White Discharge Before Period
All women experience vaginal white discharge before their period, during the years they are fertile. The white discharge is completely normal and it does not represent the sign of any medical condition. It is a common sign that the menstruation cycle has either started or ended. As a woman, you will certainly make the difference between the discharge related to ovulation and the one that appears right before the menstruation. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the white discharge can be one of the symptoms that you are pregnant.
If you are wondering about the connection between the white discharge and ovulation, you should know that the body basically prepares itself for the process. You are probably aware that ovulation means that an egg is going to be released from the sack, being prepared for the fertilization. In order for the release of the egg to be as smooth as possible and the fertilization process to have the highest level of success, the body produces increased quantities of mucous. This is the actual white discharge you experience before ovulation. The white discharge will also appear after ovulation, but in more reduced quantities.
When should you be worried about vaginal discharge? As it was already mentioned, white discharge before your period is normal. However, if the discharge has another color, such as yellow or green, it might be a sign of infection. You should also search for modifications in texture or odor. The white discharge before your period is odorless. Contact a doctor if the vaginal discharge changes its color, texture or smell.
Various Types of Discharge
Keep in mind that the vaginal discharge can differ according to the menstrual cycle. Basically, the difference is given by the fluctuating level of estrogen hormones in the body.
The white discharge occurs before the period and will also return after the cycle has ended. Keep in mind that this white discharge is not commonly accompanied by other modifications or symptoms. For example, if you experience a lot of itchiness, then you might have an infection that needs to be treated.
As it was already mentioned, white discharge can be related to the ovulation period. You need to be aware of this, so as not to confuse it with the white discharge normally occurring before your period. The white discharge that appears before the ovulation is a good indication that you are going to enter the fertile period and it can help you take the decision to conceive. The mucous is presented in larger quantities, facilitating the conceiving process. It also appears after the ovulation period has ended.
The characteristics of the white discharge differ according to the period in which they appear. The one that appears before the ovulation period is clear in color and it has an elastic texture; most often, it appears to be more watery than thick. On the other hand, the white discharge that appears before your cycle will have a dark color and a thick texture. Do not confuse it with yeast infection, as this has a particular color and is often associated with itchiness or bad odor.
Causes of White discharge
The causes of white discharge are related to the female anatomy and the menstrual cycle. Before the period, the white discharge is caused by the buildup of estrogen hormones in the body. The same goes after the period has ended, causing the discharge to be white and thick in density. The increased production of white discharge before the ovulation is caused by the soon release of the egg. Returning to the period-related discharge, it is important to understand this starts to become thicker after the middle of the cycle. At the end of the menstrual cycle, meaning when the period is about to start, the white discharge will appear once more.
There is no need to try and prevent white discharge, as this is a normal process that occurs in each and every woman. Basically, you need to understand that the body facilitates the health of the female parts. The increased white discharge is produced with the purpose of eliminating any harmful bacteria around those parts. Also, keep in mind that pregnancy might be a cause of the white discharge. If you also experience other pregnancy-related symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, it might be a good idea to pay your doctor a visit and get an ultrasound. You might be pregnant, that being the cause of the white discharge in your case.
White discharge during pregnancy
If you have received the news that you are pregnant, then you should know white discharge is common during pregnancy. In fact, the quantity of the discharge is only going to increase as your pregnancy advances. This happens because a lot of the blood is directed towards that area and the levels of estrogen are increased in pregnant women. The white discharge will be produced in bigger quantities that you are probably accustomed to, but this is normal during pregnancy. Until the actual birth, there will be white discharge in the quantities mentioned above.
The one thing you have to be careful of is the last month of pregnancy, particularly the last few weeks. During that period, the white discharge is going to increase even more, suffering a change in its consistency as well. Basically, your body is preparing for the birth process, eliminating the mucus plug that has kept your cervix closed so far. Do not confuse white discharge with amniotic fluid; if you feel a sudden and large quantity of fluid, you should head to the hospital. This means that the body is prepared to give birth.
In conclusion vaginal discharge before and after the menstrual period is normal. Also, white discharge is a sign that you are ovulating and that your body is prepared to conceive. As for white discharge during pregnancy, this is a normal modification that your body goes through. It might cause some discomfort and it will be necessary for you to wear a protective liner, but it will also help you stay strong and healthy during your pregnancy.
