White loss before periods : 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 what's going on before periods.

What is white discharge?

White discharge before periods is very common. These discharges of fluids are completely normal, but in some cases may 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.

Changes in 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, the discharge is more intense at the moment of arousal and during sexual intercourse to promote penetration;
• White discharge cleanses the vagina and ensures the balance and protection of the vaginal flora;
• They herald a period of fertility. Without fertility problems, there's a 1-in-4 chance that pregnancy will occur as a result of unprotected sex. It's therefore possible to use a male condom or a female condom if you don't want to practice abstinence.

What does white discharge look like before periods ?      

A few days before the arrival of periods and the start of a new cycle, the 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, white discharge during ovulation enables 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 also enables the sperm to keep the maximum number of sperm alive to reach the egg, which has a lifespan of 24 hours.

White losses just before the arrival of the periods

The white discharge justbefore the periods, 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. We've listed below lall the situations in which you may experience white discharge. These are sometimes mixed with other vaginal secretions, changing the color of the white discharge!

Spotting

Apart from periods, you may also suffer from spotting. These are small amounts of bleeding mixed with white discharge. Generally speaking, spotting occurs when there are hormonal imbalances or vaginal dryness , which can weaken the walls of the luterus and create micro-cracks. The small bleeding s will run off with the usual white discharge.

First periods

Before the first periodsWith the onset of puberty, the production of all kinds of hormones in teenagers leads to the secretion of abundant white discharge. During puberty, white discharge heralds the arrival of the first periods.

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, signs of infection or disease

White discharge can be the sign of an infection, an illness or an imbalance in the vaginal flora, whose purpose is to fight the bad bacteria responsible for infections or mycosis. You should consult a health professional, such as your GP or gynaecologist, if your discharge is :

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

Protect yourself from white discharge with period pants

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 cause flora disturbances (which can also increase the amount of white discharge).

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

Choose them in organic cotton, non-irritating for your vulva.

The FAQ of white discharge before periods

What is the white discharge like before periods ?

When does white discharge appear before periods ?

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