Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is common and normal in most cases. Women of any age can get vaginal discharge. It is important to remember that the vagina (like the gut) has a self-cleaning mechanism and contains normal organisms which can be upset by stress, poor immune system or imbalanced diet.

What are the causes of vaginal discharge?

Normal causes

Ovulation

This usually happens around the middle of your cycle (if your periods are regular), where your vaginal mucus is clear and can feel wet/slippery.

Pregnancy

High levels of hormones during pregnancy can mean heavier-than-usual discharge, which is not smelly or itchy.

Certain birth control methods 

Having a IUD in your uterus can result in heavier than usual vaginal discharge that is not smelly or itchy.

Recent sex

This can occur the next day after sex if ejaculation was inside the vagina, as the semen leaves the vagina. 

Infections 

Non sexually transmitted

Bacterial vaginosis (BV): this is common and may result in a fishy smell. It is caused by an overgrowth of normal germs in the vagina. This may not need treatment if you do not experience any symptoms.

Candida (thrush): this is common and come in the form of a creamy, curd “tofu”-like discharge that can be both thick or watery. It may result in itch and/or redness. This may not need treatment if you do not experience any symptoms. If you have pain on having sex or passing urine, you will need treatment. 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs that can cause abnormal vaginal discharge include chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas. 

Rare causes

Cervical polyps or ectropion

Cervical polyps are small growths that can occur on the cervix. Majority are non-cancerous and can be removed in the clinic. Ectropion is where cells that line the inside of the cervix grow on the outside – these are more sensitive and can bleed on contact.

Cervical cancer

This may cause a smelly discharge which may be blood stained. Associated symptoms include bleeding in between periods, or bleeding after sex. 

When should I be concerned?

See your gynaecologist if you have:

• A change in the amount, colour or smell in your discharge e.g. green, yellow, pink/blood-stained, fishy smell etc 
• Associated symptoms e.g. painful sex, pain on passing urine, bleeding in between periods, bleeding after sex

What tests do I need?

Your gynaecologist will take a detailed medical history and perform a pelvic examination to check your cervix and uterus. Depending on your symptoms, you may require vaginal swabs, Pap smear/HPV test, ultrasound scan or blood tests.

What is the treatment for vaginal discharge?

It depends on the cause. There is usually no treatment needed for normal causes. Non sexually transmitted infections may or may not require treatment (depending on symptoms). For STIs, antibiotics will be required and your gynaecologist will discuss with you the steps needed for treatment. 

What can I do to prevent vaginal discharge?

Nothing as they are part of a woman’s life. Here are some of the dos and don’ts:

Do:

Wash the outside of your vagina with plain gentle soap and warm water 

Include more probiotics in your diet. Dietary examples include natural yoghurt, vitagen, yakult. There are also oral supplements that are available.

Don’t:

Douch, use feminine washes or scented wipes: this upsets the natural balance of the vaginal organisms

Use perfumed soaps