Vaginal discharge is a very common and completely normal occurrence that can strike at any age.
The NHS explains that the term refers to fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, protecting it from infection.
However, Dr Simi Adedeji, a womenâs health and wellbeing expert, shared on her YouTube channel that itâs important to pay attention to any changes as discharge that itâs unusual for you could be a sign of a health problem.
Therefore, the doctor explained what different colours of vaginal discharge could mean.
1.Yellow green
According to the doctor, this type of discharge is ânot normalâ and should ring alarm bells.
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https://www.youtube.com/embed/3jsUgrYBp-g?si=QYURh1g4SCvGzxW4
Yellow green vaginal discharge can be a symptom of sexually transmitted infection (STI), ranging from trichomoniasis to gonorrhoea.
âThe STI that characteristically gives frothy, yellow green vaginal discharge is trichomoniasis,â Dr Adedeji said in the video.
Mostly contracted through having sex without a condom, trichomoniasis is the âcommonest, non-viralâ STI, which is triggered by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Other symptoms this STI can trigger include fishy smell, burning and stinging when passing urine, sweeling and itching around vagina.Â
âIf you have got these symptoms, you need to go and get yourself checked out at a sexual health clinic,â the doctor added.
2. Red or pink
Red or pink vaginal discharge could be âcompletelyâ normal but itâs important to consider the whole picture.
The doctor said: âSo for example, if you are having a red or a pink discharge, around the time youâre expecting your period, then this could just be completely normal. It just means thereâs blood around.
âAnother time you can get pink or red discharge is shortly after sex – Iâm talking about the first 24 hours.â
However, some people can experience this type of discharge in between their periods which is called spotting and this could be a sign that itâs time to go and see your doctor, Dr Adedeji advised.
Red or pink discharge could be a sign of pregnancy, miscarriage as well as endometrial cancer if you have been through the menopause.
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3.White discharge
The expert said: âIf you have thick clumpy vaginal discharge, this is most likely to be thrush.â
While the yeast that triggers thrush usually lives harmlessly in your vagina, sometimes it can be uncomfortable.
Dr Adedeji said: âSometimes when thereâs just small amounts of thrush and itâs not causing you any symptoms, it doesnât necessarily need to be treated because, it can clean up by itself.â
However, you should treat it if youâre pregnant, the expert advised.
4. Grey discharge
According to the medical professional, grey vaginal discharge can raise a red flag for bacterial vaginosis.
While this is not an STI, it can hike your risk of catching an infection like chlamydia.
âIf you have this kind of discharge, please see your doctor because it can be treated,â the doctor said.
5.Clear discharge
Clear discharge is normal and it can have no smell, or it can have slightly acidic odour.
Dr Adedeji said: âIt varies in the amount of smell and consistency depending on where you are in your cycle.â
The good news is that this doesnât need any treatment, especially, if itâs not associated with any itching or burning.
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