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Both men and women can experience discharge from the penis or vagina, and oftentimes it is completely healthy and normal. However, if you experience changes in the frequency, texture, colour, or smell of discharge, it could indicate an infection. For women, discharge is normal and can change throughout the month. For men, any discharge that is not pre-ejaculate or ejaculate could be an indication of a health problem. Regardless of gender, if you experience a change in your discharge it is necessary to rule out potential infections, such as from an STI. This can be done easily from home with an STI test. Do you suffer from unusual discharge and suspect that it could be from an STI? In this article, you can learn more about the different types of discharge and the possible causes.
What kinds of discharge can be caused by STIs?
Discharge can vary depending on the STI, but it frequently occurs with conditions like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms often include increased, foul-smelling discharge, which may appear yellow-green with foam, as well as redness, swelling, and pain in the genital area. Painful urination is also common (Isala, 2022).
In general, however, discharge is natural and has a cleansing function. For example, women may have regular white or clear discharge. If you have unusual amounts or colours of discharge, this may indicate a sexually transmitted disease or other health disorder.
Discharge in men
Normal male discharge includes pre-ejaculate and ejaculate during sexual arousal or activity, which is clear to milky and odourless. Abnormal discharge occurs outside of sexual activity and may have an unusual colour or odour or be accompanied by pain, itching or swelling. Causes of abnormal discharge include sexually transmitted diseases (such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia), yeast infections, prostatitis or non-specific urethritis. A medical examination is advisable in the event of abnormal symptoms (Soa Aids, 2021).
What does pre-cum look like?
Pre-cum is a clear, colourless and usually odourless liquid. It is secreted by Cowper’s glands during sexual arousal, before ejaculation. The amount can vary from person to person, but it is usually small and serves as a lubricant to prepare the urethra for ejaculation.
Discharge in women
Vaginal discharge is normal and ensures that your vagina remains clean and healthy (De Gynecologist 2020). Typical discharge in women is white or transparent and odourless. Sometimes it can appear a bit yellow as it dries.
Many factors including STIs, fungal infections, pregnancy, birth control, certain health conditions, or other bacterial infections can cause changes in vaginal discharge. Discharge that requires medical attention may change colour, smell, texture, increase in quantity, or be accompanied by itching or burning. As a woman, you often know better than anyone when something is not right with your discharge. If you suspect that changes in your discharge are due to an STI, it’s always a good idea to get tested.
Which STIs can cause discharge?
While there are many different STIs with different symptoms, STIs caused by bacteria or parasites usually cause discharge. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis are common STIs that can cause discharge from the penis or vagina. These STIs can infect the urethra, vagina or cervix, causing discharge with an unpleasant smell or unusual colour.
Discharge from Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the Netherlands. This STI is very contagious and is caused by bacteria that infects the mucous membranes of the urethra, vagina, cervix, throat, or rectum (Soa Aids, 2021). Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. One of the most common symptoms of chlamydia is an unusual discharge from the vagina or penis.
Discharge from Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an STI that is also caused by a bacterium that can infect the urethra, throat, rectum, or reproductive tract in women. The infection can lead to discharge from the vagina or penis with an unpleasant odour. This discharge is usually thick and green or yellow in colour.
Discharge from Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an STI that often has no symptoms and is more common in women than in men. Women may suffer from itching, inflammation of the vagina, painful urination, or an increased quantity of discharge with an unpleasant smell. Men may experience inflamed glans, a burning sensation when urinating, or discharge from the penis.
Can discharge also be caused by something other than an STI?
Unusual discharge is not always caused by an STI. Discharge can also be caused by a Candida infection, which may be accompanied with itching or burning with urination. In women, bacterial vaginosis is another common infection that causes discharge with an unpleasant smell. Unusual discharge can also be due to other infections or health conditions. If your STI test results are negative and you are still experiencing abnormal discharge, make an appointment with your GP to take a closer look.
Does discharge from an STI go away on its own?
While STIs do not go away by themselves, most can be treated quickly and easily with antibiotics. If you have symptoms that could indicate an STI, it is important to get tested. Leaving an STI untreated can cause permanent damage to your reproductive system, which is why getting tested regularly is important. Homed-IQ’s STI Test Comprehensive provides the most complete overview of your sexual health to date. This STI test checks for the 8 most common STIs and can be taken easily and confidentially from home.
What should I do if I have unusual discharge?
Unusual discharge is usually an indication something is not right with your health, and therefore further investigation is needed. If you suspect you have an STI, you can easily check yourself from home before visiting a doctor, with results available in days. The Basic-4 STI Test from Homed-IQ tests the three most common STIs that cause abnormal discharge. If you test positive for one of these STIs, it is important to contact your doctor, who will ensure that you receive the necessary medication that will make your infection and symptoms disappear.
References
Soa Aids Nederland. (2021, July 6). Afscheiding. https://www.soaaids.nl/nl/heb-ik-soa/afscheiding
Vaginale afscheiding. (2020, February 28). De Gynaecoloog. https://www.degynaecoloog.nl/onderwerpen/vaginale-afscheiding/
Vaginale afscheiding door een soa of een ontsteking in het kleine bekken. (2022, March 11). https://www.isala.nl/patientenfolders/7598-vaginale-afscheiding-door-soa-of-ontsteking-kleine-bekken/
