White discharge before menstruation: what do you need to know?

White discharge is part of every woman's cycle. This vaginal discharge is completely natural. White discharge, also called leucorrhoea, is still a taboo for many people. It is linked to the fear of stained panties, odors, judgment and the gaze of others. Each loss has its own meaning, a little deciphering of the losses before the period.

What is white discharge?

White discharge before your period is very common. These discharges of fluids are completely normal but can in some cases reveal a pathology or a disorder.

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

The evolution of white discharge during the cycle

During the menstrual cyclethe white discharge evolves. It changes in color, composition, appearance and smell. At each moment of the cycle, whether we are in the follicular, ovulation or luteal phase, white discharge has a role to play:

• The white discharge allows a lubrication of the vagina;
• Mixed with cyprine, the discharge is more intense at the time of excitement and during sexual intercourse to facilitate penetration;
• White discharge cleans the vagina and ensures the balance and protection of the vaginal flora;
• It announces a period of fertility. Without fertility problems, there is a 1 in 4 chance that a pregnancy will occur following unprotected sex. It is therefore possible to use a male condom or a female condom if you do not wish to practice abstinence.

What does white discharge look like before my period?

A few days before your period starts and a new cycle begins, the white discharge becomes thicker and more abundant. At this time of the cycle, the white discharge has a cleansing role. It will evacuate dead cells. It will often take on a yellowish color.

Creamy white discharge after ovulation

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

Also known as cervical mucus, the white discharge during ovulation allows sperm to travel back to the egg in one of the fallopian tubes that has just been released by a follicle. At this stage of the cycle, the white discharge has superpowers, it also allows the sperm to keep the maximum number of sperm alive to reach an egg whose life span is 24 hours.

White discharge just before the period

The white discharge justbefore the period, in the luteal phase, is sticky and thicker. Their role is to create a barrier that will block the spermatozoa so that they do not pass into the uterus. At this time, the endometrium is no longer ready to receive an embryo. The body is no longer ready to be fertilized and to accept a pregnancy.

What are the special cases of white discharge?

White discharge says a lot about our bodies. Below we detail all the situations in which you may encounter white discharge. This is sometimes mixed with other vaginal secretions, thus changing the color of the white discharge!

Spotting

Outside of your period, you may experience spotting. This is small amounts of bleeding mixed with white discharge. Generally, spotting occurs when there are hormonal disturbances, vaginal dryness that will weaken the walls of the uterus and create micro cracks. The small bleedings will flow with the classic white discharge.

First period

Before the first periodBefore the first menstrual period, the production of hormones in the teenager will lead to the secretion of abundant white discharge. During puberty, the arrival of white discharge is a precursor to the arrival of the first period.

After sexual intercourse

After intercourse, white discharge can be more abundant because of female lubrication, male ejaculation (if you do not use a condom), and the use of lubricants.

White discharge is a sign of infection or disease

White discharge can be a sign of infection, disease or an imbalance in the vaginal flora, which is designed to fight the bad bacteria that cause infections or fungal infections. You should consult a health care professional, such as a doctor or gynecologist, if the discharge is :

• Odorous, that their odor is not usual;
• Greyish or more yellow in the middle of the cycle;
• Thick or grainy 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. However, panty liners are often full of endocrine disruptors and chemicals that can irritate the vulva and cause flora disruption (which can also increase the amount of white discharge).

If you have too much white discharge, you can use menstrual panties for light flow: they will allow you to feel dry.

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

FAQ about white discharge before your period

What is white discharge like before your period?

When does pre-menstrual white discharge appear?

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