A sudden increase in vaginal discharge can happen for several reasons. It may be a normal change related to your menstrual cycle, especially around ovulation, when discharge can become clearer, wetter, or heavier. It can also happen with pregnancy, changes in hormones, or irritation from products like douches or scented soaps.
However, a sudden change can also be a sign of infection. Common causes include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or cervicitis. Discharge is more concerning if it has a strong or fishy smell, looks yellow, green, gray, bloody, or lumpy, or comes with itching, burning, pelvic pain, pain during sex, or bleeding after sex.
Avoid douching or using scented vaginal products, since these can irritate the area and make symptoms worse. Do not self-medicate, because the right treatment depends on the cause, and using the wrong medication can delay proper care.
See a gynecologist or primary care clinician if the discharge is new, heavy, persistent, smells bad, or comes with pain, itching, bleeding, or STI risk.