Discharge that is orange or reddish in color can be alarming. However, in many cases it is normal and not a cause for concern. Here are some potential reasons why discharge may appear orange or reddish and when you should see a doctor:
Normal Causes
| Blood | Small amounts of blood from your period or ovulation can mix with discharge and give it an orange tint. |
| Cervical Ectropion | With this condition, the glandular cells from inside the cervical canal protrude outside. Their secretions can cause orange discharge. |
It is common for discharge to appear slightly reddish or orange due to small amounts of blood. As long as the discharge is not heavy or accompanied by itching, pain, or a strong odor, it is likely normal. The blood may not even be noticeable on your underwear.
Some amount of vaginal discharge is healthy and helps keep the vagina clean and prevent infection. The discharge carries dead cells and bacteria out of the body. Normal discharge is usually clear, white, or off-white.
The color can change slightly during your menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations. Right before ovulation, discharge may turn sticky and cloudy. You may have more discharge during ovulation. After ovulation and before your period, discharge may be thicker and whiter.
So in summary, a light orange tint to your discharge is usually nothing to worry about. As long as you do not have other symptoms, it is likely just due to small amounts of blood mixing with normal discharge.
When to See a Doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of the following:
| – Thick, chunky discharge |
| – Gray, green, or yellow discharge |
| – Fishy or foul odor |
| – Itching or burning |
| – Pain or discomfort |
| – Heavier discharge than usual |
Orange discharge accompanied by these symptoms could signal an infection or health condition that requires treatment. Some possibilities include:
| Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) | This occurs when there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina. BV discharge is gray, white, or green with a fishy odor. |
| Yeast Infection | Yeast infections cause thick, white, chunky discharge with itching or burning. |
| Trichomoniasis | This STD also leads to itchy, smelly discharge that can be yellow, green, gray, or orange. |
| Cervicitis | Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix that can cause bloody, yellow, or gray discharge. |
Orange discharge can also sometimes indicate:
– Hormonal problems or ovarian cysts
– Uterine fibroids
– Cervical polyps or cancer
If your discharge has an unusual color and is accompanied by other symptoms, schedule an exam. Your doctor can check for infections and perform tests to determine the cause. Prompt treatment will help prevent complications.
Some other key points about orange vaginal discharge:
– Orange discharge at the start or end of your period is normal due to the presence of blood.
– Birth control pills can cause spotting and orange-tinged discharge between periods. This is no cause for alarm.
– Orange discharge may occur during pregnancy due to changing hormones. But notify your doctor about any abnormal discharge during pregnancy.
– Poor hygiene does not cause orange discharge. While good hygiene may help prevent bacterial or yeast overgrowth, it does not impact normal discharge color.
– Douching can irritate the vagina and should be avoided. This will not change the color of normal discharge.
– Dried discharge on your underwear may appear more orange than its actual color. View your discharge directly on a tissue to best assess the color.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
If you have unprotected sex, orange discharge could indicate pregnancy. Implantation bleeding that occurs 6-12 days after fertilization can mix with discharge and appear orange.
Take a pregnancy test if you:
| – Had unprotected intercourse during ovulation |
| – Notice mild cramping along with orange discharge |
| – Are seeing orange discharge around the time of your expected period |
| – Have an irregular menstrual cycle |
The best time to take a pregnancy test is the first day of your expected period. But if orange discharge appears earlier, you may want to take a test right away for accurate results.
If the test is positive, make an appointment with your doctor right away. They can confirm the pregnancy, estimate the delivery date, and advise you on prenatal care.
If the test is negative but you still have orange discharge after your period, follow up with your gynecologist. They can examine you and determine if an infection is causing the abnormal discharge.
Can I Treat Orange Discharge at Home?
It is best not to attempt treating orange vaginal discharge without seeing your doctor first. While some home remedies and over-the-counter treatments may provide relief, the underlying problem needs to be properly diagnosed first.
However, while waiting for your appointment, you can try the following to help soothe irritation and alleviate symptoms:
| – Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing |
| – Avoid douching and scented soaps |
| – Do not use tampons if discharge is heavy |
| – Take warm baths without bath salts or oils |
| – Take OTC painkillers for cramping |
| – Drink lots of water and urinate frequently |
Your doctor will be able to prescribe the right medication once they determine what is causing your orange vaginal discharge. Do not self-treat with over-the-counter antifungal creams or antibiotics. These can sometimes make the problem worse.
It is also not advisable to treat orange discharge with garlic, tea tree oil, yogurt, or other natural remedies. The effectiveness is unproven and they may irritate your vagina further. See your gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
How is Orange Discharge Diagnosed?
To diagnose orange vaginal discharge, your gynecologist will typically:
– Ask about your symptoms and medical history
– Perform a pelvic exam to look for signs of infection
– Take a sample of the discharge to check under a microscope
– Test discharge pH using a simple litmus test
– Do a whiff test to check for fishy odor
– Order blood work or additional tests like a PAP smear
These procedures allow your doctor to analyze the discharge for bacterial overgrowth, yeast infection, STD, cervical inflammation, and other issues.
Cultures may be collected to confirm gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis infection. Pelvic ultrasound, biopsy, or endometrial tissue sampling may occasionally be done.
Once your doctor confirms the cause of orange discharge, appropriate medication can be prescribed. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics like metronidazole. Yeast infections are treated with antifungal creams or tablets. Trichomoniasis requires prescription antibiotics.
If an STD is the root cause, your sexual partner will also need treatment to avoid reinfection. Use protection during treatment and until the infection is cured.
Can I Prevent Orange Discharge?
It is difficult to prevent all cases of orange vaginal discharge. Normal discharge may temporarily appear orange due to small amounts of blood.
However, practicing good vaginal hygiene can help lower your risk of infections that cause abnormal orange discharge:
| – Clean your genital area daily using mild, unscented soap and water |
| – Change out of wet swimsuits, workout clothes, and other damp garments promptly |
| – Choose cotton underwear and avoid overly tight clothes |
| – Wipe properly after using the bathroom |
| – Urinate after intercourse to flush out bacteria |
| – Do not douche or use vaginal deodorants |
Safe sexual practices can also prevent STD-related causes of orange discharge:
| – Use condoms every time you have sex |
| – Limit sexual partners and avoid unprotected sex |
| – Get tested if you have new sexual partners |
| – Make sure partner gets treated for STDs as well |
While orange discharge due to an infection cannot always be prevented, good hygiene and sexual practices can reduce your risks. See your doctor promptly if you notice any abnormal discharge.
When to Return for Follow Up
You should schedule a follow up appointment with your doctor if:
| – Symptoms do not improve within 1-2 weeks of treatment |
| – Symptoms return shortly after completing treatment |
| – New symptoms like pain, itching, or heavy discharge arise |
| – You have recurrent orange discharge with unknown cause |
| – You get orange discharge after your period ends |
| – Your sexual partner was not treated for an STD |
Follow up exams allow your doctor to confirm the infection or issue is fully resolved. You may need additional treatment or higher medication doses to clear up stubborn vaginal infections.
Partner treatment is vital to prevent ping-pong reinfection of STDs. Use protection until STD tests confirm you are both cured. Rule out underlying issues like fibroids or cervical polyps if orange discharge keeps recurring.
Do not ignore new or worsening discharge symptoms. Book an earlier follow up or second opinion if your orange vaginal discharge persists. Proper diagnosis and treatment will help resolve abnormal discharge.
Conclusion
Orange or reddish vaginal discharge is typically not harmful, especially when it occurs near your period. But foul-smelling or itchy discharge that resembles pus, is gray, yellow, or green indicates infection or irritation requiring medical attention.
See your gynecologist right away for orange discharge along with abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, or other issues. STD testing should be done if you have new partners or risk factors.
With proper hygiene and safer sex, orange discharge due to cervical inflammation or vaginitis can often be prevented. Follow your doctor’s treatment guidelines to address the root cause. Avoid home remedies that could worsen vaginal problems.
Monitor symptoms after treatment and return promptly if orange discharge persists or worsens. Diagnosing and properly treating any infection or imbalance causing abnormal discharge will help restore vaginal health.
