White discharge before your period: what do you need to know?

White discharge is part of every woman's cycle. This vaginal discharge is completely natural. White discharge, also known as leucorrhoea, is still a taboo for many women. It's linked to the fear of stained panties, odors, judgment and the gaze of others. Each type of discharge has its own significance, so let's take a look at discharge before your period.

What is white discharge?

Pre-menstrual white discharge is very common. These discharges of fluid are completely normal, but in some cases they can reveal a pathology or disorder.

The white discharge is made up of vaginal and uterine secretions. They are produced by the glands of the cervix and act as a lubricant, moisturizer and cleanser. They are a sign that your reproductive and genital organs are working properly. This discharge is part of a natural process closely linked to hormones and your menstrual cycle. The color of white discharge varies according to the time of the cycle, and can be white, yellow, yellowish or even transparent.

The evolution of white discharge during the cycle

During the menstrual cycle white discharge evolves. It changes color, composition, appearance and odor. At every stage of the cycle, whether in the follicular, ovulation or luteal phase, white discharge has a role to play:

• White discharge lubricates the vagina;
• Mixed with cyprine, discharge is more intense at the moment of arousal and during intercourse, to promote penetration;
• White discharge cleanses the vagina and ensures the balance and protection of vaginal flora;
• They herald a period of fertility. Without fertility problems, there is a 1 in 4 chance of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse. It is therefore possible to use a male condom or a female condom if you do not wish to practice abstinence.

What does the white discharge before my period look like?

A few days before the onset of menstruation and the start of a new cycle, white discharge thickens and becomes more abundant. At this point in the cycle, white discharge acts as a cleanser. It evacuates dead cells. It often takes on a yellowish color.

Creamy white discharge after ovulation

During the ovulation phase, white discharge is a clear mucus-like discharge resembling uncooked egg white. It is elastic and transparent, slimy and very fluid. Once ovulation is complete, the increased production of progesterone blocks the secretion of fluid by the cervical glands.

Also known as cervical mucus, the white discharge during ovulation allows sperm to travel upwards towards the egg in one of the Fallopian tubes, which has just been released by a follicle. At this stage of the cycle, white discharge has superpowers: it enables the sperm to keep the maximum number of sperm alive to reach the egg, which has a lifespan of 24 hours.

White discharge just before menstruation

The white discharge justbefore menstruation, in the luteal phase, is sticky and thicker. Their role is to create a barrier that blocks spermatozoa from entering the uterus. At this point, the endometrium is no longer ready to receive an embryo. The body is no longer ready for fertilization and pregnancy.

What are the special cases of white discharge?

White discharge says a lot about our bodies. Here's a list of situations in which you may experience white discharge. These are sometimes mixed with other vaginal secretions, changing the color of the white discharge!

Spotting

When you're not menstruating, you may experience spotting. These are small amounts of bleeding mixed with white discharge, and are of no consequence or seriousness. Generally speaking, spotting occurs when there are hormonal imbalances or vaginal dryness , which weakens the walls of the uterus and creates micro-cracks. Small amounts of bleeding run off with the usual white discharge.

First period

Before the first periodWith the onset of puberty, the production of hormones in all directions in teenagers leads to the secretion of abundant white discharge. At puberty, the arrival of white discharge heralds the onset of menstruation.

After sexual intercourse

After intercourse, white discharge may be more abundant due to female lubrication, male ejaculation (if you don't use a condom), and the use of lubricants.

White discharge - a sign of infection or disease

White discharge can be a sign of infection, disease or an imbalance in the vaginal flora, which fights the bad bacteria that cause infections and fungal infections. You should consult a health professional, such as your GP or gynaecologist, if your discharge is :

• Odorous, that is, with an unusual smell;
• Greyish or more yellow in the middle of the cycle;
• Thick or granular , like scaled milk;
• associated with itching and burning.

Protecting yourself from white discharge with menstrual panties

Many women who experience white discharge use panty liners to protect themselves. But panty liners are often full of endocrine disruptors and chemicals that can irritate the vulva and lead to flora disruption (which can also increase the amount of white discharge).

If your white discharge is too heavy, you can use menstrual pants for light flow: they'll keep you dry.

Choose organic cotton ones that won't irritate your vulva.

Pre-menstrual white discharge FAQ

What is white discharge like before your period?

When does pre-menstrual white discharge appear?

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