Discharge color can often offer insight into your vaginal health, as certain colors can mean different health conditions. When vaginal discharge has a certain color, smell, is thicker or has an unusual consistency it may indicate a vaginal infection like candidiasis or a sexually-transmitted disease, like gonorrhea or trichomoniasis.

Normal vaginal discharge, which can be observed a few days before menstruation, is transparent. It has a consistency similar to that of egg whites and is typically odorless.

If your discharge color is different from the norm, and presents with a foul odor or vaginal burning, you should see your family doctor or a gynecologist for assessment.

What different discharge colors mean

The following table summarizes the meaning behind discharge colors and what can cause them:

	Has an odor	Does not have an odor
White discharge	Bacterial vaginitis, Colpitis	Menstrual cycle, Yeast infection
Yellow discharge	Trichomoniasis	Gonorrhea, Chlamydia
Green discharge	Bacterial vaginosis (rare), Trichomoniasis (rare), Vulvovaginitis	-
Brown discharge	Cervical cancer	-
Gray discharge	Bacterial vaginosis	-
Pink discharge	-	Pregnancy
Clear discharge	-	Menstrual cycle, Hormonal imbalance, Increase vaginal lubrication

It is important to consult a gynecologist if you experience vaginal discharge with a foul odor, or if your discharge is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, redness, irritation, pain when urinating or pain during sex. It is also important to seek assessment if your discharge is gray, white, yellow or green in color.

Normal discharge

Normal vaginal discharge is clear or white, and has a thin, sticky or elastic consistency.

Normal discharge also has a characteristic odor, being mild or slightly sweet, due to the bacteria and fungi that are naturally live in the region.

Normal discharge does not cause symptoms like itching, redness or irritation in the vagina, and does not have a bad odor.

Types of discharge

The types of discharge colors that women can experience include:

1. White discharge

Thick, white discharge, like curdled milk, may present with other symptoms such as itching, redness and a burning sensation in the vulva and vagina. It may also have a bad smell, depending on the cause of the discharge.

Main causes: Small amounts of white discharge are normal during your menstrual cycle, and it tends to appear with normal hormonal fluctuations. Another common cause of white discharge is a yeast infection from Candida albicans fungus. White discharge can also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, which is associated with overgrowth of Gardnerella sp. bacteria that is naturally found in the vaginal tract. This discharge may be accompanied by a strong odor, similar to the smell of rotten fish.

Another health condition associate with white discharge with a foul odor is colpitis, which is an inflammation of the cervix and vagina caused by protozoa, fungi or bacteria.

How to treat: It is important to identify the underlying cause of the white discharge, as white discharge related to your menstrual cycle will not require treatment. White discharge from an infection, however, will require more targeted treatment with antibiotics or antifungals, depending on the microorganism causing the infection.

2. Clear discharge

A clear, watery discharge, similar to egg whites, is usually a sign that you are in the fertile period of your menstrual cycle. This is the ideal time to get pregnant.

This type of discharge lasts approximately 6 days and disappears naturally after that time.

Main causes: This could be a sign of being in a fertile period, but it can also appear during sex as a natural lubrication method.

What to do: Clear discharge is usually not related to any harmful conditions, and therefore does not typically require treatment. However, persistent or copious amounts of clear discharge should be assessed by a doctor, as this may be a sign of a hormonal imbalance.

3. Gray discharge

Gray discharge is usually a sign of of bacterial vaginosis, which occurs due to an imbalance of the bacteria that is naturally found in the vaginal tract. Overgrowth of Gardnerella sp. bacteria, for example, will also result in a decrease in lactobacilli, which is considered to be "good" bacteria. This condition results in foul-smelling discharge and other symptoms such as a burning when urinating and itchiness.

Main causes: The main cause is of grey discharge in bacterial vaginosis.

How to treat: Treatment for bacterial vaginosis is monitored by a doctor, who will typically prescribe a metronidazole ointment for topical and intravaginal application. This treamtent is usually carried out for approximately 7 days. Read more about the bacterial vaginosis treatment your doctor may consider.

4. Yellow discharge

Yellow discharge with a strong fishy odor may present with other symptom, like a foul odor, redness and burning during sex or when urinating.

Main causes: The main cause of yellow discharge is a trichomoniasis infection. This is a sexually-transmitted infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.

Another cause of yellow discharge is chlamydia, another sexually-transmitted infection that is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. In these cases, women may also report breakthrough bleeding, bleeding during sex, and pelvic pain. Gonorrhea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, is also a sexually transmitted-infection that can lead to yellow discharge.

How to treat: Treatment for the yellow discharge will depend on the infectious agent causing the symptoms. The doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics like metronidazole, tioconazole or Secnidazole, either as a single dose or as a course of 5 to 7 days.

5. Green discharge

Green discharge typically presents with a foul odor, genital itching and burning.

Main causes: The most common cause of green discharge is trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection. However, it may also be present in some cases of vulvovaginitis, which is an inflammation of the vulva and vagina, or bacterial vaginosis.

How to treat: The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to combat the infectious agent, which will help to treat any associated symptoms.

6. Brown discharge

Brown discharge is normal at the beginning or end of your a period, and it is a sign that the blood is starting to clot after a few days of heavier flow. However, persistently brown discharge or copious amounts may be a sign of a more serious health condition, and will usually present with other symptoms.

Main causes: This type of discharge is typically a sign of a uterine abnormality, like endometriosis and fibroids, or an ovarian cysts. It can also be a sign of cervical cancer, which can present with rapid weight loss, pelvic pain and lower abdominal pressure. It can also be a sym by endometriosis, an ovarian cyst, a uterine fibroid or even uterine cancer.

How to treat: Treatment should be guided by a gynecologist according to the underlying cause and the symptoms that present., and surgery and/or radiotherapy may be indicated in some cases.

7. Pink discharge

Pink discharge may be noted at the beginning of pregnancy, as scant amounts can emerge following conception and up to 3 days after.

Main causes: It is often a sign of implantation. Learn more about pink discharge and other symptoms it can present with.

What to do: If you have had unprotected sex and notice pink discharge, you are advised to complete a pregnancy test and to follow-up with your doctor if it is positive.

Discharge during pregnancy

Discharge during pregnancy may differ from your normal discharge, and these changes are usually related to changes in vaginal flora from hormonal fluctuations. However, an abnormal discharge that presents with other, uncomfortable symptoms may also be a sign of an infection, like a yeast infection or gonorrhea.

It is important to inform your doctor of any discharge ythat may be different, as early treatment for any condition can help to eliminate symptoms quickly and reduce any complications for the mother or fetus.

How to prevent discharge

Some ways you can prevent vaginal discharge include:

Maintaining ideal genital hygiene. You vagina and genital area should only be cleansed with water and mild soap, without any vigorous scrubbing. Be sure to dry the area gently
Change your underwear daily
Opt for cotton underwear to prevent sweating in the area
Avoid wearing very tight clothing
Avoid using panty liners if not necessary
Avoid using scented wet wipes or toilet paper
Use a condom during sex

These precautions can help prevent the onset of vaginal infections and protect the vaginal mucosa.