{"id":1241,"date":"2022-12-28T12:36:30","date_gmt":"2022-12-28T12:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ideal-women-health-care\/?p=1241"},"modified":"2023-01-17T12:41:05","modified_gmt":"2023-01-17T12:41:05","slug":"what-causes-increased-vaginal-discharge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ideal-women-health-care\/what-causes-increased-vaginal-discharge\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Increased Vaginal Discharge"},"content":{"rendered":"

In most cases, increased vaginal discharge is normal. However, sometimes you may be dealing with abnormal discharge – in this case; you could have an underlying condition that requires immediate medical assistance. This expert article outlines and explains what causes discharge, the diagnosis process, and what you can do about it. Learn about the different types of vaginal discharge to ensure that you notice concerning symptoms and receive expert help as soon as possible. With that in mind, visiting an OBGYN at a reliable clinic is your first step. If you are in the area or you are looking for the best, we recommend consulting with an <\/span>OBGYN in Coral Springs, Florida<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is what you must know about increased vaginal discharge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaginal Discharge Defined<\/b><\/h2>\n

Vaginal discharge is defined as the fluid that keeps a woman’s vagina infection-free and clean. While vaginal discharge is completely normal, sometimes the texture, color, and amount may indicate that there is something “off” with the patient’s health. With that in mind, sometimes vaginal discharge will change in amount, color, and texture depending on the patient’s age and where they are in their menstrual cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned, increased vaginal discharge may hint at the fact that there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. So, what causes discharge? Keep scrolling to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Different Types of Vaginal Discharge<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Before understanding abnormal vaginal discharge and what causes it, it is crucial to take a look at the different types of discharge. These include the following, usually categorized by consistency and color.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watery and Clear Vaginal Discharge<\/b><\/h3>\n

When a woman is ovulating, her discharge will become wetter and clearer. Patients may also notice increased vaginal discharge, like when pregnant or sexually aroused.<\/span><\/p>\n

White Vaginal Discharge<\/b><\/h3>\n

The white vaginal discharge tends to be the most common. Women will experience discharge that is white at the start or at the end of the menstrual cycle. Usually, the white vaginal discharge is sticky and thick, without a pungent smell.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stretchy and Clear Vaginal Discharge<\/b><\/h3>\n

When patients are ovulating, the discharge will be mucous-like and stretchy, not watery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bloody or Brown Vaginal Discharge<\/b><\/h3>\n

If patients are experiencing brown or bloody vaginal discharge, this can indicate the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Sometimes, women also experience a tiny amount of brown or bloody vaginal discharge between menstruations, referred to as “spotting.”<\/span><\/p>\n

If you notice spotting during the time of your menstrual cycle and right after recent sexual intercourse without using protection (such as a condom), you may be pregnant. On the other hand, women who are in the early stages of pregnancy and who notice signs of spotting may be dealing with a miscarriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Green or Yellow Vaginal Discharge<\/b><\/h3>\n

Green or yellow abnormal vaginal discharge can indicate an infection or an STI. If the discharge is green or dark yellow (especially if it is also chunky and thick with a foul smell), you need to visit your healthcare expert. Keep in mind that pale yellow vaginal discharge might not be a direct sign that something is wrong. Often, vaginal discharge can turn this color when it is exposed to air.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you can see, not all types of vaginal discharge cause concern. Nevertheless, it is best to consult with your OBGYN for expert evaluation and possible treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Causes Increased Vaginal Discharge?<\/b><\/h2>\n

What causes discharge? There are many reasons why you may have abnormal discharge. The natural changes in the levels of the estrogen hormone are what cause discharge. Patients may notice increased vaginal discharge when ovulating, using birth control pills, when pregnant, or when being sexually aroused.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The texture, smell, and color of vaginal discharge may also be affected by alterations to the bacterial balance in the vagina. This happens when harmful bacteria in the vagina spread, boosting the chances of vaginal infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, here are some of the leading causes of abnormal discharge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yeast Infection<\/b><\/h3>\n

When there is an increase in yeast growth in the vagina, you are dealing with a yeast infection. Some common signs of a yeast infection include white and thick, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. Usually, abnormal vaginal discharge that is linked to a yeast infection will not have a foul odor. Other common yeast infection symptoms include itching, burning, and soreness when urinating or during sexual intercourse. Here are some risk factors that can contribute to developing a yeast infection:<\/span><\/p>\n