• What Can Be Considered “Normal Vaginal Discharge” or “Leukorrhea”?
• What Does the Color of the Discharge Tell Us?
• Common Irregular Vaginal Discharge Linked to Infections
• At Which Point Should You Seek Medical Attention?

What Can Be Considered “Normal Vaginal Discharge” or “Leukorrhea”?

Vaginal discharge (medically known as leukorrhea), refers to the natural secretions that are released from a woman’s vagina. These secretions are responsible for lubrication and the prevention of infection. The type, color, and volume of discharge varies from person to person, as well as time based on the individual’s menstrual cycle. However, vaginal discharge generally follows this timeline:

• Days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle: The time when menstrual bleeding takes place
• Days 6-14 of the menstrual cycle: Discharge is  generally, usually milky white or yellowish in color, and rather sticky in consistency
• Days 14-25 of the menstrual cycle: Discharge is influenced by ovulation therefore smooth and runny (similar in texture and color to egg whites) initially and then returns to the former milky white or yellowish color once ovulation is complete
• Days 25-28 of the menstrual cycle: Discharge reduce and halt altogether as the monthly menstrual bleeding begins

 

What Does the Color of the Discharge Tell Us?

• Various shades of red: Bleeding begins at each menstrual cycle, which usually takes place approximately every 28 days or between 21-35 days for some women, and lasts around 3 to 5 days. However, if there is vaginal bleeding at times outside menstruation, medical attention should be immediately sought
• Various shades of white: Any color between white to pale yellow is considered normal; however, should there be any accompanying irregular signs or symptoms present, such as a foul smell, itchiness, or thick clumps, excessive discharge amounts or vaginal pain. Anything that is outside of an individual’s normal is reason enough to seek medical attention to ensure there is no sign of infection or need for treatment
• Various shades of yellow and green: Saturated yellow, pale green, or saturate green coloration of the discharge could mean a bacterial infection or potentially a sexually transmitted infection. Medical attention should be immediately sought should these colors be present, especially in cases where the discharge is frothy, sticky, or has an intense pungent odor
• Transparent: This is normal. The discharge is generally clear or pale white, smooth to the touch much like egg whites
• Various shades of gray: Grayish coloration is a clear sign of a vaginal bacterial infection — especially when other symptoms are also present such as a pungent odor, itchiness, irritation, and redness at the opening of the vagina. Should any of these symptoms be present, medical attention should be sought immediately

 

Common Irregular Vaginal Discharge Linked to Infections

Vaginal infections will generally present with specific vaginal discharge and accompanying symptoms; however, although Health Care Providers can often diagnose based on symptoms and patient assessment alone, confirmatory testing may be required. If you are treated and the symptoms do not resolve in 2-3 days return to be seen for further testing. The 3 most common disorders related to irregular discharge are: