Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Vaginal Health What Is Excessive Discharge? Causes and Prevention By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi Jones MSN-Ed, RN-BC is a board-certified registered nurse who owns Brandi Jones LLC, where she writes health and wellness blogs, articles, and education. She lives with her husband and springer spaniel and enjoys camping and tapping into her creativity in her downtime. Learn about our editorial process Published on December 02, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Monique Rainford, MD Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD Monique Rainford, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine. She is the former chief of obstetrics-gynecology at Yale Health. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Excessive? Causes Prevention Home Remedies When to See a Doctor Frequently Asked Questions Vaginal discharge is a natural part of a woman’s life. This fluid is produced by glands near the vagina and cervix. It keeps the vagina clean and provides lubrication. Healthy discharge is clear or white and does not smell bad. Amounts vary due to hormone fluctuations. In this article, you will learn about possible reasons for excessive discharge, abnormal discharge, and when to call your healthcare provider. The word “woman” is used here to refer to people who identify as women and have typical reproductive organs of a cisgender female. We recognize that some people who identify as women do not have the same anatomy as that depicted in this article. Verywell / Jessica Olah When Is Discharge Considered Excessive? The average amount of discharge averages about 1 teaspoonful (4 milliliters) per day. More than 1 teaspoonful doesn’t mean it’s excessive. Amounts differ among women. It’s similar to oil in your hair or skin; some people just produce more than others. What’s most important is that women know what is normal for them so they can detect a change. Knowing What Is Normal for You Journals or period trackers help you keep track of what’s normal for you so you can detect changes. How to Track Your Period Signs of Abnormal Discharge Vaginal discharge should be clear, white, off-white, or a pale yellow. Discharge should be odorless or have a mild, inoffensive odor. Signs and symptoms of abnormal discharge include: Strong, unpleasant odor or fishy smell Green, gray, or yellow discharge Chunky texture with itchiness, swelling, or burning Discharge accompanied by abdominal (belly) or pelvic pain (not related to your period) Discharge accompanied by a burning sensation during urination (peeing) Contact your provider if you have any of these signs or symptoms. Sometimes they are more noticeable after menstruation or intercourse. Excessive Discharge Causes Arousal Extra lubrication or liquid is perfectly normal when a woman is sexually aroused. It’s the body’s way of preparing the vagina and vaginal opening for intercourse and making it more comfortable. During this time, you may also notice your heart rate increase or swelling of the vulva or external genitalia. Ovulation The average menstrual cycle usually lasts 28–31 days. About mid-month, a couple of weeks before menstrual bleeding (period) starts, one of the ovaries releases an egg (ovulation). This time frame is when a woman is most fertile. Around ovulation, discharge increases and thins out. It becomes more clear, slippery, and stretchy. You may notice ovulation pain in the abdomen (belly) or pelvis (between hips) during this time. What Is Ovulation? What Happens With Discharge After Ovulation? After ovulation there is usually less discharge, however, the consistency is a bit thicker. Hormonal Imbalances Hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s monthly cycle cause a change in vaginal discharge amounts. You may be dry at the end of menstruation (period), while amounts progressively increase up until ovulation. Birth control, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and pregnancy all affect hormones as well. Pregnancy Increased vaginal discharge is common with pregnancy and begins a couple of weeks after conception. Amounts continue to increase as hormonal shifts prepare the woman’s body for pregnancy. Yeast Infection Vaginal candidiasis, commonly called a yeast infection, is very common. Discharge from a yeast infection is usually white, thick, and chunky, like cottage cheese. It often causes itching or burning. However, up to 20% of women with a yeast infection may not have any symptoms at all. Changes in hormones, medications such as antibiotics or steroids, excess sugar, or diabetes can increase the risk of a yeast infection. If you’ve had yeast infections in the past, your healthcare provider may recommend trying an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. How to Use an At-Home Vaginal pH Test Yeast Infection Statistics According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection in the United States. Bacterial vaginal infections are the most common. Each year, 1.4 million women in the United States visit their healthcare provider for a yeast infection. The exact number of infections are not known because mild infections are often treated with OTC medications. Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal condition for women ages 15–44. BV occurs when the healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. The harmful bacteria take over the “good” bacteria. While BV is not spread through sexual contact, it typically occurs in sexually active women. The risk increases with multiple sexual partners. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: Gray vaginal dischargePain, itching, or burning in the vaginaA strong fish-like odor, especially after sexBurning when urinatingItching around the outside of the vagina Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Some infections are spread during sexual contact. They are referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Common STIs that may increase vaginal discharge include: Chlamydia Gonorrhea Trichomoniasis Other symptoms of STIs include: Bright yellow, greenish, white-gray, or gray dischargePus-like dischargeFoul-smelling discharge (sometimes described as “fishy”)Vaginal painPelvic or abdominal pain not associated with menstrual crampsWatery or bubbly (frothy) discharge with an unpleasant odorRash or sores Burning while urinating (peeing) UTI or STI? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and chlamydia have overlapping symptoms and it can be difficult to tell them apart. Your healthcare provider will most likely order specific testing of your urine to make a diagnosis. Can Excessive Discharge Be Prevented? Normal vaginal discharge cannot be prevented. Excessive discharge caused by infections can be prevented by: Wiping front to backWearing breathable underwearAvoiding tight pantsChanging clothes when wetAvoiding hot tubsCleaning around your vaginal opening with water onlyAvoiding chemicals from detergents, scented toilet paper, or scented feminine hygiene products (like pads and tampons)Using a barrier device such as a condom during sexual intercourseAvoiding latex condoms or sperm-killing gels that may be irritating to you Home Remedies Keep It Dry Wearing breathable, cotton underwear keeps airflow moving and keeps the area dry. This decreases the risk of infection. It’s also important to change clothes after swimming and working out. Avoid Douching Douching means cleaning the inside of the vagina with water or a solution. It is not recommended because it disrupts the normal flora in the vagina, leading to both yeast and bacterial infections. How to Stay Clean Keep the vaginal opening and surrounding area (vulva) clean by washing with water only. Wear Unscented Panty Liners Even normal discharge may be uncomfortable for you. You can wear panty liners to help keep you dry. Unscented feminine hygiene products such as tampons, pads, and panty liners are preferred because scented products can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Use a Barrier Device During Sexual Intercourse The use of barrier devices such as condoms during sexual intercourse with a man decreases the risk of infection. Semen from a male can change the pH balance in the vagina, increasing the risk for yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Barrier devices also help protect against STIs. If you are allergic to latex, try polyurethane condoms. At-Home Testing Kits A variety of at-home testing kits can help guide you in the right direction including tests for: OvulationPregnancypH LevelsVaginal floraSTIs It is important to follow directions as provided to ensure results are accurate and reliable. When to See a Doctor Underlying causes of abnormal discharge may require medical treatment. If you have any of the following changes in the color of your vaginal discharge or symptoms see your healthcare provider: Bright yellow, greenish, white-gray, or gray dischargePus-like dischargeClumpy texture like cottage cheeseFoul-smelling or “fishy” discharge Swelling, redness, or itching around the vaginal areaVaginal or urinary burning Pelvic or abdominal pain not associated with menstrual crampsFrothy or bubbly discharge Rash or soresSkipped period Summary Vaginal discharge is a normal part of a woman’s life and usually indicates a healthy reproductive system. Some change in the amount of vaginal discharge is normal. Increased discharge can occur for non-alarming, natural processes such as sexual arousal or ovulation. Abnormal discharge may also indicate infection, especially when other signs and symptoms such as a foul smell are present. A woman should be aware of her normal amount of discharge and call her healthcare provider if there are changes. A Word From Verywell Abnormal or excessive amounts of vaginal discharge are usually caused by something treatable. If excessive amounts are still occurring after treatment, talk to your healthcare provider. Don’t be embarrassed about these conversations. It is a perfectly normal conversation for them, and they will want to know so they can be of help. Frequently Asked Questions Is it normal to have excessive discharge every day? What is normal differs for each woman. However, most women fluctuate in amounts throughout the month. What’s most important is to know what is normal for you. If it is a change for you, call your healthcare provider. What causes excessive white discharge? White discharge amounts can increase with hormone fluctuations throughout a woman’s monthly cycle, pregnancy, ovulation, and sexual arousal. How much discharge is normal? The average amount of discharge is 1 teaspoonful per day. However, it’s important for a woman to know what’s normal for her so she can detect changes. Is excessive discharge before a period normal? Yes. A few days before menstrual bleeding (period) the hormone progesterone spikes, causing an increase in discharge. It’s usually a milky white at this stage. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Sutter Health. Vaginal discharge. Mohammadzadeh F, Dolatian M, Jorjani M, Alavi Majd H, Borumandnia N. Comparing the therapeutic effects of garlic tablet and oral metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014;16(7):e19118. doi:10.5812/ircmj.19118 Sim M, Logan S, Goh LH. Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2020;61(6):297-301. doi:10.11622/smedj.2020088 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaginal candidiasis. Cleveland Clinic. Yeast infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial vaginosis. Medline Plus. Sexually transmitted diseases. Tomas ME, Getman D, Donskey CJ, Hecker MT. Overdiagnosis of urinary tract infection and underdiagnosis of sexually transmitted infection in adult women presenting to an emergency department. J Clin Microbiol. 2015; 53(8):2686-92. doi:10.1128/JCM.00670-15. Office of Women’s Health. Douching. Cleveland Clinic. Bacterial vaginosis. Cleveland Clinic. How to decode your vaginal discharge. Additional Reading Cleveland Clinic. Vaginitis. Medline Plus. Vaginal itching and discharge - adult and adolescent.