Abnormal vaginal discharge

Abnormal vaginal discharge means discharge from the vagina that differs from what is normal for you, for example in color, amount, odor, or consistency. Common changes include increased discharge, foul-smelling or yellowish discharge, and a clumpy or frothy consistency. In many women, vaginal discharge naturally varies during the menstrual cycle, but clearly abnormal discharge may be a sign of an infection or another gynecological condition.

The most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge in Finland are vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. In a yeast infection, the discharge is often clumpy and itching is common. In bacterial vaginosis, the discharge may be grayish and have a strong odor. In addition, different infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, can cause abnormal discharge that may also be accompanied by lower abdominal pain or fever.

Abnormal vaginal discharge is a good reason to seek care from a healthcare professional, especially if it is accompanied by severe itching, pain, bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or other concerning symptoms. Early evaluation helps identify the cause and start the correct treatment in time.