What is thick white discharge

Thick, white discharge is normal. The vagina secretes discharge to clean itself and prevent infection. However, a person should watch for changes in its volume, odor, consistency, and color, as these changes can all sometimes be a sign of an infection. Having a certain amount of vaginal discharge is a normal sign of a healthy reproductive system. This article looks at why people may have excessive….

Smelly or otherwise unusual discharge can come from different areas of the body. Learn more about the causes, other symptoms, and treatment options…. Vaginal discharge varies according to the menstrual cycle, and it often changes color and consistency.

Clear, watery discharge is common and not…. Milky white discharge may be an indication that a person needs to see a doctor. Learn about the causes of milky white discharge here.

Various factors affect the color of vaginal discharge. Pinkish-brown discharge is usually not a cause for concern, but it may sometimes occur due to a…. Is thick, white discharge normal? Thick, white discharge Clumpy discharge Thin, milky, white discharge Other colors Seeing a doctor Outlook Prevention Summary Thick, white discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle.

Share on Pinterest. Thick, white discharge. Thick, white, and clumpy discharge. Anyone who experiences bleeding between menstrual periods should see a doctor. Though there are many benign causes of intermenstrual bleeding, it can sometimes signal a serious condition. Anyone who has gone through menopause and not had a period for at least 1 year should see a doctor if they experience vaginal bleeding.

It can sometimes be a sign of endometrial cancer. The shade of white can extend to include cream or light yellow. If a person has no other symptoms, white discharge is most likely a sign of healthy lubrication. However, if the white discharge has a consistency like cottage cheese or is accompanied by a strong odor, it can indicate an infection. An individual should see a doctor. White, thick, strong-smelling discharge is usually associated with a yeast infection, which can also cause itching or irritation.

If the discharge has a very slight yellow hue, it may not indicate a problem. This is especially likely if the hue only coincides with a change in diet or dietary supplements. Discharge that is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green usually signals a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.

See a doctor promptly if vaginal discharge is thick or clumpy, or it has a foul odor. Pink discharge most commonly occurs with spotting before a period. However, it can also be a sign of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. Some people experience a little bit of spotting after ovulation, which can also cause pink discharge. In the early stages of pregnancy , some people produce a thin, milky white discharge.

This discharge results from hormonal changes, which are preparing the body for the nine months of pregnancy. The discharge can help clear away bacteria, germs, and dirt. It also helps form a mucus plug in the cervix. This keeps the cervix healthy and prevents the spread of bacteria into the uterus during the pregnancy. However, if the color of the discharge develops a white-gray shade and a strong fishy odor, the discharge may be a sign of an infection.

Common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include milky white and gray discharge with a strong, bad odor. Your vagina does a wonderful job of maintaining the pH balance of an entire spectrum of bacteria and fungi that live in it. From time to time, this balance is upset, and certain bad bacteria or fungi are allowed to thrive. A fungus called Candida albicans can quickly blossom and develop into an infection. If you believe you have a yeast infection, over-the-counter treatment options are available to you.

Prescription medications are used in more moderate or severe cases. However, in some women with recurrent infections, their male partner may be treated. There may be underlying issues leading to your frequent vaginal infections. This vaginal discharge will act as a barrier to prevent sperm from getting through your cervix and into your uterus. This can help you avoid infections in the days just after your period, when your vagina produces less fluid than it does in other points of your cycle.

In almost every case, thick, white vaginal discharge is a sign of health and wellness for your reproductive organs. Check if your vaginal discharge is normal Vaginal discharge is not usually anything to worry about if it: does not have a strong or unpleasant smell is clear or white is thick and sticky is slippery and wet You can get vaginal discharge at any age.

When vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection If your discharge changes — for example, in smell, colour or texture — it might be a sign of an infection. Possible causes Discharge Possible cause Smells fishy Bacterial vaginosis Thick and white, like cottage cheese Thrush Green, yellow or frothy Trichomoniasis With pelvic pain or bleeding Chlamydia or gonorrhoea With blisters or sores Genital herpes.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:. Information: Sexual health clinics can help with abnormal discharge Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.