Vaginal discharge can occur at any age, but it becomes more prevalent during puberty. Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle - the amount, consistency, colour, and odour will change. Ovulation aside, it also fluctuates depending on whether you're pregnant, or just sexually stimulated.

But what happens when the colour is completely different to the colour of your usual discharge is or is just something that you were not expecting?

In this 2 part series, we will talk about the different colours in the period pallet. What do they mean? Are they normal? And, in reality, can you just treat yourself at home & focus on self care, or is it time to ditch that idea and go see a doctor? 

White

It's quite common for white discharge to occur. When you menstruate, the discharge ranges from white and sticky to clear and slippery. Sometimes, bacterial vaginosis can be identified by a thin white discharge but this is usually accompanied by other symptoms. An overabundance of "bad" bacteria in your vaginal canal causes this illness. A strong fishy odour, itching, and burning when you pee are some of the other symptoms.
 

Yellow- Green

This is not normal. When it surfaces with symptoms like itching and burning, yellow discharge could be a sign of a STI - like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis. All of these things can produce a yellow or green discharge. This colour marked by the aforementioned strong fishy odour and vaginal pain are symptoms of bacterial vaginosis as well.

Take a look at your diet and any supplements you're taking: this colour is normally indicative of an illness.  Some people have claimed that when they take new vitamins or try new foods, their period also changes to this colour.

Blood Red

Brown or red discharge is common throughout your period. Colors can range from cherry red to rusty brown at the start of your menstruation cycle. However, if you see red throughout the month, it could indicate a health problem, such as an infection.

Some women merely experience spotting and irregular periods. Spotting occurs because of their approach to birth control or hormonal changes.

Blushed Pink

Pink discharge, which can range from a little blush to the vivid pink of a sunset, is often simply the start of your period. It can, however, be a symptom of a major health concern at other times.

Some women may suffer minor bleeding on a regular basis after intercourse , resulting in pink discharge.

Grey

Trichomoniasis is a common cause of illness in this case. It can cause either the white or greenish colouration we stated earlier, or you might notice a yellowish-gray hued discharge. Then there's bacterial vaginosis. This disorder can generate a dark or dull grey discharge with a thin consistency in addition to white or green discharge.

If you know your discharge like the back of your hand and it suddenly turns gray, go see your doctor asap.

We will conclude next time with a few self care tips to help reduce your risk of having abnormal vaginal discharge.