Vaginal Discharge: What’s Normal & When to See a Gynaecologist

💧 What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy body function. It helps:

• Keep the vagina clean

• Protect against infections

• Maintain natural moisture and balance

Normal (Healthy) Vaginal Discharge

You usually do NOT need to worry if discharge is:

🔹 Clear or milky white

🔹 Odorless or mild smell

🔹 Not itchy or painful

🔹 Changes during the menstrual cycle

🔹 More during ovulation, pregnancy, or sexual arousal

✔️ This means your body is working normally.

⚠️ Abnormal Vaginal Discharge – Warning Signs

Visit a gynaecologist if you notice any of the following:

🚩 Changes in Color

• 🟡 Yellow or green

• 🟢 Greenish

• ⚪ Thick white (curd-like)

• 🟤 Brown or bloody (not during periods)

🚩 Unusual Smell

• 🐟 Strong fishy odor

• 🤢 Foul or unpleasant smell

🚩 Associated Symptoms

• 🔥 Itching or burning

• 😖 Pain in lower abdomen

• 😣 Pain during urination or intercourse

• 🔴 Redness or swelling

• 💥 Sudden increase in amount

🦠 Common Causes of Abnormal Discharge

• Bacterial infections

• Fungal (yeast) infections

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Poor genital hygiene

• Use of scented soaps, sprays, or douching

• Hormonal imbalance

• Foreign body (e.g., retained tampon)

👩‍⚕️ When You MUST See a Gynaecologist

Seek medical advice if:

• Discharge is persistent or worsening

• Symptoms do not improve

• You are pregnant

• There is bleeding between periods

• You have recurrent infections

• Discharge is associated with fever or pelvic pain

🌼 Healthy Vaginal Care Tips

✔️ Keep the area clean and dry

• ✔️ Use plain water or mild, unscented soap externally

• ❌ Avoid douching and scented products

• ✔️ Wear cotton underwear

• ✔️ Practice safe sex

• ✔️ Do not self-medicate

🌷 Key Message

👉 Not all discharge is abnormal

👉 Early consultation prevents complications

👉 Never ignore warning signs

 Your health matters — don’t hesitate to consult a gynaecologist