Why am I experiencing an increase in vaginal discharge? 8 possible causes

The vaginal discharge, the liquid that comes out of the vagina, is usually watery or slightly thick. There may also be a slight odor. Some people experience it every day, but others may not have it often. Sometimes, fluids indicate vaginal health and cleanliness. Therefore, it is natural for women to worry when they are discharged from hospital in large numbers and wonder if the cause of vaginal discharge and whether it is normal. Is it a sign of pregnancy, a regular feature of your menstrual cycle, or is it an infection that you need to get treatment? Read to clear all your questions.

What is vaginal discharge?

It is a liquid produced by the cervix and vaginal glands to help clean and protect the vaginal environment. “It consists of mucus, bacteria, vaginal discharge and old cells that the body naturally flows,” says obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Sadna Singhar Vishnoy.

Vaginal drainage plays an important role in maintaining vaginal health by:

• Keep your vagina clean: It can wash away bacteria and dead cells and prevent infection.
• Maintain the potential of a hydrogen (pH) balance in vagina: The vagina has a slightly acidic pH, which is about 3.8 and 4.5. “Making it lasts can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria,” says the expert.
• Lubrication: It helps to dampen the vaginal walls and prevent dryness and discomfort.
• Supports fertility: During ovulation, drainage becomes slippery and stretchy, helping sperm reach the egg.

Vaginal discharge, usually colored or clear vaginal discharge, depends on changes in hormone levels, according to a study published in the Singapore Medical Journal in 2020.

What causes increased vaginal discharge?

An increase in vaginal discharge can be due to the following reasons:

1. ovulation

Estrogen levels in the middle of the menstrual cycle (10-14 days) peak, leading to an increase in vaginal discharge. “This will cause the cervix to produce more cervical mucus, which is clear, slippery and stretchy,” experts say. This allows for easy sperm movement and increases the chances of pregnancy.

2. pregnancy

While anticipated, estrogen and progesterone levels will increase, leading to an increase in vaginal discharge. “This thin, milky liquid with no odor helps prevent infection and maintain a healthy environment for your baby,” says the expert.

3. Sexual awakening

When you become sexually aroused, the glands of barthorin near the vaginal opening produce clear, watery liquid. This lubricant helps reduce friction while having sex. “The cervix also releases mucus and increases vaginal discharge,” says Dr. Vishnoy.

4. contraception

Oral contraceptives, hormonal intrauterine devices, or hormone replacement therapy can cause an increase in vaginal discharge. In a 2022 survey published in Contraception, participants experienced an increase in hospital discharge within the first few months of starting contraception. “This happens due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels,” experts say.

5. Vaginal yeast infection

Vaginal yeast infections occur when Candida albicans, a type of fungus, is growing in the vagina. “It often happens after using antibiotics or eating sugar, stress, pregnancy, or diabetes. These are some of the factors that can destroy the natural vaginal pH and lead to thick, white mass excretions,” experts say.

6. Bacterial Vaginosis

It is caused by an imbalance in vaginal bacteria where the harmful ones outweigh the good or lactic acid bacteria. “You can experience a light, gray or white discharge with the strong fish smell,” says Dr. Vishnoy. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge, including large excretions, according to a study published in International Breeding, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2021.

7. Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases such as go disease, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis can cause an increase in vaginal discharge due to inflammation and infection. “These infections can spread through unprotected genders and lead to a strong smell and yellow or green discharge,” experts say.

8. menopause

Estrogen levels often fluctuate during menopause. “Dry vaginal discharge is common among women in their mid-40s to 50s. Some women may experience an increase in thin, watery vaginal discharge due to hormone shifts,” experts say.

How to treat increased vaginal discharge?

Treatment depends on the cause of severe vaginal discharge.

1. Yeast infection

If your discharge is thick, white cottage cheese-like liquid and you feel itchy there, it can be a yeast infection. “Antifungal drugs and probiotics can help restore the flora of the vagina and remove infection,” experts say.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis

A massive grey-white secretion with a strong fish smell and slight itching is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. “Antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin in the oral or vaginal gel form can be useful,” experts say. Also, avoid vaginal dutching as it will disrupt the flora of your vagina.

3. Sexually transmitted diseases

Aside from an increase in vaginal discharge, it leads to a greenish yellow foamy liquid with foul odor and severe itching. “Antibiotics like metronidazole and tinidazole can be prescribed by a doctor to treat trichomonism,” says Dr. Vishnoy. In the case of chlamydia, you may experience white or yellowish excretion with an unpleasant odor. Regarding go disease, the liquid is usually light, green or yellow. “Antibiotics such as azithromycin and doxycycline can be administered to ceftriaxone, who has chlamydia or go disease,” says an expert.

4. Hormonal imbalance

Increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, ovulation, or menopause may be due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. “Too much estrogen can help you eat more fiber-rich foods, change your diet, like managing stress, and help you naturally balance your hormone levels,” says the expert.

Increased vaginal discharge can be due to a variety of reasons, including pregnancy. If it is an infection, you may be given medication. Sometimes, making small changes to your diet can help.