Why do I have a lot of white discharge?

Experiencing discharge is an entirely normal part of having and caring for your sexual health. Most women tend to experience some discharge from their genitals, whether it’s during sexual arousal, their period, or at regular intervals.

But sometimes you can have too much or an unusual type of discharge. When this happens, it could indicate something worth addressing.

Are you experiencing a larger-than-normal amount of vaginal discharge? Keep reading to find out what may be causing it.

Worried about STIs? Visit one of Better2Know’s sexual health clinics today.

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What is discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a very normal occurrence for most women. Vaginal discharge is generally made up of a mixture of fluid, cells, and bacteria that clean and lubricate the vagina and protect it from infection.

In general, normal vaginal discharge is:

• Clear or white
• Thick and sticky or slippery and wet
• Does not have a strong, unpleasant odour
• Normally heavier during pregnancy, regular sexual activity, or while using birth control

What causes excessive white discharge?

White discharge is usually normal, but if there’s too much of it, or it has taken on a different smell, texture, or colour, it may indicate something more serious.

Here are some infections that can cause excessive white discharge.

Yeast infection

Yeast infections are fungal infections that affect the vagina and vulva.

The vaginal discharge caused by yeast infections is typically:

• Thick, white, and clumpy, resembling cottage cheese
• Has a faint, yeasty smell
• Larger in quantity than normal vaginal discharge
• Accompanied by itching or irritation in the vaginal area

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

BV is caused by the overgrowth of certain bacteria found in the vagina. Unlike the discharge caused by a yeast infection, the discharge caused by bacterial vaginosis is typically:

• Thin and watery with a milky or off-grey colour
• Has a “fishy” odour
• Thin and homogenous

Chlamydia

Chlamydia, a very common STI, is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Most people with Chlamydia don’t notice symptoms, but if left untreated, it can cause conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and problems with fertility.

Vaginal discharge caused by Chlamydia is typically:

• Thin a watery, sometimes slightly milky
• Lacking a distinctive scent
• Either yellow, green, or white in colour

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea, colloquially known as “the clap”, is an STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Like Chlamydia, it can cause complications such as PID and infertility.

The vaginal discharge caused by Gonorrhoea is typically:

• Thick and creamy, containing mucous and pus
• Yellowish, green, or cloudy white
• Distinct “foul-smelling” odour

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is an STI caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The vaginal discharge caused by Trichomonas is typically:

• Thin and frothy, with a consistency similar to mucous
• Yellowish-green, grey, or cloudy white
• A strong “fishy” smell

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes often spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. The vaginal discharge caused by Genital Herpes is typically:

• Minimal in quantity, to the extent that many people do not notice it
• Thin and watery – consistency can vary depending on the outbreak
• Clear or milky

Final thoughts

While some vaginal discharge is completely normal, any changes in the quantity, consistency, and colour of your discharge could indicate something serious.

If you’re concerned about your symptoms, call our helpline at the number at the top of this page and speak to our team of Sexual Health Advisors who will help you book the test that is right for you. You can also book an online appointment at a sexual health clinic near you by clicking the button below.

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