2. Vaginal yeast infection
A yeast infection, often called vaginal thrush, occurs when yeast grows excessively in the vaginal area.
Common symptoms include:
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Thick, white discharge that may look clumpy.
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Intense itching around the vagina and vulva.
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Redness or soreness.
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Burning, especially during urination or sex.
The discharge may resemble cottage cheese, but its appearance alone cannot confirm a yeast infection. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Yeast infections are not necessarily sexually transmitted. They can be associated with factors such as antibiotic use, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and diabetes.
People with diabetes may be more prone to recurrent yeast infections, particularly when blood glucose is not well controlled. Repeated symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than treated indefinitely without testing.
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3. Sexually transmitted infections
Some sexually transmitted infections can cause unusual vaginal discharge. Examples include trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Possible symptoms vary. They may include yellow or green discharge, an unusual smell, pain when urinating, discomfort during sex, or bleeding between periods.
However, many sexually transmitted infections produce few or no symptoms. A person can have an infection without noticing an obvious change in underwear.
Testing is therefore important when there has been a possible exposure, a new sexual partner, or a partner with symptoms. A clinician may recommend laboratory tests based on the person's history and symptoms.
It is not possible to determine whether discharge is caused by an STI simply by looking at its color.
STI Treatment Guidelines+2
4. Hormonal changes and pregnancy
Discharge may increase during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the reproductive area.
Normal pregnancy-related discharge is often thin, clear, or milky white and should not have a strong unpleasant smell. However, green or yellow discharge, itching, soreness, or pain when urinating may indicate an infection and should be discussed with a midwife or doctor.
Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should be assessed promptly.
NHS
5. Irritation from soaps and intimate products
Not every case of itching or unusual discharge is caused by an infection.
Perfumed soaps, scented wipes, vaginal deodorants, bubble baths, detergents, and vaginal douching can irritate sensitive tissue or disrupt the natural vaginal environment.
Some women may also react to sanitary products, lubricants, condoms, or other substances that come into contact with the genital area.
If symptoms begin after using a new product, stop using it and seek medical advice if irritation continues.
An illustrative gynecological consultation. A clinician can assess symptoms and determine whether testing is needed.
Why guessing the cause can lead to the wrong treatment
Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections may overlap in their symptoms. Treating the wrong condition can delay the correct diagnosis.
The CDC advises that a medical history alone may not be enough to identify the cause of vaginal symptoms. Examination and laboratory testing may be needed.
STI Treatment Guidelines
If discharge is unusual for you, particularly if it is accompanied by pain, odor, itching, or bleeding, arranging an assessment is safer than relying on online photographs or self-diagnosis.
Chapter 3: Discharge Colors and TexturesโWhich Changes Deserve Attention?
Color and texture can provide useful clues, but they cannot identify a disease with certainty. The same appearance may occur for different reasons, and some infections cause no obvious visual change at all.
The most useful question is not simply "What color is it?" but "Is this different from what is normal for me, and do I have other symptoms?"
Clear and slippery discharge
Clear, slippery discharge is common around ovulation. It may become stretchy, similar to raw egg white, as the body approaches the release of an egg.
This type of cervical mucus is part of the normal menstrual cycle. It can help sperm move through the reproductive tract.
If there is no unpleasant smell, itching, burning, or pain, clear and slippery discharge is generally not a reason for concern.
White or creamy discharge
White discharge can be normal, particularly before menstruation or during certain hormonal phases.
It may be smooth, creamy, sticky, or slightly thick. A small amount can dry on underwear and leave a pale mark.
However, thick white discharge accompanied by itching, redness, or soreness may be associated with a yeast infection. The combination of symptoms is more informative than the color alone.
Grayish-white discharge with a fishy smell
Thin gray or grayish-white discharge with a strong fishy odor is commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis.
Some women notice the smell more clearly after sex or during menstruation. BV may occur without significant itching, so the absence of irritation does not necessarily rule it out.
A clinician can assess whether testing or treatment is appropriate.
Yellow or green discharge