Get the Facts about Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is commonly known as an STD symptom. Specifically, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trichomoniasis can cause vaginal discharge. Here’s what you need to know about what STDs might cause vaginal discharge, when it’s time to see a doc, and what STD testing can tell you about your vaginal discharge.

Vaginal Discharge: STD or Something Else?

First of all, it’s important to note that STD symptoms may or may not show up in people who have STDs. That means that you shouldn’t necessarily wait until you notice symptoms to get STD testing: if you’re sexually active, regular testing should be part of your sexual health regimen.

But if you do notice vaginal discharge, here’s an overview of what it might mean:

• Increased vaginal discharge: This is often a gonorrhea symptom. Going from little to no vaginal discharge to significantly more should trigger a gonorrhea test or doctor’s visit.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge: Discharge that’s in any different from your usual condition (including vaginal discharge that has a slight odor to it) could signal an STD. Chlamydia, though often symptomless, may come with a slightly fragrant vaginal discharge.
• Yellow-green vaginal discharge: One STD symptom you shouldn’t ignore is frothy, yellow-green discharge that has a strong odor. This may be a symptom of trichomoniasis, another bacterial STD.

Should Vaginal Discharge = STD Testing?

Whether you need gonorrhea testing or a screening for another STD depends in large part on your sexual history. People who have multiple partners or unprotected sex tend to be at a higher risk for gonorrhea and other STDs, whether or not they notice vaginal discharge.

The CDC suggests STD testing every time a person:

• Notices symptoms of an STD (including vaginal discharge)
• Gets a new sexual partner
• Has a partner diagnosed with an STD.

It’s also important to know that many people with STDs don’t realize they’re infected. That’s because (we can’t stress this enough) sometimes STD symptoms never show up. And while gonorrhea symptoms may be unpleasant, long-term complications from untreated STDs can be worse.

Bottom line: vaginal discharge doesn’t always mean you have an STD – but it’s usually a symptom to pay attention to.