Vaginal discharge is nothing to be embarrassed about, no matter how out of the ordinary it may seem.
From pink to yellow, green and white, the vagina’s fluid can be a signal for what’s going on inside.
Most of the time, a clear or white substance is harmless. But other consistencies, colours and smells can order a trip to the GP.
An unusual discharge could be an easily treatable and common infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, a doctor has revealed.
But in other cases, unusual discharge may be an underlying sign of cervical cancer or even pregnancy.
Vaginal discharge is nothing to be embarrassed about, no matter how out of the ordinary it may seem. From pink to yellow, green and white, the vagina’s fluid can be a signal for what’s going on inside
Dr Kathryn Basford, a GP in London from online pharmacy Zava, has commented on what different vaginal discharge colours say about your health.
She told MailOnline: ‘Every woman and their body is different.
‘So a lighter but not unpleasant smelling discharge could be normal for some women at different times in their menstrual cycle.
‘However, if the discharge becomes foul or fishy smelling then something may be amiss.
‘A fishy smell can be one of the biggest indicators of infection, specifically bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections including gonorrhea and chlamydia.
‘It’s important for women to listen when their body is talking to them, so if there is a noticeable difference in the smell of their vaginal discharge, the next step would be to seek medical attention.’
A change in the colour of discharge is often the first sign of a of infection or similar.
But there are other symptoms to look out for which may help understand the severity of the change.
While a white discharge is healthy in most cases, if it is cloudy and thick it could be a yeast infection, usually paired with swelling, itching, and painful sex if it is thrush.
Yeast infections, which also include bacterial vaginosis, characterised by a grey, fishy smelling discharge, are very common in women.
They can be treated with over-the-counter medication or antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
A green or yellow discharge with either a fishy or bad odour are often the first signs of STIs gonorrhea, trichomaniasis and chlamydia, which can have complications if they are not treated quickly.
Red discharge, although predominately blood from menstruation, can be a sign of infections or even cancer when other symptoms are present, too.
Pelvic pain, inflammation, bleeding inbetween periods or after sex could indicate cervical infection, polyps or an STI.
That goes the same for reddish or light brown discharge, although this may be spotting between periods.
In the worst case scenario, a diagnosis of endometrial or cervical cancer could follow the discovery of red or brown discharge.
The most common symptom of womb cancer, including endometrial or uterine, and cervical cancer is vaginal bleeding that is unusual for the woman.
It’s important to attend cervical screening, previously known as a smear test, when invited by the NHS if you live in the UK.