Your Vaginal Discharge Really Shouldn’t Be Pink, Green, or Gray
 |
| What Does the Color of Your Discharge Really Mean? |
When it comes to vaginal discharge, each person's is pretty unique to their own body. Yours might be white or clear, a bit stretchy, and wet. Someone else's secretions could be a little bit more yellow and thicker. What matters is that you know what *your* normal generally looks like—that way you're better able to spot when your discharge looks or feels a little off.
Your discharge can also change throughout your menstrual cycle. For example, if you have breakthrough bleeding, it can have a pink or brown tint. But there are times when you might want to discuss your discharge with your gynecologist—like when it looks kind of white and clumpy (more on that later).
So how can you tell if your vaginal discharge is normal—or a sign that something’s up down there? To help you translate whatever message your vagina is trying to send you, here's a complete vaginal discharge color guide, with info on what each color/texture could mean.
But remember, your gyno is an expert on this—so use this as a starting point and don't hesitate to make a doc appointment to get more clarity. Even if your discharge looks off to you, that doesn't automatically signal that something's wrong, but it's always best to confirm with an MD.
It's probably breakthrough bleeding, which happens most often in the first few months after a person starts birth control, as their body adjusts to the new hormones. But it can also happen right before or after your period—and it's typically totally normal, says Dr. Dweck.
It's probably breakthrough bleeding, which happens most often in the first few months after a person starts birth control, as their body adjusts to the new hormones. But it can also happen right before or after your period—and it's typically totally normal, says Dr. Dweck.
A yeast infection is incredibly common and can be caused by a ton of things, such as taking antibiotics or sitting around in your damp gym clothes. “Yeast love warm, moist environments,” says Dr. Dweck.
If you're sure it's a yeast infection (for instance, you have had one before and recognize the symptoms), pick up an OTC antifungal medication like Monistat. If it doesn't clear up within a few days of using medication, see your ob-gyn to find out if something else is going on.
If your discharge is: yellow...
 |
| Vagina Diaries: Decoding the message in the mucus |
This isn't necessarily a sign that something is wrong. According to the National Institutes of Health, vaginal discharge may turn a yellowish or white hue when it's exposed to the air. If your discharge is more of a yellow color than clear most days, that's probably just your normal.
However, if your discharge is yellow and you have any pain, itchiness, or irritation, those may be clues that something else is at play causing the yellowish discoloration, such as a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea or trichomoniasis (more on those conditions to come).
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common bacterial STDs, says Dr. Dweck. Other signs of either infection include pelvic pain and burning while urinating—but most women have no symptoms.
Once your doctor diagnoses chlamydia or gonorrhea, they can easily be cured with antibiotics. But you should encourage your partner(s) to see the doctor as well. “[All] partners need to be cured, or you’ll keep passing either infection back and forth to each other,” says Dr. Dweck.
You may have bacterial vaginosis, or BV. “The odor is the defining trait [of bacterial vaginosis]—it’s kind of a foul, fish-like smell," says Dr. Dweck. I know—not something you want a whiff of when you take off your undies.
BV is actually the most common vaginal infection among women ages 15 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is easily cured with prescription meds once your doctor diagnoses it. It’s a bit of a mystery why some women develop BV, but it generally means that something has upset the bacterial balance in your vagina, though experts aren’t always sure what.
Trichomoniasis is the most common (and curable) STD in the country, according to the CDC—yet you don’t have to have sex to catch it. “Trichomoniasis is caused by an organism that can live on towels, vibrators, and other inanimate objects,” says Dr. Dweck.
Most men and women who have it don’t show symptoms—but if left untreated, it can cause more serious issues, like problems during pregnancy, according to the CDC. The good news is that it can be treated and cured with a prescription pretty quickly.
Comments
Post a Comment