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White Sticky Discharge

If you have a sticky, white vaginal discharge, don’t rush to the phone and make a doctor’s appointment just yet. There are four major causes of a white discharge and the most common is a very natural and actually a sign that your body is in very good health. By examining your discharge closely, you can determine whether or not you need to see your doctor.

Physiological Leucorrhea

Physiological Leucorrhea is the fancy medical name for normal vaginal discharge due to estrogen fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. This white sticky discharge should not have any smell to it nor should it be accompanied by itching or pain of any type. This type of sticky discharge is common late in the first week or early in the second week after a completed period. It may also be present immediately after the peak ovulation day.

Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal Candidiasis is the medical tem for a yeast infection. Yeast infections are identified by a white sticky discharge that is often described as being the consistence of cottage cheese. There will also be a itchy sensation on the interior of the labia. There are two ways to treat a yeast infection, an over-the-counter antifungal cream or a pill (Diflucan) available by prescription.

While yeast infections often happen after sexual intercourse, they are not sexually transmitted diseases. The trauma that can occur on the interior of the vagina coupled with the change in pH due to fluids introduced during intercourse can create the ideal situation for fungal growth. This is even more likely if your vagina became dry during intercourse as this could lead to interior tears on the vaginal walls.

Bacterial Vaginosis

The third candidate for causing white sticky discharge from the vagina is a bacterial infection. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of irregular vaginal discharge in women. The discharge is often grayish or off-white and carries a distinct fishy smell. The smell is often more pronounced after intercourse. Treating vaginosis includes getting a prescription for a vaginal antibacterial cream. It is usually applied for 5 consecutive days. There are also prescription ovules that can be inserted in the vagina or oral pills that can be taken for 7 days. Each treatment will eliminate the outward signs of the infection within 2 to 3 days. The treatment must be completed to prevent a recurrence of the infection.

Pregnancy Discharge

White sticky discharge during pregnancy is usually normal. In the first and second trimesters it is often due to increased blood flow in the vaginal region. During the third trimester there is usually relatively little discharge. If there is a large amount of discharge near the end of your pregnancy, this can be a sign that the mucus plug has been expelled.

It is a good idea to notify your doctor whenever you experience a change in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. If there is ever a pungent or fishy smell, you feel itching or there is a cottage cheese like discharge during pregnancy, call your doctor and get an appointment immediately.