Most women experience vaginal discharge at some point over the course of their lives. Some types of discharge are caused by normal bodily processes, while others can be a sign of infection. Abnormal vaginal discharge can generally be recognized by a change in color or consistency that makes it look different from the normal discharge a woman is used to seeing. Visual aspects of vaginal discharge are a good clue as to determining the particular cause. However, for a definitive diagnosis of the specific cause, lab tests or microscopic inspection of the discharge is necessary.
Hormonal Changes
Normal vaginal discharge is caused by hormonal changes in the cervix. Just before a woman's fertile period, it usually changes from creamy and white to clear with the consistency of egg whites. This type of vaginal discharge is created by the cervix in response to the changes in hormone levels over the course of the menstrual cycle.
Yeast Infection
The vaginal discharge from a yeast infection typically appears white and lumpy, with a consistency like cottage cheese. Yeast infections are the result of an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which is normally present at low levels in the vaginal tract. Overgrowth of yeast can have several causes, including hormonal changes such as those that occur during pregnancy, antibiotic use and the presence of diabetes. Medications to get rid of yeast infections are available over the counter or by prescription, and once the infection is gone, the discharge will cease.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of harmful anaerobic bacteria that crowds out the beneficial lactobacillus bacteria from the vagina. This overgrowing organism causes a vaginal secretion that looks white and smells alkaline or fishy. Antibiotic creams, gels or suppositories can be used to clear up the infection and get rid of vaginal discharge from bacterial vaginosis.
Trichomoniasis
A frothy vaginal discharge that is green or grey may be caused by trichomoniasis, a protozoan that can infect the vaginal tract. Trichomoniasis is sexually transmitted, so this type of vaginal discharge can only occur in sexually active individuals and is most apparent right after a woman's menstrual period. Vaginal discharge caused by Trichomoniasis may also be accompanied by itching and pain during urination. The underlying infection can be cleared using oral antibiotics, which generally stops the abnormal discharge.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, may cause a cloudy or yellow vaginal discharge. This discharge is frequently the only symptom people with gonorrhea exhibit. The responsible bacteria is Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea can be cured using antibiotics, which gets rid of the symptomatic discharge.
Polyps and Cancers
Benign polyps on the cervix or endometrium can cause an increase in vaginal discharge. Cervical cancer can also bring about cellular changes in the cervix that lead to vaginal discharge. These abnormalities of the cervix or endometrium will typically produce a discharge that looks like normal vaginal discharge but may be present in greater amounts.
