Vaginal discharge is a normal part of vaginal health. Changes in colour, consistency, odour or amount may indicate an underlying imbalance or infection. Abnormal discharge is one of the most common reasons women seek gynaecological care in Australia.

The most common causes are Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis), and Aerobic Vaginitis (AV). In some cases, sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis may also cause discharge. Non-infectious causes such as atrophic vaginitis can also be responsible.

Recurrent discharge is usually a sign that the underlying cause has not been fully identified or addressed. BV has a recurrence rate of 50–63% within months of treatment. Without identifying contributing factors including vaginal microbiome health, hormonal status and partner factors symptoms are likely to return.

Yes. BV is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge worldwide and is frequently associated with recurrent symptoms. It is caused by a disruption to the vaginal microbiome, where protective Lactobacillus bacteria are reduced and other organisms overgrow.

Yes. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) defined as four or more episodes per year affects approximately 1 in 12 women. Recurrent thrush is rarely caused by poor treatment choice. Factors can include host susceptibility, antibiotic exposure, diabetes, hormonal influences and candida species.

Aerobic Vaginitis (AV) is a distinct vaginal condition characterised by a yellow or green discharge, often with irritation and a distinct odour. It is frequently mistaken for BV or thrush but requires a different approach. Without accurate testing, AV is commonly missed or incorrectly treated.

Yes. Mixed infections where two or more conditions are present simultaneously are more common than many women realise. Mixed infections can make symptoms more persistent and may explain why standard treatments provide only partial or temporary relief.

Self-diagnosis of vaginal discharge is often inaccurate because BV, candidiasis and other conditions can produce overlapping symptoms including similar discharge, odour and irritation. Many women treat the most familiar condition without confirming the diagnosis, which can delay appropriate management. A clinical assessment and targeted testing are the most reliable way to identify the underlying cause.

Recent research has strengthened the evidence that BV-associated bacteria can be shared between ongoing sexual partners and that partner treatment may reduce recurrence in some couples. BV is still understood as a complex vaginal microbiome conditions rather than a conventional STI, and partner management should be considered in the context of the individual patient.

Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as changes related to contraception, perimenopause and menopause, affect vaginal pH and microbiome balance. Declining oestrogen in particular reduces Lactobacillus dominance and increases susceptibility to infection and persistent discharge.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) caused by declining oestrogen causes thinning and inflammation of vaginal tissue. This can produce persistent discharge alongside dryness, irritation and discomfort. Recurrent discharge in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women is frequently associated with GSM.

Treatment without identifying the underlying cause is a common reason symptoms return. Antibiotics and antifungals treat the active episode but do not address contributing factors such as vaginal microbiome imbalance, partner reinfection (for BV), hormonal changes, or mixed infections.

You should seek a comprehensive assessment if discharge is persistent or recurring after treatment, if you are unsure of the underlying cause, if over-the-counter treatments are not resolving symptoms, or if symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life.

While recurrent vaginal discharge is not always associated with serious complications, untreated BV in particular has been associated with increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. Persistent symptoms also carry a significant quality of life burden and should not be dismissed as normal.

No. You do not need a GP referral to book a consultation with Kylie Sayce NP. You can book directly online.

Yes. As an Endorsed Nurse Practitioner, Kylie has prescribing authority and can prescribe antibiotics, antifungals and other medications where clinically appropriate.

Consultations are conducted via secure video or phone telehealth from anywhere in Australia. A consultation covers your discharge history and recurrence pattern, previous diagnoses and treatments, vaginal microbiome health, hormonal influences, and testing recommendations. The aim is to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a management plan tailored to your specific situation.

Telehealth is suitable for many women with recurrent vaginal symptoms, and most consultations can be completed without an in-person visit. However, some presentations require physical or gynaecological examination, specialist review, or investigations that cannot be appropriately assessed remotely. Where this applies, I will recommend appropriate face-to-face care or referral — your safety and a thorough assessment always take priority.