Excessive Discharge

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.

• 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.

• Pregnancy

  Pregnancy is the term used for the period when a fetus (baby) is developing inside the mother's uterus (womb). It typically lasts about 40 weeks (just over 9 months), measured from the last menstrual period to delivery. It occurs as a result of sexual intercourse, when the egg released by the female ovary is fertilized by a sperm. Pregnancy is medically divided into three parts (trimesters). The first sign of pregnancy is typically a missed period. Morning sickness (nausea/vomiting) may accompany it.

• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Trichomoniasis
• Cervical Cancer
• Uterine Prolapse

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Excessive discharge may be related to these serious diseases:

• Adnexitis

  Adnexitis is a serious condition where there is infection and inflammation of the female pelvic organs, specifically the 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 adnexitis without an STD. Delayed treatment can lead to infertility due to damage to the female reproductive organs.

• Premature Rupture of Membranes

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Have you had more vaginal discharge lately?
• How long have you had a change in vaginal discharge (color, odor, or amount)?
• Have you experienced abnormal vaginal discharge before?
• How has your symptom of vaginal discharge evolved?
• Do you have a thick white discharge like cottage cheese or yogurt?

Find Similar Symptoms

References

• ACOG Patient FAQ Vaginitis

  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginitis?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=otn

• ACOG Patient FAQ Vulvovaginal health

  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-health

• Hildebrand 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/