Colloquially called "trich," trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a parasite that lives inside the vagina or penis. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Watery cervical mucus may indicate you are close to ovulation. Vaginal discharge is normal and necessary for the health of your reproductive system. During a womans menstrual cycle, the brain and ovaries give instructions to the reproductive system. Keep in mind that this type of discharge is either wholly odorless or carries a very mild odor. Obstet Gynecol Int. Pink discharge most commonly occurs with spotting before a period. White milky white vaginal discharge is usually a sign of a normal menstrual cycle. The vagina secretes discharge to clean itself and prevent infection. The body typically uses the discharge to clear the vagina of bacteria to prevent infection. Cleveland Clinic. Different discharge colors can indicate different health conditions such as infections and menstruation. Milky white discharge is sometimes an early sign of pregnancy, or it can mean the body is preparing for ovulation. Prescription medications are used in more moderate or severe cases. Last medically reviewed on June 30, 2022. Yellow-ish discharge may not indicate a health condition as it can naturally turn this color when exposed to air. In addition to other symptoms described here, see your healthcare provider if you experience the following changes in vaginal discharge color or accompanying symptoms: It can be helpful to monitor and track monthly discharge in a notebook or on an app on your phone. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Most people produce around a teaspoon of clear, thick or thin, white, odorless discharge every day. However, if you get them often or they keep coming back, you should see your provider for treatment and find out if you have a condition like diabetes that can make them more likely to happen. Keeping an eye on your vaginal discharge can help you track whats typical for your body and notice changes as quickly as possible. Birth control pills are drugs that contain synthetic progestin and estrogen that are used commonly to prevent pregnancy. The vagina has both good and bad bacteria what we call natural vaginal flora, Dr. Goje explains. Trichomoniasis. If brown discharge frequently recurs throughout the cycle, it could indicate an underlying health condition, such as uterine or cervical cancer. It often coincides with symptoms like vaginal burning or itchiness and a strange or strong smell down there. As long as the discharge does not have a bad odor and youre not experiencing any other symptoms, this type of discharge is healthy. da Fonseca TMMV, Cesar JA, Mendoza-Sassi RA, Schmidt EB. By releasing fluid, the vagina can. What Causes White Discharge Before Your Period? Policy. From types and causes to when its best to seek medical attention, heres the lowdown on vaginal discharge. Anyone who has gone through menopause and not had a period for at least 1 year should see a doctor if they experience vaginal bleeding. However, the presence of yeast does not necessarily mean that there is an infection. Vaginal discharge is . Besides, yeast cells are commonly found in the vagina but small quantity. Change in vaginal discharge is normal in women. Discharge can be pink after sexual intercourse if the sex has caused small tears or irritation in the vagina or cervix. Ovulation causes women to have whitish discharge that can be watery, excessive and clear. Vaginal discharge is often a white or clear liquid. Learn how to manage it. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This is when their ovaries release a mature egg. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. What Causes a Yeast Infection Before Your Period and How Can You Treat It? Medplux 2019. Get the facts on Viagra for women, and discover whether the drug is safe for them. Office on Women's Health. A person may find that wearing a pad or pantyliner can help absorb excess discharge. This keeps the cervix healthy and prevents the spread of bacteria into the uterus during pregnancy. One of the most commonly concerning types of vaginal discharge is thick and white, with a texture resembling cottage cheese. "Small cuts" on your vulva due to "friable" (very soft) skin of the area. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. In most cases, they are very treatable. During pregnancy, ovulation and sexual contact, women may have an excessive flow of discharge. Clin Infect Dis. 1. It quickly changes to a creamy, milky white that resembles a very thinned-out lotion. Investigating the power of music for dementia. Vaginal discharge is completely common and its healthy for it to change color and texture as you go through different parts of the ovulation cycle. Increased vaginal discharge happens when we are ovulating as well as cramping but you can also experience excessive vaginal discharge when you are having too much sex. When to see a doctor or other healthcare professional, What to expect at a healthcare appointment, acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/is-it-normal-to-have-vaginal-discharge, obstetrics-gynaecology-journal.com/article/S1751-7214(19)30206-4/fulltext, pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/discharge.html, The Ultimate Vaginal Discharge Color Guide. A person should see a doctor if they notice irregular changes in vaginal discharge or other symptoms that might indicate a reproductive health issue. For example, wearing a wet bathing suit too long, douching, or antibiotic use can cause yeast infections. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. These can include significant color or odor changes as well as a difference in consistency. Vaginal discharge is a clear, white or off-white fluid that comes out of your vagina. A person may notice some slight changes throughout their cycle, which are usually due to hormone levels fluctuating. How can you tell the difference between normal and abnormal vaginal fluids? This discharge is known as leukorrhea, and its completely normal. The discharge acts as a barrier to protect the cervix from infection. Trichomoniasis can cause green discharge that may may be: Thin Foamy Foul, fishy smelling Discharge can also be yellow or white. Could eating strawberries daily improve heart and brain health? Investigating the power of music for dementia. An Ob/Gyn explains how you can tell the difference. 2020;30(1):11-18. doi:10.1016/j.ogrm.2019.10.004. 2020;61(6):297-301. doi:10.11622/smedj.2020088. (n.d.), What's the cervical mucus method of FAMs? Vaginal discharge can have a pink tinge, often after sex. However, it can also be a sign of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. Yeast infections are commonly caused by Candida albicans and are common in pregnancy, children, women taking steroids, women using antibiotic prescriptions and females on contraceptives. Read more About Dr. Dunn A. See additional information. Postoperative Streptococcus constellatus Bacteremia in a 75-Year-Old Patient with Pyometra: A Case Report. al. Here are our top picks for pH balance pills that may help balance your vagina's natural pH level. Vaginal discharge is fluid secreted from tiny glands in the vagina and cervix. Learn about the causes of milky white discharge here. The chances are higher if, Painful urination, vaginal itching, vaginal sore from scratching, low abdomen pain, swelling of the vulva and clumpy like vaginal discharge, During pregnancy, your hormones are elevated, and your immunity becomes slightly reduced that you are easily prone to yeast infection. Amrin SS, Lakshmi GJ. The amount of vaginal discharge can vary significantly from person to person. May 10, 2018 at 7:03 am These include: Changes in vaginal discharge may sometimes be an indicator of fertility levels. This thinner discharge is a sign that youre preparing for ovulation. I was a little confused because there was no itch or odor and the chunks went away the next day. (2020). Based on the cause, your provider will tell you the best way to treat the vaginal discharge youre having. White discharge can be expected in the second half of the menstrual cycle. It happens to me often that I have discharge days after having frequent sex with my boyfriend. But darker yellow or green discharge especially when its thick, chunky, or accompanied by an unpleasant smell is a sign to see a healthcare professional. You can buy an over-the-counter cream to try to clear it up on your own, or your doctor can prescribe a cream or a pill. It is normal for discharge to change slightly in consistency and transparency, depending on where a person is in their menstrual cycle. birth control However, changes to discharge can also occur as part of the body's response to irritation and infection. 2013;100(4):1033-1038.e1. Milky white discharge can be a sign that your body is preparing for ovulation. Clumpy white and excessive discharge weeks after unsafe sexual intercourse may indicate youre pregnant. The following can increase your likelihood of yeast infections: Gonorrhea and chlamydia are STIs that can produce an abnormal discharge due to infecting the cervix. When it looks like a thick white discharge, it can be a sign of ovulation. Whitevaginal dischargeis usually normal and a sign of a healthy reproductive system. The vaginal discharge ovarian cancer can cause is often clear, white, or colored with blood. With lots of crap online, I Hope to quickly give reliable information about health. At ovulation, it can help to transport sperm through the cervix into the uterus for possible fertilization. People with yeast infections may experience: If you believe you have a yeast infection, over-the-counter treatment options are available. Coping with vaginal discharge can be as simple as wearing a liner in your underwear. Following diagnosis, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the BV. Causes Glands in the cervix and the walls of the vagina normally produce clear mucus. Are you having any other symptoms? They may also run tests to help clue them in to whether its a problem. All rights reserved. Urinary tract infections and yeast infections, Here's everything you need to know about having white discharge during and after sex. This is particularly true if your discharge changes color, smell, or consistency or if youre noticing more of it than usual. These hormones include: Vaginal discharge created by the glands in the cervix and vagina is influenced by the change in hormones. When you see a healthcare professional, theyll likely perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. In some cases, the infection produces no symptoms. Can omega-3 fatty acids help protect against hearing loss? J Obstet Gynaecol Can. They may also need to take a sample of discharge for testing. What Causes a Yeast Infection Before Your Period? Wear cotton underwear instead of nylon to keep your vaginal area dry, and take off sweaty, tight workout clothes as soon as you're done wearing them. Drying the area thoroughly and wearing breathable cotton underwear can also help. Its a sign that your vagina is doing its job! Having sex without a condom can spread it from one person to another. What should a woman know about vaginal discharge at any stage of the menstrual cycle? This kind of white vaginal discharge is calledleukorrhea, and it's a normal part of pregnancy. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Bacterial Vaginosis: What Do We Currently Know? The color can vary from white to clear to brown. Pain, inflammation, and itching around the vagina as well as when urinating or having sex are also common signs. Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut. 2019 Jan 1;160(1):57-67. doi:10.1210/en.2018-00889. Normal discharge is usually milky white or thin and clear and typically has no odor. Vaginal discharge after your period is typically white, off-white, or pale yellow, but may also be brown or have a pink tinge. A person should also seek medical care if they experience vaginal symptoms such as: The doctor will perform a pelvic exam. Your discharge can give you a clue about what stage of the cycle you're in. However, thick white discharge that is clumpy or has a strong odor could be a sign of a bacterial or yeast infection. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=06f8f035-9f6e-4a79-bb58-9045b9d7d0d8, https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/teens/female/vaginal-discharge, https://www.med.unc.edu/timetoconceive/study-participant-resources/cervical-mucus-testing-information/, https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/85752, https://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/fact-sheets/vaginal-discharge/index.html, https://www.virtua.org/articles/what-to-know-about-vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy, Type 2 diabetes: Ultra-processed foods may cancel out benefits of Mediterranean diet, Alzheimer's disease: Testing sense of smell may help identify those at greater risk. When you first notice thick, white discharge, your first reaction might be alarm. Anyvaginal itch down there? It could be a yeast infection or just a normal change in your bodys healthy vaginal discharge. ), it may not be exciting or pleasant, but its just something bodies do. Some people describe this discharge as an egg white consistency. A normal white vaginal discharge is clear and not like coagulated cheese. The good bacteria in the vagina are the Lactobacillus acidophilus that maintains the pH of the vagina somewhere between 3.5 and 4.5. A person may need or want to use a pad or pantyliner to absorb excess discharge. So how can you tell? The main symptom is itching, but you might have a thick white discharge that resembles cottage cheese. (2020). Most ordinary vaginal discharge is clear or whitish. All rights reserved. Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes? There may be underlying issues leading to your frequent vaginal infections, including the possibility of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), a common condition in vagina owners with immune system conditions or who are living with diabetes. Vaginal discharge is the body's way of protecting the vagina from infections. It causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor. A thick white discharge can indicate that a person is ovulating. Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. It may be slippery or have the consistency of egg whites. However, you could opt to confirm pregnancy at home by using a pregnancy test kit. While its not foolproof, the bodys natural defenses can also help prevent germs and bacteria from making their way into the cervix. People who are pregnant may have clear or milky and odorless discharge. They may also want to take a scraping from your cervix to check for human papillomavirus or cervical cancer. Vaginal discharge: Evaluation and management in primary care. By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition characterized by a pH shift in the vaginal flora that makes it less acidic, causing vaginal discharge. Gently wash around your vagina with water, avoiding scented products and douches that may cause irritation. Learn about what thick, white, clear, or colored vaginal discharge means for a person's health, as well as how to prevent unhealthy discharge. Avoid upsetting the pH balance in your vagina by skipping soaps, scented washes, douches, or any other products that strip the vagina of its natural moisture and built-in defenses. 2022 Jan 18;11:672429. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2021.672429. This means, if your last period were to commence on the first of January and started again on the 29th of January, it implies you have a 28-day menstrual cycle. Yeast occurs naturally in your vagina, but sometimes, it can grow out of whack and cause an imbalance known as a yeast infection. Vaginal discharge after your period is normal and keeps the vagina clean and lubricated. Knowing your body and whats normal for you can alert you to changes. This is a sign of fertility because it's easier for sperm to swim through than a thicker discharge. About Medplux Paladine HL, et. It doesn't have any smell. Yes, its okay to have white discharge without itching or odor. Here's what to expect. 2013;2013:590416. doi:10.1155/2013/590416, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, "Cervical Mucus Monitoring. It may also be . Other symptoms include burning, itching, and other irritation around the vagina along with soreness during sex or when urinating. Everyone whos assigned female at birth (AFAB) produces vaginal discharge and cervical mucus, but you may not be used to seeing it. Abou Chacra L, Fenollar F, Diop K. Bacterial Vaginosis: What Do We Currently Know? Get the free app for Members. But you can take measures to reduce the chance of infections. Its important to see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms along with unusual vaginal discharge: As long as the discharge youre experiencing does not also meet those criteria, the excess fluid coming out of your vagina is a sign of overall health. This is called spotting. What does it mean when you have a lot of clear watery discharge? Pathological vaginal discharge among pregnant women: pattern of occurrence and association in a population-based survey. Molly Burford is a mental health advocate and wellness book author with almost 10 years of experience in digital media. If you have vaginal discharge that is unusual for you, tell your provider. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=06f8f035-9f6e-4a79-bb58-9045b9d7d0d8, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/symptoms-of-gynecologic-disorders/vaginal-discharge, http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/discharge.html, https://familydoctor.org/condition/vaginal-discharge/, https://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/fact-sheets/vaginal-discharge/index.html, https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/vaginal-discharge.html, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness/whats-cervical-mucus-method-fams, Type 2 diabetes: Ultra-processed foods may cancel out benefits of Mediterranean diet, Alzheimer's disease: Testing sense of smell may help identify those at greater risk. Sala A, Restaino S, De Carlo C, Comand M, Frigo A, Martnez Rivero S, et al. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. See a doctor if vaginal discharge has an unusual smell or appearance. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Ashley When are you about to get your period? We avoid using tertiary references. Last medically reviewed on January 10, 2020, Yellow discharge before a period can have a range of potential causes. (2020). What does normal vaginal discharge look like? Like leaves falling off of trees or your dog losing the fur of its winter coat, its normal for your vagina to shed cells and bacteria, which exit your body in the form of a liquid (or liquid-like) substance. Birth control pills. Squirting is the ejaculation of a liquid other than urine from the vaginas urethra during an orgasm. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. discharge typically . Excessive discharge is an easy way to identify pregnancy either before missing your period or immediately your period is late. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. However, occasionally it could indicate an uncerlying health. It helps clean and lubricate your vagina, and helps fight off bad bacteria and infection. (2019). It will vary from person to person. Bacterial vaginosis, a bacterial infection more common in pregnant women or women who have multiple sexual partners. Its usually spread by sexual contact, but can also be contracted by sharing towels or bathing suits. It usually happens when there is a change in the . When its getting ready to release an egg from an ovary (ovulate), your body makes awatery discharge. Vaginal discharge is made up of different kind of cells, produced by the cervix and vagina. What does milky white discharge indicate? Those who do will often notice a yellow, green, or frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor. Is my white chunky discharge due to yeast? The texture could be sticky and paste-like or creamy, almost like the texture of yogurt. The vagina does a wonderful job of maintaining the pH balance of an entire spectrum of bacteria and fungi that live in it. Vaginitis can cause itching, pain, discharge, and odor. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Singapore Med J. Causes of Spotting and Bleeding After Periods, Discharge Before Your Period: What You Need to Know, Endometriosis Discharge: Color Changes From Spotting. Some people experience a little bit of spotting after ovulation, which can also cause pink discharge. Caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, a vaginal yeast infection commonly has symptoms including: thick, white, discharge often described as resembling cottage cheese. She specializes in health and wellness writing including blogs, articles, and education. Do you tend to get vaginal yeast infections before your period? Rao VL and Mahmood T. (2020). How to Stop Vaginal Itching: 17 Home Remedies, Discharge Before Your Period: What You Need to Know, Vulvovaginitis: screening for and management of trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis, FDA approves osteseconazole for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, Vaginal yeast infections: Treatment, causes, prevention & symptoms, Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. For example, thick white discharge before your period usually happens after ovulation. How to Stop Bacterial Vaginosis from Coming Back Again. BV usually causes other vaginal symptoms as well, including: Anyone with gray discharge should promptly see a doctor. Last medically reviewed on July 20, 2020, Having a certain amount of vaginal discharge is a normal sign of a healthy reproductive system. Is it normal to have a little spotting after sex? Yeast infection. If there is itching, burning, pain during urination, bleeding outside of a period, or a foul odor paired with yellowish, greenish, or grayish-white discharge, it can be a sign of an infection or other health condition. This causes reproductive hormones to rise and fall. Abnormal discharge usually means changes in color, consistency, or amount. Other possible signs of pregnancy, though not always experienced by all women, are: Talking to your doctor becomes very important if you have these symptoms. A person should talk to their doctor about the change in discharge to determine the cause. Thick, white discharge usually happens between your period and ovulation. Your doctor is the only one who can tell you for sure whether your discharge is healthy, so if youre experiencing discharge thats new, unusual, frequent or otherwise concerning, its time to check in with them. The color, consistency, and amount can also change from day to day, depending on where a person is in their menstrual cycle: The shade of red can vary from bright to a dark rust color. A change in the typical appearance of your discharge may be a sign of an infection. Anyone who experiences bleeding between menstrual periods should see a doctor. Though there are many benign causes of intermenstrual bleeding, it can sometimes signal a serious condition. Reply. However, if you use vaginal douche, take broad-spectrum antibiotics, it may disrupt the balance of vaginal cell resulting in yeast infections.
