Contrary to some popular opinion, vaginal discharge is absolutely normal; it shows that your vaginal tissues are healthy and functioning properly. However, when the discharge is another color other than white or off-white it may mean something different.

You may have reached that point where you looked at your panties in the bathroom, saw a weird color discharge, and wondered if everything was okay or if it was normal. Some of these colors are normal, while others are a sign that something is off.  We are here to tell you all about vaginal discharge colors and what they mean.

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Vaginal discharge colors and their meaning

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Red

The shade of red varies from bright red to dark rust. Red vaginal discharge indicates bleeding from the uterus which normally occurs during one’s period. It’s the shedding of the uterine lining in the absence of pregnancy. Menstruation typically happens once every 28 days on an average, with normal menstrual cycle length varying from 21-35 days and a period lasting for 3-5 days. 

If you experience bleeding between periods, it’s a sign for you to visit your health care professional as it may be an indication of an underlying serious condition. For menopausal women who haven’t seen their periods for over a year, bleeding may indicate endometrial cancer. 

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White

Vaginal discharge may be anything from pure white to cream to light yellow. If there are no other symptoms, white discharge may be a sign of healthy lubrication. However, if the white discharge has other symptoms like a cheese-like consistency with a strong odor, it indicates an infection. Also, white thick smelling discharge indicates a strong yeast infection and is accompanied by itching and irritation. 

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Yellow-Green

If your discharge has a slight yellow discoloration, it may be normal for you.  A color change may be a result of a change in diet or supplements. However, if accompanied by other symptoms, like itching and a strong smell, take note that something is wrong.  A discharge that is a darker shade of yellow or green usually signifies a bacterial infection or STI.

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Pink

The discharge may range from light blush pink to deep sunset pink. It indicates that there’s blood in the discharge and it’s referred to as spotting. It may be a sign of implantation bleeding; that I when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of your uterus. Some people may experience spotting after penetrative sex. Discharge can also be pink if the sexual intercourse caused tears or irritation in the vagina or cervix.

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Gray

Storm or exhaust gray is a strong sign of bacterial vaginosis, an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. If you’re familiar with the color of your discharge and you suddenly notice a change in color to grayish-white or storm gray, see a doctor for examination and treatment immediately. Other symptoms associated with bacterial vaginosis include itching, irritation, strong odor, redness of the vulva, and vagina opening.

Bacterial vaginosis is one the most vital type of vaginal infection. So, combined with your doctor's prescription, adding Yoni pearls to your treatment routine will promote faster and better healing. 

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Clear

Normal vaginal discharge is clear in color or whitish. It’s also slippery with the same consistency as egg whites. Expect to see clear vaginal discharge during ovulation, sexual arousal, and pregnancy.

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When to see the doctor

If you’re worried about the color of your vaginal discharges, then chances are high that something is wrong. Moreover, there are often symptoms that follow abnormal discharge colors to let you know that something is wrong. 

Some of these symptoms are itching, soreness and redness of the vulva and vaginal opening, painful urination, strong odor, and discharge that is frothy and cheese-like. Visit your doctor when you notice all of these for treatment and relief. To prevent any of these vaginal infections from happening in the first place, you have to amplify your vagina care techniques.

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