Excessive Discharge
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Lots of vaginal discharge
Increase in vaginal discharge
Increased vaginal discharge
Excessive vaginal discharge
There is an increase in vaginal discharge
Heavy vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge
More vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge increasing
About the Symptom
Vaginal discharge that is clear or white and does not have a significant odor or cause irritation, can be a normal part of a healthy vagina. Discharge can increase with sexual arousal and changes in the menstrual cycle. If the vaginal discharge has changed from what is typical, or is causing odor or irritation it can be abnormal and should be investigated for infection.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal menstruation
- Abdominal bloating sensation
Possible Causes
Generally, Excessive discharge can be related to:
- Candidal Vulvovaginitis (Yeast Infection)
This is a fungal infection by Candida that affects the vaginal area. Candida normally exists on skin and vaginal linings without issues. An infection occurs when the skin or vaginal lining changes in character, promoting Candida overgrowth. People with weakened immune systems or on birth control pills may be at increased risk.
- Bacterial Vaginosis
A healthy human vagina contains various types of bacteria. When the balance of bacteria is disrupted, some types can overgrow and cause symptoms. Common triggers include vaginal washing, sexual intercourse, or use of an Intrauterine Device.
- Chlamydia Infection
A sexually transmitted infectious disease. It can cause abnormal vaginal or penile discharge and pain in the pubic area, but most infections have no symptoms. Chlamydia infection can also cause infertility and ectopic pregnancies and can be transmitted to the throat and rectum.
- Trichomoniasis
- Pyometra
- Gonorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Pregnancy
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Excessive discharge may be related to these serious diseases:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious condition where there is infection and inflammation of the female pelvic organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can present with abdominal pain, fever and foul vaginal discharge, and requires medical treatment. Some cases but not all are related to sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It is possible to get PID without an STD. Delayed treatment can lead to infertility due to damage to the fallopian tube.
- Chorioamnionitis
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you had more vaginal discharge lately?
- How often do you experience abnormal color, amount, or odor of vaginal discharge?
- Do you have a thick white discharge like cottage cheese or yogurt?
- Has the vaginal discharge odor worsened recently?
- Is your vaginal discharge yellow?
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Foamy vaginal discharge
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- Decreased vaginal discharge
- Increase in vaginal discharge
- Thick white vaginal discharge
- Increased vaginal discharge that is smelly
- Slight increase in vaginal discharge that does not require change of underwear
See full list
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FAQs
Q.
Worried About Discharge? The Scientific Meaning and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider, and many more important details and step by step next actions are outlined below, including other discharge types. Medically, discharge means fluid leaving the body; for vaginal discharge, clear to white with mild or no odor is usually normal, while strong or fishy odor, green, yellow, or gray color, thick clumps, itching, burning, pain with sex or urination, fever, bleeding, or pelvic pain suggest infection and need testing and care; brief monitoring is reasonable for mild, nonirritating changes, avoid random OTC treatments, and seek urgent care for severe lower abdominal pain, high fever, heavy bleeding, fainting, or rapid worsening.
References:
* Kripalani, S., Theobald, C., Henderson, M. C., & Fisher, E. S. (2014). Promoting effective transitions of care at hospital discharge: a review of the evidence. *Journal of Hospital Medicine*, *9*(6), 405-412.
* Verhaegh, K. J., Winkens, B., van Doorn-Klamer, C. M., van der Weijden, T., & de Witte, L. P. (2018). The effectiveness of an integrated care pathway for older patients with complex needs post-discharge: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *BMC Geriatrics*, *18*(1), 1-13.
* Hesselink, G., Schoonhoven, L., van de Ven, J., Adriaansen, J., & Wollersheim, H. (2012). Patient involvement in discharge planning and the effects on quality of discharge and patient outcomes: A systematic review. *Journal of Advanced Nursing*, *68*(6), 1178-1188.
* Kangovi, S., Grande, D., Smith, R. A., Glanz, K., & Shea, J. A. (2014). Medical care at discharge and 30-day readmissions: a systematic review. *Journal of General Internal Medicine*, *29*(1), 17-25.
* Lawn, S., Delp, L., & Lawless, S. (2017). The patient experience of hospital discharge: a qualitative systematic review. *Journal of Clinical Nursing*, *26*(17-18), 2465-2479.
Q.
Embarrassed by a Queef? Why Your Vagina Is Releasing Air & Medical Steps
A.
Vaginal air release, or a queef, is very common and usually harmless, often triggered by sex, certain exercises or yoga, tampon or cup use, and sometimes pelvic floor weakness; it has no odor and is unrelated to digestion or “looseness.” See a clinician if it happens without movement or sex, or if you notice foul odor, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, fever, or leaking stool or urine, especially after childbirth or pelvic surgery. There are several factors to consider and simple steps that may help, like pelvic floor exercises and adjusting positions, so see the complete guidance below before choosing your next steps.
References:
* Myers DL, et al. Vaginal flatulence: a cause for concern? J Sex Med. 2008 Jul;5(7):1538-42. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00845.x. Epub 2008 May 20. PMID: 18494917.
* Patel A, et al. Gynocological air expulsion (GAE): aetiology and evaluation. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2008 Jul;19(7):1001-4. doi: 10.1007/s00192-008-0570-3. Epub 2008 Mar 11. PMID: 18330546.
* Mielczarek K, et al. Physiology of female genital tract, its interaction with the pelvic floor, and mechanisms of vaginal flatulence. Prz Menopauzalny. 2017 Dec;16(4):119-122. doi: 10.5114/pm.2017.72477. Epub 2017 Dec 29. PMID: 29399066; PMCID: PMC5782417.
* Cui C, et al. Vaginal air discharge: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J. 2023 Feb;34(2):299-307. doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05307-8. Epub 2022 Jul 23. PMID: 35870005.
* Song F, et al. The impact of vaginal flatulence on women's quality of life: a cross-sectional study. J Sex Med. 2020 Jan;17(1):166-173. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.09.006. Epub 2019 Oct 1. PMID: 31586790.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
ACOG Patient FAQ Vaginitis
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginitis?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=otnACOG Patient FAQ Vulvovaginal health
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-healthHildebrand JP, Kansagor AT. Vaginitis. [Updated 2022 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470302/