Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 24 May 2023
A white discharge, which is also known as cervical mucus takes place to exhibit bodily changes, especially within the woman’s reproductive system. The discharge may change its consistency and appearance throughout the month. The changes may be an indication of a woman’s approaching menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy or infections.
Understanding the changes in vaginal discharge can help couples to keep informed to somehow determine the cause of white discharge before period.
In general, the white discharge may be an indication of a healthy reproductive system. However, it’s essential to monitor whether the discharge is accompanied by any foul smell, changes in its colour, consistency and so on. This may widely help the healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of the white discharge.
Given below are some of the general reasons for white discharge, which may include:
Women may notice white discharge right before the approaching menstrual cycle, which is typically normal. However, if the discharge is accompanied by a foul smell and itching sensation, having a consultation with the healthcare provider is highly recommended. This will enable us to determine the exact underlying cause of the discharge and get appropriate treatment.
A woman may notice significant changes in her vaginal discharge because of the hormonal fluctuations during her ovulation period. The changes may typically be white, clear, stretchy, and sometimes even creamy in colour. Such changes in the vaginal discharge are indeed the primary cause of an imbalance in progesterone and estrogen levels.
Some women may experience white-coloured vaginal discharge when sexually aroused. The discharge is completely normal and is an indication of a physiological response to the sexual stimulation. The consistency and colour of the discharge may usually be watery and slightly white.
Some women may experience white-coloured vaginal discharge as an indication of early pregnancy. The colour of the discharge might be slightly milky or white after the successful implantation. This is the natural process of keeping the reproductive tract clean and hygienic in order to support the growing fetus. Women experiencing a white-coloured vaginal discharge during early pregnancy is referred to as leukorrhea.
Yeast infection is one of the common types of vaginal infection. The infection typically looks like cottage cheese, having an appearance of thick and white coloured discharge. The symptom is often accompanied by itching and burning sensations.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another type of infection that typically happens in the vagina. A woman may experience the infection when there is a fluctuation in the growth of vaginal bacteria. These bacteria present in the vagina play a crucial role in preserving the health of the reproductive tract. When the fluctuation happens, it causes certain harmful bacteria to grow. This leads to the secretion of white or gray-coloured discharge with a strong foul smell.
Trichomoniasis is another type of vaginal infection. This is typically caused by trichomonas vaginalis, which is a parasite. The infection is generally transmitted through intercourse. The infection may cause the secretion of greenish or white-coloured discharge with a foul smell. If the infection is accompanied by painful urination and itching, it is highly recommended to have a consultation with a healthcare professional.
A woman who is preventing her pregnancy through hormonal birth control options can have the symptom of increased white-coloured vaginal discharge. This is primarily possible if you are taking estrogen-containing contraceptives.
Cervical polyps, which is a type of uterine condition can be the cause of women experiencing white or yellow-coloured discharge.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a type of infection that is generally found in women’s reproductive tract. The condition may cause women to experience cloudy or white-coloured vaginal discharge.
Note that, the above-mentioned reasons are some of the factors of white discharge. A white discharge being a natural process of the woman’s reproductive system may sometimes need medical help. For a better understanding, if you experience discharge with some kind of discomfort like itching, burning, and foul smell, consulting a physician as soon as possible is suggested.
A woman may experience a slightly milky or white-coloured discharge after the successful implantation. Even though this can be an early sign of pregnancy, definite confirmation may be possible only when the pregnancy test is performed.
The essential features of typical white discharge as an indicator of early pregnancy are:
A single-word answer to the question would be, not exactly.
A woman may notice an increased amount of white discharge during early pregnancy. The process is known as leukorrhea. As soon as the implantation happens, a woman’s body tends to produce more estrogen hormones. This leads to an enhanced supply of blood to the uterus in order to make the place more comfortable for the growing fetus. All these factors impact to produce white coloured vaginal discharge or cervical mucus.
The vaginal discharge during early pregnancy may look like an egg white, meaning watery-like consistency because of the increased levels of estrogen hormones.
The colour of the vaginal discharge during early pregnancy may typically look slightly white or transparent in colour.
Since the discharge is an indicator of early pregnancy, and is a natural physiological process, a woman may not notice any discomfort like irritation and odour.
Experiencing the white discharge along with early pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, frequent urination, implantation spotting, and more can be an indicator of early pregnancy.
The vaginal discharge tends to change its consistency and appearance all through the month. This happens because of the hormonal fluctuations. The changes in consistency and appearance are quite common. This can be an indicator of different stages of the menstrual cycle like the ovulation period.
The essential features of typical white discharge as an indicator of approaching menstruation are:
Many women may notice a decreased amount of vaginal discharge right before their cycle. This happens because of the enhanced levels of progesterone hormone production after the ovulation period. The process is a natural part of preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
In general, the consistency of the vaginal discharge tends to be thicker, and sometimes even creamier. This happens because of the enhanced levels of progesterone hormone production after the ovulation period. The process is a natural part of preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
Due to the minimized production of estrogen hormones in women before their menstrual cycle makes the vaginal discharge seem to be cloudy or white in colour.
The discharge before the menstrual cycle is usually odourless and promotes no discomfort like irritation.
Note that you may notice only a minimal amount of vaginal discharge all through the cycle if you are preventing pregnancy through hormonal contraceptives. This happens as your body does not fluctuate in the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Whereas, the usage of contraceptives in the form of patches, minipills, and vaginal rings can contribute to extensive changes like volume and consistency in the vaginal discharge.
The white discharge is the natural part of the woman’s reproductive system. No matter if the changes in the discharge are associated with menstruation or pregnancy, they are primarily not harmful until you experience discomfort and pain. Consulting the physician to determine its cause can significantly help with leading a healthy life.
1. How can I reduce the vaginal infection?
You can reduce vaginal infection by practising good hygiene, and healthy eating habits. You can also minimize the infection by:
• Avoiding the usage of perfumed vaginal products,
• Frequently changing the sanitary napkins,
• Keeping the vagina clean by using gentle products, and
• Keeping the vaginal region dry as much as possible.
2. Is it normal to have the white discharge every day?
The answer to the question is yes. It is quite normal to have the white discharge every day. However, you may notice changes in its consistency and appearance all through the month. The changes may indeed indicate the different stages of the menstrual cycle.
3. Can the white discharge vary from last month to the current month?
The answer to the question is yes. The white discharge may typically vary from last month to the current month. This may happen because of the hormonal fluctuations and other factors.
4. Which colour of vaginal discharge needs a medical help?
If you notice the vaginal discharge to be grey, green, brown or yellow, you may possibly require medical help. These colours are the indicators of potential vaginal infections, especially if they are accompanied by a strong foul odour.
5. Can I take any medications to control my excessive discharge?
The answer to the question is yes. You can obviously take medications to control the excessive discharge. However, before starting to take such medications, having a consultation with the healthcare provider and determining the exact cause of the discharge is recommended.
To find out for sure if you are pregnant, you must take a home pregnancy test or go to a doctor for a blood test. Home pregnancy tests look for a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in pee. This hormone is made during pregnancy. If you missed your period, it's best to wait until the first day of the next one to take the test.
In conclusion, white discharge before your period is normal and shouldn't worry you. Even though it can sometimes look like early pregnancy discharge, it is not always a sign of pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, the best way to find out for sure is to take a home pregnancy test or talk to a doctor.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant or are worried about your fertility, the A4 Fertility Centre can help. A4 Fertility Centre has a team of experienced and caring fertility doctors who can help you get pregnant. They also offer a variety of personalised fertility treatments and solutions to help you on your way to becoming a parent. Visit their website or call them to find out more about their services and set up a meeting. Remember that you are not alone and that there are people and things that can help you.
