Excess vaginal discharge can have several possible causes. It’s important to consider other symptoms, timing, and medical history to determine whether a visit to a healthcare provider is needed. Key possibilities

• Normal physiological changes: discharge can increase around ovulation, during sexual arousal, pregnancy, or while using certain birth control methods. This can be clear or milky and mild in odor.
• Infections or inflammation:
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV): often described as a thin, grayish discharge with a strong, fishy odor.
  • Yeast infection (candidiasis): typically thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge with itching and irritation.
  • Trichomoniasis: may cause greenish-yellow discharge with irritation.
  • Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause increased discharge, sometimes with pain or bleeding.
• Cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): discharge with pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, or fever could indicate more serious infection.
• Irritants or other non-infectious causes: soaps, detergents, scented products, douches, or new underwear fabrics can irritate the vaginal area and alter discharge.

When to seek medical care urgently

• Discharge is very foul-smelling, yellow/green, or has blood.
• You have a fever, lower abdominal or back pain, or you’re pregnant.
• You’re unsure whether you could be pregnant or have had unprotected sex recently.
• You have severe itching, burning, or swelling that doesn’t improve with basic measures.

What you can do now

• Note timing and associated symptoms (odor, color, texture, itching, burning, bleeding).
• Avoid douches and scented products; use plain water for cleansing and wear breathable cotton underwear.
• If you’re sexually active, consider whether new partners or a new partner could be involved.
• If symptoms persist beyond a few days, worsen, or you have any red-flag signs (fever, severe pain, vomiting, or heavy bleeding), arrange a medical evaluation. A clinician can perform exams and possibly tests (swabs, urine tests) to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

If you’d like, share:

• Your age and whether you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Any accompanying symptoms (itching, burning, odor, color of discharge)
• Recent changes (new soaps, detergents, lubricants, new sexual partner, or contraceptive methods)
  I can help interpret these details and suggest the most likely causes and next steps.