Vaginal Discharge That Can Make It Difficult to Conceive

Vaginal discharge is a normal part of a woman’s reproductive cycle. However, are there certain types of discharge that can contribute to difficulty conceiving?

Vaginal discharge is often considered a natural part of the female body’s cycle. In reality, not all discharge is normal. Changes in the color, texture, or odor of vaginal discharge can signal that something is wrong with your body, including issues related to fertility.

For mothers undergoing a conception program, it’s important to be more aware of the signals your body is sending one of which is the condition of your vaginal discharge. Learn more about the characteristics of discharge that can make it harder to conceive.

Can Vaginal Discharge Cause Infertility?

In simple terms, vaginal discharge is the fluid released from the vagina to keep the intimate area clean and moist. Vaginal discharge is classified into two types: normal discharge and discharge that requires medical attention.

Although often perceived as normal, certain types of discharge can indicate fertility issues that may reduce your chances of conceiving quickly.

Discharge caused by infections, inflammation, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and even spread to reproductive organs like the uterus and fallopian tubes.

This condition may lead to blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and reduced cervical mucus quality all of which can hinder the fertilization process.

That’s why it’s important for couples to recognize the signs of abnormal discharge and seek medical attention promptly, especially when undergoing a fertility program.

Normal Vaginal Discharge Indicates the Body Is Functioning Properly

Normal vaginal discharge does not have a strong odor, does not cause itching or pain, and changes according to the menstrual cycle. These types of discharge show that your body’s natural processes are functioning well and do not interfere with fertility.

Here are types of vaginal discharge considered normal:

1. White and Thick

Occurs at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle. Typically odorless and sticky.

2. Clear and Watery

Happens during ovulation, pregnancy, or sexual arousal.

3. Clear and Stretchy Like Raw Egg Whites

Indicates that you are in your fertile window and ovulation is occurring. This is the best time to plan conception.

You should know that discharge will naturally change throughout your cycle. For example:

• Before menstruation, the vaginal discharge becomes thick and sticky, resembling glue.

• One day before menstruation, the amount of discharge may be minimal or absent.

• During menstruation, blood covers the cervical mucus.

• After menstruation, the body usually enters a “dry” phase before producing mucus again leading up to ovulation.

• Approaching ovulation, the discharge becomes slippery, wet, and elastic, indicating that the egg is ready to be fertilized.

However, keep in mind that although cervical mucus can help predict the fertile window, it is not always definitive. In some cases, high estrogen levels can produce abundant mucus even when ovulation does not occur.

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge to Watch Out For

Abnormal discharge can signal infection or health issues in the reproductive organs that, if left untreated, may affect fertility. Signs of abnormal discharge include:

1. Brown or Bloody Discharge Outside the Menstrual Cycle

May indicate issues such as uterine polyps, hormonal imbalance, or even ectopic pregnancy.

2. Thick Yellow or Green Discharge

Especially if accompanied by foul odor, itching, or pain. This could indicate infections like trichomoniasis or sexually transmitted infections.

3. Strong Odor and Clumpy Texture

May signal a yeast infection or bacterial infection such as bacterial vaginosis (BV). If untreated, the infection can spread to the reproductive tract and hinder fertilization.

Chronic infections can lead to inflammation in the reproductive organs (such as pelvic inflammatory disease), blockage of the fallopian tubes, and overall reduced chances of conception.

The Importance of STI Testing During a Fertility Program

When undergoing a fertility program, maintaining reproductive health is essential. One highly recommended screening is STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) testing.

According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all women planning pregnancy should undergo STI screening at the beginning of the fertility journey.

Why is this important?
Some STIs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV can occur without obvious symptoms. If undetected and untreated, these infections can affect fertility, disrupt pregnancy, or even transmit infections to the fetus.

If you experience unusual discharge, pain during urination, excessive itching, or have a history of multiple sexual partners, it’s best to consult your doctor immediately. Early detection helps prevent serious complications during pregnancy.

When in doubt, it’s better to stay cautious. Record when the changes in discharge began, along with its color and consistency. This information helps your doctor evaluate your condition accurately, especially when undergoing a conception program.

How to Prevent Difficulty Conceiving Due to Vaginal Discharge

If the discharge you experience is bothersome or caused by an infection, it’s important to address the issue before starting a fertility program. Consult your doctor for a complete evaluation.

Your doctor will provide appropriate treatment to manage abnormal discharge. Once resolved, you and your partner can undergo a fertility program more comfortably and optimally.

Here are ways to address discharge that may interfere with conception:

1. Get a Health Check Together With Your Partner

One cause of abnormal discharge is sexually transmitted infections. To prevent reinfection, both partners must undergo treatment—not just the woman. This ensures the infection is fully treated and does not hinder pregnancy.

2. Maintain Proper Intimate Hygiene

In addition to treatment, intimate hygiene plays an important role in preventing abnormal discharge. You can:

• Rinse the vaginal area with clean water, front to back.

• Dry the intimate area from front to back.

• Avoid scented feminine washes or wet wipes.

• Avoid douching or spraying fluids inside the vagina.

• Avoid tight underwear and pants.

• Wear cotton underwear that absorbs sweat and change it when damp or wet.

Seek Medical Care if Discharge Becomes Troublesome

Vaginal discharge can be a signal from your body. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult an obstetrician-gynecologist:

• Excessive discharge.

• Foul odor.

• Vaginal itching.

• Pain during intercourse.

• Burning sensation in the vagina.

If you are planning for pregnancy, understanding your discharge patterns may help predict your fertile window. However, it’s still recommended to consult with a doctor to evaluate your fertility comprehensively.

Addressing discharge early is not only about comfort but a crucial step toward improving your chances of conceiving. Let’s maintain reproductive health to make your dream of having a little one come true.

Source:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). STDs during pregnancy – CDC fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/stdfact-pregnancy.htm
• National Health Service. (2018). Bacterial vaginosis. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Genital herpes – CDC fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Is it normal to have vaginal discharge? Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/is-it-normal-to-have-vaginal-discharge
• Rao, V. L., & Mahmood, T. (2020). Vaginal discharge. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, [Online]. Retrieved from https://www.obstetrics-gynaecology-journal.com/article/S1751-7214(19)30206-4/fulltext
• (n.d.). Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Colors, What’s Normal & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved November 6, 2022 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
• Sim, M., Logan, S., & Goh, L. H. (n.d.). Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care. PubMed Central (PMC). Retrieved November 6, 2022 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32754764/