A Colour Guide To All Types Of Vaginal Discharge

$ 6.99 · 5 (563) · In stock

Vaginal discharge might sometimes annoy you, but your vaginal fluids (the type, colour, and quantity) can tell you crucial things about your health.
Light Brown Or Dark Brown
If you recently — within the last three-ish days — finished your period, you might notice one or two days of light brown or dark brown spotting, Dr. Millheiser says. This is totally normal: It’s simply your uterus shedding the last of its lining. The reason for the darker colour compared to your period? It’s older, oxidised blood mixed with cervical mucus.
Whitish & Thin
After your period ends and until ovulation, you may notice a little bit of discharge that is thin and whiter in colour. You may also not notice any discharge at all. Both are typical.
Clear & Thick
After ovulation and up until a few days before your period is due, you may have clear, but thicker discharge. Typically the amount of discharge you see is lighter compared to when you were ovulating.
Brown Spotting That Doesn’t Stop
“If you’re on birth control, breakthrough spotting is likely because the hormone concentration of your birth control is either too high or too low and may need to be adjusted. Or, if you’re on a new formulation, your body may just need a few months to adjust, Dr. Millheiser says. “If it’s possible that you could be pregnant, spotting in the days leading up to your expected period (and for up to two weeks after) could be a sign of implantation bleeding — when the fertilised egg implants in the uterus.”

If you’re not on hormonal birth control and there’s no chance you could be pregnant, brown spotting throughout your cycle could be a symptom of an abnormal growth, either a benign fibroid or endometrial cancer, Dr. Millheiser says. While cancer is rare in premenopausal women, it does occur and you should get an appointment ASAP if the spotting is continuous.
Green & Frothy
You might not notice the frothy part, but it’s hard to miss discharge that’s green. Green discharge combined with vaginal irritation is typically a sign of an STI known as trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite, Dr. Millheiser says. Treatment involves oral antibiotics for both you and your partner.