A sudden increase in vaginal discharge can be caused by various factors, both normal and abnormal, including hormonal changes, infections, or other medical conditions.
Common Causes of Sudden Increased Discharge
- Ovulation: Around mid-cycle, discharge may increase and become clear and slippery as part of the normal menstrual cycle. This helps with fertility by facilitating sperm movement.
- Pregnancy: Discharge typically increases, especially towards the end of pregnancy as the body prepares for labor.
- Hormonal Changes: Use of hormonal contraceptives or fluctuations in hormones can thicken or increase discharge.
- Sexual Arousal: Increased blood flow and lubrication can cause more discharge during sexual arousal.
Possible Infections or Conditions
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): An overgrowth of certain bacteria leading to increased discharge, often gray, thin, and with a fishy odor.
- Yeast Infection: Causes thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with itching or burning.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, causing yellow, green, or frothy discharge with possible odor and other symptoms.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Such as desquamative inflammatory vaginitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, causing heavy and possibly foul-smelling discharge.
When to See a Doctor
If the increased discharge is accompanied by symptoms like itching, burning, unusual color (yellow, green, gray), foul odor, pain during urination or sex, or bleeding, it is important to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Discharge that is clear or white and not accompanied by other symptoms is often normal and related to hormonal or physiological changes.
