Is it normal for mucus discharge

Doctors can easily treat most vaginal infections using antimicrobial medications. Depending on the severity of the infection, people may see their symptoms improving within a few days to weeks. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS affects how the ovaries work and is linked to a hormone imbalance. A lack of ovulation can lead to fertility problems.

Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms include a grayish discharge…. Many treatments are available for a yeast infection, some of which a person can administer at home.

This article looks at 8 home remedies, including…. Vaginal discharge often changes colors, depending on the time of the menstrual cycle. Some colors indicate that the area is healthy, while others can…. Vaginal discharge is a normal occurrence.

However, changes in color or smell could signal an underlying health issue. Learn more about discharge types…. Causes of heavy vaginal discharge. Arousal Ovulation Hormonal imbalances Vaginitis Bacterial vaginosis Yeast infection Trichomoniasis Healthy discharge Seeing a doctor Treatments Management Outlook Regular vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy female reproductive system.

Share on Pinterest Arousal, ovulation, and hormonal imbalances can each cause heavy discharge. Hormonal imbalances. Bacterial vaginosis. Yeast infection. What is healthy discharge? When to see a doctor. Possible treatment options. Tips for managing heavy vaginal discharge. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, MD. What is bacterial vaginosis? Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. How to get rid of a yeast infection. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

A color-coded guide to vaginal discharge. Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. Learn more. Yeast infections are common. Here are seven of the best over-the-counter products to help manage a yeast infection. The Bartholin glands are a pair of glands, near the opening of the vagina.

If a duct from one of the gland gets blocked, fluids can build up…. A cyst may form if…. If you have vaginal atrophy, you may wonder if it can be reversed. With treatment, some women find that their symptoms improve. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. It could also be a sign of early pregnancy. Other causes. When to see a doctor. Read this next. Do this before you pee or use the restroom. Note the color and consistency of the mucus or discharge on the tissue. Look for changes in discharge on your underwear daily. Or, use a panty liner to track changes.

The cervical mucus method is a method of natural family planning. This will help you best recognize patterns. This will give you the best chance of pregnancy. Need help choosing an app? Check out our picks for the best fertility apps of the year. According the Mayo Clinic , 23 out of women will get pregnant when practicing the cervical mucus method in the first year of use.

Also use backup birth control for the first several cycles of tracking. See your doctor about the best birth control method for you. Track your basal body temperature at the same time each day using a special thermometer. Plan to have unprotected sex three days prior to ovulation. Using this method along with the cervical mucus method increases your chances of successfully predicting ovulation. There are free online ovulation calendars.

These can help predict your ovulation days. Your doctor can perform a physical exam and tests to check ovulation and make sure your hormone levels are normal. You can also track ovulation at home using a digital ovulation predictor or test strips. These tests check for the luteinizing hormone LH surge to help predict your most fertile days. A surge in LH initiates the start of ovulation. This may be a symptom of an infection.

Look out for the following:. Let your doctor know if you notice any cervical mucus of an abnormal color or with a foul smell, or experience itching or redness. Tracking cervical mucus can be an effective way to help predict ovulation.