Discharge Colours List - Know When to Seek Help
You are in a bathroom. You pull down your pants to pee. While you pee, you also see some vaginal discharge that has a weird colour. Have you ever experienced this in your adult life?
From brownish, pink, and green to yellow discharge the colours of vaginal discharge can vary. It is normal for the discharge to appear, which just means that your reproductive organs are working fine. But the colour of the discharge can say a lot more - about underlying health or menstrual issues and what might be causing them.
Vaginal discharge is the combination of fluids secreted by your vagina and cervix's small glands. The fluids secrete every day to get rid of old cells and debris, as your vagina tries to clean itself. This is a wonderful process and one that keeps your reproductive organs healthy.
While your vagina does all the heavy lifting, you should keep an eye to see if there's anything out of the blue happening there. And that is where knowing about the discharge colours can help you.
From brownish, pink, and green to yellow discharge the colours of vaginal discharge can vary.
What Do the Different Discharge Colours Mean?
The colour and consistency of the discharge indicate different phases of your menstrual cycle. Any unusual colour and consistency of vaginal discharge could be a sign of bacterial imbalance, an infection, or the presence of a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
But how do you distinguish between a normal and safe discharge? What discharge colour warrants a visit to the gynaecologist? Let's find out.
Vaginal discharge always correlates with the phases of your menstrual cycle. So, the best way to understand the different colours and textures is by looking at the discharge through the lens of your menstrual cycle. Here is a quick primer.
The colour and consistency of the discharge indicate different phases of your menstrual cycle.
Red Discharge
When: Days 1 to 5
This is the starting period of your cycle and is characterized by bleeding. The discharge is usually red or pink in colour, as the inner lining of your uterine sheds tissue.
White Discharge
When: Days 6 to 14
After your period has ended, you may have less vaginal discharge than usual. This is the period when the eggs begin to develop; the cervical mucus or discharge will seem noticeably cloudy and white or yellow. The shade could vary from white to cream or light yellow. If you have no other symptoms, a white discharge whitish discharge is a sign of healthy lubrication.
However, if the consistency is like that of cottage cheese and if the discharge has a strong odour, it could indicate an infection. You must consult a doctor in this case.
Clear Discharge
When: Days 14 to 25
You are now nearing ovulation; this is when the fertilised eggs will be released. The discharge that you notice before ovulation will be thin and slightly oily. The consistency will resemble that of egg whites. However, after ovulation, the discharge will go back to being cloudy, white, or yellow. You may also have clear, oily discharge when you are aroused or pregnant.
Pink Discharge
When: Days 25 to 28
This period is towards the end of your menstrual cycle where you will notice your discharge lighten and reduce. The shade could also range from light to a deeper pink. The pink discharge is due to the spotting that you get before your next period.
Apart from red, white, clear, and pink colours, there are two more types of discharge. If you spot any of these, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.
Gray Discharge
This shade is not healthy and could be a symptom of a common bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis. Its other symptoms include itching, irritation, strong odour, and redness around the vulva.
Yellowish-Green Discharge
If you notice a discharge that is a dark shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green discharge then it is usually a sign of a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.
How to Manage Vaginal Discharge?
The volume of vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman. For some, it may not be much bothersome, while for some it can get extremely uncomfortable and unmanageable.
In either case, wearing panty liners can be of great help. They are easily the best and safest way to manage routine vaginal discharge. They are not only a lighter version of sanitary pads but also do an excellent job of absorbing all the discharge and keeping the external area clean.
If you have never used a panty liner before, you can start by exploring the Always range to choose the best fit for your body. Liners are suitable for daily wear as they are flexible and reliable. Moreover, Always panty liners are formulated with an absorbing zone and odour-neutralizing technology that help you stay fresh and confident throughout the day.
Your body has healing powers, but sometimes when it is not able to heal an issue by itself it tries to warn you. You should see the colour and consistency of your vaginal discharge as indicators. If your discharge changes significantly in colour or texture or if your usual discharge is characterized by an itch, foul odour, or pain, it's time to see a doctor.
Keep a track of your ovulation period with Always Ovulation Calendar and Period Calculator.
FAQ's
1.What does milky white discharge mean?
Milky white discharge could mean your ovulation window is arriving, a possible yeast infection or sexually transmitted infection, or even a sign of pregnancy. Speak to your doctor and find out the right cause and treatment for milky white discharge.
Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.
