

Women may also notice pain during sexual activity, as well as spotting or brown discharge afterward. gray, yellow, green), thick, and foul-smelling. The characteristics of this discharge can vary, but it is often discolored (i.e.

These infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection among women. Yeast infections do not usually produce a strong scent. In addition to the change in texture and color, you may also notice itching and burning sensations. Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection): If your discharge is white but thick and lumpy (think cottage cheese), it could be a sign of a yeast infection.Most discharges with odor are due to bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms include grayish-yellow, slippery, and fishy-smelling discharge as well as itching or burning in the vagina.

In cases of bacterial vaginosis this balance is upset and there are too many bad bacteria. Essentially there are "good" and bad types of bacteria and the good types help to regulate the growth of the bad types. Bacterial vaginosis is a mild vaginal infection caused by "bad" bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis: This is the most common cause of abnormal discharge in women of childbearing age.If your discharge does not fall in the ‘normal’ range of colors and textures, it may be a result of one of the following: Having examined the discharge, now assess which of the conditions that can cause abnormal discharge may apply to you. X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to sourceĮvaluate the vaginal discharge. The purpose of this discharge is to provide lubrication to protect the vagina during sex. Sexual arousal: Watery discharge that is clear or slightly white is a sign of sexual excitement.Menopause: The normal amount of vaginal discharge typically decreases during menopause as estrogen levels fall.X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Over time, it will change into a watery, pink discharge and eventually subside. After delivery, women will experience discharge termed “lochia." This particular discharge consists of blood, small clots, and sloughed-off tissue from the lining of the uterus that built-up over the course of pregnancy. This is especially noticeable in the last few weeks before delivery, when discharge can become thicker and more voluminous. Pregnancy and post-partum: Pregnant women often notice an increase in the amount of discharge and a change in its consistency.

Menstruation: Discharge that is thick and white typically makes an appearance just before and after your menstrual cycle.The purpose of this change is to allow easier passage of sperm during the time that an egg is ready for fertilization. This discharge is more clear, stretchy, and slippery. Ovulation: During ovulation, there is usually an increased volume of discharge.These are the most common - but completely normal - reasons your discharge may change: If you're concerned about your discharge, run through this quick check list to see if you are experiencing or have recently experienced any of the following conditions. There are a number of reasons that your vaginal discharge may look, smell or appear slightly different. Know the normal reasons your discharge may change.
