Vaginal discharge is one of the most common reasons women visit a doctor in Lagos — and one of the most common reasons they don't, out of embarrassment. At Mascot Healthcare, every consultation is private, non-judgmental, and handled by experienced doctors. From ₦5,000, by appointment, same day.
Normal discharge is clear or white, odourless or mildly scented, and changes with your cycle. Any departure from this is worth investigating.
| Discharge type | Likely cause | Other symptoms | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thick white, cottage-cheese texture | Candidiasis (yeast infection) | Itching, burning, redness | Antifungal treatment |
| Grey-white, fishy odour | Bacterial vaginosis (BV) | Worse after sex or period | Antibiotic treatment |
| Yellow or green, frothy | Trichomoniasis (STI) | Itching, painful urination | STI swab + treatment |
| Yellow-green with odour | Gonorrhoea / Chlamydia | Pelvic pain, bleeding | Urgent STI testing |
| Brown or blood-tinged, mid-cycle | Ovulation spotting, cervical erosion, polyp | May be painless | Pelvic scan + swab |
| Watery, persistent | Cervicitis, hormonal change | Often no other symptoms | Swab + pelvic exam |
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the female reproductive system — the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and discharge is part of that process. Normal discharge varies in volume and consistency throughout the menstrual cycle: more watery around ovulation, thicker and white before a period. What changes this balance are infections, hormonal shifts, and sometimes foreign bodies or structural changes.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted — Lactobacillus species (the protective bacteria) are replaced by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria including Gardnerella vaginalis. The result is a thin, greyish-white discharge with a characteristic fishy odour that is often worse after sex or during menstruation.
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection — it can occur in women who are not sexually active. However, sexual activity can alter vaginal pH and trigger it. It is treatable with antibiotics (metronidazole or clindamycin). Without treatment, BV increases the risk of STI acquisition and complications in pregnancy.
Vaginal candidiasis is caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans — a fungus normally present in small amounts in the vagina. Triggers include antibiotic use (which kills protective bacteria), high blood sugar (diabetes), pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives, and tight, non-breathable clothing.
The discharge is classically thick, white, and cottage-cheese-like, with intense itching and sometimes a burning sensation. It is not sexually transmitted and is treated with antifungal medication — oral or topical. Recurrent thrush (4+ episodes per year) warrants investigation for underlying diabetes or immune compromise.
Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted parasite that is significantly under-diagnosed in Nigeria because many infections are asymptomatic. When symptomatic, it causes a frothy, yellow-green, malodorous discharge with intense itching and dysuria. It is completely treatable with a single dose of metronidazole — but both sexual partners must be treated simultaneously.
You speak to a doctor privately. Every detail you share is confidential and protected.
A brief pelvic examination and vaginal swab are taken. Painless and takes about 5 minutes.
Most swab results are available same day or next day. pH testing is immediate.
Appropriate treatment is prescribed immediately. You leave with medication, not just a referral.
Private, non-judgmental women's health care at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. Consultation from ₦5,000, same-day testing and treatment.