Potential Reasons for Random Vaginal Discharge

You know that clear mucus you sometimes find on the inside of your underwear that kinda has the consistency of egg whites? That is called vaginal discharge, and it’s a normal part of womanhood. But sometimes, you may notice secreting a little (or a lot) more vaginal discharge than normal. What exactly is this mysterious substance, and when should you be concerned? 

There are a variety of reasons why your body may be secreting some extra juice, and many of them are completely natural and healthy. However, if you notice foul smells, irritation, or a strange color, you should always visit your doctor, as it may be signs of an infection. Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is Vaginal Discharge?

There are glands lining your vagina and cervix that regularly produce small amounts of fluid, which is designed to flow out of your vagina and clean away old cells that your vagina is continuously shedding. This is your body’s way of keeping your body clean, healthy, and balanced.

Most people produce around 0.06-0.17 ounces, or about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of vaginal discharge every day. How much discharge you produce can change from day to day depending on your ovulation cycle and whether or not you are on birth control. 

Normal discharge can be either watery or thick and mucus-like (the consistency may change with your cycle) and has a mild odor. All vaginal discharge has an odor, and many people report healthy discharge as smelling slightly tangy, sour, or fermented. If there is a strong fishy odor or any itching or burning, there may be an underlying health issue you need to address.

Why Do I Have So Much Discharge All Of A Sudden?

There are many explanations if you find an increase in the amount of discharge you are producing. Here’s why you may be producing more discharge, what’s normal, and when you should be scheduling an appointment with a health care provider.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the point in your menstrual cycle when your ovaries release an egg. It typically occurs around 14 days before you get your period. In the time leading up to ovulation, your body starts producing more estrogen, and with it, more discharge.

Glands in your cervix produce higher quantities of a clear, slippery fluid (called cervical fluid) that has the consistency of raw egg whites. Discharge should decrease after ovulation, and depending on the person, there may be only a small amount of discharge, or even none at all. 

Essentially, more estrogen leads to more discharge. If you’re taking estrogen medications such as fertility drugs or hormonal birth control, you may have heightened levels of estrogen and more discharge. Estrogen is also higher in the few months before you get your first period.

Arousal

The Batholin glands are glands near the vaginal opening that produce fluid when you are sexually aroused. This fluid mixes with moisture already inside the vagina to help lubricate it and prepare for sexual intercourse. 

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a general term for an inflamed vagina. Your vagina can become inflamed from irritation (scratchy fabrics, tight clothing, lubricants. etc.) or infection. If you have an infection, there may be thick vaginal discharge that is gray, white, green, or yellow in color along with a foul odor. 

Pregnancy

One lesser-known symptom of pregnancy is increased vaginal discharge. The fluid helps to protect the vagina and developing fetus against infections. The amount of discharge may increase especially towards the later stages of pregnancy, and there may be streaks of pink mucus in the fluid before birth. 

Yeast infection

Nearly 70% of females will experience a yeast infection at some point in their lives. Vaginal yeast infections happen when too much of a fungus known as Candida albicans grows in the vagina. Along with intense itching, vaginal yeast infections often also result in an odorless vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. 

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another extremely common condition that can result in excess vaginal discharge. While we’re not exactly sure what causes BV, it results from an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria and is most prevalent among females 15-44 years old.

BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), though it typically occurs in sexually active individuals. If you notice a grayish or milky vaginal discharge, you may have BV. There may also be a strong, fishy odor to your discharge, particularly following sexual intercourse. 

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection resulting from a parasite. Most people who have trichomoniasis don’t experience symptoms, but some may have excess vaginal discharge that is white, green, or yellow in color with a foul or fishy odor. The discharge may also be thinner than normal.