Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is fluid or mucous made by glands inside the vagina and cervix. You might notice it in your underwear or on toilet paper after you wipe. Vaginal discharge cleans and moistens the vagina and helps prevent and fight infections.

Vaginal discharge normally changes in colour, consistency and volume depending on the timing in your menstrual cycle and other factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, sexual activity, contraception and hormone use. Vaginal discharge is normal and expected to be:

• odourless or does not have a strong or unpleasant smell
• clear or milky white
• thick and sticky
• slippery and wet.

Each person’s experience of vaginal discharge is different. Some people have noticeable heavy discharge and others do not have much at all.

Vaginas have a specific balance of bacteria and other cells that create a slightly acidic pH. Any small changes to the environment can make the vagina less acidic and can lead to an increase or decrease in the number of bacteria that usually live in the vagina. This can cause an abnormal vaginal discharge.

Any change in the balance of the bacteria normally/usually found in the vagina can affect vaginal discharge. Infections are the most common cause. However, not all infections are sexually transmitted. Infections may include:

• Thrush – caused by an overgrowth of a yeast (candida albicans) that normally lives in the vagina and in the bowel
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria that live in the vagina
• Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) – such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, mycoplasma genitalium, trichomoniasis.

Other factors that can cause abnormal vaginal discharge include:

• Certain medications – such as antibiotics or steroids
• Some chronic health conditions such as diabetes
• Contraception methods
• Particular skin products used on the vulva and vagina – e.g. perfumed soaps and lotions
• Some genital skin care practices – e.g. douching

It is recommended you see a health professional if you are experiencing any abnormal vaginal discharge or symptoms. Treating these yourself may worsen the condition.

Good genital skin care can decrease vulval and vaginal irritation.

Using external or internal condoms during vaginal sex can also prevent abnormal discharge.

It is recommended you see a health professional if you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge or symptoms. Treating these yourself may worsen the condition.

To diagnose vaginal discharge or symptoms, your health professional will take a medical and sexual health history and may carry out tests such as:

• a physical examination – sometimes with a speculum insertion if tolerable and/or a pelvic exam
• vaginal swabs and sexually transmissible infection (STI) screen
• urine tests
• blood tests
• cervical screening.

You may be referred to a gynaecologist or dermatologist for further investigations.