Increased vaginal discharge can be normal due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, but it can also indicate a medical problem such as an infection, STD, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or cervical tumors. Symptoms may include an odd color or smell, itching, and burning.
Vaginal discharge is a completely natural and normal occurrence, but when it increases, it can be alarming for some women. Many times, like when estrogen levels fluctuate, this is normal. Other times, increased vaginal discharge can indicate a medical problem. Some infections and diseases, for example, can cause an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.
A common reason for increased vaginal discharge is the normal hormonal fluctuations a woman experiences during her menstrual cycle. When estrogen levels rise, the cervical glands are stimulated to create more mucus. This usually occurs during ovulation and a couple of days before a woman’s period. This extra mucus helps sperm travel to the uterus to fertilize the egg.
Vaginal discharge also usually increases naturally during pregnancy. This also occurs due to a spike in estrogen levels. More estrogen is needed during pregnancy than at any other time.
Some infections also cause increased vaginal discharge. In these cases, the excess discharge is a sign of a bigger problem and may be an odd color or smell bad.
STDs can also cause abnormal discharge from the vagina. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example, can produce yellow vaginal discharge. This discharge can also smell bad and be accompanied by itching.
A yeast infection can also explain the increased vaginal discharge. This discharge is usually thick and white. Many medical professionals describe it as similar to cottage cheese. It may also smell bad and the area may itch.
Bacterial vaginosis refers to an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. This imbalance can be caused by douching or having multiple sexual partners. The excess vaginal discharge caused by this condition may be gray and have a strong fishy odor. It can also cause burning and itching.
Some cancers can also cause increased vaginal discharge. Cervical tumors often cause the cervical glands to produce excess mucus. This mucus is usually white, with a creamy texture. The excess discharge caused by these growths usually doesn’t have a strong odor.
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