What Does Gray Vaginal Discharge Mean? Causes & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• Gray vaginal discharge can sometimes be a concentrated form of normal discharge, but it’s usually a sign of infection.
• Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of gray vaginal discharge.
• Because other infections, like yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, can cause gray discharge, it’s important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Gray vaginal discharge is almost always abnormal and typically a sign of a vaginal infection. Sometimes, dehydration may cause normal vaginal moisture, called leukorrhea, to darken to a grayish hue, but this is unlikely.

In many cases, gray discharge comes with other symptoms, like an unpleasant odor, itching, burning, or pain. Infections that may cause gray vaginal discharge include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Because there are so many potential causes behind gray vaginal discharge – some of which can cause serious health concerns – it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice it.

Is it normal to have gray vaginal discharge?

No, gray vaginal discharge is not considered normal. Healthy vaginal discharge is clear, filmy, or milky white. It shouldn’t have a foul odor or cause any discomfort. Gray vaginal discharge, however, usually indicates either an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria or an actual infection.

What is gray vaginal discharge?

The vagina is a naturally moist environment. Natural lubrication and secretions keep it that way. However, an infection has its own biological processes that may allow it to make secretions or cause inflammation in vaginal cells that causes them to release a discharge.

In both cases, the natural secretions from the vagina mix with the abnormal discharge, giving it a different color and consistency than what you’re used to.

Common causes of gray vaginal discharge

Most cases of gray vaginal discharge develop due to a common vaginal infection, like bacterial vaginosis. Other symptoms often confirm the presence of an infection. In some cases, though, an infection may cause no symptoms.

All of this is to say that gray vaginal discharge, whether it comes with other symptoms or not, may not always have an obvious cause. That’s why it’s important to visit a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Bacterial vaginosis

Like your gut, the vagina has a population of helpful bacteria that make up what is known as the vaginal microbiome. In the vagina, lactobacilli are the microorganisms that help maintain a healthy pH balance (acidity).

When the number of “good” bacteria is in balance, vaginal pH and health tend to be stable. But when “bad” bacteria become predominant, they alter the normal environment of the vagina, resulting in a condition called bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Anything that disrupts the vaginal microbiome can lead to BV. Douching, unprotected sex, foreign bodies (a “lost” tampon), and taking antibiotics for another condition are common culprits. A classic symptom of BV is a thin, watery, grayish discharge that may have a foul or fish-like odor.

Yeast

While a gray discharge is possible with a yeast infection, you’re more likely to see a thick, white discharge that resembles cream cheese. What is most common, regardless of the look or feel of your discharge, is the intense itching and burning the yeast can cause.

Sexually transmitted infections

Several infections that are spread via sexual activity can cause a gray vaginal discharge.

• Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by the trichomonas parasite. It can cause a gray discharge that may be frothy or bubbly and have a fishy odor.
• Gonorrhea is a common STI that may result in a yellow, yellow-green, or gray discharge, as well as pelvic pain, painful urination, and fever. However, some people with gonorrhea experience no symptoms at all.
• Chlamydia, like gonorrhea, is an STI that can cause a yellow, yellow-green, or gray discharge. You might also experience other symptoms like itching, burning, and pain with urination.

What gray vaginal discharge can mean based on your menstrual cycle

Your menstrual cycle is usually not relevant when it comes to seeing gray vaginal discharge. Because gray discharge indicates a likely infection, no part of the menstrual cycle is immune to it. However, during your actual period, infections can thrive since blood is a good source of nutrients for bacteria.

What a gray discharge may mean based on appearance, texture, or another symptom or condition

Besides color, other symptoms associated with unusual vaginal discharge can help you figure out what might be going on beneath the surface.

• Light gray or gray-white vaginal discharge: Leukorrhea while dehydrated; otherwise may indicate a yeast infection.
• Thin gray vaginal discharge: May be the beginning of a yeast or bacterial infection such as bacterial vaginosis.
• Gray discharge with itching: Likely yeast infection, although the beginning of a bacterial infection can also cause itching.
• Gray discharge with a foul odor: Likely bacterial infection; when that foul odor is fish-like, this is more indicative of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
• Gray discharge with blood: Likely infection with cervicitis (irritation of the delicate cervical cells).
• Gray discharge after IUD insertion: IUDs are foreign bodies, so they can allow the colonization of bacteria. Such a bacterial infection can cause a gray discharge and possibly a foul odor. This is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
• Gray discharge after egg retrieval: Egg retrieval is a procedure that involves using a needle to retrieve eggs from ovarian follicles. Since any invasive procedure has a risk of infection, a gray discharge associated with the procedure warrants emergency medical attention.
• Gray discharge during pregnancy: Like the menstrual cycle, pregnancy has no special immunity to the various causes of a gray discharge. However, an infection can put you at risk of preterm labor or serious infection of your uterus, meaning it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Read our guides on vaginal discharge odors and colors for more.

When you should see a doctor about gray vaginal discharge

A simple rule is that you should always see a qualified healthcare provider about a gray vaginal discharge. However, some symptoms may indicate that care is needed sooner rather than later.

You should see a doctor if:

You have any discharge (gray or otherwise) if it is accompanied by:

• A foul or fish-like odor
• Itching
• Burning
• Pain during intercourse or urination

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You experience pelvic or back pain alongside gray discharge.
• Your discharge comes with a fever.
• You have had a recent invasive procedure – e.g., IUD insertion or egg retrieval – and are experiencing gray discharge.
• You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant and are experiencing gray discharge.

Questions to ask your doctor about gray vaginal discharge

• Is my gray vaginal discharge a sign of an infection?
• How will you make the diagnosis and, if indicated, treat it and confirm successful treatment?
• Should my partner be evaluated and treated?
• What if I’m pregnant or possibly pregnant?

How to get rid of or treat gray vaginal discharge

Since almost all cases of a gray vaginal discharge indicate likely infection, treatment usually involves one or more of the following:

Antifungal medications

If a yeast infection is behind gray vaginal discharge, antifungal medications or steroid creams may be necessary. Many are available over-the-counter, but your doctor may prescribe antifungals in the form of a pill, suppository, or cream. However, it’s possible to have a mixed infection of yeast with another infection, so antibiotics may be necessary, too.

Antibiotics

For bacterial infections, a course of antibiotics that target the bacteria causing the infection is typically a key part of treatment. Your doctor may collect a swab or sample of vaginal discharge to test it for common bacteria so they can recommend the right antibiotic.

Healthy habits

Wearing cotton underwear, avoiding douching, and washing the vulva with nothing but water and a mild, unscented soap (if necessary) can help you limit irritation and promote vaginal health.

The best treatment, however, is always prevention, which emphasizes safe sex (effective barriers, e.g., condoms) and discretion over high-risk behavior. Also, avoiding sex until a problem resolves–for both partners–is a necessary strategy.

Frequently asked questions: gray vaginal discharge

Since a gray vaginal discharge is probably some type of infection, the following commonly asked questions may also apply to you:

Is a gray vaginal discharge a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Gray vaginal discharge is not necessarily a sign of a UTI, but the vagina may develop a bacterial infection at the same time. If “bad” bacteria enter the vagina, they may disrupt its natural microbiome and lead to an infection like bacterial vaginosis, which may cause gray discharge at the same time you have a UTI.

Is it normal to have gray discharge for weeks or months?

No, it’s not normal to have a gray discharge anytime, let alone for extended periods. If you have a gray discharge that’s persistent, it’s a sign that you should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Final thoughts on gray vaginal discharge

Gray vaginal discharge should always be considered abnormal until proven otherwise. While it’s possible that gray discharge could be innocent, it typically is a sign of infection. Vaginal infections are highly treatable, but they can cause serious health issues when left unaddressed. So, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing gray discharge, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as burning, itching, pain, or bleeding.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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