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

Key takeaways:

• Orange vaginal discharge may seem strange, but it’s usually a result of blood mixing with vaginal secretions.
• Seeing orange vaginal discharge during your period is abnormal but may not be dangerous.
• Orange vaginal discharge that appears suddenly or between periods likely indicates unusual bleeding that requires medical attention.

What looks like “orange” vaginal discharge is most likely not orange at all but instead a variation of red. Bleeding is the most common cause of a red-tinged vaginal discharge. Vaginal bleeding that causes orange discharge may be normal during your menstrual period. Outside of your period, seeing blood may not be dangerous, but it is abnormal.

As a result, orange discharge can be a warning sign that points to something wrong in the vaginal environment. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice orange vaginal discharge, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms.

Is it normal to have orange vaginal discharge?

An orange discharge, especially near the end of your period, can be due to the mixing of menstrual fluid, debris (blood and tissue), and cervical mucus.

During the rest of your cycle, though, an orange discharge still points to bleeding. The source of blood can be your cervix (as is true in cases of cervicitis) or vaginal tissue (due to vaginitis). Bleeding of this kind is usually due to infection, which requires professional treatment to resolve.

If you are pregnant, orange discharge may also be due to implantation bleeding or complications such as ectopic pregnancy. Finally, during menopause, bleeding of any kind – even if it causes orange discharge – could be a sign of a serious health concern like cervical cancer.

Overall, orange vaginal discharge is usually considered abnormal. It may sometimes be a natural result of bleeding during your period, but it’s more likely to be a sign of infection or another health concern.

What is orange vaginal discharge?

Orange vaginal discharge is really discharge that is on the lower end of the red color spectrum. Blood may mix with yellowish secretions, which may or may not be the result of an infection, and give vaginal discharge an orange hue.

Old blood – blood that has sat in the uterus for some time – becomes deoxygenated and changes in color from bright red to dark red or brown. So, light orange, reddish, and brown-tinged discharge can all be a sign of vaginal, uterine, or cervical bleeding.

Common causes of orange vaginal discharge

Because orange discharge is usually a sign of bleeding, it’s usually either related to the menstrual cycle or to an infection. Inflammation resulting from other health conditions could also lead to orange-tinted discharge.

Cervicitis

The cervix, a part of your uterus, has mucus glandular tissue that can become inflamed, leading to a condition called cervicitis. While an infection is the most common cause of cervicitis, it can also occur due to physical injuries or chemical irritants. Vaginal “hygiene” products, especially those with fragrance, are common chemical irritants that lead to cervicitis.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is estimated to be behind about 22−50% of cases of unusual vaginal discharge. It occurs when there are more “bad” bacteria in the vagina than “good” bacteria. Lactic acid in the vagina, made by the “good” bacteria there (lactobacilli), makes the vagina acidic in nature. This acidity is important because it acts as an antibiotic – that is, it naturally hinders bacterial growth and infection.

However, with bacterial vaginosis, too many harmful or “bad” bacteria are present. The condition can cause a thin, watery, gray discharge that may have a foul or fishy odor. In some cases, bacterial vaginosis may also cause inflammation and bleeding that may tinge your discharge orangey-red, but this is less common.

Yeast infection

Yeast vaginitis, or yeast infection, is another common cause of vaginal inflammation and unusual discharge. It commonly leads to a thick, white, clumpy discharge that may resemble cottage cheese. Sometimes, a yeast infection (or treatment for one) can cause bleeding, which may lead to a pink or orange-tinted discharge, though this is far less common than a white discharge.

Aerobic vaginitis

Aerobic vaginitis, like BV, occurs when there are more harmful or infectious bacteria in the vagina than normal lactobacillus bacteria. E. coli, which can migrate from the rectum, is a common bacteria that causes the condition. Aerobic vaginitis may lead to discharge that is orangey-yellow or yellow-green. The discharge may be sticky and have a foul odor.

Sexually transmitted infections

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are sexually transmitted infections that can cause a yellow discharge. This discharge, when mixed with blood from inflammation or a condition like cervicitis, can appear orange.

What orange vaginal discharge can mean based on your menstrual cycle

The beginning and end of your menstrual period are the times when menstrual tissue and blood are the thinnest. During these times, blood and tissue that mix with vaginal secretions can cause discharge to have a pink or orange color.

In the absence of other symptoms, like burning, itching, or pain, this is usually harmless and resolves on its own. Outside of this timeframe, though, orange discharge is more likely to point to infection or bleeding.

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

Because an orange discharge means mixing of blood with vaginal discharge, whether normal or abnormal, its true cause can be hard to pinpoint. Paying attention to other symptoms may give you more clues as to what’s going on:

• Reddish orange vaginal discharge: Likely part of your period or due to cervicitis from infection.
• Light orange vaginal discharge: A mild bleeding episode mixing with your discharge.
• Orange vaginal discharge with a foul odor: Indicates a bacterial infection.
• Orange vaginal discharge during pregnancy: This equates with bleeding during pregnancy and may be due to a threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental problems, or preterm labor.
• Orange vaginal discharge after menstruation: Likely caused by the tail end of your period or cervicitis.
• Orange vaginal discharge during menopause: Indicates bleeding of some sort; in menopause, this is considered a warning signal for cancer until proven otherwise.

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

When you should see a doctor about orange vaginal discharge

Because orange discharge can sometimes be a sign of infection or a serious health concern, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor. Understanding when it’s time to seek care can help you avoid symptoms that worsen or cause other problems.

You should see a doctor if you experience orange vaginal discharge:

• Between menstrual periods.
• Along with irregular menstrual cycles.
• With symptoms such as burning, itching, or pain.
• While pregnant or possibly pregnant.
• During menopause.
• After you’ve recently had sexual contact with someone new.

You should go to the emergency room if you experience orange discharge with:

• Severe pain.
• Pain with urination or bowel movements.
• Fever.
• Back pain.
• Pelvic or abdominal pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Abdominal bloating.

Questions to ask your doctor about orange vaginal discharge

• What is the cause of my orange discharge? Is it bleeding, and if so, from where?
• How will you make the correct diagnosis and, if indicated, treat it and prove the treatment was successful?
• Should my partner have an evaluation with me?
• What if I’m pregnant or possibly pregnant?

How to get rid of or treat orange vaginal discharge

Treatment for orange vaginal discharge depends on the cause. Since the likelihood of infection is high, your doctor will likely prescribe medications that target the pathogens causing your symptoms.

Antibiotics

In cases of bacterial infection, like bacterial vaginosis or an STI, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotic medication. Take them as directed, and don’t stop taking your antibiotics just because you begin to feel better.

Antifungal

If orange vaginal discharge is due to yeast or if there’s evidence of a mixed infection, an antifungal medication should be prescribed. These come in the form of creams, suppositories, or pills. The pills have the advantage of clearing yeast from the rectum, which is usually the source of vaginal yeast infections that keep coming back.

Frequently asked questions: orange vaginal discharge

The following questions frequently arise when there is orange vaginal discharge, and they should, since bleeding is involved:

Is orange vaginal discharge unhealthy?

Orange vaginal discharge may be unhealthy if it’s associated with an infection or occurs during pregnancy or menopause. However, it may be innocent at the end or beginning of your period when bleeding is at its lightest.

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

No, it’s not normal to have abnormal discharge, including orange discharge, for weeks or months. The orange discoloration is typically from bleeding, and since no bleeding episodes (other than your periods) are normal, you should never let them continue for any length of time.

Final thoughts on orange vaginal discharge

Orange discharge usually means blood, and blood means bleeding may be happening somewhere within your vagina, uterus, or cervix. Orange discharge that occurs outside of your period likely warrants medical attention. If it happens in pregnancy or with a fever or severe pain, it requires immediate medical attention. When in doubt, it’s always best to check in with your doctor to learn what you should do to address your symptoms.

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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