An image forming apparatus includes: a photoconductor; a charging unit that charges the photoconductor; an applying unit that produces a charging voltage; a current detecting unit that detects a charging current; an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium; and a control unit. The control unit receives a current detecting signal; determines whether an abnormal discharge occurs during an image forming operation based on the current detecting signal; controls the applying unit to reduce a value of the charging voltage if the abnormal discharge occurs; determines whether the abnormal discharge stops occurring as a result of reducing the value of the charging voltage; and controls the conveying unit to eject the recording medium during the image forming operation if the abnormal discharge stops occurring.