Vaginal discharge isn’t a typical symptom of ovarian cancer, but it should still be addressed. More common symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling overly full after eating.
Ovarian cancer is the
Vaginal discharge isn’t a typical symptom of ovarian cancer, but it can be a symptom of another health condition that needs attention.
This article discusses what vaginal discharge from ovarian cancer might look like, as well as other, more common symptoms. Keep reading to learn more.
Vaginal discharge isn’t common in ovarian cancer. Overall, other symptoms occur more frequently. According to some
Ovarian cancer
Even though it’s not a common symptom, abnormal vaginal discharge could lead people to seek medical attention, which could contribute to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
For example, a study based on
What are abnormal vaginal discharge and abnormal vaginal bleeding?
Typical vaginal discharge is clear or white, and its quantity and consistency can vary depending on where you are in your cycle. However, it shouldn’t have a strong odor.
Vaginal discharge can be considered abnormal when there is a
Abnormal vaginal bleeding can include:
- bleeding after menopause
- bleeding between periods
- bleeding after sex
- periods that are heavier, longer, or more irregular than is typical for you
How common is ovarian cancer, and what increases the risk?
According to the
Healthcare professionals will diagnose an estimated
- older age
- a personal history of breast cancer
- a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer
- an inherited genetic change that increases the risk, such as those affecting BRCA1 or BRCA2
- other health conditions, such as obesity and endometriosis
- reproductive factors, such as:
- starting your period at an earlier age
- entering menopause at a later age
- having children at a later age or never having given birth
- using hormone replacement therapy
- smoking
Many people with ovarian cancer have no symptoms until the cancer has spread. When symptoms are present, the
- pain or pressure in your abdomen or pelvis
- bloating
- a full feeling shortly after eating
- frequent or urgent urination
Additional symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- fatigue
- pain during sex
- back pain
- stomach upset
- constipation
- bloating that happens with noticeable weight loss
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often nonspecific, meaning they could be due to many health conditions. Consult a doctor if you notice any symptoms that are persistent and different from what’s normal for you.
Early detection is vital
Ovarian cancer is treatable if it’s diagnosed and treated early, especially if it’s found while it’s only in your ovaries. Ovarian cancer that has spread beyond your ovaries is more challenging to treat, and the outlook is less favorable.
Be sure to make an appointment with a doctor to discuss any new or concerning symptoms you’ve noticed. If your symptoms are due to ovarian cancer, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Abnormal vaginal discharge can be due to several different health conditions. The table below lists these as well as the type of discharge each can cause.
| Condition | Type of vaginal discharge | Other notable symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| bacterial vaginosis | thin white or gray discharge with a fishy odor | itching, discomfort, painful urination |
| trichomoniasis | foul-smelling discharge that’s green to yellow in color | itching, discomfort, painful urination |
| gonorrhea | increased vaginal discharge that may be yellow, green, or creamy in color | painful or frequent urination, bleeding between periods |
| chlamydia | yellow vaginal discharge that may have an odor | painful or frequent urination, bleeding between periods |
| vaginal yeast infection | thick white discharge | itching, discomfort, painful urination |
| atrophic vaginitis | thin yellow or gray discharge | vaginal dryness, itching, discomfort, pain during sex |
| cervical polyps | yellowish discharge | abnormal vaginal bleeding |
| vulvar cancer | any abnormal vaginal discharge | a bump, lump, or ulcer on your vulva; itching; discomfort |
| vaginal cancer | any abnormal vaginal discharge | abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, a mass you can feel |
| cervical cancer | watery discharge that has a strong odor and can contain blood | abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain |
| vaginal foreign body | foul-smelling discharge that can contain blood or pus | pelvic pain |
Abnormal vaginal discharge that may happen with abnormal uterine bleeding is an uncommon symptom of ovarian cancer. Generally, these symptoms are more likely to be caused by another health condition.
Many people with ovarian cancer have no symptoms until the cancer has spread. More common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, and a full feeling shortly after eating.
The outlook for ovarian cancer is better when the cancer is diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, it’s important to consult a doctor as soon as you can to discuss any new or concerning symptoms that are persistent or different from what’s typical for you.