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What Causes Gray Discharge? 2 MDs Explain.
There are certain vaginal discharge colors that'll set off some serious alarm bells (looking at you, green). But then there are others that fall into a confusing middle ground, like gray discharge.
After all, it's different from your usual discharge color, but gray also doesn't seem all that far from a more "normal" white hue. So, should you be concerned about 50 shades of gray or not?
At the end of the day, any kind of gray discharge isn't ideal. "It can mean that you have an infection," says Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at Orlando Health Women's Institute Center for Obstetrics & Gynecology and obstetrical and gynecological surgeon at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. That's not a guarantee, of course, which is why it's important to be evaluated by a medical professional, just to be sure.
While you're waiting to be seen, keep reading for more on some of the most common causes of gray discharge, according to ob-gyns. Worth noting: they're all treatable.
Experts Featured in This Article
Christine Greves, MD, is an ob-gyn at Orlando Health Women's Institute Center for Obstetrics & Gynecology and obstetrical and gynecological surgeon at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.
Jennifer Wider, MD, is a women's health expert, author, and podcast host.
What Does Gray Discharge Mean?
Gray discharge can indicate a few different things. "It's usually a signal that something is wrong, as normal discharge is clear, white, or off white," says Jennifer Wider, MD, a women's health expert and ob-gyn. There are a few different things that could be behind it, although all signs point to some type of infection which is why it's so important to see a doctor. Here's what could be going on, plus other symptoms to keep an eye out for.
You might have bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis, aka BV, is the most common vaginal condition experienced by women between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It happens when there's too much of a certain bacteria in the vagina. While several forms of bacteria can lead to BV, Gardnerella vaginalis is the most common culprit.
Bacterial vaginosis usually causes more than gray discharge. It typically also comes along with symptoms like a strong fishy or musty odor, itching or burning around the vagina, and burning while you pee, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The discharge itself can be thin and light gray, per the WHO, although it can also be green.
BV can be cleared up with the antibiotic metronidazole but, if it's left untreated, can lead to problems in pregnancy, a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pelvic inflammatory disease, per the WHO. "It needs to be treated with an antibiotic," Dr. Wider stresses.
It could be trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis, or trich, is an STI caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis, per the CDC. According to the CDC, there are more than 2.6 million trichomoniasis infections in the U.S., although only about 30% of those come with symptoms. One of the hallmark signs is a gray discharge coupled with a foul odor, explains Dr. Wider. (Said discharge may also be thin or higher in volume than your usual.) Women are more likely than men to develop trichomoniasis and may also notice itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals, along with discomfort while peeing and uncomfortable sex, per the CDC. The good news: Trichomoniasis can also be treated with metronidazole, the same medication used to treat BV, Dr. Wider says.
It may be another sexually transmitted infection.
At baseline, gray discharge can be a sign of an infection, Dr. Greves points out. More specifically, both chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause gray discharge. Chlamydia is an STI caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. While it can cause no symptoms, it can also lead to white, yellow or gray discharge with a strong odor, pain during sex, a burning sensation when you pee, and bleeding between periods, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It's treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea is an STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It can cause discharge that's gray, green, or yellow, pain during sex, a burning sensation when you pee, and bleeding between periods, according to Northwestern Medicine. And yep, you guessed it, it's also treated with antibiotics.
It's potentially a yeast infection.
Yeast infections have a classic white "cottage cheese-like" discharge, but that discharge can also be gray, Dr. Wider says, although she notes that gray is less common. Either way, the discharge is usually thick, she adds.
"Yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of the fungus Candida, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). You also raise your risk of getting a yeast infection when you wear tight-fitting bottoms, sit around in wet clothes, take antibiotics unnecessarily, and use scented feminine products down there, Dr. Greves explains. In addition to the discharge, you may also have itching and burning of the vulva that gest worse when you pee or have sex, along with redness and swelling.
Yeast infections are treated by placing anti-fungal medication like miconazole into the vagina or by taking an oral medication, Dr. Greves says. Happily, these treatments will usually help you feel better within a day or two.
When to See a Doctor For Gray Discharge
Again, gray is not a typical discharge color. So, if you're seeing it constantly, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. That's especially true if you've never had gray discharge before and it's not going away after a few days. "If you notice a change from your normal discharge, go see your doctor," Dr. Greves advises.
Dr. Wider agrees. "Gray discharge is usually the sign of an infection, especially if it comes along with other symptoms," she says. "It should always be checked out by a medical professional."
Korin Miller is a writer specializing in general wellness, health, and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in Women's Health, Self, Health, Forbes, and more.
14 Causes Of Vaginal Itching And How To Treat Them
Your vagina may be itchy because of allergens, hormonal changes, irritants, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or other factors. Proper hygiene—rinsing with water and wearing cotton underwear—helps prevent and treat vaginal itching.
It's essential to figure out the cause of your vaginal itching to treat it properly. Here are 14 possible causes of vaginal itching, their treatments, and when to see a healthcare provider.
Getty Images An overgrowth of bacteria causes bacterial vaginosis (BV), a vaginal infection. The hallmark BV symptom is foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Some people with BV might have itching near the vulva, or external female genitalia. Other BV symptoms might include: Burning, itching, or pain in your vagina Pain during sex Pain while urinating Tell a healthcare provider about your symptoms, including any changes in your discharge. Those details can help identify and treat the issue. Treatment Options To treat BV, a healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotics, such as clindamycin or metronidazole. About 30% of BV cases resolve without treatment. Without treatment, there are still increased health risks, such as getting STIs or premature delivery during pregnancy if you are pregnant. Estrogen is a hormone that helps lubricate your vagina, and low estrogen levels might cause vaginal dryness and itching. You may have low estrogen levels after childbirth or if you are breastfeeding. Other causes of low estrogen levels include anti-estrogen drugs and cancer treatments. Treatment Options A healthcare provider might advise hormonal methods to increase your estrogen levels. Options include estrogen creams, tablets that you insert into your vagina, and vaginal rings. Non-hormonal methods include vaginal lubricants and moisturizers. Those options help keep your vaginal lubricated and reduce pain during sex. Irritation from certain fabrics and products that might cause vaginal itching include: Contraceptive creams, foams, and jellies Creams Detergents Douches Fabric softeners Ointments Sprays Treatment Options You can treat vaginal irritation at home. Try rinsing your vagina with water (no soap) or soaking in a warm bath. Other things you can do to prevent vaginal irritation include: Avoid douching Do not use sprays, fragrances, or powder in or near your vagina Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes Shaving your pubic hair can cause your skin to become itchy. One study indicated that 80.3% of 1,110 women and men reported itching in the genital area after shaving. Itching was also the most common side effect of shaving. Treatment Options Try using a fragrance-free moisturizer to reduce dryness and irritation after shaving. You might consider other hair removal methods, such as lasering or waving, so you do not have to shave as often as usual. Yeast infections are one of the most common causes of vaginal itching. Nearly 75% of women will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their life. The hallmark symptoms include extreme itchiness and an odorless, thick, white discharge. Other vaginal yeast infection symptoms include: Burning, redness, and swelling of your vagina and vulva Pain during sex Pain while urinating Treatment Options A healthcare provider can diagnose and treat your yeast infection. They will likely advise you to purchase an antifungal medication over the counter. Antifungal medications are available in creams, ointments, suppositories, or tablets. Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that forms in response to certain fabrics, perfumes, and soaps. You might notice vaginal itching if you use products or wear clothing that irritates your vagina. Other contact dermatitis symptoms include burning and stinging in or near your vagina, pain, and raw skin. Treatment Options Avoiding contact with irritants is one of the best ways to reduce vaginal itching. You might try applying a cold compress or petroleum jelly to your vaginal area to reduce discomfort. A healthcare provider might prescribe medication in severe cases. This rare skin condition causes blisters and color changes on the vulva. Lichen sclerosus might also cause the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) to shrink. It's not entirely clear what causes lichen sclerosus. Possible causes include a family history, an overactive immune system, hormonal changes, and vaginal irritation. Lichen sclerosus symptoms include: Blood blisters Burning Constipation (in children) Itching Pain Pain during bowel movements Scar tissue (in severe cases) White, shiny, and thin vulvar skin Treatment Options See a healthcare provider if you have lichen sclerosus symptoms. They can prescribe medications, typically a topical steroid, to reduce scar tissue. Scarring might lead to complications, like pain during sex or trouble urinating. A healthcare provider will likely advise you to avoid washing your vulva with harsh soaps and other irritants. Instead, rinse your vulva with water. You might develop vaginal or vulvar dermatitis if you are allergic to certain products you use near or in the vagina. Those products might include bubble baths, feminine wipes, perfumes, and soaps. The dermatitis may also cause burning and pain along with itching. Treatment Options In some cases, treatment may be as simple as avoiding the allergen and rubbing or cooling skin instead of scratching it. It's also essential to see a healthcare provider if you think you have vaginal dermatitis. They may advise additional treatments such as topical steroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors, which are a non-steroid option. Menopause might be the source of your vaginal itching if it's been 12 months or more since your periods have naturally stopped. Your hormones change during the time leading up to and after menopause. As a result, you might notice changes to your vagina. For example, a decrease in the hormone estrogen causes vaginal atrophy, or thinning of the vaginal wall. Vaginal atrophy often causes vaginal itching. Other symptoms of vaginal atrophy can include: Frequent urination Incontinence, or a loss of bladder control Pain while urinating Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Vaginal dryness and irritation Treatment Options You can treat vaginal atrophy with hormonal and non-hormonal methods. Hormonal options might include hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) or local estrogen therapy (e.G., creams, tablets, or a vaginal ring). Non-hormonal methods typically include lubricants and moisturizers that you apply to your vagina. Vaginal cancer is a rare cause of vaginal itching. Other signs of vaginal cancer include a lump near the vagina, non-menstrual bleeding, and pelvic pain. People aged 60 and older are likelier to develop vaginal cancer than others. Other vaginal cancer risk factors include: Abnormal cells in the cervix, uterus, or vagina Being born to a mother who took diethylstilbestrol (DES), a medication to prevent miscarriages during the 1950s, while pregnant Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common STI Treatment Options See a healthcare provider right away if you develop vaginal cancer warning signs. They can use a Pap smear to detect cancerous cells in your cervix, uterus, or vagina. Vaginal cancer is curable if detected early. Treatments might include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to kill and remove cancerous cells in the vagina. Trichomoniasis (trich) is a common and treatable STI in women and men. A parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, causes trich. There were more than two million trich cases in the United States in 2018. Nearly 30% of those cases caused no symptoms. Some people with trich report itching near the vagina. Other trich symptoms include: Burning while or after urinating Clear, green, white, or yellow vaginal discharge that has a fishy odor Discharge from the penis Treatment Options See a healthcare provider if you develop trich symptoms. They can prescribe an antibiotic to help get rid of the parasite. Keep in mind that re-infection occurs in roughly one in five people within three months of treatment. Make sure that you and your sexual partners receive regular testing to avoid re-infection. Not everyone with genital herpes develops prominent lesions. Many people have mild to non-existent symptoms, including itching around their anus and genitals. Itching can last up to 24 hours. Other herpes symptoms include: Blisters on the genitals, mouth, or rectum that may be painful Fatigue Fever Headache Muscle pain Pain while urinating Swollen lymph nodes (especially in your groin) Treatment Options A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and their severity. Topical creams and other medications ease discomfort and reduce outbreaks. Applying a cold compress to the sores and wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear might help. Other STIs that might cause vaginal itching include chlamydia and gonorrhea. Bacteria, which may spread during anal, oral, or vaginal sex, causes both infections. Pregnant people might spread the bacteria to their newborns during childbirth. In addition to itching, chlamydia and gonorrhea may cause symptoms like: Abdominal pain Abnormal, foul-smelling vaginal discharge Bleeding between periods (with gonorrhea) Burning while urinating Fever Nausea Pain during sex Rectal bleeding, discharge, and pain Treatment Options See a healthcare provider if you develop chlamydia or gonorrhea symptoms. They will prescribe antibiotics to help get rid of the bacteria. It's essential to take all the antibiotics a healthcare provider prescribes. Re-infections are common and may occur if you do not completely treat it. Both STIs may lead to complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), if untreated. PID causes pelvic pain, problems with pregnancy, and infertility. Receive a test three months after treatment to help prevent re-infection. Poor hygiene is a common cause of non-specific vulvovaginitis, or a vaginal or vulvar infection. You might develop itching and irritation around or in your vagina. Other symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, burning while urinating, redness, and swelling. Treatment Options It's essential to maintain proper vaginal hygiene to avoid and treat vulvovaginitis. Your vagina cleans itself, so you do not have to use soap. You can instead rinse your vagina with water. Make sure your vaginal area is also completely dry after bathing or showering. Other ways to keep your vagina include: Stay hydrated to flush out your urinary tract Use and regularly change unscented pads and tampons during your period. Change pads every few hours and tampons every four to eight hours. Wear cotton underwear and lightweight clothing Wipe front to back after going to the bathroom Several home remedies help prevent and treat vaginal itching. One of the best ways to stop itching is to maintain proper vaginal hygiene. Ensure you wipe front to back after going to the bathroom and wear breathable clothing and cotton underwear. Other ways to prevent and treat vaginal itching at home include: Avoid fragrances, hygiene sprays, and powders Do not douche, which worsens itching by removing good bacteria that prevent infections Keep your blood sugar levels stable if you have diabetes Make sure that you completely dry your vaginal area after bathing or showering. Try using cold or warm air from a hair dryer if a towel is irritating. Soak in a warm bath Use a spray bottle to gently cleanse your vaginal area with water (no soap) Use condoms to stop the spread of STIs Use pads instead of tampons if you have a vaginal infection See a healthcare provider right away if you have severe vaginal itching and changed medications or think you have had a STI exposure. Let them know if your symptoms worsen or last longer than one week. A healthcare provider can perform tests to diagnose and treat your symptoms properly. Other signs to see a healthcare provider include: Abdominal or pelvic pain Fever Redness and swelling around your genitals Vaginal discharge Vaginal itching has many causes, including natural and treatable changes. Allergens, hormonal changes, and irritants might increase vaginal itching. Other times, vaginal itching is a symptom of an STI or yeast infection. You can typically prevent and treat vaginal itching by practicing proper hygiene. It's essential to still consult a healthcare provider before treating the issue at home if you are worried about your symptoms.Oral Sex Linked To Vaginal Condition Bacterial Vaginosis
BV bacteria covering cells
Oral sex may create an environment for a common vaginal condition called bacterial vaginosis or BV, according to research in the journal PLoS Biology.
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection. It is an imbalance of the usual bacteria found in the vagina.
Women who have it may have no symptoms, but some get a strong-smelling discharge.
Researchers explored what effect mouth bacteria have on microbes that live and grow in the vagina.
About BV
BV is not usually serious, but should be treated because having BV makes women more vulnerable to catching sexually transmitted diseases and getting urinary infections.
If the woman is pregnant, it increases the risk of premature birth.
How can you tell if you have it?
It is quite common and women who have it may notice they have an unusual discharge that has a strong fishy smell.
You may notice a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.
Your GP or sexual health clinic could arrange for a swab test to see if you have BV.
If the result is positive, it can be treated with antibiotic tablets, gels or creams.
What did the new research find?
Women without BV tend to have plenty of "good" bacteria called lactobacilli that keep the vagina more acidic, with a lower pH.
Sometimes this healthy balance can tip and let other vaginal micro-organisms thrive.
What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get BV if:
The study in PLoS Biology showed how a common type of bacteria found in the mouth that is linked with gum disease and dental plaque may support BV.
They did experiments in human vaginal specimens and in mice to look at bacterial behaviour.
The mouth bacterium, Fusobacterium nucleatum, appeared to aid the growth of other bacteria implicated in BV.
The researchers, Dr Amanda Lewis from the University of California and colleagues, say the findings show how oral sex might contribute to some cases of BV.
Experts already know that BV can be triggered by sex, including between women.
Prof Claudia Estcourt, spokesperson for the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said research such as this was important to add to the understanding of BV.
"We know BV is a really complex entity with lots of contributing factors."
She said oral sex could pass on sexually transmitted infections and other bacteria that may or may not be important in other health conditions.
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