I tested negative for STIs but I still have discharge. What is it?

The idea of having an STI can be scary, and dealing with the symptoms of a potential STI can be even more stressful. However, some people who test negative for STIs may still experience certain symptoms. This may especially be the case for certain STIs.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different kinds of genital discharge that can appear even with a negative STI test, and provide guidance on how to manage these concerns.

What STIs cause discharge?

Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina is a common symptom of several sexually transmitted infections. It is primarily a symptom of bacterial or protozoal infections that infect the urethra and urinary tract. These infections include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Mycoplasma
• Trichomonas
• Ureaplasma

Discharge caused by these STIs is made up of a combination of mucus, pus, and white blood cells, but the nature and composition of discharge can change depending on the STI. For example, discharge caused by Chlamydia tends to be yellow or greenish in colour, whereas the discharge caused by Trichomonas tends to be white and frothy. Familiarise yourself with the STI you have tested positive for to ensure you have the corresponding symptoms.

However, discharge in the genitals can occur for other reasons, and in most cases can be completely harmless.

Check out some of the reasons why you might have genital discharge below.

Normal vaginal discharge

Before delving into the details of genital discharge, it’s essential to understand what normal vaginal discharge is.

Vaginal discharge is a common occurrence for people with vaginas, and it varies in colour, consistency, and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. It’s usually clear or white and may change during ovulation, menstruation, or pregnancy. This baseline knowledge is crucial to differentiate between normal and abnormal discharge.

Residual infection symptoms

If you’ve tested positive and been treated for an STI, it’s possible to experience some lingering symptoms even after testing negative for the infection.

This can happen because of:

Inflammation

Your body’s response to the infection can cause inflammation and an increase in discharge, which might take some time to return to normal.

Healing processes

As the body recovers, it might expel remnants of the infection or medication used to treat it, resulting in discharge.

Altered vaginal microbiome

STIs can disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiome. Even after treatment, it may take time for the microbiome to fully restore itself.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that can cause changes in discharge. The symptoms may resemble those of an STI, including an abnormal greyish-white, fishy-smelling discharge.

BV can develop independently or as a complication of an untreated STI. If you suspect BV, consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Yeast infections

Yeast infections are another common culprit for abnormal vaginal discharge. This type of infection often results in thick, white, and clumpy discharge, accompanied by itching and irritation.

If you’ve recently undergone treatment for an STI and are experiencing these symptoms, consult Better2Know or your healthcare provider for the right diagnosis and treatment.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is a complication of untreated or inadequately treated STIs. It can lead to persistent pelvic pain, unusual discharge, and other symptoms. If you’re concerned about PID, consult Better2Know or your healthcare professional immediately for evaluation and treatment.

Final thoughts

Most STIs can be cured. Understanding what is normal and when to seek medical advice is essential in managing post-STI concerns.

If you think you’ve been exposed to an STI, or would like to take another STI test, you should get tested with Better2Know. Our conveniently located STI clinics can offer testing for all the STIs you may be concerned about.