Vaginal Discharge Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
A certain amount of vaginal discharge (fluid that flows
out the vaginal opening) is normal. The vaginal walls and uterine cervix contain glands that
produce a small amount of fluid that helps to keep the vagina clean. This
normal fluid is usually clear or milky white and does not have an unpleasant
odor. The normal vaginal discharge is thicker at specific times of the menstrual cycle (at
the time of ovulation), during
breastfeeding, or during sexual arousal.
An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, an
abnormal odor or consistency of the fluid, or pain, itching, or burning that
accompanies vaginal discharge can all be signs of infection or other more serious disorders.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Vaginal Discharge
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Allergy
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...learn more »
In This Article
Allergy Article
- Allergy facts
- What does an allergy mean?
- What causes allergies?
- Who is at risk and why?
- What are common allergic conditions, and what are allergy symptoms and signs?
- Hay Fever
- Asthma
- Allergic Eyes
- Allergic Eczema
- Hives
- Allergic Shock
- Where are allergens? Everywhere
- In the air we breathe
- In what we ingest
- Touching our skin
- Injected into our body
-
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge resulting from an overgrowth of...learn more »
In This Article
Bacterial Vaginosis Article
- Bacterial vaginosis facts
- What is bacterial vaginosis?
- What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?
- What causes bacterial vaginosis?
- Is bacterial vaginosis contagious?
- How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?
- Are there home remedies for bacterial vaginosis?
- What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
- What are complications of bacterial vaginosis?
-
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous...learn more »
In This Article
Cervical Cancer Article
- Cervical cancer facts*
- What is the cervix?
- What is cancer?
- What are the risk factors and causes of
cervical cancer?
- What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
- How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
- How is staging of cervical cancer determined?
- What is the treatment for
cervical cancer?
- What are methods of treatment for cervical cancer?
- How do I go about getting a second opinion?
- What follow-up care is involved after cervical cancer treatment?
- What support, research, and clinical trials information
is available for cervical cancer patients?
-
Chlamydia In Women
Chlamydia, a type of bacteria that causes an infection, is spread through sexual contact. Most of the time, women with chlamydia...learn more »
In This Article
Chlamydia In Women Article
- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
- What is chlamydia?
- What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
- How is chlamydia diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for chlamydia?
- Chlamydia At A Glance
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Genital Warts (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted...learn more »
In This Article
Genital Warts (HPV) Article
- Genital warts (HPV) facts
- What are human papillomaviruses (HPVs)?
- How common is HPV infection?
- What are the symptoms of genital warts?
- How is HPV infection diagnosed?
- Is there a DNA test for types of HPV infection?
- How are genital warts diagnosed?
- How is infection with HPV treated?
- External genital warts
- Precancerous changes (dysplasia) of the uterine cervix
- Can HPV infection be prevented?
- What should one do if exposed to a person with genital warts?
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Gonorrhea In Women
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sexual contact. In women, symptoms include a yellow vaginal discharge,...learn more »
In This Article
Gonorrhea In Women Article
- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
- What is gonorrhea?
- What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
- How is gonorrhea diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for gonorrhea?
- Gonorrhea in Women At A Glance
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Menopause
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause...learn more »
In This Article
Menopause Article
- Menopause facts
- What is menopause?
- At what age does a woman typically reach menopause?
- What conditions can affect the timing of menopause?
- What are the symptoms of menopause?
- What are the complications and effects of menopause on chronic medical conditions?
- Are hormone levels or other blood tests helpful in detecting menopause?
- What are the treatment options for the symptoms of menopause?
- Hormone therapy for menopause
- Other medical therapies for menopause
- Alternative therapies for menopause
- Non-hormone therapies for menopause
- Lifestyle factors in managing menopause symptoms
-
In This Article
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Article
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) facts*
- What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
- What causes pelvic inflammatory disease?
- How common is pelvic inflammatory disease?
- Are some women more likely to get pelvic inflammatory disease?
- What are the signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease?
- How is pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosed?
- How is pelvic inflammatory disease treated?
- What if my partner is infected with pelvic inflammatory disease?
- Can pelvic inflammatory disease cause infertility?
- How can pelvic inflammatory disease be prevented?
- What should I do if I think I have an STI (sexually transmitted disease)?
-
In This Article
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) Article
- What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs)?
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Genital Herpes
- Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Genital Warts
- Chancroid
- Ectoparasitic Infections
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Conclusions
-
In This Article
Trichomoniasis (Vaginal Infection) Article
- Trichomoniasis facts*
- What is trichomoniasis and how do you get it?
- What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
- Is there a test for trichomoniasis?
- How is trichomoniasis treated?
- What happens if I don't get treated?
- Should I tell my partner if I have trichomoniasis?
- Does trichomoniasis cause problems during pregnancy?
- How is trichomoniasis prevented?
-
Vaginal Bleeding
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are...learn more »
In This Article
Vaginal Bleeding Article
- Vaginal bleeding facts
- What is normal vaginal bleeding?
- What is abnormal vaginal bleeding?
- What conditions cause abnormal vaginal bleeding in women
who are ovulating regularly?
- What conditions cause abnormal vaginal bleeding in
women who are not ovulating regularly or vaginal bleeding after menopause?
- What causes abnormal vaginal bleeding during or after
sexual intercourse?
- What causes abnormal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?
- What tests are used to evaluate abnormal vaginal bleeding?
- How is irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding treated?
-
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is fairly uncommon. There are two types of vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Risk...learn more »
In This Article
Vaginal Cancer Article
- What is vaginal cancer?
- What are causes and risk factors for vaginal cancer?
- What are symptoms and signs of vaginal cancer?
- What tests are used to diagnose vaginal cancer?
- What is the prognosis for vaginal cancer?
- How is staging determined for vaginal cancer?
- What is the treatment for vaginal cancer?
- Treatment options by stage
- Treatment options for recurrent vaginal cancer
- Where can I find more information about vaginal cancer?
-
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is any type of vaginal infection or inflammation. The six most common types of vaginitis are Candida (yeast...learn more »
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Women's Health
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and...learn more »
In This Article
Women's Health Article
- Introduction to Women's Health
- Women's General Health and Wellness
- Female Anatomy
- The Female Reproductive System
- Female Hormones
- Diseases More Common In Women
- Cancer In Women
- Women's Cosmetic Concerns
- Menstruation
- Sexuality
- Fertility, Birth Control and
Infertility
- Pregnancy
- Motherhood
- Menopause
- The Mature Woman - Post Menopause
-
Yeast Infection
Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and...learn more »
In This Article
Yeast Infection Article
- Vaginal yeast infection facts
- What is yeast?
- What is vaginitis?
- What is vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva)?
- What causes yeast infections in men?
- What causes vaginal yeast infections?
- What may increase my risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection?
- What are vulvitis and vaginal yeast infection symptoms and signs?
- What about recurrent yeast infections?
- What other vaginal infections have similar symptoms as a yeast infection?
- When should I see a health care professional if I think I have a yeast infection?
- Can I pass a yeast infection to my sexual partner (male or female)?
- How are vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
- How can a yeast infection be treated if I am pregnant?
- If yeast is commonly present in normal women, who should be treated?
Other Causes of Vaginal Discharge
Examples of Medications for Vaginal Discharge
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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