What Causes Orange Discharge? We Asked an Ob-Gyn

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The color of your discharge can say a lot about your health. In most cases, healthy discharge is clear, white or off-white, or slightly yellow, with varying consistencies. But what happens when you notice an unusual color, like orange discharge?

To be clear, an out-of-the-ordinary hue doesn't necessary mean anything's up. In some cases, as with pink discharge, you likely don't need to worry, with causes ranging from hormonal changes to a recent period. However, some colors, such as green discharge, could be a little more concerning, with causes like STIs, bacterial vaginosis, and even a lost tampon. Given the wide range, it's worth asking: What does orange discharge mean, and should you be concerned if it pays you a visit?

The TL;DR is this: "Orange discharge is not typically normal," says Renita F. White, MD. "Though it may not be a reason to be alarmed, it's best to get evaluated by a healthcare professional to see what may be going on." To find out more, we asked about some of the most common causes of orange discharge, as well as potential treatment options, and when to consider seeking medical attention. Read on to learn why orange discharge happens and what it might be trying to tell you, according to an ob-gyn.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Renita F. White, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn, women's health advocate, and member of The Honey Pot's Pulse Panel.

What Causes Orange Discharge?

Orange discharge isn't necessarily something you should ignore, but it's not always a reason to panic either. Dr. White says some of the most common causes include:

Vaginal Infection: "Orange discharge may be a sign of a vaginal infection," Dr. White says. Vaginal infections associated with orange discharge include trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV also tends to cause a distinct "fishy" smell, itching, and burning during urination. Trichomoniasis, on the other hand, can cause pain with urination or sex, genital redness, burning, and itching, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Yeast Infection: "Yeast infections are often associated with yellow discharge, but it is possible that the yellowish discharge could have an orange look," Dr. White says. Other signs of a yeast infection include watery discharge, burning, redness, itching, and irritation around the vagina and vulva.
Implantation: Implantation bleeding describes the spotting that can occur when a fertilized egg implants itself into the uterus (usually within 10 to 14 days of ovulation, per the Cleveland Clinic). This light bleeding usually looks light pink or brown in nature, but it may also look a bit orange, depending on the person. In addition to bleeding, you may experience some light and short-lived cramping. Orange discharge caused by implantation bleeding usually won't have any strong or foul odor, though.
Irregular Bleeding: It's not just implantation bleeding that can lead to orange discharge. "Small amounts of blood can make discharge look slightly orange," Dr. White explains. Blood may be caused by "irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting" as well as "infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis," she says. If you've begun to notice orange discharge after your period for more than one cycle, it's also possible that the blood from the end of your menstrual cycle is just mixing with your typical discharge to create a different color. If you believe irregular bleeding is behind your discharge but aren't sure what's causing it, keep an eye out for any other unusual symptoms like an unpleasant smell, sudden pain, or irritation.

How to Treat Orange Discharge

Treatment for orange discharge will ultimately depend on what's causing it, Dr. White explains. "For orange discharge due to infection, antibiotics are generally needed," she says. Something like a yeast infection can typically be treated with antifungal medication (which you can find over-the-counter but may need a prescription for, depending on the severity of the infection). "If irregular bleeding is the cause, your doctor will likely do an evaluation to see what is causing the bleeding. This will help determine treatment," she adds. An evaluation of this nature may include a physical and pelvic exam, as well as blood testing to rule out any potential infections.

When to See a Doctor

"If you have orange discharge that doesn't go away after a few days, it is best to check in with a healthcare provider," Dr. White advises. While orange discharge isn't always a cause for concern on its own, Dr. White says to keep an eye out for the following red flags, and call you doctor right away if any of them crop up:

Vaginal Itching
Irritation
Unpleasant Odor

Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health and Fitness. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she enjoys finding new ways to rock her 18(!) different eye patches, and making videos about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.

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