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What Are the Common Causes of Thick White Vaginal Discharge?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Thick white vaginal discharge is generally considered normal so long as its not malodorous or clumpy in texture. Some potential causes of abnormal discharge may include yeast or bacterial infections. Discharge often changes in texture and color from week to week or during times of hormonal changes.

One of the most common causes of thick white discharge is ovulation. Although some women experience clear, slippery cervical mucus during this time, many have thick white discharge instead. Both variations are considered normal in most cases, so long as the discharge is white and odorless in nature.

Ovulation may cause thick white vaginal discharge.
Ovulation may cause thick white vaginal discharge.

Other reasons a woman may experience thick white discharge include yeast and bacterial infections, also called vaginosis. Yeast-related vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring organisms found inside the vagina. Symptoms may include thick, white, clumpy discharge as well as itching and localized irritation. Treatment usually includes an antifungal medication applied directly into the vagina.

Pregnancy may cause thick white vaginal discharge.
Pregnancy may cause thick white vaginal discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth in bacteria which are found in the vagina naturally, although occasionally outside pathogens may also cause problems. Discharge is often yellow or green, but sometimes a white discharge may also be noticed. Itching, irritation, and a foul odor are also commonly present. Antibiotic medications, delivered vaginally or orally, are the most common treatment for this condition.

A woman should consult with her doctor if she experiences abnormal vaginal discharge.
A woman should consult with her doctor if she experiences abnormal vaginal discharge.

Pregnancy may also cause a thick white vaginal discharge, although this varies from woman to woman. As hormones change and fluctuate during pregnancy, discharge may become thicker and more abundant, and may alternate between clear and white. Sometimes yellow discharge is also considered normal, but this should be checked by a medical professional because it could also signal an infection.

Thick, white vaginal discharge is generally considered normal.
Thick, white vaginal discharge is generally considered normal.

Any vaginal discharge which is accompanied by itching, irritation, or swelling should be checked out by a licensed medical professional. Many times it will be due to a minor infection, but sexually transmitted diseases often exhibit similar symptoms. If vaginal discharge increases beyond what is normal for a woman’s body, whether or not additional symptoms are present, she should seek medical advice.

Discussion Comments

MrsPramm

Please remember that it's possible to pass a vaginal infection onto your partner, even if it doesn't seem like he could get one. And he might not have any symptoms either, except that you will keep getting your infection back every time you have sex with him.

If you have an infection, talk to your doctor about getting medication for your partner as well, and stick to other forms of intimacy until you both get the all clear.

browncoat

@irontoenail - It's not always a problem though. I think a lot of girls panic because they never get to ask the question "is vaginal discharge normal?" It's not something that gets taught in science class, unfortunately, even though it would be among the most practical science they could be taught.

I have had female friends be absolutely startled by things their bodies have done over the years that were absolutely normal, but they had just never been told about them.

In some ways I think it's getting better, simply because girls know to look online now and they find information on themselves and what is normal and what could be a problem.

irontoenail

Even if you don't have itching or irritation, or if you have an odorless vaginal discharge that just looks different from usual, I would still go and get a check-up. Go to the family planning clinic if you can't afford a doctor.

If nothing else, it could be a sign that you are pregnant. And that happens all the time, even if you are using protection. Or it could be an early warning sign of something else. It's always better to know.

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    • Ovulation may cause thick white vaginal discharge.
      By: designua
      Ovulation may cause thick white vaginal discharge.
    • Pregnancy may cause thick white vaginal discharge.
      By: pedrosala
      Pregnancy may cause thick white vaginal discharge.
    • A woman should consult with her doctor if she experiences abnormal vaginal discharge.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      A woman should consult with her doctor if she experiences abnormal vaginal discharge.
    • Thick, white vaginal discharge is generally considered normal.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Thick, white vaginal discharge is generally considered normal.
    • Discharge often changes in color and texture during hormonal changes.
      By: picsfive
      Discharge often changes in color and texture during hormonal changes.
    • Thick vaginal discharge can indicate certain forms of vaginitis, which are easily treatable through prescription medications.
      By: MediablitzImages
      Thick vaginal discharge can indicate certain forms of vaginitis, which are easily treatable through prescription medications.