Vaginal discharge is a secretion that is secreted by the cervical glands and the glands located around the entrance to the vagina. Physiological vaginal discharge is clear, transparent, without characteristic color and odor. Its main function is protective, maintaining an acidic environment in the vagina (pH 3.5-4.2) and a relative balance between the beneficial Döderlein lactic acid bacteria and the pathogenic Gram (-) microorganisms. A change in the nature of the vaginal discharge may be associated with a change in its viscosity, quantity, color or smell. Not every change in the nature of the vaginal discharge is a sign of an infectious process – bacterial, viral and as a result of fungi. There are periods of the monthly cycle or periods of every woman’s life when the vaginal discharge physiologically has a changed morphology. Pregnancy is such a period. A large number of pregnant women complain of an increased section of vaginal discharge during pregnancy, which, in addition to an increased amount, is also characterized by an increased viscosity and a characteristic whitish, white color. The appearance of such a vaginal discharge, which is not accompanied by an unpleasant smell, itching and burning and during urination, is a normal symptom of pregnancy, due to the increased blood supply to the genitals, the increased glandular secretion and the resulting protective function of the secretion from the development of infections. Increased production of vaginal discharge also occurs during sexual arousal. Physiologically, stimulation of the genitals increases the blood supply to the area, which is followed by increased secretion of the cervical glands and the glands located in the vagina. Another physiological change in the vaginal discharge is during ovulation or when an already fertilized egg is implanted, in which a copious amount of pink-colored vaginal discharge is observed. Abnormal production of vaginal discharge can also occur in the following situations: when taking antibiotics due to disruption of the vaginal microflora and destruction of Döderlein’s lactic acid bacteria; when taking oral contraceptives; when using vaginal douches, intimate hygiene products with perfumed substances; when using intrauterine devices to prevent pregnancy. What infectious processes can lead to a change in the nature of vaginal discharge and what are the most common changes in its color? 1. Viscous, white, with the appearance of curdled milk – the most common cause of this type of vaginal discharge is a fungal infection. The most common cause of fungal infections are Candida albicans fungi. They are especially common among women with a weakened immune response – e.g. cancer patients, suffering from diabetes, on antibiotic therapy, during pregnancy, etc.; 2. White, gray or yellowish in color with the smell of rotten fish – the main cause is bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the species Gardnerella vaginalis.The most common reason for the colonization of this type of bacteria is a violation of the acidic environment and alkalinization of the vagina; 3. Foamy, with a yellow-green color and an unpleasant smell – this type of vaginal discharge is caused by sexually transmitted diseases, the main place among which is occupied by trichomoniasis, chlamydial infection, gonorrhea, etc. Patients with multiple sexual partners, who practice unprotected intercourse, often change partners, immunocompromised patients have an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease; 4. Brownish vaginal discharge – most commonly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a major cause of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age. A change in the nature of vaginal discharge is usually not an isolated symptom. Among the symptoms that can accompany the described infections are pain and burning during urination, pain during intercourse, pain, itching and redness of the genitals, intermenstrual bleeding, irregular monthly cycle. Any change in the nature of vaginal discharge should be a signal to seek help from an obstetrician-gynecologist. A comprehensive gynecological examination, detailed history taking and examination of the external and internal genitalia is necessary. Taking a secretion for microbiological examination, as well as a secretion for a smear, is of primary importance for the diagnostic clarification. In case of suspicion of histological changes in the cells in the area of ​​the cervix, a hysteroscopy is performed. Based on the obtained results, adequate therapy is prescribed and the result of its application is monitored. Vaginal discharge can be a mirror for the presence of many problems, which is why any change in its character should be shared with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Maintaining a healthy vaginal flora is essential to every woman’s reproductive health.detailed history taking and examination of the external and internal genitalia. Taking a secretion for microbiological examination, as well as a secretion for a smear, is of primary importance for the diagnostic clarification. In case of suspicion of histological changes in the cells in the area of ​​the cervix, a hysteroscopy is performed. Based on the obtained results, adequate therapy is prescribed and the result of its application is monitored. Vaginal discharge can be a mirror for the presence of many problems, which is why any change in its character should be shared with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Maintaining a healthy vaginal flora is essential to every woman’s reproductive health.detailed history taking and examination of the external and internal genitalia. Taking a secretion for microbiological examination, as well as a secretion for a smear, is of primary importance for the diagnostic clarification. In case of suspicion of histological changes in the cells in the area of ​​the cervix, a hysteroscopy is performed. Based on the obtained results, adequate therapy is prescribed and the result of its application is monitored. Vaginal discharge can be a mirror for the presence of many problems, which is why any change in its character should be shared with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Maintaining a healthy vaginal flora is essential to every woman’s reproductive health.