What should regular discharge look like

Normal vaginal fluids can vary somewhat in texture and color. They can be somewhat thin, sticky, and elastic or thick and gooey. Vaginal fluids should be clear, white, or off-white in color. The following changes may indicate a problem:. Vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis yeast infection , and trichomoniasis are common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. Some infections that can cause changes in vaginal discharge are spread by having sex, such as gonorrhea.

Other infections can occur with or without having sex, such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. If you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge or think you may have a problem, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The symptoms of these infections can be very similar, but there are some differences to look for:.

This is really important for girls who have had sex, especially those who have had sex without using a condom , since many STDs cause changes in vaginal discharge. Also see the doctor right away if you have discharge along with fever or pain in the belly or pelvic area.

Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. All rights reserved. Find a Doctor. About Us. Community Programs. The symptoms to watch out for include:. If you have any concerns regarding whether a discharge is normal, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor will also ask you several questions about your symptoms, your menstrual cycle, and your sexual activity.

In many cases, an infection can be detected by the physical or pelvic exam. Your doctor may want to take a scraping from your cervix to check for HPV or cervical cancer. Your discharge may also be examined under a microscope to pinpoint an infectious agent. To prevent infections, practice good hygiene and wear breathable cotton underwear. Also, practice safe sex and use protection to avoid STIs. To decrease the likelihood of yeast infections when taking antibiotics, eat yogurt that contains live and active cultures.

If you know you have a yeast infection, you can also treat it with an over-the-counter yeast infection cream or suppository. Vaginal discharge is a healthy part of vaginal health. The type of vaginal discharge you may experience changes during your menstrual cycle, but in….

If you experience discomfort in your genital area or when you urinate, you may have an infection. Urinary tract infections and yeast infections…. Here's everything you need to know about having white discharge during and after sex. A wet mount vaginitis test is used to help diagnose vaginal infections or inflammation.

Learn about symptoms of vaginitis, preparation for the test…. If you are pregnant and have green vaginal discharge, see your doctor. It may be an infection that could cause serious complications for your…. There could be a lot of reasons that your vulva, or vaginal lips, are itchy and swollen, but you have no discharge.

A few causes could be an allergic…. Brown discharge after your period is usually not a cause for concern, but some accompanying symptoms could be a sign of a problem. Here's what you…. Learn whether changes to your cervical mucus could be an early sign of pregnancy.

What are the different types of cervical mucus, and what is normal…. Vaginal discharge is completely normal, but a grey color usually indicates an underlying infection. Here's a look at some common causes on how they're…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Types Causes When to seek help Diagnosis Home remedies We include products we think are useful for our readers. Premenstrual vaginal colonization of Candida and symptoms of vaginitis.

J Med Microbiol. Vaginitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. Martin Lopez JE. Candidiasis vulvovaginal. BMJ Clin Evid. Hay P. Bacterial vaginosis. Efficacy of antifungal drugs in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Infect Drug Resist. Metronidazole vaginal gel 1. J Low Genit Tract Dis.

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Table of Contents. Normal Discharge. Abnormal Discharge. Common Vaginal Infections. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up.

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