Can Vaginal Discharge Be a Sign of an Infection?

Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy way for the body to keep the vagina clean. The amount and texture change through your cycle. But a sudden change in colour, smell, or quantity, especially with discomfort, can signal an infection.

Normal discharge

• Clear or milky white

• Thin and watery, or stretchy and egg-white-like around ovulation

• Mild or no smell

• Heavier around ovulation, pregnancy, or when using hormonal contraception

Signs of a possible infection

• Thick, white, curd-like discharge with itching: often a yeast infection

• Grey or white thin discharge with a fishy smell: often bacterial vaginosis

• Yellow or green, frothy discharge: may point to trichomoniasis

• Yellow or green discharge with pain or bleeding: may suggest cervical infection or other sexually transmitted infections

• Blood-stained discharge between periods or after sex: needs a check

• Pain or burning while passing urine, pain during sex, or lower abdominal pain

• Fever along with discharge

Why it happens

Infections occur when the balance of natural bacteria is disturbed. Common triggers include antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal changes, tight or damp clothing, and unprotected sex.

Why not to ignore it

Some infections are mild and treat easily. Others, if left alone, can spread to the uterus and tubes, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect fertility. Infections in pregnancy also need timely treatment.

What you can do

• Wear breathable cotton underwear

• Avoid douching and scented products

• Wipe front to back

• Complete the full course of any medicine prescribed, and ask your partner to be treated if advised

• Get checked rather than repeating over-the-counter creams

FAQs

Is white discharge always an infection?No. Clear or milky white discharge without smell or itching is usually normal.

Can I treat it with home remedies?Home remedies may soothe, but they don't treat the cause. A proper diagnosis works faster.

Changes in discharge are one of the most common reasons women visit us, and most causes are simple to treat once identified. Dr. Sonal Kotdawala will find out what is behind it and get you comfortable again. Kotdawala Hospitals, Bhulabhai Park and Paldi, Ahmedabad. Book a consultation →