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What is vaginal discharge?

In a normal, healthy vagina, glands in the vagina and cervix produce fluid that cleans the vagina, carrying away dead cells and bacteria and reducing the risk of infection. Changes in estrogen levels can change the nature of the vaginal discharge. Such changes can occur with pregnancy, ovulation, menopause or starting oral contraceptive medication ('the Pill').

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of vaginal discharge?

The symptoms of vaginal discharge may vary depending on the cause. They may include changes in the color of the discharge, changes in texture, an increase in the amount and frequency of the discharge, a strong and unpleasant odor, pain and …

What causes vaginal discharge?

The most common causes of vaginal discharge are allergic vaginitis (vaginal inflammation due to harsh soaps or cleaning gels), or bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. Less common causes include: medications (including antibiotics, steroids and oral …

Who gets vaginal discharge?

Females of any age can develop vaginal discharge.

How is vaginal discharge diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose the cause of your vaginal discharge by asking you about your vaginal discharge and your health, including your sexual history.

How is vaginal discharge treated?

Depending on its cause, vaginal discharge treatment may involve antibiotics, antifungal agents, and/or changing the type of cleansing soap you use to clean the vaginal area.

Can vaginal discharge be prevented?

Some ways of reducing your risk of vaginal discharge may include: avoiding douching; when going to the bathroom, wipe from front to back to avoid contaminating your vagina with bacteria; choose underwear made from natural fibers, to avoid excessive …

What factors can trigger discharge?

Vaginal discharge can be triggered by an infection, allergic vaginitis, stress, medications including antibiotics, steroids and oral contraceptives, and having multiple sexual partners.

Can vaginal discharge be caught from sex?

Some of the causes of vaginal discharge are sexually-transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. The use of condoms during sex can limit the spread of these infections.

Is it safe to have sex with vaginal discharge?

During treatment for a vaginal infection, you may be advised by your healthcare professional to abstain from having sex, as it may further the spread of infection.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Vaginal itching

Vaginal itching is experienced by many women and may be accompanied by vaginal discharge. There are many causes for vaginal itching. Generally, it is easily treated.…
Diseases & conditions

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is the infection of a woman’s reproductive organs and surrounding pelvic tissues. It occurs most commonly when a sexually-transmitted infection spreads beyond the vagina to internal pelvic organs. This can lead to long-term complications if not recognised and treated early.…
Diseases & conditions

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria normally found in the vagina. It often causes a grey-coloured discharge. Although more common in sexually active women, bacterial vaginosis is not passed on through sexual activity.…
Diseases & conditions

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually-transmitted infection (STI). Most people with chlamydia will not have symptoms, but others may experience pain when urinating, during intercourse, or have an abnormal discharge. If sexually active, it is important to get regular check-ups so it can be detected early and treated.…
Diseases & conditions

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually-transmitted infection. It may not have any symptoms, but if it’s untreated, it can lead to complications. If sexually active, it is important to get regular check-ups so it can be detected early and treated.…
Diseases & conditions

Thrush

Candidiasis is a common infection that occurs in the mouth, vagina or nipples when there is an overgrowth in these areas of a particular fungal yeast, called Candida albicans. Other names for candidiasis include thrush, monilia or a yeast infection.…

About this article

Author: Dr Nikki Wallis PhD, BSc
First answered: 22 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Votes: 709 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Vaginal itching

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