Is white discharge a sign of period coming?

Most women complain about different kinds of discharges during, before, or after their menstrual cycle.

In general, too, many women produce a small amount of thick or thin mucous-like discharge each day. The discharge is odorless and the color varies from white to clear brown. Around one tablespoon of such discharge, a day is normal.

Different type of discharge is a result of hormonal changes or imbalance. White discharge is common in almost every female. White discharge that is seen during or around periods is called ‘Leukorrhea”. This discharge is full of cells and fluids shed from the female’s vagina.

Also Read: Vaginal Discharge & Its Types

Different types of vaginal discharge

At times, it may also look yellowish in color. It is due to a specific reason. It generally occurs as a phase during the menstrual cycle called Luteal Phase. This is the phase in which the hormone ‘progesterone’ is released the most in the body and is the dominant hormone in the body.

In such a case where the estrogen is on the peak in the female’s body, the discharge is clear and watery in texture. The white discharge also helps to track fertility time and potential.

Clear and stretchy discharge marks fertility. Such a discharge happens when the eggs are released from the fallopian tubes.

On the other hand, the thick, white discharge indicates infertile cervical muscles. This discharge is generally seen between ovulation and the beginning of the period. The female is not fertile in this stage.

What causes White Discharge in females?

• Menstrual cycle

A female has white discharge generally before periods. The white discharge usually indicates the infertility period and the onset of the menstrual cycle. The discharge during this phase has egg white mucus and milky or creamy in texture. This discharge is thin and stretchy in texture and is odorless.

• Pregnancy/Conception

The white discharge before the period can also be a sign of pregnancy. It is difficult to differentiate between the white discharge in case of pregnancy or the onset of periods. But actually, the discharge during pregnancy is thicker and creamier than the normal times.

A female’s body undergoes enormous changes during and after pregnancy. As the estrogen levels fall during pregnancy, many females experience vaginal looseness  while urinating, vaginal itching, dryness, and/or discomforts during and after pregnancy.

Note- Get in touch with our gynecologist and consult about Laser Vaginal Tightening. The laser VT procedure helps to get rid of post-pregnancy vaginal problems such as looseness, dryness, etc. in a simple and safe manner. 

Also Read: What Vaginal discharge in pregnancy is normal? 

• Birth Control Pills 

Birth Control pills have an effect on the hormonal levels of the body. Such combined oral contraceptives contain both progesterone and estrogen change the hormonal levels in the body. Thus, females generally taking birth control experience thick whitish discharge throughout the cycle as a normal side effect.

• Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) or Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

Certain STDs and STIs cause heavy vaginal discharge. In the case of Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, etc, the female is more likely to experience yellowish, pus-like discharge along with itchiness and burning sensation. Such vaginal infections are accompanied by other discharges that are greenish or yellowish in color and give a fishy smell. The vagina remains irritated and causes much physical and mental distress. Immediate gynecological consultation is a must in such cases. 

• Yeast Infection

The discharge in case of yeast infection is thick and white, resembling cottage cheese in appearance. The yeast infection leaves the vaginal area irritated with a burning sensation.

• Bacterial Vaginosis

It is a common vaginal infection that causes the excessive discharge. This infection occurs due to an imbalance of the natural bacteria present inside the vagina. The accurate cause behind this imbalance is yet unknown but is linked to smoking or excessive douching that irritates the vaginal area. Having multiple sexual partners can also cause this disorder. The female has a fishy-smelling, grayish white-colored discharge in case of bacterial vaginosis.

White discharge during Periods

Vaginal dryness is common three to four days after the menstrual cycle ends. After that, cloudy, white discharge is common for another three to five days. This is the phase where the egg starts to develop and is developing. The phase is referred to as the follicular phase. At the time of ovulation, clear, white discharge is common.

Time to visit a Gynecologist

There may be certain stages where the discharge is abnormal. The female is suggested to visit the gynecologist to the soonest in such a case.

It can be a vaginal infection or even any serious disease linked to the intimate parts or the reproductive system. There should be no delay if it gets uncomfortable during such phases.

Consult a gynecologist if you are experiencing the following vaginal problems:

• Rashes or soreness around the vulva or vaginal region
• Frothy white discharge
• Pain or cramps in or around the vaginal region
• Burning sensation in and around the vagina
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Redness on the vulva or vaginal region
• Swelling inside or around the vagina; the vulva may also be affected by this

Final Words

Visit a Gynecologist at the earliest in case vaginal discharge causes or is accompanied by such uncomfortable symptoms. You can also consult a Pristyn Care gynecologist online. Click here to consult a gynecologist now!

*Disclaimer: The content is written and reviewed as per the expertise and knowledge of the author and reviewer. For a final call related to ailment, we highly recommend people to Consult with a Specialized Doctor and take necessary decisions as per the Doctor’s suggestions.