6 Common Causes You May Get VAGINAL Discharge

Written and reviewed by
Fellowship in IUI, MS - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MBBS
Gynaecologist, Gurgaon  •  20 years experience
6 Common Causes You May Get VAGINAL Discharge

There are certain glands in the vaginal walls and uterine cervix of a woman, which cleanse the vagina by producing a small amount of fluid. This clear or milky white coloured vaginal discharge is normal for a healthy woman if it doesn’t smell unpleasant.

But if you observe that the colour, consistency, odour or amount of your vaginal discharge differs from usual, it may indicate an infection or a disease. 

Here are 6 common factors behind abnormal vaginal discharge:

1. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a medical condition characterised by agray discharge, which has a lingering fish-like odour. Moreover, if you experience irritation and burning sensation in the vagina, which is increased by intercourse, it’s a strong indication of bacterial vaginosis.

2. Yeast Infection

It often happens that your vaginal area’s natural bacterial balance is disturbed due to certain factors such as use of antibiotics, decreased immunity, stress, uncontrolled diabetes or consumption of excessive sugary foods. This results in yeast overgrowth in the vagina, known as simply yeast infection or candidiasis. It’s characterised by a thick and whitish-grey discharge from the vagina.

3. Gonorrhoea

Caused by the bacteria Neisseria Gonorrhoea, this sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection, which causes vaginal discharge of an intense odour. Other symptoms of this disease include feeling of pain while urinating, chills, fever and irregular discharge of menstrual fluids. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can transform into a pelvic inflammatory disease and can even lead to infertility.

4. Genital Herpes

Genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that leads to formation of small watery blisters on the vaginal area, and causes irritation, itching and pain while having intercourse or urinating, may also be the cause of a vaginal discharge of watery texture.

5. Atrophic Vaginitis

After menopause, there’s a considerable decrease in oestrogen levels of the body along with the occurrence of changes in tissues of the vaginal cavity. This medical condition, known as atrophic vaginitis, can lead to a watery vaginal discharge, which can sometimes get bloody. Some other symptoms of this disease are vaginal inflammation and thinning or atrophy of tissues.

6. Infected IUD

In some situations, it may happen that the intrauterine device (IUD- a form of contraceptive) inserted in the body of a woman can get infected. This results in a purulent discharge (pus) from the vagina. Getting the IUD removed as soon as possible is the best thing to be done in this situation.

3328 people found this helpful
Icon

Book appointment with top doctors for Vaginal Discharge treatment

View fees, clinic timings and reviews

Related Questions

Hi Dr, I have 14 months baby girl and married in March 2015 my prob...
63
I have got itching in my vagina from last few months also I m getti...
85
My vagina has swollen and its paining .there is also a lot itching ...
19
4 Months back I had a unprotected sexual inter course with my boyfr...
33
Sir please help me, mera mouth guthka khane se band hogya hai. Plea...
7
When I see girls boobs and butt my penis become long and bigger and...
5
Sir I have leukoplakia (white patches in my mouth) Its has been 20 ...
6
There is itching and pain in her private parts. She is pregnant and...
1
View all related questions

Related Health Tips

Uterine Prolapse - Things That Put You At Risk!
4221
Uterine Prolapse - Things That Put You At Risk!
International Women's Health Day - Ways To Take Care Of Yourself!
4825
International Women's Health Day - Ways To Take Care Of Yourself!
7 Best Homoeopathic Remedies For Vaginal Candidiasis!
5010
7 Best Homoeopathic Remedies For Vaginal Candidiasis!
Inflammation of The Vagina - Could it be Vaginitis?
4811
Inflammation of The Vagina - Could it be Vaginitis?
Dental Tips In Coronavirus!
5
Dental Tips In Coronavirus!
Vaginismus - Make Sex Less Painful For Your Lady!
7214
Vaginismus - Make Sex Less Painful For Your Lady!
Vaginal Infection - How Can it Be Treated with Home Remedies?
2412
Vaginal Infection - How Can it Be Treated with Home Remedies?
Whole Grain - Know More About It!
Whole Grain -  Know More About It!
View more health tips

To view more such exclusive content

Download Lybrate App Now

Get Add On ₹100 to consult India's best doctors