Changes in vaginal discharge can be worrying. A new smell, unusual colour, itching, burning or pain may be caused by a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV), an STI or another vaginal infection. Learn what may be causing your symptoms, when you should get tested and how to get treatment confidentially.
A brief description on different types of vaginal discharge and possible causes.
Often completely normal but white discharge can sometimes be caused by a yeast infection.
May be a sign of an infection or a sexually transmitted infection that needs treatment.
A fishy smell is commonly due to bacterial vaginosis (BV) infection.
This commonly happens with yeast infections (thrush).
May be caused by UTIs, STIs or other vaginal infections.
Pain together with unusual discharge could mean you have a pelvic infection and needs urgent medical check.
Many different conditions can cause vaginal discharge. Some are harmless while others require treatment.
This is a common STI that may cause yellow-green discharge with a bad smell and itching.
Many women with chlamydia infection have no symptoms, while others notice discharge, bleeding after sex or lower abdominal pain.
Gonorrhea can cause vaginal discharge, burning when urinating and pelvic discomfort.
Candidiasis or yeast infection often causes thick white discharge and itching.
A common cause of grey discharge with a fishy smell, especially after sex.
Hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy or ovulation can also change vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge is often harmless, but the situations below usually mean it is time to seek medical advice.
✓ Your discharge suddenly changes colour
✓ It develops a strong or bad smell
✓ You have itching or irritation
✓ You feel burning or pain when you urinate
✓ Sex has become painful
✓ Your symptoms keep returning
✓ You recently had unprotected sex
✓ Your sexual partner has an infection
✓ You have a new sexual partner
✓ You have discharge plus lower abdominal pain
✓ You have sores, blisters or genital warts
✓ You have severe lower abdominal pain
✓ You develop a fever
✓ You are vomiting
✓ You have heavy vaginal bleeding
✓ Your pain is becoming worse very quickly
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Learn what may be causing your discharge and whether testing is recommended.
Find out which STI or vaginal infection tests may be appropriate for your symptoms.
Already have your laboratory results? We can help you understand what they mean.
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This table is only a guide. A proper diagnosis may require testing.
| Symptom | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| White discharge | Normal discharge, yeast infection |
| Yellow discharge | STI, bacterial infection |
| Green discharge | Gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis |
| Grey discharge | Bacterial vaginosis (BV) |
| Thick discharge | Yeast infection |
| Fishy smell | Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis |
| Burning when urinating | UTI, gonorrhoea, chlamydia |
| Pelvic pain | Pelvic infection, STI |
Quick answers to common concerns about vaginal discharge.
No. Vaginal discharge is a normal part of vaginal health. It often changes during your menstrual cycle. However, a new smell, unusual colour, itching, pain or burning may indicate an infection that should be assessed.
You should seek medical advice if your discharge becomes yellow, green or grey, smells unpleasant, is associated with itching, pain, fever, pelvic pain or follows unprotected sex.
Yes. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis can all cause abnormal vaginal discharge. Testing is the best way to know for sure.
BV is one of the commonest causes of grey discharge with a fishy smell. It is not always sexually transmitted but usually requires treatment.
Yeast infections commonly cause thick white discharge together with itching and irritation.
Testing is recommended if you recently had unprotected sex, your symptoms refuse to go away, you have a new sexual partner or your partner has been diagnosed with an STI.
Talk privately with a senior doctor and get trusted advice about vaginal discharge, STI testing and treatment.
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