Vaginal discharge

Our Specialists:

• Dr Ashfaq Khan

 An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.

 Blood stained discharge (could be sign of cancer specially if you are in menopause).

 A change in the colour of the discharge.

 A foul-smelling odour

 A change in texture or consistency of the discharge.

 Irritation, itching or pain in or around your vagina.

Possible causes for your condition

Yeast infection (Thrush)

Produces a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. Your vagina may swell and be itchy, and sex may be painful. It is caused by over growth of a fungus known as Candida

Trichomoniasis or “trich”

A sexually transmitted parasite causes trichomoniasis. It makes your vaginal discharge green, yellow or grey and bubbly or frothy.

Bacterial vaginosis or BV

White or grey discharge that's foul-smelling and fishy. It can be transmitted through sexual contact but not always.

Gonorrhoea and chlamydia

You may notice cloudy, yellow or green vaginal discharge. If left untreated, the infection may spread, causing PID, infertility. These are sexually transmitted disease.

Ureaplasma / Mycoplasma

These are weak sexually transmitted infection that can cause vagina discharge.

Allergic reaction

This could be from detergents, soaps, sexual lubricants or materials used in condoms or sex toys.

If you forget to remove vaginal tampon or Menstrual cup

Physiological (natural) discharge

Usually produced during ovulation or pregnancy

Other causes of vaginal discharges

 After Menopause due to low oestrogen

 Cervical polyps: sometimes polyps on the neck of the womb (cervix) can cause a vaginal discharge.

 Ectopy / ectropion: Skin over the neck of the womb can become more fragile, and lead to more vaginal discharge.

 Cancer: some cancers such as cancer of the womb and cervical cancer can also cause a vaginal discharge.

 Skin conditions: some skin conditions such as dermatitis and lichen planus can also cause a vaginal discharge.