Vaginitis swab
A swab of discharge is checked for bacterial vaginosis, yeast and trichomonas. Results usually come in 1 to 2 days.
Most discharge changes
Normal, or worth a check?
Vaginal Discharge Diagnosis in Gangnam, Seoul, with clear answers
Vaginal discharge diagnosis is a short exam and swab test that finds out why your discharge has changed. At Sinsoe Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, a female OB-GYN looks at the colour, smell and amount, then tests a small sample for infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast, trichomonas and common STDs. Swab results usually come back in 1 to 2 days. An English-speaking coordinator keeps you updated.
- Results in 1–2 days
- All-female doctors
- Swab and STD PCR in one visit
- Walk-ins welcome
- 4 min from Eonju Station, Exit 7
- 1–2 days for swab test results
- 12 pathogens in the STD PCR panel
- 5 female doctors on one team
- EN English coordinator from booking to results
The basics
What is vaginal discharge diagnosis?
Some discharge is normal and healthy. It keeps the vagina clean and changes during your cycle, in pregnancy and with hormonal contraception. Clear or white, mild-smelling discharge is usually nothing to worry about.
A change in colour, smell, texture or amount can be a sign of infection. Discharge diagnosis tells you whether this is normal for you, or whether you have vaginitis or an STD that needs treatment.
Your doctor uses what she sees during the exam, your symptoms and a lab test of the swab. Together, these give a clear answer instead of a guess.
What the tests can find Common causes of changed discharge
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV), often with Gardnerella
- Yeast infection (candida)
- Trichomoniasis
- Chlamydia, gonorrhea and Mycoplasma genitalium
- Cervical changes, polyps or a forgotten tampon
What happens after diagnosis
- Treatment is covered on the vaginal infection treatment page
- If you have no discharge but itching, see vaginal itching relief
Colour and smell guide
What does the colour of your discharge mean?
Use this as a rough guide only. Several causes can look alike, and only a test can confirm them.
| What you notice | Possible causes |
|---|---|
| Clear or milky white, mild smell | Usually normal. It often gets thicker or more stretchy around ovulation. |
| Thin grey-white, fishy smell | Often bacterial vaginosis. The smell can be stronger after sex or during your period. |
| Thick white, like cottage cheese, with itching | Often a yeast infection (candida). There is usually little smell. |
| Yellow or green, frothy, unpleasant smell | Can be trichomoniasis, or an STD such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. |
| Brown or blood-stained | Often old blood at the start or end of a period. If it happens between periods or after sex, get checked. |
| Strong foul smell, sudden change | Sometimes a forgotten tampon or a more serious infection. See a doctor soon. |
Many STDs cause no change in discharge at all. If you have a new partner, testing is worth it even without symptoms.
See a doctor promptly if discharge comes with:
- Fever, chills or lower belly pain
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Discharge during pregnancy that is watery, bloody or smells bad
Message us on WhatsApp. Pelvic pain with fever can be pelvic inflammatory disease and needs prompt treatment.
Tests we use
Tests used to diagnose vaginal discharge
Your doctor picks the tests that fit your symptoms. Most can be done from the same exam, in one visit.
STD PCR panel
A 12-pathogen PCR test for germs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas and mycoplasma. See STD testing.
New partner, yellow-green dischargePap or HPV test
If the cervix looks irritated or you are due for screening, a Pap smear can be added in the same exam.
Bleeding, cervical changes Step by step
Your discharge check in Gangnam, step by step
The visit is short, private and explained in English from start to finish.
- 1 Message us in English On WhatsApp. Describe the colour, smell and how long it has been different.
- 2 Check in on 2F Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card. Reception and the OB-GYN clinic are on the 2nd floor.
- 3 Talk with a female doctor She asks about your cycle, partners and symptoms. You can answer privately and in English.
- 4 Exam and swab A gentle speculum exam lets her see the discharge and take a swab. It takes only a few minutes.
- 5 Results in 1 to 2 days Your doctor explains the result and the treatment. You may start medicine on the day if the cause is clear.
How to prepare
- Avoid douching, vaginal creams or tampons for 48 hours.
- Try to avoid sex for 24 hours before the swab.
- Book outside your period if you can.
- Note what changed and when.
Is the swab painful?
No. Most women feel only brief pressure from the speculum. The swab itself takes a few seconds.
If you feel nervous or this is your first exam, tell your doctor. She will go slowly and explain each step.
Your results
Understanding your discharge test results
Your doctor explains your result in plain English and tells you what to do next.
Normal flora
No infection found
Your discharge is likely normal for your cycle. Your doctor may give tips on gentle care.
Vaginitis
BV, yeast or trichomonas
You get the medicine that matches the germ. Trichomonas means your partner is treated too.
STD positive
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma
Antibiotics, usually for about 1 to 2 weeks, with partner treatment and no sex until finished.
Something else
Cervical change or other cause
Your doctor may suggest a Pap, HPV test or ultrasound to look further.
Expats & visitors
Getting a discharge test in Korea as a foreigner
You don't need Korean insurance or Korean language to get tested.
Records you can build on
Bring your Alien Registration Card. Past results help your doctor if symptoms come back.
Results while you travel
Bring your passport. Results in 1 to 2 days can be sent to you on WhatsApp, even if you have moved on.
English documents
Ask for an English receipt or medical certificate for your insurer before your visit.
Quick answers
Vaginal discharge in Seoul: common questions
Where can I get unusual vaginal discharge checked in Gangnam with an English-speaking doctor?
Sinsoe Women's Clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul checks vaginal discharge with female OB-GYNs and an English-speaking coordinator. It is a 4-minute walk from Eonju Station Exit 7 (Line 9). Book on WhatsApp at +82-10-9517-5719 or walk in during clinic hours.
What colour of discharge is normal?
Clear or milky white discharge with a mild smell is usually normal. It changes during your cycle.
What does yellow or green discharge mean?
It can mean trichomoniasis or an STD like gonorrhea or chlamydia. It needs a test.
Why does my discharge smell fishy?
A fishy smell is a common sign of bacterial vaginosis. It is easy to test and treat.
How long until I get my results?
Swab results usually come back in 1 to 2 days.
How much does a discharge test cost?
It depends on which tests you need. The STD 12-pathogen PCR panel is ₩100,000 on the clinic's published fee schedule (June 2026). Please confirm before your visit.
Can I get tested during my period?
It is better to come after your period, because blood can affect the sample. If symptoms are strong, come anyway.
Can tourists get tested without Korean insurance?
Yes. Visitors are seen as self-pay patients. Bring your passport.
Ready when you are
Get your discharge checked in Gangnam, Seoul
Send a message in English describing what changed. A coordinator replies and finds you a time, often the same day.
Sinsoe Women's Clinic
537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06126, South KoreaEonju Station Exit 7 (4 min) · Yeoksam Station Exit 6 (5 min)
| Mon & Fri | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue, Wed, Thu | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |