Family Planning Plus

Sexually transmitted infections usually do not prevent you from having a period.  Sometimes vaginal infections can cause irregular spotting or bleeding after intercourse.

Clear to white vaginal discharge with no odor is normal. You may notice that the discharge dries yellow on your panties or pad. This is normal and helps maintain vaginal pH at the correct level.

If you are having yellow or green discharge with a foul odor, this is not normal. This can be indicative of an STD.  Other vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast, may cause a change in discharge, but are not sexually transmitted infections. Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by thin, white, milky vaginal discharge that has a “fishy” odor. This odor may be more noticeable after intercourse. Yeast infections usually cause thick, white, cottage cheese like discharge, along with intense itching in the vaginal area. Medications are available to treat most vaginal infections.

If you continue to have abnormal vaginal discharge, you should schedule an infection check and/or STD screening. Family Planning clinics offer both at little or no cost. Please call for an appointment if necessary.