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Women often complain of sticky vaginal discharge, but it can be worrying for some women. Understanding its causes and preventive measures can help women manage this condition effectively.

Vaginal discharge can be difficult to understand, especially if it changes suddenly. Vaginal discharge reflects your overall health status. It is important to maintain hygiene and safety in the vagina, a very sensitive part of your body. Women often complain of sticky vaginal discharge, which is very common, but it can worry some women. Understanding its causes and preventive measures can help women manage this condition effectively. So let’s know more about sticky vaginal discharge in detail. Also, we will know whether you should worry in this situation or not (sticky vaginal discharge).

What is sticky vaginal discharge?

According to a 2020 study published in the Singapore Medical Journal, vaginal discharge is a fluid produced by glands in the cervix and vagina. Its consistency, colour and quantity can fluctuate during periods. According to a study published in Clinical Methods, vaginal discharge can be white, yellow, green, brown or red.

Sticky vaginal discharge is a type of vaginal discharge that is thick, sticky, or has a sticky consistency. It can be clear, white, or slightly yellow, and is usually part of the body’s natural process of keeping the vagina clean and healthy.

Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Pratibha Singhal says, “This discharge may vary in quantity and texture due to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Although sticky discharge is often normal, significant changes in its consistency, colour or odour may indicate an underlying problem that requires medical attention.” It is important to understand that brown sticky discharge may occur in the last months of pregnancy. This is because the mucus plug on the cervix is released, and the opening dilates.

Let us know the causes of sticky vaginal discharge

Menstruation

The color and texture of vaginal discharge may vary during periods. Hormonal fluctuations during different stages of the period can affect the consistency of vaginal discharge. Sticky discharge is often seen before and after ovulation.

Ovulation

Ovulation is a physiological process defined by the bursting of an ovary. Around ovulation, the body produces more cervical mucus, which can be sticky or stretchy to help sperm travel through the cervix.

Pregnancy

According to a 2023 study published in StatPearls, during pregnancy, the mother’s body undergoes massive changes that affect all organ systems to support the growing fetus. High levels of estrogen can increase vaginal discharge, which may be sticky. This works to protect the uterus from infection.

Bacterial vaginosis

According to a 2023 study published in StatsPearl, bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused primarily by the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis. This bacteria is naturally found in the vagina, but it can grow in excess when other good bacteria are not enough. This can result in a yellow or brown sticky discharge and odor.

Yeast Infection

Vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection caused primarily by Candida albicans. Symptoms include sticky, gray or white discharge, vaginal irritation and intense vaginal itching. Candida albicans is a yeast that is normally present in small amounts in the vagina, but it can grow too much and cause an infection.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. It has a strong odor and produces a sticky yellow-green discharge. According to a study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Preventive Care, it can also cause urinary problems and vaginal redness.

Now let’s know some common symptoms of sticky vaginal discharge

It is important to understand the symptoms and causes of sticky vaginal discharge, whether it is part of a normal body process, or a sign of an underlying problem. Here are some common symptoms of sticky vaginal discharge as told by experts, so let’s know about it.

thick, sticky discharge: Vaginal discharge may seem thick, sticky, and often has a glue-like texture.

Discharge may be of different colour: The color of the discharge can range from clear or white to slightly yellow or gray. Normal sticky vaginal discharge is usually clear or white, while a change in color may be a sign of infection or another condition.

dirt: The sticky discharge is usually odorless. However, a strong odor of discharge may be a sign of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis.

Itching or burning: While sticky discharge in itself may not cause discomfort, if it is related to an infection, you may experience itching, burning, and redness around the vaginal area.

Change in Volume: The amount of sticky discharge may increase or decrease depending on factors such as period, pregnancy, or hormonal contraceptive use.

Period cycle: Sticky discharge may be seen before and after periods, as well as in the days leading up to periods.

Accompanying symptoms of infection: If sticky vaginal discharge is due to an infection, other symptoms may include a burning sensation during urination, pelvic pain, or discomfort during sex.

Lumpy or cottage cheese-like texture: If your vaginal discharge is lumpy or has a cottage cheese-like appearance, this could be a sign of a yeast infection.

Learn here ways to reduce sticky vaginal discharge (how to avoid sticky vaginal discharge)

Maintain healthy hygiene

Always use mild soap to clean the intimate area and do not use any feminine products. Clean it daily and do not forget to dry it. Using fragrance-containing products in the vagina can imbalance its pH value, due to which problems like bacterial vaginosis can bother you. To prevent bacteria from spreading from one place to another, always clean from front to back after going to the bathroom.

Keep yourself hydrated

A study published in the BMJ Open Quality journal indicated that dehydration increases the risk of vaginal infections. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water keeps the vaginal moisture and hydration levels stable, which is beneficial for vaginal health. It also helps reduce discharge before the onset of menstruation.

Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes

Always wear cotton underwear, as cotton fabric allows the area to breathe and helps absorb moisture, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. Avoid wearing tight clothes, as they can retain moisture and heat on the skin for a longer period of time, causing bacteria and yeast to grow in those areas.

Eat probiotic-rich foods

Eating more probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi or taking probiotic supplements can help control vaginal discharge. According to a study published in the Frontiers Cellular and Infection Microbiology journal, probiotics can maintain the natural balance of vaginal bacteria, reducing the risk of disorders such as bacterial vaginosis. Which naturally reduces sticky vaginal discharge.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has antibacterial properties. Thus it helps you soothe irritation and prevent infection. Apply a small amount of organic, extra virgin coconut oil on the outer vaginal area.

Manage stress

Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, which can affect vaginal discharge. Include meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises in your daily routine, try to engage in these types of stress-relieving activities daily.

Keep these things in mind too

These home remedies and prevention methods can help reduce the risk, but they are not a substitute for medical care. If you are experiencing extremely sticky vaginal discharge, you should consult your doctor to find out the underlying cause and seek medical help.