Vaginal discharge: types and color, what to know?

It may happen to notice vaginal discharge with an unusual consistency and color, often associated with discomfort and unpleasant intimate odors. In such circumstances, it is crucial to identify the causes, so as to be able to intervene in the most efficient way, preventing the onset of more severe conditions. In many cases, vaginal discharge is a physiological phenomenon.

 

 

Despite this, on certain occasions, the discharge may be, for example, yellowish or pink in color, also manifesting with blood loss. In such cases, it could be a bacterial infection or inflammation at the vaginal level, but also more serious problems. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish vaginal discharges based on color, to understand which ones are normal and which ones instead require medical intervention. It’s important to also discern when these discharges occur, for example during pregnancy, they could have a completely different meaning.

 

Normal vaginal discharge

To make a distinction between harmless vaginal discharges and abnormal ones, it is essential to observe their characteristics, paying much attention to these 5 factors: the odor, color, density, frequency of appearance, and related symptoms such as itching and vaginal burning.

 

How to recognize unusual discharges based on color

Vaginal secretions are certainly very common to every woman and, often, do not raise concerns. However, the moment they start to change, they can help understand what is happening inside the female body. When the secretions are excessive, this disorder is defined as leukorrhea.

There are several types of vaginal discharge and they can be divided based on color, to thus understand the causes and how to remedy the problem.

 

Clear vaginal discharge

The type of odorless and clear discharge is totally physiological, especially when it occurs in the days preceding ovulation.

Indeed during this particular phase, the intensity increases due to the hormonal fluctuations taking place in the body. To the extent of becoming much more abundant, elastic, and filamentous. They can also occur in the first weeks of pregnancy, due to the sudden surge of hormones and estrogen.

How to resolve this discomfort? First of all, by avoiding the use of overly aggressive intimate cleansers, as well as clothing made of synthetic fabrics and tight garments.

Then it is advisable to take baths with the addition of a few drops of tea tree essential oil and ensure optimal regularity at the intestinal level.

 

Pink vaginal discharge

Pink discharges correspond to blood losses diluted with other fluids, such as vaginal mucus. This is a normal phenomenon when it occurs before menstruation or during ovulation. However, it requires medical checkup when it happens during pregnancy or abundantly and without any reason. When such discharges occur, it’s important to hydrate adequately. Then, regular intimate hygiene should be performed using neutral cleansers. Finally, it’s essential to avoid excessively tight and synthetic fiber clothing, which doesn’t allow good perspiration in the genital area.

 

Watery white vaginal discharge

Watery type discharges usually occur before and after the cycle. It’s essential not to underestimate their appearance, noting every kind of change.

Moreover, if these discharges are associated with very irritating symptoms like itching, or occur during pregnancy, specific gynecological checks should be performed to understand the reason or the possible type of infection, so as to follow the antibiotic treatment suggested by the doctor.

 

Greyish vaginal discharge

White discharges with grey shades signal a vaginal infection. Therefore, medical consultation is needed, as it could be Gardnerella vaginalis, a sexually transmitted bacterium. Alternatively, it could be bacterial vaginosis.

 

Blood discharge

In the presence of blood-type discharge in the vaginal area outside the cycle, these are always symptoms that should not be neglected. In fact, it could be ovarian cysts, or fibroids, or polycystic ovary. In any case, it’s a gynecological disorder that should be treated pharmacologically or surgically.

 

Yellow vaginal discharge

Yellow discharges always signal an infection of the vaginal mucosa, caused by sexually transmitted diseases. Among these are chlamydia, which is the most common, and gonorrhea. When the discharge is yellowish, there is an active infection that needs to be treated promptly with antibiotics.