Normal Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a normal physiological secretion. It helps keep the vagina moist, regulates the vaginal environment, and protects it from external pathogens. Vaginal discharge is important for reproductive health and sexual activity, acting as lubrication during intercourse to facilitate fertilization.

Normal discharge is white or slightly cloudy, similar to egg whites, odorless, slightly sticky, and mucous-like.

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Signs of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

1. Thick white discharge, like cottage cheese

   • Condition: Vaginal yeast infection

   • Accompanying symptoms: Itching, burning, pain in the vagina or vulva; some may experience pain during intercourse or urination, along with redness and swelling of the genital area.

2. White, yellow, or gray discharge

   • Condition: Bacterial vaginosis

   • Accompanying symptoms: Foul odor, itching, swelling.

3. Thick yellow or green discharge

   • Condition: Trichomonas infection

   • Accompanying symptoms: Foul odor.

4. Brown or blood-stained discharge

   • Condition: Irregular menstruation or uterine/ovarian conditions

   • Accompanying symptoms: Pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding.

5. Bright yellow or green discharge

   • Condition: Gonorrhea

   • Accompanying symptoms: Pelvic pain, blood or pus in the urine.

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Causes of Blood in Vaginal Discharge After Intercourse

• Physical trauma: Small injuries to the vagina or vulva during sexual activity, often due to incorrect technique or excessive force.

• Gynecological conditions:

  • Uterine polyps: Discharge may contain blood, be abundant, foul-smelling, and yellow; bleeding during intercourse is common. Severe cases may cause heavy bleeding similar to menstruation.

  • Vaginitis: Yellowish discharge, sometimes with pus and a small amount of blood; inflammation can make the vaginal lining swollen and fragile, causing minor bleeding during intercourse. Minor injuries may heal naturally, but improper care can lead to infection and repeated bleeding.

  • Cervical ectropion (cervical erosion): Discharge may be white, foamy, sticky, and foul-smelling; severe cases can include blood in the discharge or bleeding during intercourse.

  • Serious conditions: Cervical or endometrial cancer, and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or syphilis, may also cause bleeding during intercourse.

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Recommendations

• Monitor blood-stained discharge after intercourse and during subsequent menstrual cycles.

• If the condition persists more than 7 days with abnormal discharge, consult a gynecologist for timely diagnosis and treatment.

• Maintain daily genital hygiene, during menstruation, and after sexual activity.