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Vaginal Discharge
Alternate Names : Discharge from the Vagina
DefinitionDischarge of a substance from the vagina can vary in consistency (thick, pasty, thin), color (clear, cloudy, colored), and smell (normal, odorless, bad odor).
Pictures & Images
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Overview & Considerations
Having some amount of vaginal discharge is normal, especially if you are of childbearing age. Glands in the cervix produce a clear mucus. These secretions may turn white or yellow when exposed to the air. These are all normal variations.
The amount of mucus produced by the cervical glands varies throughout the menstrual cycle. This is normal and depends on the amount of estrogen circulating in your body.
Vaginal discharge that suddenly differs in color, odor, or consistency, or significantly increases or decreases in amount, may indicate an underlying problem like an infection. If abnormal vaginal discharge is due to a sexually transmitted disease (STD), your sexual partner(s) will likely require treatment as well.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Vaginal Discharge: Overview & Considerations
• Vaginal Discharge: Common Causes
• Vaginal Discharge: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Vaginal Yeast Infection
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Cervix
• Vagina
• Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods
• Vaginal Itching
Review Date : 10/31/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/14/2002).
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