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Alternative names Return to top
Discharge from the vaginaDefinition Return to top
Substances emitted from the vagina can vary in consistency (thick, pasty, thin), color (clear, cloudy), and smell (normal, odorless, bad odor).Considerations Return to top
Having some amount of vaginal discharge is normal, especially if you are of childbearing age. Glands in the cervix produce a clear mucus. These secretions may turn white or yellow when exposed to the air. These are all normal variations.
The amount of mucus produced by the cervical glands varies throughout the menstrual cycle. This is normal and depends on the amount of estrogen circulating in your body.
Vaginal discharge that suddenly differs in color, odor, or consistency, or significantly increases or decreases in amount, may indicate an underlying problem like an infection. If abnormal vaginal discharge is due to a sexually transmitted disease (STD), your sexual partner(s) will likely require treatment as well.
Common Causes Return to top
The following situations can increase the amount of normal vaginal discharge:
These conditions can lead to abnormal vaginal discharge:
Home Care Return to top
To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:
If the discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, your sexual partner (or partners) must be treated as well, even if they have no symptoms. Failure of partners to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection which may lead to a serious problem like infertility.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Call your doctor right away if:
Also call if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination including a pelvic exam.
Medical history questions may include:
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
Treatment depends on the underlying condition. Suppositories or creams may be ordered and antibiotics may be prescribed. Oral medication for fungus or Trichomonas may be used in difficult cases. Your sexual partner(s) may also need treatment.
Update Date: 10/31/2003 Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/14/2002).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |