Vaginal discharge remains one of the most taboo subjects in women’s health. Every vagina produces discharge as a normal and healthy bodily function. However, many people feel uncomfortable talking about this fluid, even with their doctors. Retailers also sell various products designed to disguise or prevent vaginal discharge, adding to the stigma.
The hush-hush nature of vaginal discharge can make it challenging to know if your body is normal. You might wonder if your discharge is an abnormal color or if there’s too much of it. You may also worry that this fluid could be a sign of disease. Below, we compare healthy and abnormal discharge and explain how to use pH test strips to tell the difference.
Understanding Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a clear or white fluid produced by the vagina, cervix, and uterus. This fluid is mostly made up of water, microorganisms, and dead cells. It travels through the reproductive tract and exits the body through the vaginal opening [1].
People with vaginas typically first notice discharge during puberty. This natural process keeps the vagina healthy by removing dead cells from the vaginal lining [1].
Discharge also lubricates the vagina and helps eliminate harmful bacteria and infection [2].
Vaginal discharge is normal. It is a natural bodily function that helps keep the vagina clean and free of infection.
What Is Normal Discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge is clear or varying shades of white. Its consistency often changes throughout the menstrual cycle as your hormones fluctuate. Most of the time, the discharge will feel gooey and have a thick consistency. During ovulation, it will get clearer, more watery, and stretchier [3].
Many other factors can affect vaginal discharge. For example, pregnant people often produce heavier and more clearly visible discharge. Contraceptives and sexual stimulation can also increase the quantity of vaginal discharge. By contrast, discharge typically decreases during menopause due to reduced estrogen levels [3].
It’s normal for your vagina to have a mild, tangy odor. However, your discharge shouldn’t smell bad or strong [1].
Signs of Abnormal Discharge
The symptoms of abnormal discharge vary based on the underlying cause. Here are a few common signs [2]:
Unusual texture: Clumpy or foamy discharge can be a sign of infection.
Dark color: Abnormal discharge may look brown, green, gray, or dark yellow.
Strong odor: An unpleasant, fishy, or overpowering smell is abnormal.
Change in quantity: Watch out for a sudden increase in vaginal discharge.
Abnormal discharge may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as [3]:
Dysuria: You feel a burning or stinging sensation in your urethra when you urinate.
Intermenstrual bleeding: Your vagina bleeds in between your regular menstrual periods.
Itchiness: Your vulva or vagina feels itchy or irritated. This sensation may be continuous or intermittent.
Pelvic pain: You feel soreness or pain below your belly button or between your hip bones.
Postcoital bleeding: Your vagina bleeds after sexual intercourse.
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms. They can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), urinary tract infections (UTI), and other conditions [3, 4].
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. This infection affects an estimated 30% of American women aged 14 to 49 [5]. BV is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora. Your vagina is home to a complex microbiome filled with naturally occurring bacteria called Lactobacilli and other organisms. These good bacteria help balance your vagina’s pH levels and maintain its overall health [5]. Most BV infections occur when this normal flora gets taken over by another species, namely Gardnerella vaginalis. This species produces a biofilm that makes it easier for more harmful bacteria to colonize the vagina and overpower the Lactobacilli [5].
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition in women caused by an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis, which disrupts the normal balance of microorganisms in the vagina.
Common symptoms of BV include [6]:
Increased quantities of vaginal discharge
Fishy or foul-smelling discharge
Thin discharge
Gray or milky white discharge
Pain or burning sensation while urinating
Pain during or after sexual intercourse
Itching and redness
Swelling and fluid retention in the vulvar tissue
However, many women with BV don’t experience any symptoms. Asymptomatic cases are particularly dangerous because untreated BV increases the risk of contracting STIs. This condition also doubles the risk of preterm delivery and increases the risk of spontaneous abortion by three to five times [5]:
An at-home BV test lets you measure the pH levels in your vaginal fluid. A pH level of 4.5 or higher can indicate bacterial vaginosis.
Like BV, yeast infections occur due to disruptions in the vaginal microbiome. This condition typically develops when the yeast Candida albicans overgrows in the vaginal membranes. This fungus causes an imbalance in the natural flora, leading to an infection [7].
Many factors can contribute to the development of a yeast infection, including [7]:
Changes in hormone levels caused by pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or hormone therapy
Antibiotics
Stress
Wearing tight, synthetic fabrics
Abnormal discharge is one of the hallmarks of a yeast infection. This condition often causes a whitish-yellowish discharge with a clumpy or watery consistency. You may also experience itchy genitals, inflamed labia, and pain during urination [7].
A yeast infection causes abnormal vaginal pH levels of 3.8 to 4.4. An at-home yeast infection test kit can help you detect this change.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. This infection affects approximately 1.8% to 3.2% of women [8].
Trichomonas gets passed between partners during sexual intercourse. The organism lives in the urogenital tract and damages the epithelial lining [8].
The symptoms of trichomoniasis in women include [8]:
Yellow or green vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
Painful intercourse
More frequent urination
Burning or stinging during urination
Itchy vulva
A vaginal pH test can help diagnose trichomoniasis. This condition causes a pH of 4.5 or higher.
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The Importance of At-Home Vaginal pH Tests
Vaginal pH test strips are a fast and convenient way to monitor your vaginal discharge. A healthy vagina has a mildly acidic pH level ranging from 3.8 to 4.5. A higher pH can indicate BV or trichomoniasis.
The Vaginox pH test kit gives clinical-grade results in only 30 seconds. The process is simple:
Use a sterile swab to collect a sample of your vaginal fluid.
Rub the sample on the pH test pad.
Wait for 30 seconds.
Compare the test pad with the color key to determine your pH level.
An at-home vaginal test kit offers many benefits. These strips are more affordable than professional tests from a healthcare provider. You can use them to determine if your vaginal discharge is normal or if you have a problem that may require additional medical treatment.
pH test strips also give you peace of mind. You might be concerned about the color, quantity, or smell of your vaginal discharge. A test strip gives answers much faster than waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
How To Prevent Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Your vagina needs to produce fluid to function properly, so you can’t eliminate healthy discharge. However, these natural remedies to restore pH balance will help you avoid abnormal discharge:
Take vaginal vitamins. Over-the-counter vitamins may help balance your vaginal microbiome and promote the growth of healthy bacteria. Look for vaginal health vitamins that contain Lactobacillus. These probiotics fight harmful bacteria and help maintain a healthy pH level.
Choose breathable fabrics. Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers can reduce the risk of developing yeast infections [7].
Use barrier contraception. Condoms can help prevent the spread of trichomoniasis and other STIs that cause unhealthy vaginal discharge [8].
Drink water. Staying hydrated helps your vagina produce enough fluid to cleanse dead cells and stay lubricated.
You should also visit your gynecologist regularly to monitor your vaginal health and detect any changes in your discharge. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends annual visits for all women [1].
Common Myths and Misconceptions
The stigma surrounding vaginal health has led to many harmful misconceptions. Here are two myths that can negatively impact your health:
Myth 1: Frequent douching keeps the vagina healthy - According to a 2020 study, douching is associated with a higher rate of vaginal infection. Women who douche are also less likely to have normal vaginal flora [9].
Myth 2: Vaginal cleansing products are healthy - Vaginal deodorants, fragrance sprays, and wipes can cause more harm than good. These products may increase the risk of BV, UTIs, STIs, ovarian cancer, and other disorders [10].
Monitor Your Vaginal Discharge With Vaginox
The Vaginox vaginal pH balance test helps diagnose Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Trichomoniasis (Trich), and Vaginal Yeast Infections.
Changes in your vaginal discharge are often subtle and easy to overlook. Be proactive about your vaginal health by monitoring your pH levels at home. Diagnox’s simple vaginal pH balance test gives you clinical results from the privacy of your bathroom. You can use this test to monitor your health and have more knowledge the next time you discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.
References
[1]A COG Staff, “Vulvovaginal Health,” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. [Accessed April 22, 2024].
Charisse Cartin is a talented and dedicated editor who has contributed significantly to this blog.
The blog was also reviewed by the Diagnox content team. Diagnox Staff consists of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, content writers, and healthcare professionals with an expertise to create and review high-quality, informative, accurate, and easy-to-understand content for both professionals and everyday readers. Our staff follows strict guidelines to ensure the credibility and authenticity of the information, reviewing them independently and verifying them by various scientific and technical sources to ensure accuracy. Our review team believes in delivering knowledge free from bias to improve public health and well-being.
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