A lot of mucus discharge

Pregnancy, Ovulation, and Other Causes

Vaginal discharge is fluid that’s naturally released by cells in your vagina and cervix. It serves as one of your body’s defenses by moving dead skin cells and bacteria out of the vagina while also maintaining a healthy pH balance.

Changes in the consistency and color of your discharge can sometimes offer clues about your body’s processes. Read on for more info on what clear, stretchy discharge could mean for your body.

Ovulation refers to the point in the middle of your cycle when your body releases an egg for potential fertilization. As you approach this point in your cycle, cervical mucus production increases. This results in more abundant discharge that’s clear and stretchy.

This increased discharge helps to usher sperm up your cervix so they can fertilize the released egg.

Some people check for signs of clear, stretchy discharge to figure out when they’re ovulating and are most fertile.

To use discharge to track your ovulation, you’ll need to check your cervical mucus on a daily basis:

Sit on a toilet seat and use clean hands to wipe your vaginal opening with toilet paper. Do this before you urinate.
If you don’t see any discharge on the toilet paper, insert your fingers into your vagina and remove them, checking the mucus for color and consistency.
Examine the discharge’s color and texture.
Wash your hands and record your findings.

Learn more about tracking your cervical mucus and what to look for at different stages of you menstrual cycle.

Many people report experiencing changes in cervical mucus early in their pregnancy.

Usually, your discharge becomes drier and thinner after ovulation, when estrogen decreases. But if sperm successfully fertilize an egg, you might notice that your discharge remains thick, clear, and stretchy. It might also take on a whitish color.

This happens because hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, continue to rise after ovulation if an egg’s been fertilized. This thicker discharge can last for up to about eight weeks. At that point, the mucus starts to form a mucus plug, which protects the embryo and cervix.

Keep in mind that cervical mucus changes aren’t a very reliable way to tell if you’re pregnant, but they can be a useful indicator of when you might want to take a pregnancy test.

Many things besides ovulation and pregnancy can cause changes in your vaginal discharge. This is why you shouldn’t rely solely on tracking your cervical mucus to determine fertility.

Other things that can cause clear, stretchy discharge include:

exercising
sexual arousal
sexual activity
dietary changes
stress
recent surgery involving your cervix or nearby organs
starting a new medication, especially hormonal birth control

These are expected changes and aren’t usually cause for concern.

Clear, stretchy vaginal discharge usually isn’t anything to worry about, but there are a few exceptions.

For example, vaginitis, a bacterial infection of the vagina, can cause changes in pH that cause the cervix to produce extra mucus. Sometimes, the mucus remains clear. In other cases, it might turn yellow, gray, or green.

Yeast infections and sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis, can all cause changes in cervical discharge.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have unusual clear, stretchy discharge that’s accompanied by:

burning sensation in your vagina
fever
vaginal itching
painful intercourse
redness around your vulva
soreness around your vulva or vagina

13 Possible Causes, Healthy Signs, Management

Lots of Discharge: 13 Possible Causes, Healthy Signs, Management

Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — By Ashley Marcin — Updated on August 7, 2019

Is this cause for concern?

Heavy vaginal discharge isn’t always a reason for concern. Everything from arousal to ovulation can affect the amount of discharge you produce throughout your menstrual cycle.

There are some cases, however, where excessive vaginal discharge may be a symptom of an underlying condition. If you’re experiencing other unusual symptoms, it may be time to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Here are 13 signs and symptoms to watch for.

Discharge increases in the middle of your menstrual cycle — around day 14 — as your body prepares to release an egg from the ovary. As ovulation nears, your discharge may become wetter, clearer, and stretchier than before.

After the egg is released, the discharge may decrease and become cloudy or thick. Other symptoms of ovulation include increased basal body temperature, one-sided abdominal pain (mittelschmerz), and spotting.

When you’re aroused, the blood vessels in your genitals dilate. As a result, the vagina releases fluid as lubrication, making the walls wet and increasing discharge. You may even notice this wetness at the entry to the vagina.

Other signs of arousal include swelling of the vulva, quickened breathing and pulse rate, and flushing on the chest and neck.

Hormonal imbalances due to stress or other health conditions, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), may also cause increases in vaginal discharge.

PCOS affects some 10 percent of reproductive-age women. While some women experience less vaginal discharge, others report having more. Other symptoms include anything from excess facial and body hair and weight gain to irregular periods and infertility.

Just like on other parts of the body, allergic reaction is possible in or around the vagina. Common offenders include things like cleansers, douches, sex toys, clothing, and even toilet paper.

In addition to excess discharge, you may experience:

itching
redness
pain during sex or urination

Antibiotics can help with a number of illnesses, but they can also disrupt the bacteria balance in your vagina. This can lead to a yeast infection, which is often characterized by an increase in cottage cheese-like or watery discharge.

You may also experience:

itching
rash
pain or soreness
burning during sex or urination

Forgetting a tampon isn’t as uncommon as you may think. For example, you may put in a new tampon before taking out the previous one. Or you may simply forget about one if your flow is light, like at the end of your period.

It’s not unheard of to lose a condom in the vagina, either.

In either case, you may experience excessive, foul-smelling discharge in a range of colors from yellow to green or pink to brown. Other symptoms include:

fever
itching
pain during sex or urination
rash or swelling around the vagina

An IUD is a type of contraceptive device that’s inserted into the uterus.

Although an IUD is effective at preventing pregnancy in the long term, it’s still a foreign object and may irritate sensitive tissue. Some people anecdotally report anything from brown to watery to smelly discharge with IUDs.

While a range in discharge can be normal, some changes may be a sign of infection. See a doctor if you experience:

yellow, green, or gray discharge
persistent foul odor
swelling around the vaginal opening or vulva
pain or tenderness around the vaginal opening or vulva

Hormonal birth control can have some major pluses, like protecting against pregnancy and helping to treat heavy periods, acne, and cysts. You may, however, experience certain side effects along the way that aren’t so pleasant. This includes an increase in vaginal discharge while your hormones adjust.

You may also experience:

headaches
nausea
tender breasts
changes in libido

Almost all people experience an increase in vaginal discharge with pregnancy. It helps to protect the fetus from infections that might travel up the vagina and into the uterus. Your discharge may also be thin and clear or white in color.

Other early pregnancy symptoms include:

missed menstruation
tender breasts
nausea
fatigue
increased urination

Lochia is a type of vaginal discharge you may experience in the weeks after delivering a baby.

When you breastfeed, this discharge may increase in volume. It typically begins as dark red bleeding and then changes to a watery pink or brown before tapering off in a creamy yellow color.

Lochia generally stops four to six weeks after you have your baby. However, women in later stages of breastfeeding anecdotally report increased discharge of varying texture.

Yeast infections affect up to 75 percent of women at one time or another. You may develop an infection as a result of:

antibiotics
weak immune system
high blood sugar
tight or synthetic clothing

In addition to excess discharge, you may experience:

thick discharge
watery discharge
itching
redness
pain during sex or urination

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It may lead to inflammation and an increase in fishy-smelling discharge that’s thin, gray, green, or white in color. Other symptoms include itching in the vagina or burning during urination.

Certain activities, like douching or having unprotected sex, may increase your risk of developing this type of infection.

STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia may have no symptoms at first. As the infection progresses, though, you might experience foul-smelling or thick vaginal discharge or even bleeding between periods.

Other STI symptoms can include:

pain or burning with urination or bowel movements
lower abdominal pain
pain during intercourse

If left untreated, STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to a more serious infection of the reproductive organs called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and even infertility.

What’s considered “healthy” depends on a number of factors, including your:

age
menstrual cycle
sexual activity
medications
underlying health conditions

Generally speaking, the average person produces about a teaspoon of white or clear discharge a day. Texture may range from thin to thick and slippery to creamy. Color may range from clear to white or off-white. Smell should be relatively odorless.

You may have more or less discharge depending on where you are in your cycle. Ovulation is a time where you’ll see lots of clear or slippery discharge. Once the egg is released, discharge amount lessens and becomes thicker and whiter.

You may even experience discharge that’s dark red or brown in the days after your menstrual period as the blood continues to exit the uterus.

Provided your discharge is within these ranges, it’s likely normal or considered “healthy.” That said, anytime you see a major change in discharge or have other symptoms or concerns, it’s a good idea to bring them up with a healthcare provider.

Even if what you’re seeing is considered normal, it may be a source of discomfort. You may be able to minimize its impact if you:

Wear panty liners when you’re experiencing heavy discharge. These can protect your underpants and also help you feel dryer throughout the day.
Stick with cotton underpants for the most breathability. Cotton may also help prevent yeast infections compared to other materials, like nylon, that more readily trap heat and promote yeast growth.
Wipe from front to back when using the bathroom. This can reduce your risk of certain infections.
Opt for unscented cleansers to reduce your risk of irritation. Sliquid Splash Gentle Feminine Wash is a popular choice that’s glycerin- and paraben-free, as well as formulated specifically for vaginal pH balance. In general, it’s best to avoid douches, or using soap inside the vagina. Instead, you should gently cleanse the outer area (vulva) and rinse well with water to keep the tissue healthy.

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
itching
rashes
sores
fever
unusual odor
yellow, green, or gray discharge
unusual bleeding, especially between menstrual periods

Last medically reviewed on July 25, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — By Ashley Marcin — Updated on August 7, 2019

Stretching discharge

Medical expert - Lysenko Oksana Borisovna.

Editor and medical expert - Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Views: 881 374

The date of the last update: 03/25/2022 G.

Average reading time: 4 minutes

What are the discharge in women0026
Signs of pathology
The importance of maintaining good intimate hygiene in case of stretching discharge

Stretching vaginal discharge often frightens women and makes them think about the presence of inflammatory processes. In fact, viscous mucus from the genital tract does not always indicate any pathological conditions, if there are no additional complaints. Sticky discharge from the vagina performs a protective function and cleanses the genital tract. Mucus secretion maintains an optimal level of hydration, as well as comfort during intimate intercourse ¹ . Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and the hormonal background of a woman, vaginal discharge may have a different volume and consistency ^2,3,15 .

What is normal discharge from women

Normal discharge has the following signs and characteristics:

no unpleasant odor, slight sour smell is allowed ^4.5 ;

at the beginning of the cycle there is a sticky vaginal discharge that becomes stretching closer to the day of ovulation, profuse and more liquid 3-4 days before menstruation ³ ;

discharge insignificant in volume ⁶ .

Why do stretching discharges appear

Stretching discharges of increased viscosity appear as a result of changes in the body associated with preparation for conception. An increase in the amount of cervical mucus allows sperm to reach the egg faster and complete fertilization. The nature of the discharge from the vagina is affected by the amount of estrogen and progesterone - female sex hormones. Immediately after menstruation, the discharge is slight, sticky. Shortly before ovulation, the mucus liquefies, becomes viscous and elastic ³ . Similar discharge also appears within 1–2 days after unprotected intercourse ⁷ . This is also considered standard ³ . If a woman is very worried about viscous vaginal discharge, it is better to consult a gynecologist and undergo an examination. Some diseases, especially those of an inflammatory nature, can lead to an increase in vaginal secretion ⁸ , but other health complaints are usually present.

Most often, the nature of vaginal discharge changes with urogenital infections. They can appear not only due to unprotected intimate contacts, but also as a result of changes in the vaginal microflora under the influence of adverse external and internal factors. Contribute to a change in the microbial balance of hormonal disorders, prolonged use of antibiotics and a general weakening of the immune system ⁹ .

Signs of pathology

When vaginal discharge is associated with gynecological diseases, additional pathological signs appear:

pain in the lower abdomen and lower back ⁸ ;

profuse yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor or curdled consistency ^10.11 ;

discomfort during urination and intercourse ¹² ;

redness of the vulva, swelling of the external genitalia ¹² ;

menstrual irregularities, etc. ¹³

If the above signs are present, a woman should be alert. It is recommended to make an appointment with a gynecologist, tell the specialist about your problems and undergo a comprehensive examination. Based on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor can make a diagnosis and, if necessary, select the appropriate treatment.

The importance of maintaining good intimate hygiene with lingering discharge

Stretching vaginal discharge should not cause significant discomfort. But mucus often stains laundry. In addition, sticky vaginal discharge is a breeding ground for many bacteria and fungi. To prevent the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases, it is necessary to monitor the quality of personal hygiene ¹⁴, wash regularly and use special protective equipment. This will allow you to maintain maximum comfort in the intimate area throughout the day. When choosing personal care products, give preference to products with a natural and safe composition that does not irritate the skin ¹⁶ and supports a healthy vaginal flora.

Carefree® panty liners help with non-menstrual bleeding, which can be quite heavy, especially in the middle of a woman's cycle. The delicate surface immediately absorbs mucus, allowing you to feel comfortable.

References

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Dobrokhotova Yu. E., Zatikyan N. G. Hormonal status and microbiocenosis of the vagina // Obstetrics, gynecology and reproduction. 2008. No. 3. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/hormonalnyy-status-i-mikrobiotsenoz-vlagalischa (Date of access: 12/06/2021).

Murakov S.V., Obraztsov I.G., Budaev A.I., Veredchenko A.V., Pustovalov D.A., Kuznetsov R.E., Popkov S.A. Comparative evaluation of the fertile properties of cervical mucus and features of the ultrastructure of the epithelium of the endocervix against the background of urogenital infections. Vestnik RUDN University. Series: Medicine. 2014. №3. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/sravnitelnaya-otsenka-fertilnyh-svoystv-tservikalnoy-slizi-i-osobennostey-ultrastruktury-epiteliya-endotserviksa-na-fone (date of access: 12/06/2021). nine0053
Pestrikova T.Yu., Pikhovskaya V. G., Pivkina O.A. Modern view on the therapy of bacterial vaginosis // Gynecology. 2014. No. 1. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/sovremennyy-vzglyad-na-terapiyu-bakterialnogo-vaginoza (date of access: 12/06/2021).

Medzhidova MK, Zaidieva ZS, Veresova AA Vaginal microbiocenosis and factors influencing its condition // MS. 2013. No. 3-2. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/mikrobiotsenoz-vlagalischa-i-faktory-vliyayuschie-na-ego-sostoyanie (Date of access: 12/06/2021). nine0053
Dobrokhotova Yu. E., Zatikyan NG Microecology and protective mechanisms of the vagina // Obstetrics, gynecology and reproduction. 2007. No. 2. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/mikroekologiya-i-zaschitnye-mehanizmy-vlagalischa (date of access: 12/06/2021).

Kocharyan GS The phenomenon of female ejaculation // Men's health. - 2012. - No. 4 (43). – P. 79–87.

Shurshalina A.V. Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs: modern tactics of therapy // Gynecology. - 2011. - No. 5. - C. 23-26. nine0053
Mozheiko L.F., Novikova E.V. Modern principles of therapy for vulvovaginal candidiasis // Medical News. 2012. №2. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/sovremennye-printsipy-terapii-kandidoznogo-vulvovaginita (date of access: 12/06/2021).

Tkachenko L.V., Uglova N.D., Sviridova N.I., Skladanovskaya T.V. Modern approach to the treatment of vulvovaginal infections // Obstetrics and Gynecology: News. Opinions. Learning. 2018. No. 4 (22). URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/sovremennyy-podhod-k-lecheniyu-vulvovaginalnyh-infektsiy (date of access: 12/06/2021).

Efimov B.A. , Tyutyunnik V.L. , Mejidova M.K. , Basic principles of treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis - breast cancer. Mother and child No. 20 dated 20.09.2011

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Ayupova, G. V., Fedotova, A. A., Bondarenko, K. R., Mavzyutov, A. R., Ishemgulov, A. M., Shikova, Yu. V., Batyrova, E. D. , Petrova, V. V. (2012). Means of vaginal use for the prevention and treatment of disorders of the female urogenital ecosystem. News of the Samara Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 14 (5-2), 315-319.

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Vaginal discharge - causes, examination and treatment | Symptoms

Foreign object (often toilet paper, forgotten tampon) in the vagina
Signs: The discharge is usually foul-smelling, often containing a small amount of blood. Often redness in the genital area and pain during urination, and sometimes pain during intercourse. nine0003
Infections (yeast, pinworm, streptococcus, staphylococcus)
Signs: Itching, redness and swelling in the genital area. Often pain during urination. With pinworms - itching, which increases at night. With streptococcal and staphylococcal infections - redness and swelling in the genital area.

Personal hygiene
Signs: Itching, redness and unpleasant odor from the genital area. Sometimes pain during urination. nine0003
Sexual abuse
Signs: Soreness in the genital area. Sometimes discharge that smells bad or contains blood. Often vague symptoms (fatigue or abdominal pain) or behavioral changes (tantrums or withdrawal).

Bacterial vaginosis
Signs: Liquid, white or gray cloudy discharge with a fishy smell. Itching and irritation.

Yeast infections
Signs: Irritation, itching, redness and swelling in the genital area. Thick, white, lumpy cheesy discharge. Sometimes worsening of symptoms after intercourse and before menstruation. Sometimes taking antibiotics in the recent past or having a history of diabetes. nine0003
Trichomoniasis (protozoal infection)
Signs: Usually copious yellow-green frothy discharge with a fishy odor. Itching, redness, swelling and soreness in the genital area. Sometimes pain during intercourse and urination.

Pelvic inflammatory disease
Signs: Aching growing pain in the pelvic area, which can be felt on one or both sides. A discharge that is sometimes foul-smelling and may become pus-like and yellow-green in color as the infection progresses. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Sometimes pain during intercourse and urination, fever or chills, nausea or vomiting. nine0003
Thinning of the vaginal mucosa (atrophic vaginitis)
Signs: Scanty discharge. Pain during intercourse.

R irritation (urine-induced)
Signs: General redness in the genital area and anus. Conditions that increase the risk of this type of irritation (urinary incontinence or when women are bedridden with illness).

Cancer of the vagina, cervix, body of the uterus
Signs: Watery or bloody discharge. Pathological vaginal bleeding. Often there are no other symptoms until the cancer has spread. Pain that develops gradually and sometimes becomes chronic. Sometimes weight loss.

Irritation due to use of chemicals (due to use of soaps, bubble baths, hygiene sprays or vaginal creams and ointments)
Signs: Redness, itching, swelling and soreness in the genital area. nine0003
Fistula (abnormal canal) between intestines and genital tract
Signs: Causes of formation: trauma during childbirth, surgery, inflammatory bowel disease.
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