Depending on what time of the cycle you are currently in, you might notice a vaginal discharge that is typical for the current moment. When the vaginal discharge has abnormal colour or odour, this might be suggestive of leucorrhoea.

How to differentiate between normal and abnormal vaginal discharge?

Clear or whitish discharge in the first half of the cycle, practically odourless or with very light odour, is normal. Its amount increases during ovulation. During the first days of ovulation, you can observe more abundant cervical mucus similar to egg white. The role of the mucus is to make it easier for sperm to move forward and, as a result, fertilise an egg cell. In the last day of ovulation, the mucus thickens and becomes very viscous. It indicates that the fertile days are over because thick mucus makes it difficult for sperm to move. At the end of the cycle, that is right before menstruation, you can also notice thick, whitish or clumpy mucus.

Leucorrhoea

If the vaginal discharge is abundant and accompanied by painful and swollen vulva, it might be indicative of allergy. Then, you need to stop using perfumed hygiene products and use organic agents to wash your clothes. Changed colour or odour of your vaginal discharge might suggest leucorrhoea. Leucorrhoea usually indicates vaginal infection and we can determine what type of infection we are dealing with based on the appearance of the vaginal discharge.

White and thick vaginal discharge, often compared to cottage cheese-like consistency, might indicate vaginal yeast infection. It is accompanied by heavy itching and burning. See a doctor as soon as possible. Another type of vaginal discharge that can indicate yeast infection is abundant discharge that is thin or even watery.

Grey, abundant discharge with unpleasant, fish-like odour, which might exacerbate after a sexual intercourse, is a symptom of vaginal bacterial infection, that is vaginosis, and its treatment requires taking an antibiotic. This requires urgent medical consultation.

Yellow, abundant and foamy discharge might indicate vaginal trichomoniasis caused by a parasite – Trichomonas vaginalis. If that is the case, see a doctor immediately. Mucous, purulent discharge can indicate chlamydiosis, that is an infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. One of the symptoms of chlamydiosis is burning sensation during urination. You need to seek medical advice as soon as possible.