Understanding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Doctor Manoharan is a highly experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist with 23 years of expertise, including over a decade at the tertiary level. She specializes in high-risk pregnancies and has extensive experience managing diabetes and complex medical conditions. With a specialist interest in Fetal & Maternal Medicine, she is certified in early pregnancy ultrasound and accredited in colposcopy. She now works at Integra Healthcare, where she prioritizes a woman-centred, holistic approach, ensuring compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s needs.

__

Vaginal discharge is a natural and essential part of female reproductive health. While it plays a vital role in maintaining vaginal cleanliness and preventing infections, changes in its appearance, consistency, or odour may indicate an underlying issue. Understanding what is normal and recognising the signs of abnormal discharge can help you take timely action to protect your health. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for abnormal vaginal discharge.

What Is Normal Vaginal Discharge?

In most cases, vaginal discharge is not only normal but also essential for maintaining vaginal health. It serves as a natural mechanism for flushing out fluids, cells, and bacteria, keeping the vaginal tissues healthy, lubricated, and protected from infections. Women begin producing vaginal discharge around the onset of menstruation and continue throughout their reproductive years.

The appearance and consistency of vaginal discharge naturally vary throughout the menstrual cycle. Normal discharge typically:

• Is white or clear in colour
• Has a slight odour (but does not smell strong or unpleasant)
• May leave a white or yellowish mark on underwear

However, not all vaginal discharge is considered healthy. Changes in colour, texture, or odour may indicate an infection requiring medical attention.

Signs of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is considered abnormal if:

• It is green, yellow, or grey
• It has a strong, unpleasant odour, possibly fishy or yeasty
• It is thick and chunky
• It appears foamy or frothy
• It is brown or bloody

If you notice any of these changes, it may signal an infection or another underlying health issue. It is important to seek medical advice, particularly if these changes are accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, frequent urination, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.

Should You Be Concerned?

While abnormal vaginal discharge often indicates an infection, many causes are treatable. Some common conditions linked to abnormal discharge include:

Yeast Infection

A yeast infection typically causes thick, white, and chunky vaginal discharge, often accompanied by itching, swelling, and discomfort during intercourse.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), can cause vaginal discharge to become cloudy or yellow. Other symptoms include pelvic pain, urinary discomfort, and bleeding between periods.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often resulting from untreated gonorrhoea or chlamydia. It can also stem from non-STI-related infections. Symptoms include abnormal, foul-smelling discharge, abdominal pain, back pain, fever, vomiting, and genital itching or bleeding.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It often leads to yellow or greenish, frothy vaginal discharge with a strong odour. Other symptoms may include pain and itching during urination.

Bacterial Vaginosis

This bacterial infection can cause vaginal discharge to become white, grey, or yellow, accompanied by a characteristic fishy odour. Additional symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and burning around the vagina and vulva.

Irregular Menstruation

Brown or bloody discharge can result from irregular menstrual cycles. In rare cases, it may indicate endometrial or cervical cancer.

Potential Complications of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

While itching and odours can be unpleasant, the underlying causes of abnormal vaginal discharge may be more serious.

In most cases, the issue stems from a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis—both minor but uncomfortable infections that require medical treatment. However, abnormal discharge can also be a symptom of STIs such as gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis, which necessitate medication. Less commonly, brown or bloody discharge may signal cervical cancer.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to complications. Seeking medical attention is crucial, especially if abnormal discharge is accompanied by:

• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss

At the Women’s Health Suite at Grand Pavilion, Grand Cayman, our highly experienced OBGYN team specialises in diagnosing and treating female sexual health concerns.

Diagnosing Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Your doctor will assess your symptoms through a consultation and diagnostic tests to determine the cause of abnormal vaginal discharge.

Initial Consultation

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and sexual activity. They will inquire about the colour, smell, and texture of the discharge and any accompanying symptoms.

Pelvic Examination

A pelvic exam allows the doctor to visually and manually assess the reproductive organs, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, and uterus. Many infections can be detected during this examination.

Additional Diagnostic Tests

Further testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may:

• Take a sample of the discharge for lab analysis
• Perform a Pap test, which involves collecting cervical cells to check for HPV or cervical cancer

Treatment for Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor may prescribe oral medications, topical creams, or further testing to address the condition effectively.

Book a Consultation

At the Women’s Health Suite at Grand Pavilion, Grand Cayman, our OBGYN team is dedicated to providing expert care for women’s sexual and reproductive health. If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge or have concerns about your reproductive health, it is essential to seek medical advice. Book a consultation with Dr. Madhavi Manoharan today for expert diagnosis and treatment. Click here or call (345) 745 7450 to schedule an appointment.