“What causes sudden thick white discharge?”

Possibly yeast infection. Talk to your doctor to check your blood sugars as elevated sugar can cause repeated yeast infections.

Most likely you have a common yeast infection. Consult your gynecologist.

Multiple normal and abnormal conditions can cause an increase in discharge. It must be evaluated by your gynecologist to determine the cause.

Hello,

Great question. This topic is extremely common. Most often, a white discharge is associated with either a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Yeast infections are common after oral antibiotics are taken and can also occur randomly if the vaginal pH is altered even slightly. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an overgrowth of the normal vaginal flora (bacteria). This also can occur with even slight alterations in the vaginal pH. I recommend having a vaginal culture done at your GYN office and they can provide treatment options. If there is itching, you can also try an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream available at all pharmacies.

Sincerely,

Richard T. Burke, MD

If this discharge is not chunky or itchy, it is likely not a yeast infection and will not respond to using an anti-fungal such as Monistat cream or even the Diflucan oral treatment. What is more likely is hormone change. When women are in their 30's they start to have wider fluctuations in their female hormones of Estradiol and Progesterone, with a faster drop in their Progesterone causing an Estradiol dominance. This change in hormone balance causes a pH change that is subtle in the vagina but causes a shift in the balance of microflora that changes the normal discharge. This change in discharge is usually non-irritating but just 'different'. Have your doctor check your hormone levels on d21 of your cycle to confirm but it likely will show Estradiol dominance vs Progesterone to Estradiol balance or Progesterone dominance. Progesterone is the equalizer and stabilizer of the lining of your uterus but it balances and stabilizes the rest of how your female organs work. So changing that balance causes changes in the pelvis, thus you get a change in discharge. If your doctor is reluctant to check your levels, or doesn't feel comfortable working with you on this issue, then find a healthcare provider who is. If you cannot find one in your area, then contact my office e-mail at vmondloch@gmail.com and let us help.

The hormonal fluctuations commonly seen in menopause often start in the mid 30's. This may be the issue but infections such as yeast, trichomonas and bacterial infections, although unlikely, should be ruled out. While the discharge associated with these conditions is different, I have seen all of them in patients with a non specific white discharge. Your gynecologist can do a simple office exam and microscopic exam.

If the discharge is white and cheesy, it could be due to a yeast infection. Are you using any lubricant for intercourse or feminine hygiene? Some of these products can cause white discharge. See a Provider and check it out!

If there is itching or odor, it could be an infection. There is also an increase in whitish discharge in pregnancy due to high estrogen levels. This is called physiologic leukorrhea.

It could be a yeast infection

Most likely, it is a yeast infection. You should see your ob/gyn so she can do proper testing and give you the medications for that.