Book an Appointment
Book a Callback
Vaginal Discharge — Normal, Infection or Something Else
Also described as white discharge, leucorrhoea, abnormal discharge.
Clear or white discharge that changes through the cycle without itching or odour is normal. Discharge that is itchy, offensive, green, or blood-stained suggests infection and is easily treated once identified. Blood-stained discharge, especially after intercourse, needs examination and a cervical check.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •Blood-stained discharge, or bleeding after intercourse
- •Discharge with fever and pelvic pain
- •Offensive discharge after childbirth or a procedure
- •Any discharge after menopause
- •Discharge with genital ulcers or a rash
What causes vaginal discharge?
Bacterial vaginosis
Thin grey discharge with a fishy odour, often without itching. Treated with a short antibiotic course.
Candida (thrush)
Thick white discharge with intense itching, more frequent in diabetes and after antibiotics.
Trichomonas
Frothy greenish discharge with soreness. Sexually transmitted, and partners need treatment.
Cervical infection or inflammation
Discharge with bleeding after intercourse, needing examination and swabs.
Cervical cancer
Uncommon, but blood-stained or offensive discharge is one presentation. Prevented by screening.
How it is investigated
- ✓Speculum examination with high vaginal and cervical swabs
- ✓Pap smear and HPV testing as per screening schedule
- ✓Blood sugar where thrush is recurrent
- ✓Pelvic ultrasound when pain accompanies the discharge
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is white discharge normal?▼
Usually, yes. Clear to white discharge that varies across the cycle, without itching, burning or odour, is physiological. What is not normal is a change in colour to green or grey, a strong odour, itching, or any blood staining outside a period.
Why does thrush keep coming back?▼
Recurrent candida is worth investigating rather than repeatedly self-treating. Undiagnosed diabetes is a classic cause, along with repeated antibiotics, pregnancy and some contraceptives. A blood sugar test is a reasonable first step.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.