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Can birth control pills cause milky vaginal discharge?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 24-year-old female and I was on the birth control pill Aviane for almost two years. I never had any negative symptoms and had an overall good experience but I decided to stop taking it after ending my relationship because I would no longer be sexually active. About four weeks after my withdrawal bleed, I had my first period again and everything seemed to go right back to normal. I have been off the pill for a year now, and my periods are totally regular, but I have noticed some slight differences. Before BC, my cervical mucus seemed to change throughout the month but now it stays the exact same. Thick and milky. Occasionally, it will be a little more watery, but it used to get that egg white consistency around ovulation and such. It does not seem to do that much anymore, if at all. Although I am pretty certain I still have ovulation pain around the middle of my cycle. Should I be worried? Did BC mess up my body? Or is that not cause for concern? Everything else is completely normal. My cycle is a perfect 28 days and my periods are back to how they were before. The only difference is that I used to still have some light spotting on day five, but now it is mostly gone by day four other than a bit of light spotting. I am not trying to conceive, but I was wondering if this was something I should be worried about. Thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Nadia Khan

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Firstly, birth control pills do not have this kind of lasting effect which might be over or after a year, so the change in discharge is not because of pills. Secondly, changes in consistency of vaginal discharge over the cycle are totally normal. These changes are due to hormonal changes which are taking place in different phases of the cycle. Thirdly, if the discharge is not smelly, itchy or associated with any abdominal pain or painful voiding then it is nothing to worry about. If any of these problems arise, you have to seek expert advice then only. Another general advice is to use cotton undergarments and wash area frequently with plain water only. Also in future before starting birth control pills, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for answering so quickly. So even though the cervical mucus stays pretty much the same consistency in between periods, everything is still fine? It used to go through different phases during my cycle. Now it is the same milky discharge throughout the whole month aside from when I have my period.

Answered by Dr. Nadia Khan

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is not a problem until or unless it becomes smelly or itchy or causes any abdominal pain, etc, because there is nothing we can do to change the consistency of discharge. It is just let nature take its course.

Answered byDr. Nadia Khan
Medically reviewed byDr. Divya Banu M
Published At April 17, 2019
Reviewed AtJuly 17, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Companion

Birth Control Pills & Vaginal Discharge Companion

How it works

Changes in vaginal discharge, especially after stopping birth control, can be a common concern. Here's what you need to know about cervical mucus and hormonal influences.

1

Milky
Discharge

2

Pills
Effects

3

Hormonal
Changes

4

Seek
Advice

5

Hygiene
Tips

6

Future
Consult

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

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Dr. Nadia Khan

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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