Excess vaginal discharge can occur as a result of arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge ranges in color from clear or milky to white. The consistency of vaginal discharge also varies from thin and watery to thick and sticky. Generally, healthy vaginal discharge should be relatively odorless.
In women who are premenopausal, it is normal to have approximately one-half to one teaspoon (2 to 5 mL) of white or clear, thick, mucus-like, and mostly odorless vaginal discharge every day. However, the amount and consistency of the discharge varies from one woman to another.
Wear cotton underpants during the day. Cotton allows your genital area to “breathe.” Don't wear underpants at night. Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimming suits, biking shorts, or leotards for long periods. Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener if you think it may be irritating your genital area.
You can get vaginal discharge at any age. The amount of discharge varies. You usually get heavier discharge during pregnancy, if you're sexually active or if you're using birth control. It's often slippery and wet for a few days between your periods (when you ovulate).
It's a natural part of your physiological functioning. The glands in your cervix and vaginal wall create essential lubrication to protect your genital area from injury or tearing, and keep your vagina clean and moist. Depending on where you are in your cycle and hormone levels, the amount of cervical fluid could vary.
Normal vaginal discharge amounts vary throughout the menstrual cycle and also vary from person to person. An average daily amount of discharge is less than a teaspoon. If you have more than this amount on a daily basis, it may be your normal but it is still a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
You can also drink two tablespoons of vinegar in lukewarm water. Soak in vinegar water once daily until the foul smell discharge is treated. And drink the vinegar water two times per day. It is acidic and has antibacterial properties that will help kill the odour-causing germs.
Unless you're experiencing other unusual symptoms, heavy vaginal discharge usually isn't cause for concern. It often fluctuates depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. You should see a doctor or other healthcare provider if you experience: pain.
Abnormal vaginal discharge can be a sign of a yeast infection, but it can also be a symptom of a host of other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, cytolytic vaginosis, and more.
How long will I have egg white cervical mucus? The egg white discharge lasts about four days. If your cycle is 28 days, the fertile cervical mucus occurs around days 10 to 14.
It's normal for women to experience vaginal discharge, or fluid secretions from the glands of the cervix. And though vaginal discharge often changes throughout a person's menstrual cycle, some changes may indicate a health problem.
Diagnosing a Yeast Infection: Signs to Look for
Thick, white discharge (the texture of cottage cheese) Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex. Vaginal pain, redness and swelling.
The NHS describes vaginal discharge as “a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist and protects it from infection.” If yours is clear or white, doesn't have a strong or unpleasant smell, is thick and sticky or slippery and wet then it's generally nothing to worry about.
The time to worry about your discharge is if it starts to have a bad, fishy kind of odor, or if the color or texture changes a lot. Yellow or green discharge can be a sign of an infection, like an STD or bacterial vaginosis, and very thick white discharge could mean you have a yeast infection.
It may increase your vaginal discharge.
There are a lot of different factors that can influence the color, smell or amount. Everything from ovulation and pregnancy to infection and stress can all make an impact. So if you notice heavier-than-normal discharge, it may be due to stress.
Some women have discharge every day, while others experience it less frequently. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle scent that is not unpleasant or foul smelling. It's also important to know that vaginal discharge changes over the course of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Complications of untreated yeast infections
If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
Thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese along with itching and burning sensations in the vagina are all signs of a yeast infection. Antibiotic use, birth control pills, and pregnancy can all increase your risk of this common infection.
Thick white vaginal discharge accompanied by symptoms like itching and burning could be a yeast infection. In other cases, thick white discharge can indicate normal changes in hormones due to your menstrual cycle, birth control, or pregnancy.
Milky white discharge is a typical part of the menstrual cycle. According to Planned Parenthood, before ovulation occurs, a female's discharge can be white and cloudy. At this time, it can also feel sticky or tacky. However, white discharge may also signal a vaginal infection or pregnancy.
If thick, white discharge goes along with other symptoms, such as itching, burning and irritation, it is probably due to a yeast infection. If not, it is normal discharge. You may also notice an increase in thick, white discharge before and after your period.