Why is white discharge causes

Some research has shown that regular bidet use could increase your exposure to certain pathogens. Learn more. Yeast infections are common. Here are seven of the best over-the-counter products to help manage a yeast infection. The Bartholin glands are a pair of glands, near the opening of the vagina.

If a duct from one of the gland gets blocked, fluids can build up…. A cyst may form if…. If you have vaginal atrophy, you may wonder if it can be reversed. With treatment, some women find that their symptoms improve. Although antibiotics can help treat bacterial vaginosis BV , it often comes back. There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of…. Learn about yellow vaginal discharge as a possible symptom of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Thick white discharge Milky white Thick, white, clumpy Thick, white, sticky See a doctor We include products we think are useful for our readers. Overview Vaginal discharge is a healthy part of vaginal health. What causes thick white discharge? What causes milky white discharge? Vaginal discharge, cervical mucus , and arousal fluid are considered normal and not indicative of disease, and therefore are not typically evaluated.

But if you have had a change in discharge or are experiencing symptoms such as burning, irritation, itching or pain, your doctor may look at cervical mucus to check for abnormalities that suggest a symptom from an infection or STD. Your doctor may perform the following tests: 4.

Because vaginal discharge is normal, it will always be present. If the discharge takes on an abnormal character, treatment can help eradicate the underlying cause.

While normal vaginal discharge from cervical mucus, arousal fluid, or semen does not need treatment, discharge caused by an infection or irritation may require the following treatments. While vaginal discharge is normal, if it is accompanied by burning, itching, irritation, or pain, it's necessary to get the underlying issue treated.

If left untreated, some complications can develop, including the following: 5 , 6. All women have normal vaginal discharge, and vaginal discharge can occur at all times of a woman's life, starting in childhood. Reasons for vaginal discharge that occurs in women during other times of life are listed in the Causes and Risk Factors section above. Reliable vaginal health resources can be helpful for finding information and support. Many organizations provide educational materials and can help you find doctors who specialize in vaginal conditions and health.

There are also online communities that offer support as well as practical advice and tips. Here are a few we recommend. Flo is an organization dedicated to providing resources and information about women's well-being. Planned Parenthood was founded on the notion that women should have the information and care they need to live strong, healthy lives and fulfill their dreams.

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 any of these other signs or you have unprotected sex sex without a condom , you should see your health care provider.

Each infection has its own treatment. Most vaginal infections are not serious and can be cured with prescription medicine. If not treated, your symptoms may get worse or put you at risk for future problems. Sexually transmitted infections STDs can be more difficult to treat and are easily spread to others. That is why it is important to see your health care provider to know what to do Picture 1.

Even if you are careful, vaginal infections can occur. You can reduce your chance of infection by doing the following:. Do not douche unless your health care provider tells you to.