Abnormal Vaginal Discharge: What It Means and When to See a Gynaecologist

Changes in vaginal discharge are one of the most common reasons women seek advice from a gynaecologist. While some variation is normal, a sudden change in colour, texture, or smell can signal an infection or underlying health concern. Understanding what’s normal — and what’s not — can help you identify problems early and get the right treatment before symptoms worsen.

If you’ve noticed unusual discharge, irritation, or discomfort, here’s what it could mean and when to speak to a private gynaecologist in London.

What is Vaginal Discharge and Why Does It Occur?

Vaginal discharge is a natural fluid produced by glands in the cervix and vaginal walls. Its purpose is to clean the vagina, maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, and protect against infection.
Normal discharge is usually clear or milky white, with a mild scent and a smooth texture. It changes throughout your menstrual cycle — often becoming thinner during ovulation and thicker before your period.

Factors such as stress, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or medication can influence how much discharge you produce. However, any strong odour, unusual colour, or irritation warrants further assessment.

For a better understanding of how hormones influence your cycle, see our detailed guide on Hormonal Imbalance in Women: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Fix It.

When Vaginal Discharge Becomes Abnormal

You may need to consult a gynaecologist if your discharge:

• Has a strong, unpleasant, or “fishy” smell
• Appears yellow, green, grey, or bloody (outside your period)
• Is accompanied by vaginal itching, soreness, or burning
• Occurs with pelvic pain or pain during sex
• Has a thick, cottage cheese-like consistency

These changes may indicate an infection, hormone-related imbalance, or another underlying issue that requires treatment.

Common Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is the most common cause of abnormal discharge in women of reproductive age. It occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply.

Symptoms include:

• Thin, greyish-white discharge
• Strong fishy odour, especially after intercourse
• Mild irritation or itching

BV is not sexually transmitted, but sexual activity and douching can increase risk. It’s easily treated with prescribed antibiotics. Leaving it untreated can increase susceptibility to pelvic infections or complications during pregnancy.

2. Vaginal Thrush (Candidiasis)

Caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that naturally exists in small amounts in the vagina, thrush leads to thick, white, clumpy discharge resembling cottage cheese.

Common symptoms:

• Intense itching and burning
• Swelling or redness
• Pain during sex or urination

Thrush is common after antibiotics, pregnancy, or hormonal contraceptive changes. While mild cases can resolve with over-the-counter treatment, recurrent infections may need a full gynaecological review.

3. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis).

Symptoms:

• Frothy, yellow-green discharge
• Strong unpleasant smell
• Pain during sex or urination

It often coexists with other STIs, so full sexual health screening is recommended. At Gynaecology Clinic London, STI testing is discreet, confidential, and performed with UKAS-accredited laboratories.

For more information on sexual health checks, you may also find our guide on Bleeding Between Periods: When Should You See a Doctor? helpful, as abnormal bleeding and discharge often share underlying causes.

4. Cervical or Vaginal Infections

Infections caused by Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea can lead to increased discharge, pelvic pain, and spotting between periods. Because these conditions may cause no symptoms early on, many women only discover them during a check-up.
A vaginal swab and STI test are essential to confirm diagnosis and prevent long-term complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or fertility issues.

5. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal fluctuations can also alter discharge texture and volume. Low oestrogen levels, particularly after childbirth, during breastfeeding, or around menopause, can make the vaginal lining thinner and drier. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and changes in discharge.

You can read more about these hormone-related changes in our recent article on Understanding Perimenopause in Your 40s: Key Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments.

6. Cervical or Endometrial Conditions

Occasionally, persistent discharge with a trace of blood or unpleasant odour may indicate polyps, fibroids, or precancerous changes in the cervix. Routine cervical screening helps detect such abnormalities early, even before symptoms appear.

To understand how regular screening protects your long-term reproductive health, explore our article on The Role of Cervical Screening in Women’s Health – Why Regular Smears Matter.

When to See a Private Gynaecologist

You should book a consultation promptly if:

• You notice a sudden change in discharge colour, consistency, or smell
• Symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatments
• You experience pain, itching, or pelvic discomfort
• You have recurrent infections (more than three episodes in a year)
• You are pregnant and develop discharge with odour or irritation

Even mild symptoms shouldn’t be ignored — recurrent vaginal infections may signal an underlying hormonal or immune imbalance.

At Gynaecology Clinic London, our experienced consultants offer private female gynaecology consultations with same-day vaginal swabs, ultrasound, and hormone tests to determine the cause of discharge quickly and accurately.

What Happens During a Gynaecology Examination

During your visit, your gynaecologist will discuss your symptoms and medical history, followed by a gentle pelvic examination if required.
Common investigations may include:

• Vaginal swabs to check for infection or bacterial imbalance
• Urine tests to rule out urinary infections
• Ultrasound scan to assess the uterus and ovaries
• Cervical screening if due or clinically indicated

You’ll usually receive results within 24–48 hours, and treatment can begin immediately. For many women, addressing recurrent discharge issues also improves confidence, sexual comfort, and quality of life.

Treatment Options for Abnormal Discharge

Treatment depends entirely on the cause, but early medical care ensures faster recovery and fewer complications.

Common treatments include:

• Antibiotics or antifungal medication: To treat bacterial vaginosis, thrush, or STIs.
• Hormone therapy: For postmenopausal vaginal atrophy or low oestrogen levels.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Avoiding scented products, douching, or tight clothing that may irritate the vaginal area.
• Partner treatment: For sexually transmitted infections to prevent reinfection.

If infections recur frequently, your doctor may perform additional tests to identify triggers such as blood sugar changes, immune issues, or hormonal fluctuations.

How to Prevent Vaginal Infections and Discharge Changes

Preventive care is just as important as treatment. Here are some simple but effective steps to maintain vaginal health:

• Wash with mild, unscented soap or water only.
• Avoid douching or perfumed feminine hygiene products.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear.
• Change sanitary products regularly during periods.
• Practise safe sex and regular STI testing.
• Maintain hormonal balance through diet, hydration, and adequate rest.

If you’re prone to recurrent infections, a routine well-woman check-up once a year can help detect and prevent early issues. Learn more about what’s included in these screenings in our article on Well-Woman Screening for Women Over 40.

Get Clarity on Your Symptoms

If you’ve been experiencing unusual discharge, don’t ignore it or self-diagnose. Simple tests can quickly reveal whether your symptoms are due to an infection, hormonal change, or something else entirely.

At Gynaecology Clinic London, our specialists provide discreet, same-day consultations with on-site testing and results. Every patient receives personalised care and follow-up advice to ensure complete recovery.

Book your private gynaecology consultation in London today.

Conclusion

Vaginal discharge is a normal and essential part of your body’s natural defence, but noticeable changes can sometimes indicate infection or imbalance. The key is knowing when to act. Persistent, smelly, discoloured, or irritating discharge should never be ignored.

Whether caused by bacterial vaginosis, thrush, or hormonal changes, expert assessment ensures the right treatment and lasting relief. With same-day appointments and compassionate care, Gynaecology Clinic London offers the expertise and privacy you need to feel confident about your health again.

For further reading on related conditions, visit our blog on Irregular Periods: Common Causes and When to Seek Help.

Worried About Unusual Discharge or Irritation?

You’re not alone — many women experience discharge changes that are easily treatable once diagnosed. Get clarity and peace of mind with a private gynaecology consultation in London.

BOOK ONLINE NOW 02071832153