What Does STI Vaginal Discharge Look Like?

Key takeaways:

• Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have noticeable symptoms, including changes in vaginal discharge.
• STIs may cause vaginal discharge that’s discolored (yellow, green, white, etc.), has a foul or strong odor, or an unusual consistency. They can also cause an increase in vaginal discharge.
• Talk to your doctor about any changes in vaginal discharge, even if you don’t think an STI is to blame.

Many common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with vaginal discharge that is markedly different from normal. The discharge may be different in color, consistency, or amount. It may also cause pain, itching, or burning. If untreated, some STIs can cause serious or permanent damage to your health.

While any change in your vaginal discharge warrants a proper evaluation by your doctor, its color can give important clues as to what is happening. We’ll go over some of the common ways that STIs can alter vaginal discharge and explore situations that may require a trip to the emergency room.

Do STIs change the color of vaginal discharge?

Yes, with exceptions. The infectious organisms responsible for STIs are living bacteria, fungi, and protozoans. The vaginal discharge that comes from the normal secretions of glands can be affected, which can change the color and other characteristics.

Normal vs. abnormal vaginal discharge colors

Normal vaginal discharge is typically clear, filmy, or even milky white. It usually changes throughout the monthly cycle. It can even be pink- or red-tinged before your period. These are all normal.

Any other colors are generally considered abnormal. Likewise, any vaginal discharge that changes in color should be evaluated by a doctor.

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

Vaginal discharge colors by STI

STIs may change the color of your vaginal discharge. The information below serves only as guidelines, as there can be a mixing of colors with certain STIs.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas is a one-cell protozoan that is sexually acquired. It causes an STI known as trichomoniasis, which can cause a clear, white, yellow, or green discharge that may smell foul or fishy. Burning (especially with urination), itching, or pain may also be present.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI. It can infect the vagina but may also affect the anus or throat. When it begins, its symptoms may be mild.

The vaginal discharge associated with gonorrhea can be white, green, or yellow. It may also have a foul smell. There may be pus.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia, another bacterial STI, frequently has no symptoms. This emphasizes the importance of regularly scheduled doctor visits—especially if there is a new partner in your life or you have more than one partner. It can present as bleeding in between periods, bleeding after sex, burning urination, or itching.

Its discharge, when present, can be white, yellow, or gray. It might have a foul odor that may be similar to fish. There may be white pus. It can range from watery to thick. There may also be a discharge from your urethra (from where you urinate).

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is a vague label for any infection that is in the pelvis, but it is usually attributed to gonorrhea or chlamydia. Such spread of infection can result in discharges typical of bacterial infections. It can also cause severe pain and fever. PID is a medical emergency.

Other symptoms of an STI

Color changes aren’t the only symptoms noticed with an STI. Any infection can cause a wide array of symptoms. Meanwhile, the vagina is in anatomic proximity to the urinary tract and anus, both of which can also add to the list of symptoms.

Burning and itching

Burning and itching are inflammatory responses. Inflammation is part of the healing process, which sends designated blood cell types to the area infected. Such a counterattack can result in itching or burning.

Dysuria

Dysuria is painful urination. Urine, being acidic, can irritate tissues that are raw from inflammation. If your vagina is inflamed, urine can burn as it exits or when it makes contact with your external vaginal tissues.

Pain

If your inflammatory response overshoots its reaction against an infection, pain can become significant. Pain also can be considered a disease itself when healing doesn’t happen. Some untreated infections can lead to severe pelvic pain, fever, and even sepsis, which is life-threatening.

Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is the medical term for pain during sex. It signifies that internal pelvic structures may be involved with infection when the mechanical actions involved in sex directly strike and impact these organs. It is a common symptom of PID, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

Fever

Fever is another inflammatory response. It is the body’s way of heating up certain chemical reactions to fight infection and start healing. Sometimes, however, fever is not enough to eliminate infections.

Infertility

While this isn’t really a symptom of an STI, it is a common endpoint of untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia. The ravages of infection in the pelvis can end up causing abscesses of your tubes and ovaries. This causes subsequent scarring, which can be a mechanical barrier to conception. A blockage in the fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from meeting the egg.

Other common causes of a change in vaginal discharge color

Besides dehydration, which can cause your vaginal discharge to appear denser or darker, changes can be normal or abnormal (e.g., an STI).

Yeast infection

While yeast infections are not considered STIs, they can sometimes pass from one sexual partner to another. Yeast infections occur due to the overgrowth of yeast you might already have. They can also develop when antibiotics decrease the number of normal helpful bacteria in your vaginal microbiome.

The discharge of a yeast infection is usually white, thick white, or in chunks like cream cheese. It’s often accompanied by burning, rawness, or itching.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis, like yeast infections, is not an STI but can result from sexual activity. It’s the result of an imbalance in vaginal bacteria.

Normally, that balance is dominated by lactobacilli, which makes lactic acid to keep your vagina acidic. That environment discourages infections.

When lactobacilli are not enough to maintain that acidic environment, your vaginal discharge may turn gray, yellow, or pale green. It may be frothy and have a fish-like odor, especially after having intercourse. It is often associated with burning and itching, along with pain during urination.

When you should see a doctor about a change in vaginal discharge color

Any color change should prompt a visit for evaluation. Sometimes, though, the need is urgent and warrants a trip to the emergency room.

You should see a doctor if:

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following along with changes in vaginal discharge:

• Burning, itching, pain, or bleeding.
• Burning with urination.
• Back, pelvic, or abdominal pain.
• A new sexual partner.

You should go to the emergency room if:

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the above are true and if:

• You have a fever.
• You experience pain with sex.
• Bleeding is continuous or excessive.
• You are dizzy or weak.

Questions to ask your doctor about a change in vaginal discharge color

• What is the cause of my unusual vaginal discharge?
• Is there anything I should be doing at home to treat my symptoms?
• Should my partner be included in my evaluation and treatment?
• What if I’m pregnant or could be?

Frequently asked questions: vaginal discharge color and STIs

STIs can be serious infections, so it’s normal to have questions. Here are a few more common questions and answers:

Is white vaginal discharge a sign of an STI?

White discharge can be a sign of an STI, but not always. Sometimes, it’s a sign of another infection, like a yeast infection. White discharge that comes with pus, itching, burning, or other symptoms could indicate an STI.

What STIs are accompanied by green vaginal discharge?

A green discharge may be a sign of trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis, or gonorrhea. However, any infection can cause discharge that is a different color than normal.

Final thoughts on STI-related vaginal discharge

The color your vaginal discharge changes to can indicate an infection, including an STI or medical condition. However, the color alone may not be enough to pinpoint the cause. Therefore, it’s essential to see a doctor if your vaginal discharge changes in color. While STIs may be common, they are usually highly treatable.

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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