Vaginal discharge is normally secreted to keep the vagina clean, but some events can cause the typical amount to increase, often leading to discomfort. One of the most common causes of excess vaginal discharge is ovulation, during which the cervical glands secrete mucus to help achieve pregnancy. Once this occurs, the excess vaginal discharge does not go away, because the increased blood flow to the vagina during pregnancy combines with increased progesterone to produce additional secretions. However, preventing pregnancy is not a sure way to avoid increased discharge, because the progesterone in birth control pills can have the same effect. While most cases of excess vaginal discharge are the result of hormones, the problem is sometimes caused by a treatable condition, such as a yeast infection, or a more serious condition, such as cervical or vaginal cancer.
Women who pay attention to their menstrual cycle often notice a sudden increase in vaginal discharge around the middle of the cycle, about two weeks after the first day of their period. This is when ovulation tends to occur in women of childbearing age, and the main sign of this event is the extra discharge known as cervical mucus. The surge in progesterone during ovulation leads to extra lubrication, because the goal is to make intercourse go smoothly, so pregnancy is likely to occur. An additional cause of excess vaginal discharge during this time is sexual arousal, which is more likely to occur in women during ovulation, although it can occur at any time during the cycle.
Once ovulation has passed and pregnancy is achieved, the problem does not go away. In fact, vaginal discharge tends to increase as a result of the high levels of progesterone during this time. The increased volume of blood in the body often leads to increased blood flow to the vagina, which is another reason for excess discharge at this time. While pregnant women are advised not to use tampons, briefs are often suggested to keep underwear dry as the pregnancy progresses. Pregnant women should also know that while clear or white discharge is considered normal, it should be checked by a doctor if it is streaked with pink or red.
Some women may assume that they can avoid this problem altogether by stopping ovulation and preventing pregnancy through hormone-based birth control. Contraceptives that contain the hormone progesterone can cause excess vaginal discharge, as they can trick the body into assuming you are pregnant. Therefore, women who are bothered by this problem can consider birth control without this hormone.
In some cases, excess vaginal discharge is not a normal occurrence; instead, it can indicate an infection or even vaginal or cervical cancer. This is especially true when the discharge is pink or brown, because that can be a sign that it may contain blood. A yeast infection can cause increased discharge that is thicker than usual and causes itching and irritation. People with cancer may notice that their discharge smells bad or is particularly watery. Women with these symptoms are advised to see their doctor to determine the cause of their abnormal vaginal discharge.