Abnormal Vaginal Discharge: Causes and Concerns

Abnormal secretion?

For about ten days, I have been experiencing watery discharge that has been soaking my underwear all day.
Initially, for the first five days, I thought it was egg white cervical mucus, which made my underwear very wet but did not cause any itching.
Now, on the tenth day, just a few days before my expected period, my underwear is still damp, and I continue to have thick discharge that resembles egg white, although it is not as stretchy; it can still elongate but tends to retract more easily.
Additionally, during sexual intercourse, there is a white, sticky fluid present, which does not seem like semen since there was no rupture.
This feels somewhat abnormal compared to previous experiences.
Another concern is that when I used a pregnancy test, it only showed one line, but that line was located roughly in the middle of the test area.
Could this indicate an issue with the pregnancy test, or does it confirm that I am not pregnant? (My last menstrual period was from March 28 to April 5, and I also tested for pregnancy then, which was negative, although I later noticed a very faint line.)

anita, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/19

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
The watery discharge has been soaking my underwear for about ten days.
At first, during the first five days, I thought it was egg white discharge, which is why my underwear was so wet, but there was no itching.
Answer: Keeping the watery discharge clean and hygienic is important.
2.
Now on the tenth day, just a few days before my expected period, my underwear is still damp, and there is a continuous thick discharge, similar to egg white but not as stretchy.
It can still elongate but tends to retract more easily.
Additionally, during sexual intercourse, there is a white, sticky fluid present, which doesn't resemble semen since there was no ejaculation.
This feels somewhat abnormal compared to previous experiences.
Answer: This is likely due to the effects of progesterone, which is normal.
3.
The pregnancy test strip shows only one line, but that line is located approximately in the middle of the reaction area.
Is this an indication that the pregnancy test is faulty, or does it confirm that I am not pregnant? (My last period was from March 28 to April 5, and I tested negative then as well, although I noticed a very faint line a few days later.) Answer: Try using a different brand of test.

Reply Date: 2017/04/19

More Info

Understanding abnormal vaginal discharge is crucial for identifying potential health issues. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a significant change in your vaginal discharge for about ten days. Initially, you thought it was egg-white cervical mucus, which is typically associated with ovulation, but now it has persisted longer than expected and has changed in consistency.
Normal vaginal discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle, influenced by hormonal changes. During ovulation, many women experience an increase in clear, stretchy discharge, resembling egg whites. However, if this discharge continues beyond the ovulation phase and becomes thicker or changes in color or odor, it may indicate an underlying issue.

The characteristics of your discharge—being watery and somewhat sticky—could suggest several possibilities. One common cause of increased discharge is a yeast infection, which can lead to thick, white, and clumpy discharge, often accompanied by itching or irritation. However, you mentioned that there is no itching, which makes a yeast infection less likely. Another possibility is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which can cause a change in the normal flora of the vagina, leading to an increase in discharge that may have a fishy odor.
Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can also cause abnormal discharge, often accompanied by other symptoms like pelvic pain or unusual bleeding. Given that you have experienced changes in your discharge and have had sexual intercourse, it would be wise to consider the possibility of an STI, especially if you have had multiple partners or unprotected sex.

Regarding the pregnancy test, it is essential to understand how these tests work. Home pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine. A single line typically indicates a negative result, while two lines indicate a positive result. If you see only one line but it appears faint or in an unusual position, it could be due to a few factors: the test may not have been performed correctly, it may be too early to detect pregnancy, or it could be a faulty test. If your period is late or you have other symptoms of pregnancy, it might be worth repeating the test a few days later or consulting a healthcare provider for a blood test, which is more sensitive and can detect pregnancy earlier.

In summary, the changes in your vaginal discharge could be due to several factors, including hormonal fluctuations, infections, or other underlying conditions. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation, including a pelvic exam and possibly laboratory tests, to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. They can provide you with the appropriate treatment options based on the diagnosis. Additionally, if you are concerned about pregnancy, a healthcare provider can offer more reliable testing and guidance. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider about any changes in your body is essential for your overall health and well-being.

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