Normal vaginal discharge amounts vary throughout the menstrual cycle and also vary from person to person. An average daily amount of discharge is less than a teaspoon. If you have more than this amount on a daily basis, it may be your normal but it is still a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
In women who are premenopausal, it is normal to have approximately one-half to one teaspoon (2 to 5 mL) of white or clear, thick, mucus-like, and mostly odorless vaginal discharge every day. However, the amount and consistency of the discharge varies from one woman to another.
Excess vaginal discharge can occur as a result of arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge ranges in color from clear or milky to white. The consistency of vaginal discharge also varies from thin and watery to thick and sticky. Generally, healthy vaginal discharge should be relatively odorless.
Unless you're experiencing other unusual symptoms, heavy vaginal discharge usually isn't cause for concern. It often fluctuates depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. You should see a doctor or other healthcare provider if you experience: pain.
You can get vaginal discharge at any age. The amount of discharge varies. You usually get heavier discharge during pregnancy, if you're sexually active or if you're using birth control. It's often slippery and wet for a few days between your periods (when you ovulate).
It's a natural part of your physiological functioning. The glands in your cervix and vaginal wall create essential lubrication to protect your genital area from injury or tearing, and keep your vagina clean and moist. Depending on where you are in your cycle and hormone levels, the amount of cervical fluid could vary.
The NHS describes vaginal discharge as “a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist and protects it from infection.” If yours is clear or white, doesn't have a strong or unpleasant smell, is thick and sticky or slippery and wet then it's generally nothing to worry about.
Schedule a doctor's visit if you have: Greenish, yellowish, thick or cheesy vaginal discharge. Strong vaginal odor. Redness, itching, burning or irritation of your vagina or the area of skin that surrounds the vagina and urethra (vulva)
Signs of Abnormal Discharge
Color is also important. Bright yellow or green discharge could be a concern. Thick, clumped, or chunky discharge (like cottage cheese) or extra watery discharge can also mean something is amiss. Some other signs of infection include: Itching, discomfort, or rash.
It may increase your vaginal discharge.
There are a lot of different factors that can influence the color, smell or amount. Everything from ovulation and pregnancy to infection and stress can all make an impact. So if you notice heavier-than-normal discharge, it may be due to stress.
BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.
When Vaginal Discharge Is a Problem. If you're producing more than 4 ml a day, however, that could be a sign of several different conditions. Vaginitis—which causes itching due to a bacterial imbalance (an extreme and uncommon type of vaginitis is desquamative inflammatory vaginitis.)
Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge. Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor. Vaginal itching.
Once you start treatment with a simple course of antibiotics, the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually go away within two to three days. While in some cases it can resolve on its own without treatment, it can take longer to clear up and it can come back.
In one-third of cases, bacterial vaginosis (BV) resolves on its own without any medications. However, if you have symptoms, you should seek medical care. Having BV makes you prone to sexually transmitted infections and can affect pregnancy.
The most common causes of unpleasant vaginal odor are: Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An infection that's caused by an imbalance in your vagina's flora. BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex.
An unusually thin or thick and more textured fluid may indicate abnormal vaginal discharge. Thick, white discharge that's similar to cottage cheese, along with itching and burning, might indicate that you have a yeast infection.
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.
Normal vaginal discharge is milky or white and is odorless. But sometimes, an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina can cause your discharge to change color.
Normal vaginal discharge has a mild, musky scent that is not unpleasant. This means that a slight smell is normal. Any foul (bad) or strong smell, or a smell that is unusual, is a sign that things are out of balance, and that you should get yourself checked out.
In general, there are five different types of discharges from the Army: Honorable; General, Under Honorable Conditions; Under Other than Honorable Conditions; Bad Conduct; and Dishonorable.
Wear cotton underpants during the day. Cotton allows your genital area to “breathe.” Don't wear underpants at night. Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimming suits, biking shorts, or leotards for long periods. Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener if you think it may be irritating your genital area.