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. Incompetent cervix
  10. Miscarriage
  11. Molar pregnancy
  12. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  13. Preterm labor
  14. Rectovaginal fistula
  15. Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
  16. STD symptoms
  17. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  18. STD testing
  19. Trichomoniasis
  20. Vaginitis
  21. Yeast infection (vaginal)
  22. Yeast infection during pregnancy