Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI
Worried about your symptoms?
Start the Abnormal Vaginal Discharge test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Try one of these related symptoms.
Vaginal discharge changed
Smelly vaginal discharge
White vaginal discharge
Yellow vaginal discharge
Greyish vaginal discharge
Slight increase in vaginal discharge
My vagina smells
Green yellow vaginal discharge
Grey vaginal discharge
Foamy vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge odor
Irritation, itching or pain around vagina
About the Symptom
Normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky and thin. Abnormal discharge may be yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or foul smelling.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Fever
- Lower abdominal pain
- Abdominal pain
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Urinary frequency
- Increase in vaginal discharge
Possible Causes
Generally, Abnormal vaginal discharge can be related to:
- Atrophic Vaginitis
A condition in which the vaginal surface becomes dry and thin, commonly seen after menopause due to decreased female hormone levels. Symptoms include itching and painful intercourse.
- Candidal Vulvovaginitis (Yeast Infection)
This is a fungal infection by Candida that affects the vaginal area. Candida normally exists on skin and vaginal linings without issues. An infection occurs when the skin or vaginal lining changes in character, promoting Candida overgrowth. People with weakened immune systems or on birth control pills may be at increased risk.
- Chlamydia Infection
A sexually transmitted infectious disease. It can cause abnormal vaginal or penile discharge and pain in the pubic area, but most infections have no symptoms. Chlamydia infection can also cause infertility and ectopic pregnancies and can be transmitted to the throat and rectum.
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Pyometra
- Uterine Prolapse
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Abnormal vaginal discharge may be related to these serious diseases:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious condition where there is infection and inflammation of the female pelvic organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can present with abdominal pain, fever and foul vaginal discharge, and requires medical treatment. Some cases but not all are related to sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It is possible to get PID without an STD. Delayed treatment can lead to infertility due to damage to the fallopian tube.
- Chorioamnionitis
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you noticed any changes in the color, amount, or odor of your vaginal discharge?
- How often do you experience abnormal color, amount, or odor of vaginal discharge?
- Have you had more vaginal discharge lately?
- Do you have a thick white discharge like cottage cheese or yogurt?
- Has the vaginal discharge odor worsened recently?
Reviewed By:
Eric A. Gantwerker, MD, MMSC (Otolaryngology (ENT))
Pediatric Otolaryngologist at Northwell Health and Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He holds a Master of Medical Science (MMSc) in Medical Education with a special focus on educational technology, educational research, and game-based learning from Harvard Medical School and a Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He has a special interest in faculty development and has been a speaker or faculty at hundreds of local, national, and international courses and conferences. He is also an active blogger and podcaster for several organizations, including the Harvard Macy Institute (HMI), Harvard Medical School CME Online, and BackTable Innovations. He has been featured in the news and print for media outlets such as USA Today, Businesswire, The Washington Post, Nature Medicine, Fox News, and KevinMD. He was also the Vice President, Medical Director of a medical video game company, Level Ex from 2018 to 2023 that utilized game technology and psychology to create interactive experiences for healthcare professionals. | He is recognized as an expert on the implementation of educational technologies and gaming with a foundation in educational theory for health professions education. He was honored to be inducted as an Associate Member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators and as an Associate Fellow of the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE).
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
Try Free Symptom QuizHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min Abnormal Vaginal Discharge quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Milky vaginal discharge (change from usual)
- There is a large amount of vaginal discharge with bad smell
- There is an increase in vaginal discharge
- Vaginal discharge has slightly increased
- A bubble-shaped yellow vaginal discharge
- My vaginal discharge looks strange
- Having less vaginal discharge
- Pink vaginal discharge (change of color)
- Large amount of vaginal discharge with bad smell
- There is a fuzzy gray vaginal discharge
- White-yellowish vaginal discharge
- Increase in vaginal discharge
- Decreasing vaginal discharge
- Yellow discharge from vagina
- Grayish vaginal discharge
See full list
Find Similar Symptoms
Symptoms from similar body parts
Symptoms treated by the same specialty
FAQs
Q.
Yellow Vaginal Discharge: What Does It Mean & When Should You Worry?
A.
Yellow vaginal discharge can be a sign that there is an infection or a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Amrin SS, Lakshmi GJ. Vaginal discharge: The diagnostic enigma. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2021 Jan-Jun;42(1):38-45. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_92_18. Epub 2020 Jul 31. PMID: 34765936; PMCID: PMC8579582.
Shanmugam NP Sr, Balasundharam A, Thomas IN, A R, James JJ. A Cross-Sectional Clinical Investigation of Organisms Causing Vaginal Discharge in Patients in Rural Tamil Nadu, India. Cureus. 2023 Jan 19;15(1):e33979. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33979. PMID: 36811046; PMCID: PMC9938849.
Q.
Could discharge that smells like vinegar be a sign of pregnancy?
A.
A vinegar-like smell in vaginal discharge is not a clear sign of pregnancy by itself—it can be a normal part of the vaginal environment or point to other changes.
References:
Marangoni A, Laghi L, Zagonari S, Patuelli G, Zhu C, Foschi C, Morselli S, Pedna MF, Sambri V. New Insights into Vaginal Environment During Pregnancy. Front Mol Biosci. 2021 May 17;8:656844. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.656844. PMID: 34079816; PMCID: PMC8165225.
Chvapil M, Eskelson C, Jacobs S, Chvapil T, Russell DH. Studies on vaginal malodor. I. Study in humans. Obstet Gynecol. 1978 Jul;52(1):88-93. PMID: 28501.
Ryan-Wenger NA, Neal JL, Jones AS, Lowe NK. Accuracy of vaginal symptom self-diagnosis algorithms for deployed military women. Nurs Res. 2010 Jan-Feb;59(1):2-10. doi: 10.1097/NNR.0b013e3181c3b9dd. PMID: 20010039; PMCID: PMC2902763.
Q.
How serious is greenish vaginal discharge and what should I do?
A.
Greenish vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection and should be checked by a doctor to find out the exact cause and get proper treatment.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Ries AJ. Treatment of vaginal infections: candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 1997 Sep-Oct;NS37(5):563-9. doi: 10.1016/s1086-5802(16)30241-8. PMID: 9479409.
Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021 Jun. 8, VAGINAL DISCHARGE SYNDROME. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572663/
Q.
Is green discharge common with a yeast infection?
A.
Green discharge is not common with a yeast infection. Yeast infections usually cause thick, white, cottage cheese–like discharge, not green discharge.
References:
InformedHealth.org](http://informedhealth.org/) [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) [Updated 2022 Apr 4]. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021 Jun. 8, VAGINAL DISCHARGE SYNDROME. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572663/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572663/
Ries AJ. Treatment of vaginal infections: candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 1997 Sep-Oct;NS37(5):563-9. doi: 10.1016/s1086-5802(16)30241-8. PMID: 9479409.
Q.
Is greenish vaginal discharge during pregnancy normal?
A.
Greenish vaginal discharge in pregnancy is not usually normal and can be a sign of an infection. It’s important to have it checked by a doctor for proper evaluation and care.
References:
Neal CM, Kus LH, Eckert LO, Peipert JF. Noncandidal vaginitis: a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Feb;222(2):114-122. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.09.001. Epub 2019 Sep 9. PMID: 31513780.
Rao VL, Mahmood T. Vaginal discharge. _Obstet Gynecol Reprod Med_. 2020;30(1):11-18. doi:10.1016/j.ogrm.2019.10.004.
Khaskheli M, Baloch S, Baloch AS, Shah SGS. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Pak J Med Sci. 2021 Sep-Oct;37(5):1302-1308. doi: 10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187. PMID: 34475902; PMCID: PMC8377920.
Q.
Is greenish-yellow vaginal discharge a sign of infection?
A.
Greenish-yellow vaginal discharge is not typical and can be a sign of an infection.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Ries AJ. Treatment of vaginal infections: candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 1997 Sep-Oct;NS37(5):563-9. doi: 10.1016/s1086-5802(16)30241-8. PMID: 9479409.
Prasad D, Parween S, Kumari K, Singh N. Prevalence, Etiology, and Associated Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy in Women Seen in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bihar. Cureus. 2021 Jan 14;13(1):e12700. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12700. PMID: 33614308; PMCID: PMC7883588.
Q.
Is greyish white discharge without odor a cause for concern?
A.
A greyish white vaginal discharge without an odor is usually not a problem. However, it’s important to watch for other symptoms or changes to be sure everything is okay.
References:
Donders GGG, Bellen G, Grinceviciene S, Ruban K, Vieira-Baptista P. Aerobic vaginitis: no longer a stranger. Res Microbiol. 2017 Nov-Dec;168(9-10):845-858. doi: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.04.004. Epub 2017 May 11. PMID: 28502874.
Alenizy HK, AlQahtani MH, Aleban SA, Almuwallad RI, Binsuwaidan LA, Alabdullah DW, Althomali AE. Knowledge and Practice Regarding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Among Adolescent Females in Riyadh City: An Observational Study. Cureus. 2024 Mar 22;16(3):e56719. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56719. PMID: 38650786; PMCID: PMC11034890.
Kairys N, Carlson K, Garg M. Bacterial Vaginosis. 2024 May 6. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 29083654.
Q.
Is it normal to have smelly vaginal discharge during pregnancy?
A.
Some vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy, but a strong or foul smell might be a sign of an infection that needs evaluation.
References:
da Fonseca TM, Cesar JA, Mendoza-Sassi RA, Schmidt EB. Pathological Vaginal Discharge among Pregnant Women: Pattern of Occurrence and Association in a Population-Based Survey. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2013;2013:590416. doi: 10.1155/2013/590416. Epub 2013 Jun 17. PMID: 23843798; PMCID: PMC3703429.
Khaskheli M, Baloch S, Baloch AS, Shah SGS. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Pak J Med Sci. 2021 Sep-Oct;37(5):1302-1308. doi: 10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187. PMID: 34475902; PMCID: PMC8377920.
Nguyen ATC, Le Nguyen NT, Hoang TTA, Nguyen TT, Tran TTQ, Tran DNT, Nguyen ATK, Tran LM, Nguyen DHC, Le TM, Ho BD, Rööp T, Kõljalg S, Štšepetova J, Van Le A, Salumets A, Mändar R. Aerobic vaginitis in the third trimester and its impact on pregnancy outcomes. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2022 May 24;22(1):432. doi: 10.1186/s12884-022-04761-5. PMID: 35610632; PMCID: PMC9128091.
Q.
Is it normal to have yellow discharge while pregnant?
A.
Some yellow discharge during pregnancy might be normal, but if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like odor, itching, or discomfort, it could point to an infection that needs evaluation.
References:
von Glehn MP, Sidon LU, Machado ER. Gynecological complaints and their associated factors among women in a family health-care clinic. J Family Med Prim Care. 2017 Jan-Mar;6(1):88-92. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.214982. PMID: 29026756; PMCID: PMC5629907.
Khaskheli M, Baloch S, Baloch AS, Shah SGS. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Pak J Med Sci. 2021 Sep-Oct;37(5):1302-1308. doi: 10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187. PMID: 34475902; PMCID: PMC8377920.
Prasad D, Parween S, Kumari K, Singh N. Prevalence, Etiology, and Associated Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy in Women Seen in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bihar. Cureus. 2021 Jan 14;13(1):e12700. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12700. PMID: 33614308; PMCID: PMC7883588.
Q.
Is light yellow vaginal discharge a cause for concern?
A.
Light yellow vaginal discharge is often normal, especially if it has no odor or discomfort, but changes in your body should always be monitored.
References:
Kelly KG. Tests on Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 179.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK288/
Powell AM, Nyirjesy P. New Perspectives on the Normal Vagina and Noninfectious Causes of Discharge. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Sep;58(3):453-63. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000124. PMID: 26125958.
Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020 Jun;61(6):297-301. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020088. PMID: 32754764; PMCID: PMC7905126.
Q.
Is white foamy discharge without odor a cause for concern?
A.
White foamy discharge without odor is not usually a sign of a serious problem, especially if you don't have any other symptoms.
References:
Kelly KG. Tests on Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 179. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK288/
Dorjey Y, Wangmo D, Tshomo D. Assessment of excessive vaginal discharge among women who presented to Phuentsholing General Hospital: A hospital-based study. Health Sci Rep. 2022 Sep 1;5(5):e793. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.793. PMID: 36090622; PMCID: PMC9436175.
Hildebrand JP, Carlson K, Kansagor AT. Vaginitis. [Updated 2025 Jan 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
Is yellow-green discharge normal before my period?
A.
Vaginal discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle, but yellow-green discharge is not typical and might signal an infection or irritation that needs attention.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) [Updated 2022 Apr 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020 Jun;61(6):297-301. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020088. PMID: 32754764; PMCID: PMC7905126.
Q.
Is yellow-green vaginal discharge a sign of an infection?
A.
Yellow-green vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection, which means your body is fighting off germs that are changing the usual clear or white discharge.
References:
Prasad D, Parween S, Kumari K, Singh N. Prevalence, Etiology, and Associated Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy in Women Seen in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bihar. Cureus. 2021 Jan 14;13(1):e12700. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12700. PMID: 33614308; PMCID: PMC7883588.
Amrin SS, Lakshmi GJ. Vaginal discharge: The diagnostic enigma. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2021 Jan-Jun;42(1):38-45. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_92_18. Epub 2020 Jul 31. PMID: 34765936; PMCID: PMC8579582.
McGowin CL, Anderson-Smits C. Mycoplasma genitalium: an emerging cause of sexually transmitted disease in women. PLoS Pathog. 2011 May;7(5):e1001324. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001324. Epub 2011 May 26. PMID: 21637847; PMCID: PMC3102684.
Q.
Is yellowish-green discharge normal postpartum?
A.
A yellowish-green discharge after giving birth is not usually normal and may signal an infection. It is important to talk to a doctor if you notice this color or have other symptoms.
References:
Ali TS, Fikree FF, Rahbar MH, Mahmud S. Frequency and determinants of vaginal infection in postpartum period: a cross-sectional survey from low socioeconomic settlements, Karachi, Pakistan. J Pak Med Assoc. 2006 Mar;56(3):99-103. Erratum in: J Pak Med Assoc. 2006 Jul;56(7):344. PMID: 16696506.
Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Health Care: A Handbook for Building Skills. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2013. 11, POSTNATAL CARE OF THE MOTHER AND NEWBORN.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304191/
Khaskheli M, Baloch S, Baloch AS, Shah SGS. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Pak J Med Sci. 2021 Sep-Oct;37(5):1302-1308. doi: 10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187. PMID: 34475902; PMCID: PMC8377920.
Q.
Should vaginal discharge have a smell, and if so, what kind?
A.
Yes, normal vaginal discharge can have a gentle smell—often described as mildly acidic or musky—which comes from the natural bacteria living in your vagina.
References:
Hillier SL, Krohn MA, Nugent RP, Gibbs RS. Characteristics of three vaginal flora patterns assessed by gram stain among pregnant women. Vaginal Infections and Prematurity Study Group. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1992 Mar;166(3):938-44. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(92)91368-k. PMID: 1372474.
Anderson M, Karasz A, Friedland S. Are vaginal symptoms ever normal? a review of the literature. MedGenMed. 2004 Nov 22;6(4):49. PMID: 15775876; PMCID: PMC1480553.
Chen X, Lu Y, Chen T, Li R. The Female Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Bacterial Vaginosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021 Apr 7;11:631972. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.631972. PMID: 33898328; PMCID: PMC8058480.
Q.
What are common reasons for vaginal discharge having an odor?
A.
Vaginal odor is often caused by infections like bacterial vaginosis where a substance called trimethylamine is produced. Other common reasons include different types of vaginitis and changes in the balance of bacteria.
References:
Brand JM, Galask RP. Trimethylamine: the substance mainly responsible for the fishy odor often associated with bacterial vaginosis. Obstet Gynecol. 1986 Nov;68(5):682-5. PMID: 3763085.
Paladine HL, Desai UA. Vaginitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Mar 1;97(5):321-329. PMID: 29671516.
Dorjey Y, Wangmo D, Tshomo D. Assessment of excessive vaginal discharge among women who presented to Phuentsholing General Hospital: A hospital-based study. Health Sci Rep. 2022 Sep 1;5(5):e793. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.793. PMID: 36090622; PMCID: PMC9436175.
Q.
What are the common causes of smelly vaginal discharge?
A.
Smelly vaginal discharge can often be caused by infections like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis and sometimes other changes in the natural balance of bacteria.
References:
Subramanian C, Nyirjesy P, Sobel JD. Genital malodor in women: a modern reappraisal. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2012 Jan;16(1):49-55. doi: 10.1097/LGT.0b013e31822b7512. PMID: 21964208.
Mulu W, Yimer M, Zenebe Y, Abera B. Common causes of vaginal infections and antibiotic susceptibility of aerobic bacterial isolates in women of reproductive age attending at Felegehiwot Referral Hospital, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study. BMC Womens Health. 2015 May 13;15:42. doi: 10.1186/s12905-015-0197-y. PMID: 25968607; PMCID: PMC4438529.
Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020 Jun;61(6):297-301. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020088. PMID: 32754764; PMCID: PMC7905126.
Q.
What are the potential causes of frothy vaginal discharge?
A.
Frothy vaginal discharge is most often linked to an infection called trichomoniasis, but a few other factors might also cause it.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Venugopal S, Gopalan K, Devi A, Kavitha A. Epidemiology and clinico-investigative study of organisms causing vaginal discharge. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2017 Jan-Jun;38(1):69-75. doi: 10.4103/0253-7184.203433. PMID: 28442807; PMCID: PMC5389219.
Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020 Jun;61(6):297-301. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020088. PMID: 32754764; PMCID: PMC7905126.
Q.
What could be the reasons for yellow mucus vaginal discharge?
A.
Yellow mucus vaginal discharge can sometimes be a sign of an infection, with bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis being potential causes.
References:
Seña AC, Bachmann LH, Hobbs MM. Persistent and recurrent Trichomonas vaginalis infections: epidemiology, treatment and management considerations. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2014 Jun;12(6):673-85. doi: 10.1586/14787210.2014.887440. Epub 2014 Feb 20. PMID: 24555561.
Meena V, Bansal CL. Study to Evaluate Targeted Management and Syndromic Management in Women Presenting with Abnormal Vaginal Discharge. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2016 Oct;66(Suppl 1):534-40. doi: 10.1007/s13224-016-0879-x. Epub 2016 Apr 29. PMID: 27651658; PMCID: PMC5016465.
Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020 Jun;61(6):297-301. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020088. PMID: 32754764; PMCID: PMC7905126.
Q.
What could cause my vaginal discharge to smell like garlic?
A.
A garlic-like smell in vaginal discharge can be linked to changes in the natural bacteria of the vagina, such as bacterial vaginosis, or it may be related to an infection like trichomoniasis. Dietary factors, including eating garlic, might also have a role in altering body odors.
References:
Noormohammadi M, Eslamian G, Kazemi SN, Rashidkhani B. Association between dietary patterns and bacterial vaginosis: a case-control study. Sci Rep. 2022 Jul 16;12(1):12199. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-16505-8. PMID: 35842517; PMCID: PMC9288476.
Schumann JA, Plasner S. Trichomoniasis. 2023 Jun 12. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30521247.
Kairys N, Carlson K, Garg M. Bacterial Vaginosis. [Updated 2024 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What could cause my vaginal discharge to smell like vinegar?
A.
A vinegar-like odor in vaginal discharge often comes from changes in the natural balance of acids in the vagina, which can sometimes signal an infection like bacterial vaginosis or be influenced by personal hygiene or diet.
References:
Amsel R, Totten PA, Spiegel CA, Chen KC, Eschenbach D, Holmes KK. Nonspecific vaginitis. Diagnostic criteria and microbial and epidemiologic associations. Am J Med. 1983 Jan;74(1):14-22. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(83)91112-9. PMID: 6600371.
Willems HME, Ahmed SS, Liu J, Xu Z, Peters BM. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Current Understanding and Burning Questions. J Fungi (Basel). 2020 Feb 25;6(1):27. doi: 10.3390/jof6010027. PMID: 32106438; PMCID: PMC7151053.
Noormohammadi M, Eslamian G, Kazemi SN, Rashidkhani B. Association between dietary patterns and bacterial vaginosis: a case-control study. Sci Rep. 2022 Jul 16;12(1):12199. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-16505-8. PMID: 35842517; PMCID: PMC9288476.
Q.
What could cause vaginal odor without any discharge?
A.
A noticeable vaginal odor without extra discharge can come from normal bodily changes like hormone shifts or subtle variations in the natural bacteria.
References:
Chvapil M, Eskelson C, Jacobs S, Chvapil T, Russell DH. Studies on vaginal malodor. I. Study in humans. Obstet Gynecol. 1978 Jul;52(1):88-93. PMID: 28501.
Doty RL, Ford M, Preti G, Huggins GR. Changes in the intensity and pleasantness of human vaginal odors during the menstrual cycle. Science. 1975 Dec 26;190(4221):1316-8. doi: 10.1126/science.1239080. PMID: 1239080.
Wolrath H, Borén H, Hallén A, Forsum U. Trimethylamine content in vaginal secretion and its relation to bacterial vaginosis. APMIS. 2002 Nov;110(11):819-24. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0463.2002.1101108.x. PMID: 12588422.
Q.
What could cause white clumpy vaginal discharge?
A.
White clumpy vaginal discharge is often a sign of a yeast infection, which happens when the balance of germs in the vagina changes.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) [Updated 2022 Apr 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
John N, Rahima S, Raji TK, Santhosh P, Kidangazhiathmana A, Sukumarakurup S. Clinicoetiological study on vaginal discharge among sexually active women attending a tertiary center in North Kerala, India. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2023 Jan-Jun;44(1):1-5. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_65_21. Epub 2022 Dec 9. PMID: 37457531; PMCID: PMC10343118.
Q.
What could cause white foamy discharge in females?
A.
White foamy discharge may be caused by an infection, most commonly trichomoniasis, which is caused by a tiny parasite.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Carr PL, Felsenstein D, Friedman RH. Evaluation and management of vaginitis. J Gen Intern Med. 1998 May;13(5):335-46. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1998.00101.x. PMID: 9613891; PMCID: PMC1496957.
Alenizy HK, AlQahtani MH, Aleban SA, Almuwallad RI, Binsuwaidan LA, Alabdullah DW, Althomali AE. Knowledge and Practice Regarding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Among Adolescent Females in Riyadh City: An Observational Study. Cureus. 2024 Mar 22;16(3):e56719. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56719. PMID: 38650786; PMCID: PMC11034890.
Q.
What could cause white vaginal discharge to smell?
A.
A common cause of white vaginal discharge that smells is bacterial vaginosis, where an imbalance in the natural bacteria causes the discharge to develop a fishy smell from a chemical called trimethylamine. Other types of infections can sometimes also cause unusual odors.
References:
Brand JM, Galask RP. Trimethylamine: the substance mainly responsible for the fishy odor often associated with bacterial vaginosis. Obstet Gynecol. 1986 Nov;68(5):682-5. PMID: 3763085.
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Ries AJ. Treatment of vaginal infections: candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 1997 Sep-Oct;NS37(5):563-9. doi: 10.1016/s1086-5802(16)30241-8. PMID: 9479409.
Q.
What could green-yellow vaginal discharge mean for my health?
A.
Green-yellow vaginal discharge is not typical and may signal an infection that needs attention.
References:
Vishwanath S, Talwar V, Prasad R, Coyaji K, Elias CJ, de Zoysa I. Syndromic management of vaginal discharge among women in a reproductive health clinic in India. Sex Transm Infect. 2000 Aug;76(4):303-6. doi: 10.1136/sti.76.4.303. PMID: 11026889; PMCID: PMC1744180.
Amrin SS, Lakshmi GJ. Vaginal discharge: The diagnostic enigma. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2021 Jan-Jun;42(1):38-45. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_92_18. Epub 2020 Jul 31. PMID: 34765936; PMCID: PMC8579582.
Shanmugam NP Sr, Balasundharam A, Thomas IN, A R, James JJ. A Cross-Sectional Clinical Investigation of Organisms Causing Vaginal Discharge in Patients in Rural Tamil Nadu, India. Cureus. 2023 Jan 19;15(1):e33979. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33979. PMID: 36811046; PMCID: PMC9938849.
Q.
What could greyish white discharge mean for my health?
A.
Greyish white discharge can sometimes be normal, but it can also be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis. Paying attention to changes in the discharge and other symptoms can help decide if a visit to a healthcare provider is needed.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Schumann JA, Plasner S. Trichomoniasis. [Updated 2023 Jun 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Kairys N, Carlson K, Garg M. Bacterial Vaginosis. [Updated 2024 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Q.
What does a thick yellow vaginal discharge suggest about my condition?
A.
Thick yellow vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection or an imbalance in the bacteria in your vagina.
References:
Meena V, Bansal CL. Study to Evaluate Targeted Management and Syndromic Management in Women Presenting with Abnormal Vaginal Discharge. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2016 Oct;66(Suppl 1):534-40. doi: 10.1007/s13224-016-0879-x. Epub 2016 Apr 29. PMID: 27651658; PMCID: PMC5016465.
Venugopal S, Gopalan K, Devi A, Kavitha A. Epidemiology and clinico-investigative study of organisms causing vaginal discharge. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2017 Jan-Jun;38(1):69-75. doi: 10.4103/0253-7184.203433. PMID: 28442807; PMCID: PMC5389219.
Amrin SS, Lakshmi GJ. Vaginal discharge: The diagnostic enigma. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2021 Jan-Jun;42(1):38-45. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_92_18. Epub 2020 Jul 31. PMID: 34765936; PMCID: PMC8579582.
Q.
What does brown smelly vaginal discharge suggest?
A.
Brown, smelly vaginal discharge can mean that old blood is mixing with an infection. It is important to get it checked by a healthcare provider.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020 Jun;61(6):297-301. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020088. PMID: 32754764; PMCID: PMC7905126.
Alenizy HK, AlQahtani MH, Aleban SA, Almuwallad RI, Binsuwaidan LA, Alabdullah DW, Althomali AE. Knowledge and Practice Regarding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Among Adolescent Females in Riyadh City: An Observational Study. Cureus. 2024 Mar 22;16(3):e56719. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56719. PMID: 38650786; PMCID: PMC11034890.
Q.
What does clear but smelly vaginal discharge indicate?
A.
Clear but smelly vaginal discharge can sometimes be a sign of a harmless change in your body, but it might also indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Anderson M, Karasz A, Friedland S. Are vaginal symptoms ever normal? a review of the literature. MedGenMed. 2004 Nov 22;6(4):49. PMID: 15775876; PMCID: PMC1480553.
Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020 Jun;61(6):297-301. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020088. PMID: 32754764; PMCID: PMC7905126.
Q.
What does egg white vaginal discharge signify in terms of fertility?
A.
Egg white vaginal discharge is a sign of high fertility—it means your body is in the stage of the cycle when you're most likely to get pregnant.
References:
A prospective multicentre trial of the ovulation method of natural family planning. III. Characteristics of the menstrual cycle and of the fertile phase. Fertil Steril. 1983 Dec;40(6):773-8. PMID: 6360719.
Fehring RJ. Accuracy of the peak day of cervical mucus as a biological marker of fertility. Contraception. 2002 Oct;66(4):231-5. doi: 10.1016/s0010-7824(02)00355-4. PMID: 12413617.
Najmabadi S, Schliep KC, Simonsen SE, Porucznik CA, Egger MJ, Stanford JB. Cervical mucus patterns and the fertile window in women without known subfertility: a pooled analysis of three cohorts. Hum Reprod. 2021 Jun 18;36(7):1784-1795. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deab049. PMID: 33990841; PMCID: PMC8487651.
Q.
What does having yellow vaginal discharge mean for my health?
A.
Yellow vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection or an imbalance in the natural bacteria of your vagina.
References:
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) [Updated 2022 Apr 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021 Jun. 8, VAGINAL DISCHARGE SYNDROME. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572663/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572663/
Majigo MV, Kashindye P, Mtulo Z, Joachim A. Bacterial vaginosis, the leading cause of genital discharge among women presenting with vaginal infection in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Afr Health Sci. 2021 Jun;21(2):531-537. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v21i2.7. PMID: 34795705; PMCID: PMC8568229.
Q.
What does yellow vaginal discharge with an odor indicate?
A.
Yellow vaginal discharge with an odor is often a sign that your body is fighting an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
References:
Kelly KG. Tests on Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 179.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK288/
Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ. Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics (Basel). 2021 Oct 27;11(11):1996. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics11111996. PMID: 34829343; PMCID: PMC8618584.
Ries AJ. Treatment of vaginal infections: candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 1997 Sep-Oct;NS37(5):563-9. doi: 10.1016/s1086-5802(16)30241-8. PMID: 9479409.
Q.
What health issues could grey vaginal discharge point to?
A.
Grey vaginal discharge can be a sign that the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina has changed, often due to an infection like bacterial vaginosis.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Amrin SS, Lakshmi GJ. Vaginal discharge: The diagnostic enigma. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2021 Jan-Jun;42(1):38-45. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_92_18. Epub 2020 Jul 31. PMID: 34765936; PMCID: PMC8579582.
Murewanhema G, Moyo E, Mhango M, Chitungo I, Moyo P, Musuka G, Dzobo M, Dzinamarira T. Abnormal vaginal discharge among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: the need for a paradigm shift from a syndromic approach to specific pathogen identification and directed treatment. IJID Reg. 2022 Oct 29;5:165-168. doi: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.10.006. PMID: 36467508; PMCID: PMC9713322.
Q.
What is considered a normal smell for the vagina?
A.
A normal vaginal smell is usually mild, slightly acidic, and not overpowering—often described as a light, natural odor that can vary throughout your cycle.
References:
Anderson M, Karasz A, Friedland S. Are vaginal symptoms ever normal? a review of the literature. MedGenMed. 2004 Nov 22;6(4):49. PMID: 15775876; PMCID: PMC1480553.
Holdcroft AM, Ireland DJ, Payne MS. The Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Disease-What Role Do Common Intimate Hygiene Practices Play? Microorganisms. 2023 Jan 23;11(2):298. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11020298. PMID: 36838262; PMCID: PMC9959050.
Saraf VS, Sheikh SA, Ahmad A, Gillevet PM, Bokhari H, Javed S. Vaginal microbiome: normalcy vs dysbiosis. Arch Microbiol. 2021 Sep;203(7):3793-3802. doi: 10.1007/s00203-021-02414-3. Epub 2021 Jun 13. PMID: 34120200.
Q.
What should I do if my vagina smells like fish?
A.
A fishy smell often points to bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, and it’s a sign you should get checked by a healthcare provider.
References:
Brand JM, Galask RP. Trimethylamine: the substance mainly responsible for the fishy odor often associated with bacterial vaginosis. Obstet Gynecol. 1986 Nov;68(5):682-5. PMID: 3763085.
Li M, Al-Sarraf A, Sinclair G, Frohlich J. Fish odour syndrome. CMAJ. 2011 May 17;183(8):929-31. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.100642. Epub 2011 Mar 21. PMID: 21422137; PMCID: PMC3091902.
Updated 2024 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459216/
Q.
Why do I experience a strong odor in my vaginal area?
A.
A strong odor in your vaginal area is often due to a change in the balance of bacteria, like in bacterial vaginosis, which can make your discharge smell fishy.
References:
Brand JM, Galask RP. Trimethylamine: the substance mainly responsible for the fishy odor often associated with bacterial vaginosis. Obstet Gynecol. 1986 Nov;68(5):682-5. PMID: 3763085.
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Bacterial vaginosis: Learn More – Which treatments are effective in bacterial vaginosis? [Updated 2022 Apr 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK298830/
Q.
Why does my discharge have a pus-like odor?
A.
A pus-like odor in vaginal discharge may suggest an infection, often linked to sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia that cause inflammation and the production of pus.
References:
Khedkar R, Pajai S. Bacterial Vaginosis: A Comprehensive Narrative on the Etiology, Clinical Features, and Management Approach. Cureus. 2022 Nov 10;14(11):e31314. doi: 10.7759/cureus.31314. PMID: 36514655; PMCID: PMC9735379.
Kairys N, Carlson K, Garg M. Bacterial Vaginosis. [Updated 2024 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459216/
Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021 Jun. 8, VAGINAL DISCHARGE SYNDROME. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572663/
Q.
Why does my vagina have a fecal odor?
A.
A fecal odor coming from your vagina might mean that there is an unusual connection between the rectum (where stool exits) and the vagina, or other health issues that allow stool to mix with vaginal fluids.
References:
Tsai YF, Chen WY, Chiao CF, Wang TL, Lin AC. A 78-Year-Old Woman with Fecaloid Vaginal Discharge. Emerg (Tehran). 2015 Fall;3(4):168-9. PMID: 26495410; PMCID: PMC4608346.
Yockey LJ, Hussain FA, Bergerat A, Reissis A, Worrall D, Xu J, Gomez I, Bloom SM, Mafunda NA, Kelly J, Kwon DS, Mitchell CM. Screening and characterization of vaginal fluid donations for vaginal microbiota transplantation. Sci Rep. 2022 Oct 26;12(1):17948. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-22873-y. PMID: 36289360; PMCID: PMC9606370.
Updated 2023 May 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535350/
Q.
Why does my vagina have an extremely foul odor?
A.
An extremely foul vaginal odor can be a sign that the normal balance of bacteria has been disturbed, often seen with infections like bacterial vaginosis or in rare cases, health issues like fish odor syndrome.
References:
Wolrath H, Borén H, Hallén A, Forsum U. Trimethylamine content in vaginal secretion and its relation to bacterial vaginosis. APMIS. 2002 Nov;110(11):819-24. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0463.2002.1101108.x. PMID: 12588422.
Li M, Al-Sarraf A, Sinclair G, Frohlich J. Fish odour syndrome. CMAJ. 2011 May 17;183(8):929-31. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.100642. Epub 2011 Mar 21. PMID: 21422137; PMCID: PMC3091902.
Lebeau A, Bruyere D, Roncarati P, Peixoto P, Hervouet E, Cobraiville G, Taminiau B, Masson M, Gallego C, Mazzucchelli G, Smargiasso N, Fleron M, Baiwir D, Hendrick E, Pilard C, Lerho T, Reynders C, Ancion M, Greimers R, Twizere JC, Daube G, Schlecht-Louf G, Bachelerie F, Combes JD, Melin P, Fillet M, Delvenne P, Hubert P, Herfs M. HPV infection alters vaginal microbiome through down-regulating host mucosal innate peptides used by Lactobacilli as amino acid sources. Nat Commun. 2022 Feb 28;13(1):1076. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-28724-8. PMID: 35228537; PMCID: PMC8885657.
Q.
Why does my vaginal discharge have an ammonia-like smell?
A.
An ammonia-like smell in vaginal discharge is often a sign that the natural balance of bacteria has changed, sometimes due to an infection such as bacterial vaginosis.
References:
Hay PE. Bacterial Vaginosis as a Mixed Infection. In: Brogden KA, Guthmiller JM, editors. Polymicrobial Diseases. Washington (DC): ASM Press; 2002. Chapter 7.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2495/
Nansel TR, Riggs MA, Yu KF, Andrews WW, Schwebke JR, Klebanoff MA. The association of psychosocial stress and bacterial vaginosis in a longitudinal cohort. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Feb;194(2):381-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.07.047. PMID: 16458633; PMCID: PMC2367104.
Mogilnicka I, Bogucki P, Ufnal M. Microbiota and Malodor-Etiology and Management. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 20;21(8):2886. doi: 10.3390/ijms21082886. PMID: 32326126; PMCID: PMC7215946.
Q.
Why does my vaginal discharge smell like urine?
A.
A discharge that smells like urine can be caused by urine mixing with your natural vaginal secretions or due to changes in the bacteria, such as in bacterial vaginosis.
References:
Sardas S, Akyol D, Green RL, Mellon T, Gökmen O, Cholerton S. Trimethylamine N-oxidation in Turkish women with bacterial vaginosis. Pharmacogenetics. 1996 Oct;6(5):459-63. doi: 10.1097/00008571-199610000-00010. PMID: 8946478.
Naicker D, Ramsuran V, Naicker M, Dessai F, Giandhari J, Tinarwo P, Abbai N. Strong correlation between urine and vaginal swab samples for bacterial vaginosis. S Afr J Infect Dis. 2021 Jun 17;36(1):199. doi: 10.4102/sajid.v36i1.199. PMID: 34485489; PMCID: PMC8377811.
Lewis AL, Gilbert NM. Roles of the vagina and the vaginal microbiota in urinary tract infection: evidence from clinical correlations and experimental models. GMS Infect Dis. 2020 Mar 26;8:Doc02. doi: 10.3205/id000046. PMID: 32373427; PMCID: PMC7186798.
Q.
Can yellow vaginal discharge without odor still be a cause for concern?
A.
Yellow vaginal discharge without odor is often not a serious problem, but if it lasts or comes with other symptoms, it may need a healthcare check.
References:
Kelly KG. Tests on Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 179.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK288/
Superti F, De Seta F. Warding Off Recurrent Yeast and Bacterial Vaginal Infections: Lactoferrin and Lactobacilli. Microorganisms. 2020 Jan 17;8(1):130. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8010130. PMID: 31963487; PMCID: PMC7023241.
Sheppard C. Treatment of vulvovaginitis. Aust Prescr. 2020 Dec;43(6):195-199. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2020.055. Epub 2020 Dec 1. PMID: 33363301; PMCID: PMC7738700.
Q.
Does white creamy discharge with no smell indicate an infection?
A.
White creamy discharge with no smell is often normal, but sometimes it can be a sign of a yeast infection if other symptoms appear.
References:
Kelly KG. Tests on Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 179. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK288/
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) [Updated 2022 Apr 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
Alenizy HK, AlQahtani MH, Aleban SA, Almuwallad RI, Binsuwaidan LA, Alabdullah DW, Althomali AE. Knowledge and Practice Regarding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Among Adolescent Females in Riyadh City: An Observational Study. Cureus. 2024 Mar 22;16(3):e56719. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56719. PMID: 38650786; PMCID: PMC11034890.
Q.
Is it normal to have white creamy discharge before my period starts?
A.
Yes, white creamy discharge before your period is usually normal, as it is part of the natural changes in your body related to hormones.
References:
Eschenbach DA, Thwin SS, Patton DL, Hooton TM, Stapleton AE, Agnew K, Winter C, Meier A, Stamm WE. Influence of the normal menstrual cycle on vaginal tissue, discharge, and microflora. Clin Infect Dis. 2000 Jun;30(6):901-7. doi: 10.1086/313818. Epub 2000 Jun 13. PMID: 10852812.
Schwebke JR, Weiss H. Influence of the normal menstrual cycle on vaginal microflora. Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Jan 15;32(2):325. doi: 10.1086/318464. PMID: 11170935.
Chen Y, Bruning E, Rubino J, Eder SE. Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage. Womens Health (Lond). 2017 Dec;13(3):58-67. doi: 10.1177/1745505717731011. Epub 2017 Sep 22. PMID: 28934912; PMCID: PMC7789027.
Q.
Is white vaginal discharge a sign of a healthy cycle?
A.
Yes, white vaginal discharge can be a normal and healthy part of the menstrual cycle.White vaginal discharge often occurs throughout the menstrual cycle and is usually a good sign that your body is working the way it should. The vagina naturally produces fluids that help clean and protect it by washing away old cells and harmful bacteria. This kind of discharge can vary in thickness and color during different stages of the cycle.
References:
Bishop GB. Vaginal Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 172.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/
Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021 Jun. 8, VAGINAL DISCHARGE SYNDROME. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572663/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572663/
Dorjey Y, Wangmo D, Tshomo D. Assessment of excessive vaginal discharge among women who presented to Phuentsholing General Hospital: A hospital-based study. Health Sci Rep. 2022 Sep 1;5(5):e793. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.793. PMID: 36090622; PMCID: PMC9436175.
Q.
What could be the reasons for experiencing thick white vaginal discharge?
A.
Thick white vaginal discharge is often seen with a yeast infection, but it can also occur from normal changes or other types of irritation.
References:
Venugopal S, Gopalan K, Devi A, Kavitha A. Epidemiology and clinico-investigative study of organisms causing vaginal discharge. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2017 Jan-Jun;38(1):69-75. doi: 10.4103/0253-7184.203433. PMID: 28442807; PMCID: PMC5389219.
Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020 Jun;61(6):297-301. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2020088. PMID: 32754764; PMCID: PMC7905126.
Updated 2025 Jan 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470302/
Q.
Why does my vaginal discharge have a noticeable odor?
A.
A noticeable odor in vaginal discharge is often linked to an imbalance in the vagina’s natural bacteria, such as seen with bacterial vaginosis.
References:
Eschenbach DA, Hillier S, Critchlow C, Stevens C, DeRouen T, Holmes KK. Diagnosis and clinical manifestations of bacterial vaginosis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1988 Apr;158(4):819-28. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(88)90078-6. PMID: 3259075.
Bilardi JE, Walker S, Temple-Smith M, McNair R, Mooney-Somers J, Bellhouse C, Fairley CK, Chen MY, Bradshaw C. The burden of bacterial vaginosis: women's experience of the physical, emotional, sexual and social impact of living with recurrent bacterial vaginosis. PLoS One. 2013 Sep 11;8(9):e74378. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074378. PMID: 24040236; PMCID: PMC3770676.
John N, Rahima S, Raji TK, Santhosh P, Kidangazhiathmana A, Sukumarakurup S. Clinicoetiological study on vaginal discharge among sexually active women attending a tertiary center in North Kerala, India. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2023 Jan-Jun;44(1):1-5. doi: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_65_21. Epub 2022 Dec 9. PMID: 37457531; PMCID: PMC10343118.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1