Some types of vaginal discharge and what they mean
A brief description on different types of vaginal discharge and possible causes.
White or clear discharge
Often completely normal but white discharge can sometimes be caused by a yeast infection.
Yellow or green discharge
May be a sign of an infection or a sexually transmitted infection that needs treatment.
Discharge with fishy smell
A fishy smell is commonly due to bacterial vaginosis (BV) infection.
Thick discharge with itching
This commonly happens with yeast infections (thrush).
Discharge plus pain when urinating
May be caused by UTIs, STIs or other vaginal infections.
Discharge plus lower abdominal pain
Pain together with unusual discharge could mean you have a pelvic infection and needs urgent medical treatment.
Common conditions in Nigeria that can cause vaginal discharge
Many different conditions can cause vaginal discharge. Some are harmless while others require treatment.
Trichomoniasis
This is a common STI that may cause yellow-green discharge with a bad smell and itching.
Chlamydia
Many women with chlamydia infection have no symptoms, while others notice discharge, bleeding after sex or lower abdominal pain.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can cause vaginal discharge, burning when urinating and pelvic discomfort.
Yeast infection
Candidiasis or yeast infection often causes thick white discharge and itching.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
A common cause of grey discharge with a fishy smell, especially after sex.
Normal hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy or ovulation can also change vaginal discharge.
When should you get checked?
Vaginal discharge is often harmless, but the situations below usually mean it is time to seek medical advice.
Get tested if...
✓ 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
Consider STI testing if...
✓ 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
Seek urgent medical care if...
✓ 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
How SRHN by Vaedoc can help
Confidential online sexual health care from experienced Nigerian doctors.
Understand your symptoms
Learn what may be causing your discharge and whether testing is recommended.
Testing guidance
Find out which STI or vaginal infection tests may be appropriate for your symptoms.
Explain your results
Already have your laboratory results? We can help you understand what they mean.
Treatment support
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Common discharge changes and possible causes
This table is only a guide.
| 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 |
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common concerns about vaginal discharge.
Is vaginal discharge always abnormal?
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.
When should I worry about vaginal discharge?
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.
Could this be an STI?
Yes. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis can all cause abnormal vaginal discharge. Testing is the best way to know for sure.
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
BV is one of the commonest causes of grey discharge with a fishy smell. It is not always sexually transmitted but usually requires treatment.
What is it is a yeast infection?
Yeast infections commonly cause thick white discharge together with itching and irritation.
When should I go for test?
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.