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Abnormal Vaginal Discharge: What It Means and When to Get Checked

 Quick answer: Normal vaginal discharge changes during the menstrual cycle. A change in color, smell, or amount, or discharge with itching or pain, can be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. At Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station, an English-speaking female OB-GYN can look for the cause with a simple swab test.

What is normal vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a normal way the body keeps the vagina clean and moist. Healthy discharge is usually clear or white, and it may have a mild smell. Its amount and texture change during the menstrual cycle: it is often clear and stretchy around ovulation and thicker at other times. Discharge may also increase in pregnancy and with some hormonal contraception.

What are the signs of abnormal discharge?

  • A new strong or fishy odor
  • Gray, yellow, green, or blood-tinged color outside your period
  • Thick, clumpy, cottage-cheese texture, or a frothy texture
  • A clear increase in amount
  • Itching, burning, redness, or swelling
  • Pain in the lower abdomen, pain during sex, or pain when urinating

What causes abnormal vaginal discharge?

   
Possible cause Typical discharge Other common signs
Bacterial vaginosis Thin, white-gray Fishy odor, often after sex
Yeast infection Thick, white, clumpy Itching, burning, little odor
Trichomoniasis Frothy, yellow-green Odor, itching, painful urination
Cervicitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea Yellow or cloudy Bleeding after sex, often no symptoms

Other causes include a forgotten tampon, allergy or irritation from soaps or products, cervical polyps, and hormonal changes such as those of menopause. Rarely, abnormal discharge can be a sign of cervical or uterine disease, which is why persistent symptoms should be checked.

When should I see a doctor?

Book a visit if your discharge has changed and does not return to normal within a few days, if it comes with itching, odor, or pain, if you might have been exposed to an STI, or if you are pregnant. Seek care the same day if you have fever, strong lower abdominal pain, or feel unwell, as this can be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease. Bleeding after sex or after menopause should also always be checked.

How is abnormal discharge diagnosed at the clinic?

The doctor first asks about your symptoms, cycle, contraception, and sexual health history. A speculum exam lets the doctor see the vagina and cervix and take a swab. Depending on your situation, the sample can be tested for pH, looked at under a microscope, cultured, or sent for a laboratory STI panel. Tests may include:

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, yeast infections with antifungal medicine, and STIs with specific antibiotics plus partner treatment. Irritation from products usually improves when the trigger is stopped. The doctor will explain your results and options in English. Individual results vary.

How can I keep discharge healthy?

  • Do not douche or wash inside the vagina.
  • Use mild, unscented products on the outer area only.
  • Wear breathable cotton underwear.
  • Use condoms and get STI testing with new partners.
  • Keep up with regular cervical cancer screening.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

If your discharge has changed, a short visit and swab test can usually identify the cause. Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, sees patients in English at Eunice Women's Clinic.

  •  Address: 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, across the crosswalk from Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk
  • Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00–19:00
  • Tue, Thu: 10:00–20:00 (evening clinic)
  • Sat: 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
  • Weekday lunch break: 13:30–14:30. Closed Sundays and Korean public holidays

You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search “유니스산부인과” or Eunice), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100. Booking is recommended; call or message to check same-day availability. See directions from Seongsu Station.

Book an appointment in English

Eunice Women's Clinic · 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul · Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3

Phone: +82-2-467-3100 · KakaoTalk channel · Naver Booking

Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Thu 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00 · Lunch 13:30–14:30 · Closed Sundays & public holidays

How to book · Directions · Fees

Frequently asked questions

Is yellow discharge always an infection?

Not always. Discharge can look pale yellow when it dries on underwear. However, darker yellow or green discharge, especially with odor, itching, or pain, can be a sign of infection and should be checked.

Can stress change vaginal discharge?

Stress can affect hormones and the menstrual cycle, which may change discharge patterns. It does not usually cause odor, itching, or unusual colors. If you have those symptoms, testing is recommended.

Should I stop using tampons or menstrual cups if I have abnormal discharge?

You do not usually need to stop, but make sure no tampon has been left in place, and clean cups as directed. Tell the doctor what products you use, as it can help identify the cause.

Can I be examined during my period?

Many swab tests can still be done during light bleeding, but heavy bleeding can affect some results, including Pap smears. Call or message the clinic to ask whether to reschedule.

Do I need to prepare for a discharge test?

If possible, avoid vaginal creams, douching, and sex for about 24 to 48 hours before the visit, as they can affect results. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without talking to a doctor.

Related pages

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.