It is normal to have a clear, white vaginal discharge. However, in some cases, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. Know if it’s normal or something to be concerned about.
Vaginal secretions, which are fluids that come out of the vagina, are usually watery or slightly thick. There may also be a slight odor. Some people experience it every day, while others experience it infrequently. In some cases, this fluid can also indicate vaginal health and cleanliness. Therefore, it’s natural for women to be concerned when they have heavy vaginal discharge and wonder what causes it and whether it’s normal. Is it a sign of pregnancy, a regular feature of the menstrual cycle, or an infection that needs treatment? Keep reading to answer all your questions.
What is vaginal discharge?
This is a fluid produced by the glands of the cervix and vagina that helps clean and protect the vaginal environment. “It’s made up of mucus, bacteria, vaginal secretions, and dead cells that your body naturally excretes,” says obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi.
Vaginal secretions play an important role in maintaining vaginal health for the following reasons:
- Keep your vagina clean: It washes away bacteria and dead cells and prevents infections.
- Maintaining hydrogen (pH) balance in the vagina: The pH of the vagina is slightly acidic, approximately 3.8 to 4.5. “Maintaining it will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria,” says the expert.
- Lubrication: It keeps the vaginal walls moisturized and prevents dryness and discomfort.
- Fertility support: During ovulation, the vaginal discharge is slippery and stretchy, which helps sperm reach the egg.
According to a study published in the Singapore Medical Journal in 2020, vaginal discharge, which is usually white or clear, changes in response to changes in hormone levels. “The amount varies, but up to a teaspoon of discharge per day is considered normal,” experts say.
What causes increased vaginal discharge?
Increased vaginal discharge may be due to the following reasons:
1.Ovulation
Around the middle of your menstrual cycle (days 10 to 14), estrogen levels peak, leading to increased vaginal discharge. “This causes the cervix to produce more cervical mucus, making it clear, slippery, and stretchy,” says the expert. This makes the sperm more mobile and increases the chances of pregnancy.
2. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels increase, leading to increased vaginal discharge. “This thin, milky, odorless liquid helps prevent infections and maintain a healthy environment for your baby,” say experts.
3. Sexual arousal
When you are sexually aroused, Bartholin’s glands, located near your vaginal opening, produce a clear, watery fluid. This lubricant helps reduce friction during sex. “The cervix also releases mucus, increasing vaginal discharge,” says Dr. Vishnoi.
4. Contraception
Oral contraceptives, hormonal intrauterine devices, or hormone replacement therapy can increase vaginal discharge. In a 2022 study published in the journal Contraception, participants experienced an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge during the first few months of starting birth control. “This happens because estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate,” says the expert.
5. Vaginal yeast infection
Vaginal yeast infections occur when Candida albicans, a type of fungus, overgrows in the vagina. “This often happens after antibiotic use, high sugar intake, stress, pregnancy, and diabetes. These are some of the factors that can disrupt the natural pH of the vagina and cause thick, white, heavy discharge,” says the expert.
6. Bacterial vaginosis
This is caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, where harmful bacteria outnumber the good bacteria and lactic acid bacteria. “You may also have a light gray or white discharge with a strong fishy odor,” says Dr. Vishnoi. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge, including copious discharge, according to a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Reproductive, Contraceptive and Obstetrics and Gynecology.
7. Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis can cause increased vaginal discharge due to inflammation and infection. “These infections are spread through unprotected sex and can cause a yellow or green discharge with a strong odor,” experts say.
8. Menopause
Estrogen levels often fluctuate during menopause. “Vaginal dryness is common in women in their mid-40s to 50s. Due to hormonal changes, some women experience an increase in thin, watery discharge,” say experts.
How can I treat increased vaginal discharge?
Treatment depends on the cause of the heavy discharge.
1. Yeast infection
If the discharge is a thick, white, cottage cheese-like liquid that feels itchy, a yeast infection may be the culprit. “Antifungals and probiotics help restore vaginal flora and get rid of infections,” say experts.
2. Bacterial vaginosis
A heavy gray-white discharge with a strong fishy odor and slight itching is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. “Antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin, either taken orally or in the form of a vaginal gel, may be helpful,” experts say. Also, avoid vaginal douching as it disturbs the vaginal flora.
3. Sexually transmitted diseases
Apart from increased vaginal discharge, a yellow-green frothy fluid with a foul odor and severe itching occurs. “To treat trichomoniasis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole,” Dr. Vishnoi says. Chlamydia may cause a white or yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor. When it comes to gonorrhea, the fluid is usually thin and green or yellow in color. “Antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline may be given for chlamydia, and ceftriaxone may be given for gonorrhea,” experts say.
4. Hormone imbalance
If you experience increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, ovulation, or menopause, it may be due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. “If you have too much estrogen, changing your diet, such as eating more fiber-rich foods, and managing your stress may help balance your hormone levels naturally,” experts say.
Increased vaginal discharge can be due to various reasons, including pregnancy. Medicines may be given for infections. In some cases, even small changes to your diet can help.
Related FAQ
Is it normal to have more vaginal discharge as we age?
Vaginal discharge naturally fluctuates throughout a woman’s life due to factors such as hormonal changes and menopause. Menopausal women may occasionally experience increased vaginal discharge during hormonal fluctuations. It is normal to have a slightly thin or watery discharge.
Does increased vaginal discharge mean pregnancy?
It may, but not always, be an early symptom of pregnancy. Increased vaginal discharge can occur for a variety of reasons, including hormonal changes, ovulation, infections, and pregnancy. However, if you suspect you are pregnant, it is important to check for other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and to confirm with a pregnancy test.
