Does COVID Change or Increase Vaginal Discharge?

Key takeaways:

• Because of the way it affects the immune system, a COVID infection can lead to changes in the color and amount of vaginal discharge.
• COVID can also increase your risk of yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, both of which can cause abnormal discharge.
• Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in vaginal discharge after a confirmed or suspected COVID infection.

Though it was originally thought to be just a respiratory virus, COVID-19 affects many bodily systems. One of these is the all-important nervous system, which is partially responsible for vaginal discharge. Your nervous system includes something called the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls functions like your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiration.

Vaginal secretions, arousal, and other parts of your reproductive system are also governed by your automatic nervous system, so vaginal secretions can sometimes be affected by COVID-19.

Can a COVID infection change or increase vaginal discharge?

Yes, although our understanding of the relationship is very incomplete. Vaginal discharge is affected by your automatic nervous system. COVID-19 is now known to cause abnormal functioning of this system, called “autonomic dysregulation” or “dysautonomia.”

This may be the reason many women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) who have COVID-19 notice changes in their menstrual cycles, including changes in the nature of their vaginal discharge. Within a couple of months of recovering from COVID-19, however, most reported that their discharge had returned to normal.

How COVID causes a change in vaginal discharge

Since your automatic nervous system directs the involuntary processes of arousal and vaginal secretions, COVID can affect them if it causes autonomic dysregulation. While research on this specific topic is lacking, some studies on spinal cord injuries and the role of the automatic nervous system in sexual arousal provide clues as to how it may affect discharge.

Because vaginal secretions are influenced by involuntary functions of the ANS, when these are disrupted, there may be notable changes in vaginal health.

How COVID changes vaginal discharge

After contracting COVID-19, women and those assigned female at birth have reported changes in the color and amount of their discharge, along with vaginal swelling (vaginitis). One common finding was a change in the normal bacterial population, with a decrease in the healthy lactobacillus.

More abundant discharge

Women and individuals assigned female at birth younger than 50 who get COVID-19 generally complain that there is an increase in the amount of discharge. When those younger than 20 were examined, they were more likely to have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV).

It is not fully known if these changes are a direct result of COVID-19 itself or a COVID-related increased risk of developing BV or yeast. Some changes may be related to the autonomic nervous system’s influence over the immune system, specifically, on local immunity of the vagina.

This can lead to some confusion for asymptomatic people with yeast or BV, as they will only notice the discharge and not other symptoms of the virus.

Less discharge

Older women and AFAB individuals (age 50 and above) during and after COVID-19 infection reported less discharge, described as white and sparse. However, this may be influenced by their age. When hormonal support naturally declines, it can make these symptoms more noticeable.

Change in color

After getting COVID-19, many have reported their vaginal discharge becomes white or gray. However, there was also more likely to be a yeast infection without inflammation. Read about vaginal discharge colors for more.

Change in odor

As mentioned, COVID-19 can increase the chances of developing bacterial vaginosis when there is an imbalance of bacteria. This infection has a characteristic “fishy” odor. Again, without inflammation, someone may only notice the odor, not the other tell-tale symptoms of BV. Read our guide on vaginal discharge odors for more.

How to stop or get relief at home from vaginal discharge after a COVID infection

Whether due to COVID-19 or another condition, any discharge with symptoms of burning, itching, pain, or discoloration should be evaluated by your medical provider. Because vaginal health issues are more likely to occur due to COVID’s effect on the immune system, the following can be helpful if you experience an infection or excess discharge:

Wear breathable clothing

Wearing loose, breathable clothing may help reduce excessive vaginal discharge, with or without COVID. If you don’t suspect an infection but experience more discharge than normal, opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight pants or leggings.

Antifungals

Used for yeast infections, which you can get whether you have COVID-19 or not. These infections are also more prevalent in people diagnosed with COVID. These can be purchased over the counter or online.

Probiotics

Oral or vaginal cultures of lactobacilli can help re-establish your helpful bacteria for vaginal health. These are also available over-the-counter or online.

When to see a doctor about vaginal discharge after a COVID infection

You should use the same criteria you used before COVID-19 to determine if your discharge is normal or not. If you suspect you may have COVID, be sure to take all the necessary precautions when visiting your doctor or opt for telehealth options when available.

You should see a doctor if:

You have a vaginal discharge accompanied by any of the following:

• Bleeding
• Itching, burning, or pain
• Discolored discharge
• Irregular cycles
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Sex with a new partner

You should go to the emergency room if:

You have any of the above symptoms but also experience:

• Pelvic, abdominal, or back pain
• Painful urination
• Painful intercourse
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness

Questions to ask your doctor about vaginal discharge after a COVID infection

• Is my abnormal vaginal discharge possibly related to COVID-19?
• Are my symptoms a sign of a different infection?
• How can I treat my symptoms, and how will I know that the treatment worked?
• What if I’m pregnant, might be, or plan to be?

How a doctor can help treat vaginal discharge after a COVID infection

These treatments generally are the same for any abnormal vaginal discharge you are concerned about, with or without COVID-19.

Antibiotics

These are used to treat bacterial vaginosis, whether related to COVID-19 or not. It will not cure COVID itself but may help relieve symptoms of BV. They are also used to treat other bacterial infections, including STIs, E. coli vaginitis, and trichomoniasis.

Antifungals

Used to manage yeast infections, they can be helpful when you’re at a higher risk for yeast due to diabetes, pregnancy, or exposure to antibiotics, which often happens with COVID-19 infections.

You may not notice inflammation with a yeast infection because of how COVID-19 affects the nervous system’s response. Prescription-strength antifungals from your doctor are usually stronger than over-the-counter formulas.

Frequently asked questions: COVID and vaginal discharge

As we learn more about COVID, there are more questions–not all of which have answers. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding COVID’s impact on vaginal health:

Can COVID cause a yeast infection?

Probably not. But a lack of inflammation may mislead you to feel you don’t have a yeast infection when you do.

Can COVID cause an increase in watery discharge?

Maybe, especially since there may be some increased risk of BV, COVID-related changes in local immunity of the vagina may decrease symptoms of inflammation, making the infection less noticeable.

Final thoughts: COVID and vaginal discharge

As with so many medical topics, we’re still learning. There may be some connection between COVID-19 and bacterial vaginosis, but other infections seem to be unrelated to the virus.

Women and individuals assigned female at birth often report changes in the amount and color of discharge when they have COVID, but things generally return to normal once they recover. Research is always ongoing, but knowing what’s normal for you and what’s not will help you spot a problem if and when it occurs.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Poushali Bhattacharjee, MD.

Sources

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