucous. Before ovulation, the discharge becomes clear and sticky, and before the next period, discharge is thick and white in consistency.
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is thin, white, milky, and mild smelling. The amount of discharge also increases during pregnancy. However, during perimenopause and menopause, discharge decreases due to low levels of estrogen.
The following can cause estrogen levels to drop, leading to little to no vaginal discharge:
- Medicines or hormones used in the treatment of breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroids or infertility
- Radiation treatment to the pelvic area
- Chemotherapy
- Severe stress, depression or intense exercise
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Vaginal Discharge Types/Colour and Their Meaning
The female ejaculation color is usually clear as water, sometimes slightly milky, and rarely yellowish in color. Female ejaculation color differences could indicate an infection or another health problem. It could also be a symptom of a problem if you suddenly have a lot more vaginal fluid than usual.
Below is an infographic showing the different female ejaculation colors or vaginal discharge colors and their health implications…
Thick, White Discharge
If thick, white discharge goes along with other symptoms, such as itching, burning, and irritation, it is probably due to a yeast infection. If not, it is a normal discharge. You may also notice an increase in thick, white discharge before and after your period.
Yellow Discharge
Yellow discharge is abnormal discharge, as this is a sign of a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection. There also may be an odor associated with it.
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Brown Discharge
Brown discharge may be caused by irregular period cycles. If brown discharge keeps appearing, a patient should schedule an appointment with a provider to be evaluated. This could be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer. Additionally, during menopause, a woman should not have any type of vaginal bleeding, which is also a sign of uterine cancer.
Green Discharge
Having a green discharge is not normal. This is a sign of bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomoniasis. Anyone experiencing green discharge should see her provider. If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis, you’ll be placed on antibiotics.
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Yeast Infection Discharge
Yeast infection discharge is caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. Symptoms of yeast infection discharge include a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, along with itching, redness, irritation, and burning. Roughly 90 percent of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their life. Yeast infections are not contagious, and over-the-counter antifungal creams are available for a patient to use. But, if symptoms don’t improve with treatment or she has more than four yeast infections in a year, she should see her provider.
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Stay aware of normal and abnormal changes in vaginal discharge. This allows patients to identify infection and other problems. If you have any questions about the type of vaginal discharge you’re experiencing, contact your health care provider.
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