All women occasionally have a vaginal discharge, whether from regular lubrication or the stretchy discharge when you ovulate. If your discharge changes in color or odor, you may have an infection. The experienced team at Promised Land Women’s Center in Atlanta, Georgia, offers comprehensive testing and treatment for all types of vaginal discharge, including confidential STD screening. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.

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When should I worry about vaginal discharge?

Women naturally have a clear or white vaginal discharge at certain times in their monthly cycle. A vaginal discharge may indicate a problem if you have:

  • An unpleasant odor
  • A change in color or texture
  • Vaginal itching, burning, or redness
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting that’s not your period

When these changes occur, chances are you have a yeast infection, bacterial infection, or STD.

What type of vaginal discharge occurs with a yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections develop from an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. The fungus normally lives in your vagina, but it can grow out of control if you take antibiotics, hormonal medications, or have uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system.

Yeast infections cause symptoms such as:

  • A thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge
  • A watery vaginal discharge
  • Itching in the vagina and vulva
  • A burning sensation
  • Redness and swelling of the vulva
  • Vaginal pain

You have recurrent yeast infections when you have four or more yeast infections within a year.

What type of vaginal discharge signals a bacterial infection?

Bacterial vaginosis develops from an overgrowth of the bacteria that normally live in your vagina. If you have this condition, you may experience:

  • A thin, white, or gray vaginal discharge
  • A vaginal discharge with a foul-smelling, fishy odor
  • Vaginal itching
  • Burning during urination

You should also know that some women may not have any symptoms or may only notice the odor.

Do STDs cause a vaginal discharge?

STDs often cause an unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Gonorrhea and chlamydia typically produce a yellow or green-colored discharge. If you have an STD, you may also develop sores or bumps in the genital area, pelvic pain, a rash, or abnormal bleeding.

If you have any signs of an STD or had sex with a partner diagnosed with an STD, the Promised Land Women’s Center team provides confidential STD screening and treatment.

How do gynecologists treat a vaginal discharge?

Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and STDs are all treated with medications. If you have a recurrent yeast or bacterial infection, you may need a longer course or higher treatment dose.

To get immediate care for a vaginal discharge, don’t wait to schedule an appointment online or by calling Promised Land Women’s Center.