Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Most causes of abnormal vaginal discharge — such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or menopause symptoms — are relatively harmless, but they can be uncomfortable.

Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Since these can spread to involve the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, and can be passed on to sexual partners, detection and treatment of STIs is important.

Rarely, a brownish or blood-tinged vaginal discharge could be a sign of cervical cancer.

Possible causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include:

Causes related to infection or inflammation

  1. Bacterial vaginosis
  2. Cervicitis
  3. Chlamydia trachomatis
  4. Gonorrhea
  5. Forgotten (retained) tampon
  6. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  7. Trichomoniasis
  8. Vaginitis
  9. Yeast infection (vaginal)

Other causes

  1. Certain hygiene practices, such as douching or using scented sprays or soaps
  2. Cervical cancer
  3. Pregnancy
  4. Vaginal atrophy (genitourinary syndrome of menopause)
  5. Vaginal cancer
  6. Vaginal fistula

Only rarely is vaginal discharge a sign of cancer.

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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June 22, 2021

See also

  1. Bacterial vaginosis
  2. Blighted ovum: What causes it?
  3. Cervical cancer
  4. Cervical dysplasia: Is it cancer?
  5. Cervicitis
  6. Chlamydia trachomatis
  7. Endometrial cancer
  8. Gonorrhea
  9. Gynecologic Cancers
  10. Incompetent cervix
  11. Miscarriage
  12. Molar pregnancy
  13. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  14. Preterm labor
  15. Rectovaginal fistula
  16. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
  17. STD symptoms
  18. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  19. STD testing
  20. Trichomoniasis
  21. Vaginitis
  22. Yeast infection (vaginal)
  23. Yeast infection during pregnancy