White discharge in women helps keep the vagina clean, moist, and protected from infection. In most women, it occurs before or after ovulation or due to hormonal changes.

White discharge is a normal phenomenon in women. Medically known as leukorrhea, it helps keep the vagina clean, moist, and protected from infection. In most women, it occurs before or after ovulation or due to hormonal changes. Sometimes, stress, weakness, or lack of sleep can also cause white discharge.

As long as white discharge isn't accompanied by an odor, itching, or color change, it's considered completely normal and a sign of healthy body function. However, sometimes white discharge in women can become dangerous. So, let's explain when white discharge in women becomes dangerous.

When is white discharge dangerous?

If the amount of white discharge increases, the color appears yellow, green, or brown, and it starts to smell, it could be a sign of an infection or disease. In such a condition, itching, burning, or pain is felt in the vagina. Experts also say that normal discharge is nothing to worry about, but a change in its color or smell can indicate many diseases. Experts say that in problems like bacterial vaginosis, the discharge becomes thin and smelly. Whereas in trichomoniasis, the discharge appears yellow or green. Apart from this, it appears thick in fungal infections.

Common causes of white discharge

• Hormonal changes – An Increase in progesterone after ovulation causes white discharge in the vagina.
• Pregnancy – White discharge may also increase due to hormonal changes in early pregnancy.
• Yeast infection – Due to excessive fungus, white discharge can occur in women.
• Bacterial vaginosis – White discharge can also occur due to an imbalance in the bacteria in the vagina.
• Stress and lack of sleep – Stress and lack of sleep also temporarily affect hormone levels, which causes white discharge in women.

In case of which symptoms should one contact a doctor?

• If there is itching, burning, or foul smell during white discharge, then you should not take it lightly.
• Apart from this, if the white discharge starts becoming smelly or foamy, then one should contact the doctor.
• You should also consult a doctor if the discharge is yellow, green, or brown.
• If there are problems like fibers or swelling in the skin during white discharge, then you should also contact a doctor.

What to do to avoid infection due to white discharge?

• To avoid infection caused by white discharge, women should take care of vaginal cleanliness daily and wear cotton undergarments instead of synthetic ones.
• Apart from this, wet clothes or panty liners should not be worn for a long time.
• Private parts should be kept dry and clean.