Is it normal for females to have a lot of discharge

Vaginal discharge comes from glands inside your vagina and cervix. These glands produce small amounts of fluid also known as vaginal secretions.

The fluid flows out of the vagina each day, cleansing old cells that have lined the vagina. Discharge varies from woman to woman. Some women have discharge every day, while others experience it less frequently. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle scent that is not unpleasant or foul smelling. These changes in color and thickness are associated with ovulation and are natural. But outside of normal changes associated with your cycle, other changes may not be normal.

Your discharge may indicate an imbalance of healthy bacteria in your vagina, which can be a sign that all is not well. So how can you tell when vaginal discharge may be signaling a problem? Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS , for example, refers to a set of symptoms that occur as a result of hormonal imbalances. Those with PCOS have higher levels of male hormones called androgens. Increased androgen levels can:.

Not everyone with PCOS will have increased vaginal discharge. Paying attention to other PCOS symptoms may help someone identify and seek treatment for the condition faster. Hormonal birth control , such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices, can also cause increased vaginal discharge, especially during the first few months of use.

Excess vaginal discharge and other symptoms, such as spotting and cramping, usually resolve once the body adjusts to the hormonal birth control. Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina, which can occur from an infection or irritation due to factors such as douches, lubricants, and ill-fitting clothing.

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This vaginal infection is the most common among females aged 15—44 years. The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis remains unclear. Females can develop bacterial vaginosis after sexual intercourse. However, this condition is not a sexually transmitted infection STI. Some also report a strong, fishy vaginal odor, especially after sexual intercourse.

Vaginal yeast infections result from an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is an intense itching in the vagina and vulva. Vaginal yeast infections can also cause an odorless vaginal discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. Vaginal yeast infections are treatable at home using over-the-counter antifungal ointments. Symptoms should improve within a few days. However, severe infections can last longer and may require medical treatment.

Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a parasite. Females can develop trichomoniasis after having sex with someone who has the parasite. Although most people who have trichomoniasis do not experience symptoms , some may have an itching or burning sensation in the genital area. Trichomoniasis infections can also cause excess vaginal discharge that has a foul or fishy odor and a white, yellow, or green color. It may also be thinner than usual.

Healthy vaginal discharge varies from person to person. It also changes throughout their menstrual cycle. In general, healthy vaginal discharge can appear thin and watery or thick and cloudy. Clear, white, or off-white vaginal discharge is also perfectly normal. Some females may have brown, red, or black vaginal discharge at the end of their menstrual periods if their vaginal discharge still contains blood from the uterus. Natural hormonal changes during ovulation can cause an increase in vaginal discharge, which should return to normal after ovulation.

It is not always necessary to see a doctor about excessive vaginal discharge. However, a female may want to consider seeing their doctor if their vaginal discharge has an abnormal appearance. Yellow, green, gray, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge could indicate an infection. Other reasons to see a doctor include:. You might see this on the toilet paper when you wipe, or in your underwear. Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes: cleaning and moistening the vagina, and helping to prevent and fight infections.

It's normal for the color, texture, and amount of vaginal discharge to change at different times of the month during a girl's menstrual cycle. But some changes in discharge may mean there is a problem. For some girls, it's normal to have a lot of vaginal discharge. They may even need to wear a pantiliner to keep their underwear dry.