8 Types of Vaginal Discharge and What They Say About Your Health!

These are the types of vaginal discharge and what they say about your body health as almost every woman has a deep understanding of what is normal for her body. We are attuned to everything from hormonal fluctuations to lumps and bumps in our breasts , which could indicate that we need a doctor’s opinion.

The only area that tends to be a little more, shall we say, mysterious is, well, our most private area. Women know more about their bodies now than ever before, but we can still get a little shy when it comes to our vaginas.

It’s not that we don’t care about their health – far from it! — it’s just that investigating under the hood can be a little awkward. Even going to the gynecologist and getting an expert opinion makes many of us uncomfortable, even though we should all go at least once a year.

This is part of the reason why it’s so important to pay attention to the signals our bodies send us. Often, vaginal discharge is our body’s first warning that something might be wrong, so we should all know what different  types of vaginal discharge mean !

Types of vaginal discharge and what they say about your health:

1. Clear and slippery:

One of the main signs of ovulation is clear, slippery vaginal discharge  , which is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m trying to get pregnant here!” Not coincidentally, this is also the natural lubricant your body releases when it’s awakened; Even if you’re not looking to be  pregnant  right now, your body definitely is.

In other words, if you see this kind of fluid in a totally unsexy situation, it’s a good indicator that it’s your other time of the month, and you should be extremely careful when using protection.

2.Thick and foamy:

Yeast infections are one of the most common – and irritating – ailments that can afflict your undercarriage. Yeast infections, caused by the candida organism, can affect men too, and can also be found in the throat and mouth, but are worse when they affect your vagina.

Fortunately, even if you notice thick cottage cheese vaginal discharge  , it’s easy to treat with an over-the-counter antifungal, such as Miconazole, or a prescription from your doctor.

3. Yellowish-green:

If you notice that your vaginal discharge seems to be turning yellowish-green, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor. Greenish  discharge is a sign of an infection in your vagina, just as green mucus is a sign of an infection in your sinuses  – your body is accumulating white blood cells to fight off an attacker, which gives you a greenish tinge.

Many of the infections that cause this tone are caused by treatable STIs ( Sexually Transmitted Infections ) such as gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, so it’s a good idea to go to the doctor and get treatment, and tell any sexual partners.

4. Bloody or brown:

Finding blood anywhere when you’re not expecting it is alarming, and it’s especially disconcerting when it’s coming from your private area. Fortunately, most of the time these stains are just menstrual stains, and they can be brownish because it’s the oldest blood that hasn’t been washed away during your last period.

However, if you don’t get your period anymore, or if it’s not in sight, you should get it checked out right away – bloody discharge could be a sign of cervical cancer or ovarian cancer .

5. Bad smell:

To be blunt, we all know that downstairs can get a little musty from time to time. Most bad smells are related to sweat getting trapped in your groin and developing body odor, much like your armpits, but pay attention if it’s your own vaginal discharge  that smells bad.

The foul-smelling discharge could be linked to a yeast infection, or it could be related to bacterial vaginosis , a bacterial infection that occurs when your vagina’s acid balance is thrown off.

6. Cloudy white:

Colors of normal vaginal discharge can range from clear to milky white, so this is usually nothing to be overly concerned about. The exception? If your vaginal discharge normally looks different and cloudy vaginal discharge  comes with additional changes such as itching or sores, this could mean infection.

On the other hand, cloudy vaginal discharge is also one of the first signs of pregnancy, so if you’ve been “trying” it might be time for a home test!

7. Gray-Black:

Gray or black vaginal discharge is almost always cause for alarm, so if you’re seeing this pattern, contact your doctor right away. There are a few exceptions: Sometimes old menstrual blood can look black, or your body can be turning color from something like a new pair of underwear.

The most common reason for black vaginal discharge is that you have a foreign object – such as a forgotten tampon – in your body, and you need immediate medical attention to prevent toxic shock syndrome.

8. Pink Undertone:

Pinkish vaginal discharge usually means you are bleeding, but only a little. Pink vaginal discharge usually indicates a small amount of fresh blood, rather than the heavier, darker flow of menstrual blood.

If you become pregnant, you may experience pink discharge after pregnancy. You may also see this coloring after sex, because friction from sexual activity can sometimes cause minor injuries to the vaginal walls.

Do you think it’s important for all women to know what vaginal discharge means? Please share this crucial information with all women who know the value of understanding their own bodies!