Is it normal to have thick discharge

If brown discharge frequently recurs throughout the cycle, it could indicate an underlying health condition, such as uterine or cervical cancer. A yellow or green-tinted discharge may indicate a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection STI.

A person should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to find out what is causing the discharge. Learn more about other colors of vaginal discharge here. White, clear, and odorless discharge is normal and should not be a cause for concern.

If a person experiences heavy discharge or notices the volume increasing each month, they may wish to seek medical advice. A person should see a healthcare provider if they experience yellow or green discharge or discharge with a clumpy texture, as they may have an infection. A person should also talk to a healthcare provider if they experience the following symptoms in relation to discharge:. White and thin or thick discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle. The body typically uses the discharge to clear the vagina of bacteria to prevent infection.

A person may notice some slight changes throughout their cycle, which are usually due to hormone levels fluctuating. However, if a person notices clumpy or yellow or green discharge, they may have an infection that needs treatment. Other symptoms to pay attention to include itchiness and pain in the vagina. There is no way to prevent vaginal discharge. It is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and vaginal function. A person may find that wearing a pad or pantyliner can help absorb excess discharge.

A person can take steps to keep their vagina healthy and free of infection. Ways to avoid vaginal infections include:. 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.

Yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge, pain and itching when urinating, with symptoms most apparent after your period. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle scent that is not unpleasant or foul smelling. Changes that may signal a problem include an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in the color, smell or texture of the discharge.

You may also experience other symptoms with a change in discharge, such as irritation, itchiness or burning in or around your vagina. The combination of these factors can help reveal what may be going on in your body. A vaginal discharge is considered abnormal if it is:.

Only you know your body. See what your vaginal discharge and other symptoms may be telling you. Use as directed. When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating. This is a normal type of discharge. Brown or bloody discharge is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or right after your menstrual cycle.

A late discharge at the end of your period can look brown instead of red. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. This is called spotting. Spotting during an early phase of pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage , so it should be discussed with your OB-GYN.

In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer. It could be other problems such as fibroids or other abnormal growths. Your gynecologist will check for cervical abnormalities during these procedures.

This type of discharge may be a sign of the infection trichomoniasis. Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function. Exercise, use of birth control pills , and emotional stress may also result in discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis is a quite common bacterial infection. It causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor, although it produces no symptoms in some cases. Women who receive oral sex or who have multiple sexual partners have an increased risk of acquiring this infection.

Trichomoniasis is another type of infection. The infection is usually spread by sexual contact, but it can also be contracted by sharing towels or bathing suits. It results in a yellow or green discharge that has a foul odor. A yeast infection is a fungal infection that produces white, cottage cheese-like discharge in addition to burning and itching sensations.

The presence of yeast in the vagina is normal, but its growth can multiply out of control in certain situations. The following may increase your likelihood of yeast infections:. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections STIs that can produce an abnormal discharge. It occurs when bacteria spread up the vagina and into other reproductive organs. It may produce a heavy, foul-smelling discharge.

The human papillomavirus HPV infection is spread by sexual contact. It can lead to cervical cancer. While there may be no symptoms, this type of cancer can produce a bloody, brown, or watery discharge with an unpleasant odor. Cervical cancer can easily be screened for with yearly Pap smears and HPV testing. If you have unusual discharge alongside certain other symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.