Gynecology › Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge: getting it checked in Busan

Discharge is a normal part of how the vagina keeps itself healthy, and it changes through the menstrual cycle. A change in color, smell or amount, or discharge with itching, burning or pain, can point to an infection that is usually simple to test for and treat. Any OB/GYN clinic in Busan can help.

What is normal and what is not

Normal discharge is usually clear to milky white, can be thin or stretchy around ovulation, and has a mild scent. It may increase in pregnancy, with hormonal contraception, or when you are aroused. Changes worth checking include:

  • Thin, gray-white discharge with a fishy smell: often bacterial vaginosis (BV).
  • Thick, white, “cottage cheese” discharge with itching: often a yeast infection.
  • Yellow-green or frothy discharge: can suggest trichomoniasis.
  • Cloudy or yellow discharge, bleeding after sex or pelvic pain: can be a sign of chlamydia or gonorrhea, which may also cause no symptoms at all.
  • Brown or blood-tinged discharge outside your period, or any discharge after menopause, should be assessed.

What the visit involves

Expect questions about your cycle, contraception, sexual history and how long symptoms have lasted. The doctor usually does a speculum exam and takes a vaginal swab. Some causes can be identified at the visit with a pH test or microscope; others are sent for lab tests such as a vaginitis panel or PCR testing for STIs, with results in a few days. An ultrasound may be added if you have pain or bleeding. Treatment is typically a short course of oral tablets, vaginal suppositories or cream.

Cost and insurance

With Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI), consultations and tests ordered for symptoms are partly covered, so costs are usually modest. Extended STI panels may be partly covered or self-pay depending on the reason for testing and the clinic. Without NHI you pay the full fee; ask for a quote when you call. See our STD test cost guide for what affects the price.

Tips for foreigners

  • Bring your ARC for NHI billing, or your passport if you are uninsured.
  • Phone ahead to check hours and whether walk-ins are accepted.
  • Avoid douching, vaginal creams and sex for 24 to 48 hours before the visit if you can, so tests are accurate.
  • If you are not confident in Korean, write down your symptoms or use the 1330 tourist line for interpretation. Our international patients guide has more tips.

Related

Elsewhere in Korea

When to get help sooner

See a doctor promptly if discharge comes with fever, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, pain during sex, bleeding between periods, or if you are pregnant. Go to an ER for severe pain, high fever or heavy bleeding.

OB/GYN clinics in Busan for discharge checks

Any general OB/GYN clinic can test and treat abnormal discharge. These clinics are spread across the city; tap a name for the full listing. Features are shown only where a public listing confirms them.

Clinic Area Phone Listed features
Roaen OB/GYN Clinic Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) 051-804-3000 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Centum Eroom Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-758-8275 Sat, Fertility
Eve & Adam Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-743-7585 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Ms For You Women's Clinic Jwa-dong (Jangsan) 051-636-7975 Sat, Evenings
Dongnae Bom OB/GYN Clinic Oncheon-dong 051-711-2060 Sat, Evenings
Seoul Samsung OB/GYN Clinic Yeonsan-dong 051-714-3500 Sat
Jini OB/GYN Clinic Jangjeon-dong (Pusan Natl Univ) 051-582-8275 Sat, Evenings
Mari Women's Clinic Daeyeon-dong (Kyungsung-Pukyong Univ) 051-626-1009 Sat, STD tests
She's Bon OB/GYN Clinic Suyeong / Millak area Not listed Sat, STD tests
Rose Women's Clinic Nampo-dong 051-245-7911 Sat, Evenings
L Women's Clinic Hadan-dong 051-207-2727 Sat, Evenings, STD tests

Vaginal discharge questions

  • How do I know if my discharge is abnormal?

    Compare it with what is usual for you. A new color (gray, green, yellow), a strong or fishy smell, a cottage-cheese texture, or discharge with itching, burning, pain or bleeding is worth checking.

  • Can I use an over-the-counter yeast treatment?

    If you have had a confirmed yeast infection before and the symptoms are identical, some people do. But BV, trichomoniasis and STIs can look similar and need different medicine, so testing is best if you are unsure, pregnant, or symptoms come back.

  • Can I be tested during my period?

    Light bleeding does not always prevent testing, but heavy bleeding can affect some results. Call the clinic; they may suggest coming a few days after your period ends unless symptoms are severe.

  • Will my partner need treatment?

    For STIs such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhea, partners usually need testing and treatment too. Partner treatment is not routinely needed for yeast infections or BV.