{"id":2547,"date":"2018-08-10T04:14:08","date_gmt":"2018-08-10T04:14:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=2547"},"modified":"2021-10-12T07:26:46","modified_gmt":"2021-10-12T07:26:46","slug":"10-secrets-your-white-discharge-is-telling-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/10-secrets-your-white-discharge-is-telling-you\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Secrets Your White Discharge Is Telling You"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Vaginal discharge is quite normal. This discharge is a fluid that is a mix of cervical mucus and vaginal secretions. The amount of vaginal discharge that a woman produces will vary. There are certain factors that may affect the amount and consistency of vaginal discharge. Some of the things that can affect vaginal discharge include changing hormones, pregnancy, and possible infections. Typically, vaginal discharge will begin not long after a girl gets her first period.<\/p>\n

The discharge has several functions such as keeping the vaginal area clean, providing lubrication for intercourse, and it can also help to prevent infections. While it may seem like something is wrong if you are suddenly experiencing more discharge than normal, chances are that it is just your body going through some type of change. Here are ten things that your body may be telling you through your vaginal discharge.<\/p>\n

1. Cervical Patterns<\/h3>\n

The cervix is the passageway from the upper and lower reproductive tract. There are glands that surround the cervix that create fluid. The consistency, quality, and the volume of the fluid will change with your menstrual cycle<\/a>. The experience and pattern of these fluid changes are different for every woman, but tend to follow a fairly cyclical pattern.<\/p>\n

The changes in the quantity, quality, and function of the fluid are a response to the changes in your hormones. At different times the cervical fluid will act in different ways. It can prevent or facilitate sperm from going past the cervix. The fluid also contains antibodies, which can help keep unhealthy viruses and bacteria from getting past the cervix. This fluid is very important, which is why when there is a bit of discharge from the vagina it is completely normal and often is not something to worry about. <\/p>\n

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2. Beginning of Menstrual Cycle<\/h3>\n

The menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman. However, there are some definite similarities when it comes to certain aspects of this monthly occurrence. When it comes to vaginal discharge, it is often right before your menstrual cycle begins where you may notice just a little bit of discharge if any at all. On the first day of the menstrual cycle, the levels of progesterone<\/a> and estrogen are quite low. During this time, the cervix will not likely produce very much fluid.<\/p>\n

However, during this first day, it is difficult to tell how much of a discharge you are having as the cervical fluid is mixed with endometrial tissue, blood, as well as the remnants of the egg that have dissolved and disintegrated. White discharge during the days leading up to your period is quite normal and there may even be a bit of liquid discharge during the first day or two of your period. <\/p>\n

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3. Mid Follicular Phase<\/h3>\n

During the early or mid follicular phase of a menstrual cycle, the levels of estrogen in the body begin to go up. Estrogen is produced by the follicles as they are growing. When the levels of estrogen rise, the production of fluid is increased as well. Most women do not notice much of a discharge in the days after their period. This time is often a dry fluid period for many women. However, some women may notice a fluid that is a bit sticky.<\/p>\n

Most often, cervical fluid will be noticeable during the middle of the follicular phase. In a 28 day cycle, this occurs at about day 7. This dry or sticky fluid is the result of the increase in estrogen and is quite normal. It is caused by the cervix getting ready for fertilization of the egg. Essentially, the fluid and discharge associated with it is the body\u2019s way of gearing up for a potential pregnancy<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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4. Middle to Late Follicular Stage<\/h3>\n

During the middle to the later follicular phase of a woman\u2019s cycle discharge may start out by being a bit sticky. As the water content and estrogen<\/a> goes up, the fluids will often become more creamy or cloudy. They will not be clear and are often whitish or yellowish in color. Research has shown that it is during this time that sperm may begin to swim through the cervical fluid. In a 28 day menstrual cycle, the time that sperm can begin swimming through this fluid is about day nine.<\/p>\n

Once again, some women may experience a discharge during this time while others may not notice it at all. It is completely normal to experience a white, milky discharge during the later follicular stage of a menstrual cycle and is not typically something that you should really worry about as it is just a part of the normal cycle of a woman. <\/p>\n

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5. Later Follicular Phase<\/h3>\n

When a woman is nearing ovulation the cervix will begin to produce more cervical fluid. The fluid becomes stretchier, clearer, and more slippery and wet. It is often compared to looking like a raw egg white. This type of fluid and discharge often peak a couple of days before ovulation occurs. This is the point in the cycle when the estrogen levels are the highest. During this time the fluid is very stretchy and can often be pulled several inches between your fingers.<\/p>\n

Some women may have fluid and discharge that is a bit more water. The amount of fluid or discharge that a woman produces is different across the board. The fluid is mostly water, about 95 percent. The rest is made up of solids including organic compounds, electrolytes<\/a>, and soluble proteins. If you are sexually active and tend to use lube, chances are you will need less during this phase. <\/p>\n

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6. Luteal Phase<\/h3>\n

When ovulation ends, the fluid produced is going to change as well. You may not notice a visible change at first, but once ovulation<\/a> is over the fluid is going to become fibrous and harder for sperm to penetrate. The first couple of days after ovulation are a part of the luteal phase. This phase of the menstrual cycle acts to inhibit fluid secretion from the epithelial cells.<\/p>\n

During this time there may be little discharge. If discharge occurs it is often sticky or something unique to your own personal body. It is important to note that every woman is unique and the changes of fluid and discharge mentioned by show up differently or may be interpreted or experienced in different ways. There are many normal phases of discharge and for the most part, are simply the female body\u2019s way of preparing for fertilization of the egg. <\/p>\n

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7. The Fluids Changing Role<\/h3>\n

When it comes to cervical fluid there are many reasons that it changes so much during a woman\u2019s cycle. Each of the changes that take place serves a function. During the fertile window, the fluid is designed to provide sperm with a buffer from the acidity<\/a> of the vagina. The consistency change of the fluid provides heightened antimicrobial actions.<\/p>\n

Sperm that comes in contact with the vagina can be suspended in the fluid, which increases its chance of surviving so that it stays around when ovulation occurs. This fertile fluid is the most facilitating when it comes to sperm travel. However, it also acts as a filter so that only the best sperm get through. Slower sperm will be left behind as well as sperm that has structural or motility differences. Only a few sperm actually make it into the uterus. When ovulation ends, the fluid changes to block sperm from entering. <\/p>\n

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8. Normal White Discharge<\/h3>\n

Typically, normal vaginal discharge will be white in color. There are varying shades of white that it may be. When the discharge occurs before a woman starts her period or during ovulation, it is quite normal and often no cause for concern. However, if the vaginal discharge is accompanied by burning, itching, or a strong odor, it could be cause for concern. There are some cases where white vaginal discharge could be the sign that there is an infection in the area.<\/p>\n

Typically, if there is an infection<\/a> the discharge will be clumpy and look similar to cottage cheese. This type of discharge is often caused by a yeast infection. An overgrowth of Candida, which is a fungus, is often the cause of a vaginal yeast infection. Bacterial vaginosis is quite common and causes a white discharge with a strong fish odor. Vaginal itching and burning during urination are often symptoms of a yeast infection. <\/p>\n

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9. Yellow Discharge<\/h3>\n

A woman who notices that the color of her vaginal discharge is yellow may become a bit alarmed. This is especially true if she typically does not experience this type or color of the discharge. Most of the time a yellow discharge is quite harmless. However, there are some cases where a yellowish discharge is a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection. Discharge that is yellow in color could indicate an infection, but it does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong.<\/p>\n

If the discharge is pale, odorless, and no other symptoms are present it is likely fine. However, if you are experiencing painful urination, itching, and the discharge has an odor that is unpleasant, it could be a sign that you have some type of infection. Chlamydia<\/a> and trichomoniasis are both infections that could be causing a yellowish discharge and related symptoms. Both are treatable but need to be taken care of quickly. <\/p>\n

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10. Seeing a Doctor<\/h3>\n

As you can see, white vaginal discharge is really quite normal and is simply informing you that your body is going through a cycle. For the most part, discharges from the vagina are quite the norm and not something to really be concerned about. However, there are times when a discharge may be alerting you that there is something wrong. It is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing a vaginal discharge that is green or gray in color.<\/p>\n

In some cases, yellow discharge can indicate an infection as well. Any discharge that is causing burning or itching in the vaginal area should be checked out as well. Any discharge that has an unpleasant odor and\/or is foamy, frothy, or looks similar to cottage cheese<\/a> is likely a sign of infection as well. Treatment for these types of abnormal vaginal discharge will vary but may include antifungal medication or antibiotics.<\/p>\n\r\n

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