It’s common for women to experience vaginal discharge on a regular basis. The amount and consistency of discharge often varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Some discharge is normal and healthy. However, increased discharge without a period can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition.
What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a mixture of fluids, cells, and bacteria that lubricates and protects the vagina. The components of normal discharge include:
- Water
- Cervical mucus
- Vaginal fluid
- Shed vaginal and cervical cells
- Beneficial bacteria called lactobacilli
Discharge amounts vary between individuals. Most women produce about 1-4 grams of discharge every 24 hours. The consistency also changes based on the stage of the menstrual cycle:
- After menstrual period: discharge is minimal and thick.
- Before ovulation: discharge increases and becomes clear and slippery like egg whites.
- After ovulation: discharge returns to minimal and thick.
When is discharge abnormal?
While some discharge is normal, certain changes in amount, color, smell and consistency can indicate infection or another problem. Signs of abnormal discharge include:
- Change in color – green, yellow, gray, frothy.
- Cottage cheese-like clumps.
- Unpleasant odor – fishy smell.
- Itching or burning.
- Increased thickness.
- Large amounts of discharge.
See your doctor if you notice any of these signs of abnormal discharge.
Common causes of increased discharge without a period
There are several reasons why someone may experience heavy, irregular, prolonged or frequent discharge in between periods, including:
1. Hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal imbalances can lead to changes in discharge. Common causes include:
- Perimenopause – hormone levels fluctuate erratically in the years leading up to menopause.
- Birth control pills – stopping or starting pills can affect hormone levels.
- Pregnancy – increased estrogen causes more discharge.
- Hormonal problems like PCOS or thyroid disorders.
2. Ovulation
It’s normal to have extra discharge around ovulation due to increased estrogen levels. This discharge is usually clear and slippery. However, some women simply produce more discharge around ovulation.
3. Infections
Infections that cause cervicitis (cervical inflammation) often increase discharge:
- Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Bacterial vaginosis – an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
- Yeast infections – an overgrowth of fungus.
- Trichomoniasis – a parasite.
Infections cause discharge that may be yellow, gray, green or frothy with a foul odor.
4. Cervical polyps
Cervical polyps are benign, overgrown tissue clusters that attach to the cervix. They can cause bleeding between periods or after sex. Polyps also produce excess mucus discharge.
5. Cervicitis
Cervicitis refers to cervical inflammation. In addition to infections, it can be caused by irritation, injury or autoimmune disorders. The inflamed cervix produces more mucus-like discharge.
6. Vaginitis
Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina. It has several causes:
- Atrophic vaginitis – thinning of the vaginal walls after menopause.
- Irritant vaginitis – harsh soaps, douches, lubricants.
- Allergic vaginitis – reaction to products, semen, spermicide.
The inflamed vaginal tissue releases more discharge. Signs include itching, burning and stinging.
7. Foreign object
A retained tampon, condom or sex toy can cause excess discharge and abnormal odor. Leaving objects inside the vagina allows bacteria to accumulate and infection to develop.
8. Cervical cancer
Very rarely, abnormal vaginal discharge can be a sign of cervical cancer. Other symptoms may include pelvic pain and painful intercourse. See a doctor promptly for evaluation if you have any concerning discharge.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor or gynecologist if you notice any of the following:
- Changes in the amount, color, smell or consistency of discharge
- Itching, burning or irritation
- Discharge with cottage cheese consistency or foul odor
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Unexplained vaginal discharge that persists for more than a week or two
Diagnostic tests may include a pelvic exam, Pap smear, vaginal culture or biopsy. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
How to manage discharge
To help cope with abnormal discharge:
- Avoid irritants like douches, scented soaps and vaginal sprays.
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes.
- Change pads and tampons frequently during periods.
- Practice good hygiene by washing the external vaginal area daily.
- Finish a course of antibiotics fully, even if symptoms resolve.
- Don’t self-diagnose – follow up with your doctor as recommended.
See a doctor right away if you have any symptoms of concern like foul discharge, bleeding between periods, or pelvic pain.
When to expect a period
It’s difficult to predict when your period will start if you have irregular cycles with abnormal discharge. However, see a doctor if any of the following apply:
- You are under 45 years old and your cycles suddenly become very irregular or periods stop entirely.
- Your periods were regular but have now stopped for 3 months or longer.
- You have heavy bleeding between periods or after sex.
- You are over 45 years old and have heavy, prolonged bleeding between cycles.
- You have bleeding after menopause.
These can indicate an underlying health condition requiring evaluation. Keep track of your symptoms and report them fully to help your doctor determine when your cycle might normalize or when other testing is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my discharge yellow?
Yellow discharge is not normal and may indicate infection. Causes include bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis, and irritation from products or clothes. See a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why is my discharge brown?
Brown discharge is old blood and may occur right before or after a period. Hormonal imbalances, polyps, fibroids or cervical cancer can also cause brown discharge between cycles. See a doctor to determine the cause.
What does thick white discharge mean?
Thick, white discharge can be normal at the beginning and end of your cycle. It may also occur during pregnancy. If it’s clumpy like cottage cheese or has a bad smell, it could signal a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. See your doctor.
Can you have discharge only when you wipe?
Yes, it’s possible to have discharge that you notice only when wiping. Normal amounts of discharge may not be noticeable otherwise. But if it’s foul-smelling, bloody or irritating, see your doctor even if you only notice discharge while wiping.
Is clear sticky discharge normal?
Clear and sticky discharge is very normal around the time of ovulation and otherwise shouldn’t cause concern. If excessive, it may be from hormonal fluctuations or slight irritation. If accompanied by itching, pain or odor, consult your doctor.
When to see a doctor
Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist or doctor if you have any abnormal discharge, especially if you also have these symptoms:
- Itching, burning, swelling, irritation
- Redness or soreness
- Rash or sores
- Pain during sex or urination
- Fever or chills
- Bleeding between periods
- Foul odor
- Dark or discolored discharge
Tests and diagnosis
To determine the cause of abnormal discharge, the doctor may run the following tests:
- Pelvic exam – examines external genitals and inserts speculum to view cervix and vagina.
- Pap smear – collects sample of cervical cells to check for precancerous changes.
- STD test – urine test or vaginal/cervical swabs to identify infections like chlamydia.
- Vaginal pH – determines acidity levels of vagina.
- Whiff test – adds potassium hydroxide to discharge to check for foul odor indicating bacterial vaginosis.
- Microscopic examination – evaluates discharge under a microscope.
- Biopsy – removes a small tissue sample for testing.
Based on results, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment.
What causes large amounts of discharge?
Some common causes of excessive discharge include:
Hormonal changes
- Puberty
- Menopause transition
- Stopping or starting birth control
- Ovulation
- Pregnancy
Infections
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Yeast infections
- Trichomoniasis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
Other causes
- Cervical polyps
- Vaginitis
- Cervicitis
- Foreign object in vagina
- Cervical cancer
See your gynecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment if you have heavy discharge without a period.
How to prevent excessive discharge
You can reduce heavy, abnormal discharge by:
- Practicing safe sex and getting regular STI screening if sexually active.
- Avoiding douching or rinsing inside the vagina.
- Avoiding potential irritants like scented pads and tampons.
- Not leaving tampons in for too long.
- Wearing breathable cotton underwear.
- Keeping the area dry and changing pads/tampons frequently.
- Gently washing only the external vaginal area, not inside.
- Finishing a full course of treatment for infections.
- Following up with your doctor as recommended.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of excessive discharge. Options may include:
- Antibiotics for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Antifungal medications for yeast infections.
- Metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis.
- Estrogen creams for atrophic vaginitis.
- Steroid creams for irritation and allergy.
- Removal of foreign objects or polyps.
- Surgery to remove uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts.
- Hormonal birth control to regulate menstrual cycles.
Following treatment, discharge should return to normal. Practice healthy vaginal habits and see your doctor if discharge becomes excessive again.
When to see a doctor
Consult a gynecologist if you have any of the following:
- Sudden change in amount, color or smell of discharge
- Itching, burning, pain, soreness or swelling
- Bleeding between periods
- Foul-smelling gray, yellow or green discharge
- STD or PID risk factors
- Discharge persists despite over-the-counter treatment
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Pelvic pain
- Bleeding after menopause
Bottom Line
It’s common to have some vaginal discharge between periods. But excessive discharge can signal various underlying problems. See your gynecologist right away if discharge has an unpleasant color or odor, causes irritation, or if you have any other concerning symptoms. Proper diagnosis is essential to determine if infections, hormonal issues or another condition is causing abnormal discharge. Following doctor’s orders for treatment and practicing good vaginal hygiene can help restore normal discharge.