White Discharge Before Period: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

A white discharge, or vaginal discharge, or cervical mucus is common at the beginning and end of a period. The discharge is typically thick and odorless before a period and occurs due to hormone changes in the menstrual cycle. The increase in white discharge may be due to hormone contraceptives or yeast infection. 

Today’s blog is an information guide, including what white discharge is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment. Let’s discover it in detail. 

White discharge before a period

The white discharge before menstruation is called leukorrhea. It is made up of fluid and cells that are being shed from the vagina. Typical discharge keeps your vagina healthy and clean and thus protects against infection. 

White discharge before menstruation is cloudy or white. Its main cause is progesterone, a hormone present during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. 

Additionally, this white discharge helps remove bacteria from the vagina and the lubrication. This makes it easier to monitor your period cycle. 

What are the main causes of white discharge?

Factors responsible for causing white discharge before your period include: 

1. Normal reproductive function is one of the main causes of white discharge. It is usually thin, stretchy, and free of a foul smell in this condition. 
2. Hormonal birth control: The consumption of hormonal contraceptives can cause more discharge. However, this white discharge is not a matter of concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. 
3. Yeast infection is very common among women. Approximately 75% of the women experience a yeast infection. During this condition, the white discharge is similar to that of cottage cheese: thick, lumpy, and white. Besides, it may cause itchiness, a burning sensation around your vaginal area, or pain with urination or intercourse. 
4. Bacterial vaginosis: The imbalance in the bacteria and the vaginal flora causes bacterial vaginosis. Approximately 30% of women at their reproductive age experience bacterial vaginosis but may or may not observe symptoms, such as thin, watery, or gray discharge. 
5. Sexually transmitted infections: Undeniably, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, and mycoplasma genitalium cause changes in the vaginal discharge. Common symptoms include pain when urinating, an unpleasant odor, or itching around the vagina. 
6. Stress and lifestyle factors: Stress and a sedentary lifestyle that lacks exercise and a healthy, balanced diet can cause hormonal imbalance and, ultimately, white discharge. 
7. Allergic reactions: personal hygiene products, soaps, detergents, or condoms can irritate your vagina and lead to increased white discharge. 
8. Changes in cervical mucus consistency can also result in white discharge. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/radiology/level-2-ultrasound-in-pregnancy-purpose-procedure-and-result/

White discharge during pregnancy 

After ovulation, which is a stage when an ovary releases an egg during the menstruation cycle, cervical mucus gets dried and becomes less noticeable. In fact, you may only produce some towards the end of your period cycle.

If you become pregnant, estrogen levels help the uterus to grow and increase blood flow to your developing fetus. This indicates you may notice more vaginal discharge throughout your pregnancy. 

White discharge during menstruation 

Vaginal discharge during menstruation witnesses many changes due to hormonal changes. These changes can be seen in the amount, color, and consistency before and after your menstruation. Let’s understand it in detail. 

• At ovulation: At this stage, the vaginal discharge is usually clear, stretchy, and watery. Before ovulation occurs, the discharge visible is approximately 30 times the usual amount. 
• After ovulation: This type of discharge is white due to high progesterone levels. It is thick and sticky and continues for up to 14 days.
• Just before a period: The white discharge just before a period has a yellow tint. It may be due to normal bodily function, infections, or pregnancy. 
• Just after a period: The discharge just after a period may be brown. This is normal as the body clears away the remaining blood. 

Other types of discharge may not be white, but do exist: 

1. Clear: A discharge that is not white is clear. It is usually normal. 
2. Gray: A grayish discharge may indicate bacterial vaginosis (BV), so seek immediate medical attention. 
3. Green or yellow: A light yellow discharge is harmless and occurs after trying new foods or supplements. On the other hand, dark yellow or green mucus may cause concern as it indicates infection. 
4. Pink: This type of discharge happens when your period comes or after sexual intercourse. If you experience a pink discharge, which is not related to your periods, you should not delay and seek medical attention. 
5. The Red or brown coloration of vaginal discharge may suggest an infection. 

White discharge in males

Urethritis is the main cause of white discharge in males. It typically occurs due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, and can cause irritation. 

If the white discharge in males occurs due to a bacterial infection, the discharge is usually white to cloudy. Besides, the end of their penis is painful, itchy, or swollen.

When to speak to a healthcare provider?

It is crucial to know when to speak to a healthcare provider when experiencing a vaginal discharge. A discharge before a period is considered normal, particularly if it is clear, white, or slippery. 

When a white discharge is accompanied by itchiness, it might indicate yeast infection. A yellow or green discharge could be bacterial vaginosis (BV). 

Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Pain or any discomfort in your vaginal area. 
• Itchy skin without a rash or discharge. 
• Frothy discharge, which is similar to cottage discharge. 
• Unpleasant vaginal odor. 
• Vaginal bleeding between periods due to sexually transmitted infections (STI), cervicitis, vaginitis, or an ectopic pregnancy. Regretfully, these health conditions may be a sign of something more serious, including cancers of the reproductive system. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/pregnancy-test/usg-tvs-meaning-full-form-why-is-tvs-ultrasound-test-done-results-and-more/

Medications

A normal vaginal discharge doesn’t need any treatment. Abnormal discharge or discharge accompanied by pain and itchiness may be managed with medicines, home treatments, or a combination. 

Doctors can either insert antifungal drugs into the vagina or suggest taking them orally to treat yeast infections. 

Besides, antibiotics are recommended to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. 

Home Remedies for a Healthy Vaginal Environment 

It is important to practice good vaginal hygiene to prevent infections. Following these tips can help minimize your risk: 

• Towel-dry your vaginal area after bathing. 
• Avoid using soap in your vagina to prevent irritation. 
• Compared to synthetic underwear, cotton underwear is the best. 
• Use condoms after sex to stop the entry of new organisms into your vagina. 
• Ensure you clean menstrual cups, cervical caps, or diaphragms after every use. 
• Avoid douching so as not to let the unhealthy bacteria and fungi grow and harm your sensitive portion. 
• Consult your doctor if you get an infection to guide your safety measures. 
• Probiotic supplements such as natural yogurt and kefir. These probiotic supplements may help maintain a healthy vaginal balance. 

Conclusion

The white vaginal discharge usually takes place before and after menstruation. If you don’t keep your vagina clean, it can cause abnormalities in vaginal discharge. Unhealthy or abnormal white discharge before the period may be due to several health conditions. Therefore, practice good hygiene and consult an expert to improve your overall vaginal health.