Everything you need to know about white discharge

As a menstruating person, we sometimes have the unpleasant feeling that a billion things are happening in our underwear. Periods, which inevitably come to mind when we discuss this topic, aren't the only ones to be found there. Vaginal discharge also often leaves traces. Less well-known than periods, it leaves us doubtful. Lack of hygiene, a sign of infection, linked to the menstrual cycle? What is vaginal discharge and what is its purpose? How can you manage it on a daily basis? In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about vaginal discharge.

The different types of white discharge

The terms "white discharge" and "vaginal discharge" refer to non-bloody secretions that escape from the vagina. Coming from different sources and performing different roles in our bodies, they must be differentiated. Let's discover together the different types of white discharge that exist.

Cervical mucus

White, yellowish or even translucent, cervical mucus is produced by the endocervical canal, between the vagina and the uterus . Its role is particularly linked to the menstrual cycle and fertility: in fact, it prevents or promotes the passage of sperm towards the cervix. It varies in texture and color depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle you are in.

Cyprine

The Bartholin glands are responsible for lubricating the vagina. When you are sexually aroused, such as during masturbation or intercourse, they secrete a colorless fluid called cyprine. This fluid develops inside each gland and flows into the vagina through an excretory duct. It helps facilitate insertion of the penis into the female genitalia and promotes sexual pleasure.

Female ejaculate

The Skene's glands secrete a liquid at the time of orgasm . This is female ejaculate . It can be non-existent, very abundant, very translucent in color or slightly white: each person is different. People who release it in very large quantities are called “squirting women” but this term sometimes has negative connotations. However, there is no need to feel guilty or worry: it is completely natural. The Skene's glands are the equivalent of the prostate in men.

What about leukorrhea?

Leukorrhea is the medical name for non-bloody vaginal discharge . It is of two types: physiological leukorrhea (and therefore “normal” and necessary for the proper functioning of the body) and pathological leukorrhea (signs of infection, injury or disease).

All of these secretions contribute to the natural hydration of the vaginal surface . They are the physiological mechanism by which the vagina cleans itself . While cervical mucus is linked to the menstrual cycle, this is not the case for other discharge.

🌸 In everyday language, we tend to talk interchangeably about white discharge and vaginal discharge , in reference to the whitish color of the deposit that collects at the bottom of our panties from puberty to menopause. Cervical mucus and other non-bloody vaginal discharge are often mixed up. In the rest of the article, we will regularly use the term “white discharge” but will take care to specify what type of discharge we are talking about!

Understanding Vaginal Discharge Throughout the Menstrual Cycle

Cervical mucus is one of the white discharges : it is intrinsically linked to the menstrual cycle. Its appearance (its color and texture) changes enormously during the menstrual cycle.

Follicular phase (before ovulation)

The follicular phase is one of the four phases of the menstrual cycle. This is the phase during which the body works to mature an egg within the ovaries. The menstruating person is not fertile during this phase.

During this phase, cervical mucus is thin, thick, and white. Like a plug, it closes the cervix to prevent sperm from passing through.

At the time of ovulation

The mature egg is released by one of the ovaries: this is ovulation . Just released, the egg moves down the fallopian tube towards the uterus where it will settle in the event of fertilization. The fertility of the menstruating person is then at its maximum.

24 to 72 hours before ovulation, the discharge changes texture. It abandons its role as a plug for the uterus and prepares to allow sperm to pass through. It becomes more abundant, fluid, and stringy.

During ovulation, its texture is similar to egg white . Abundant, fluid, shiny, elastic and translucent , it facilitates the passage and advancement of spermatozoa to the egg.

Also read:

How to calculate your ovulation period? >

What are the dangerous days of the menstrual cycle? >

Luteal phase (after ovulation)

The lifespan of an egg is approximately 48 hours. After this time, the cervical mucus resumes its role as a plug: either the egg is fertilized, or the egg is dead; in either case, the menstruating person is no longer fertile.

Thus, during the luteal phase following ovulation, the discharge dries up and thickens again. Depending on the person undergoing menstruation, it is white/light yellow in color and has a thick, even sticky, texture.

As your period approaches

As your period approaches, begins, and ends, your mucus may turn pink or brown . It is pink when a little blood mixes with it and flows out. Conversely , it becomes brown when the blood flows slowly and has time to oxidize inside the vagina before being expelled.

And under hormonal contraception?

If you are using hormonal contraception (pill, implant, patch or vaginal ring), the functioning of your natural menstrual cycle is altered . The hormones released into your body lock you into a false state of pregnancy.

The discharge thus adopts the same consistency as during pregnancy: it is thick and whitish . It thus forms a hermetic plug between the vagina and the uterus, with a very tight mesh, throughout the cycle. This is one of the reasons why some women suffer from vaginal dryness while taking hormonal contraception: part of the natural vaginal hydration is slowed down.

White discharge evolves throughout a woman's life

Because cervical mucus is linked to the menstrual cycle and the sex hormones that organize it , it changes enormously during key moments in a woman's life. Other white discharge also tends to change: let's take a look at this together!

Puberty

During puberty, as breasts begin to grow, acne appears, and hair turns black, menstruating people may begin to experience white discharge . This is cervical mucus that begins to activate under the influence of hormones, usually before the arrival of the first period .

The Bartholin glands, responsible for lubricating the vagina on a daily basis and more specifically during sexual arousal, also begin to function at puberty.

Pregnancy

As we mentioned, cervical mucus changes texture and color during the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, and therefore when the egg is fertilized, it takes on the role of a plug that it has during the follicular and luteal phases : it thus protects the embryo, and then the fetus, from infections. This does not mean, however, that you will not have white discharge during pregnancy: the other glands of the uterus and vagina continue to work, in particular to hydrate it under the effect of estrogen levels, which are high during pregnancy!

At the end of pregnancy, mucus may "fall out" a few days or even weeks before labor begins. This is called a mucus plug and takes the shape and texture of a kind of undercooked egg white. This phenomenon should be differentiated from a ruptured water bag : the latter corresponds to the loss of a liquid similar to urine and requires rapid medical attention. Consult your primary healthcare professional if you have any doubts.

Menopause

At menopause, several hormonal and physiological changes generate a reduction in white discharge and, consequently, vaginal dryness.

• Cervical mucus dries up. It becomes more fluid depending on ovulation, but menopause corresponds to a period when ovulation no longer systematically occurs: in the absence of ovulation, cervical mucus retains its role as a plug.
• The decrease in estrogen in the body of people approaching or in menopause leads to a decrease in the functioning of the glands that were responsible for the natural hydration of the vagina.
• Bartholin's glands, responsible for lubricating the vagina, begin to atrophy during menopause. This degeneration also explains the vaginal dryness experienced during this period.

In other words, it is common for white discharge to slow down significantly during menopause . These are generally more liquid and transparent.

Please note: various pathological reasons (infections, illnesses) can cause white discharge during menopause: do not hesitate to talk to your doctor if you notice any changes.

The different textures of white discharge

Vaginal discharge can take on many different forms—textures and colors—during the menstrual cycle and in the event of a health issue. In this section, we will discuss the texture of vaginal discharge, and in the next section, we will focus on the colors that vaginal discharge can take.

Liquids

Vaginal discharge can be liquid on different occasions:

• Cervical mucus is, in some women, very liquid at the time of ovulation. It facilitates the passage of sperm to the uterus for fertilization;
• At the moment of orgasm, the Skene's glands can generate a water-like, liquid and translucent liquid, in greater or lesser quantities: this is female ejaculate – not all women have it;
• Liquid white discharge can also be a sign of pregnancy in some women. Under the influence of hormones, produced in large quantities during pregnancy, the vagina produces a large amount of whitish, translucent or yellowish secretions about 3 weeks after fertilization;

Milky and lumpy

If your vaginal discharge is very white and looks like curdled milk , with lumps, this is not normal. This could be a sign of a vaginal yeast infection or candidiasis. Vaginal yeast infection is caused by a fungus called candida albicans : while it is normal to find it in the vagina, it can sometimes grow too much, disrupting the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.

Beyond the appearance of your vaginal discharge, other symptoms can alert you to a vaginal yeast infection: it is often accompanied by itching, or even dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse).

If this is your first time experiencing this health issue, consult a doctor for a treatment. It's usually easy to treat with an antifungal suppository and cream, which you can find at the pharmacy.

Creamy and thick

If your white discharge is very white, creamy and thick , and tends to become more and more abundant , this is generally not normal: it is often the sign of a pathology and, more specifically, of vaginitis.

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result from:

• either a vaginal infection due to a fungus (vaginal mycosis or candidiasis, we discussed this in the previous paragraph), a bacterium, a virus or a parasite;
• or non-infectious irritation of the vagina (approximately 1 in 3 cases).

It is very often accompanied by irritation of the vulva – this is called vulvovaginitis. Also, if your white discharge is coupled with an itching or burning sensation in the vulva and vagina, it is very possible that you are suffering from vaginitis.

Vaginitis is not serious and affects a majority of women (even little girls). Consult your doctor: he will prescribe additional tests to determine the cause of your condition as well as treatment.

Sticky

Sticky, even slightly white discharge, similar to the texture of egg whites , is completely normal. Cervical mucus takes on this texture as you approach and during ovulation. It then tends to run when you wipe with toilet paper and create small, sticky, translucent clumps on your underwear.

Sparkling

Foamy, airy white discharge is not normal. It is most often a sign of parasitic vaginitis. You may also experience other symptoms, such as itching and burning in the vulva. This condition is not serious but will require diagnosis and medical treatment: talk to your doctor.

Abundant

White discharge is particularly abundant :

• As ovulation approaches and on the day of ovulation: Cervical mucus is produced in large quantities by your body and you may feel it flowing (a bit like when you feel blood flowing during your period);
• During pregnancy: As hormones surge through your body, the glands in your uterus, vagina, and vulva produce a lot of secretions. If your cervical mucus becomes blocked, you may experience normal discharge or other forms of vaginal discharge.
• In case of vaginitis: Vaginal discharge can also be present in abundance pathologically, as the body tries to naturally get rid of what is affecting it. In addition to the abundance of your vaginal discharge, you may have other symptoms such as itching, a burning sensation or even a reddened vulva. Vaginitis is not serious: consult a doctor, they will be able to find its cause and prescribe you an appropriate treatment to get rid of it.

The different colors of vaginal discharge

Although often referred to as “white discharge,” non-bloody vaginal discharge can come in a variety of colors. Just as different “textures” of vaginal discharge are sometimes healthy and sometimes not, different colors can also be a sign that things are okay—or not.

Translucent and whitish

The main vaginal discharge is clear or whitish . Every menstruating person is different, and your discharge may change with your cycle. Typically, your discharge will be more whitish during the follicular and luteal phases, and more translucent around the time of ovulation.

Light yellow, dark yellow or green

Yellow discharge is quite difficult to decipher. It can be completely healthy or, on the contrary, a sign of infection.

While discharge is normally white or translucent, exposure to air can tend to oxidize it, turning it a light yellow . Therefore, light yellow discharge is most often completely normal and healthy.

However, if they are a dark yellow color , which may even turn greenish , you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomonas vaginitis .

Other symptoms of this condition include:

• your losses are abundant,
• they have a foamy appearance,
• they are smelly,
• feelings of irritation when urinating and during sexual intercourse.

This STI is transmitted through unprotected sex, and the first symptoms appear about a month after infection. This infection is neither widespread nor serious, but it does require antibiotic treatment: consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If you have been infected with trichomonas, it is important to inform any recent sexual partners.

Pink, brown or black

Pinkish vaginal discharge means that a few drops of blood have mixed with your vaginal secretions. Brownish or even black vaginal discharge is similar, except that the blood present has oxidized because it took longer to be expelled from your body.

This should not necessarily worry you because it can be completely normal:

• blood related to the phenomenon of ovulation (the release of the egg ruptures a small vessel and causes a small flow of blood);
• start or end of periods;
• small wound in the vagina (related to sexual intercourse, the insertion of a sex toy, a contraceptive or even a means of hygienic protection).

Also, if your vaginal discharge is pink, brown, or black around your period or ovulation, there's no reason to worry. If you experience this color outside of this time, however, it may be necessary to consult a doctor: spotting and metrorrhea (blood flow from the vagina outside of your period) are phenomena to watch out for because they can be pathological.

What is “normal” and “abnormal” vaginal discharge?

It's completely normal for your vaginal discharge to change throughout your cycle and life: we've mentioned this several times in this article. However, if you notice sudden changes in texture, color, or odor that are different from what you're used to, it could be a sign of a medical condition. Let's find out together.

Normal white discharge

Normal white discharge is present continuously from puberty to menopause but varies in abundance throughout your menstrual cycle. It is translucent, whitish, or light yellow in color . Its texture is a little dry during the follicular and luteal phases of your cycle. As ovulation approaches, white discharge becomes more abundant and takes on a gelatinous, slightly elastic texture . Finally, when your period begins or ends, you may see some traces of blood in the vaginal discharge , which then takes on a pinkish, brownish, or blackish tint.

Abnormal white discharge

If your vaginal discharge differs from the previous statement, it may be abnormal. Generally, its appearance will be accompanied by various symptoms such as vulvar affection, itching, burning sensations, or even discomfort during sexual intercourse.

• Milky, grainy, foamy, thick or creamy texture: these aspects are generally not normal for white discharge. They are most often linked to vaginitis;
• Pink, brown, or black color outside of ovulation or menstruation: Metrorrhagia (bleeding from the vagina and uterus outside of menstruation) generally requires consultation. The causes are not necessarily serious, but it is important to talk to a doctor;
• Dark yellow or green color: If your vaginal discharge may be yellowish, the dark yellow color is often associated with the STI Trichomonas vaginitis;
• Foul odor: Vaginal discharge is odorless or may have a slight odor. If your discharge is foul-smelling, you may have vaginitis.

To learn more, you can consult this article “Abnormal Cervical Mucus” by Doctor Robert W. Rebar .

Conditions that are linked to abnormal white discharge

Pathological leukorrhea can be a sign of various conditions. We've covered most of them in this article, but here's a comprehensive list of conditions that may be linked to changes in your vaginal discharge.

Vaginal infections

• Yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis).
• Bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and syphilis.

Infections of the cervix or uterus

• Cervical infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
• Endometritis, an inflammation of the lining of the uterus

Hormonal disorders

• Hormonal imbalance, particularly in cases of thyroid disorders or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Benign tumors

• Cervical or uterine polyps.
• Uterine fibroids.

Cancer

• Cervical cancer.
• Uterine cancer.

Other factors that can affect your vaginal discharge

In addition to illness, various external factors can impact and alter your vaginal discharge, whether over a short or long period of time.

Sexual intercourse

Sexual intercourse has different effects on vaginal discharge.

First, during sexual intercourse (or masturbation): the Bartholin glands play an important role in lubricating the vulva and vagina to facilitate penetration. With sexual arousal, vaginal discharge increases. In some women, the Skene glands can also come into action as they approach orgasm or during intercourse: they generate another vaginal secretion, female ejaculate.

Second, sexual intercourse is one of the major causes of the spread of sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs and STDs). As we have already mentioned, these are one of the main causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. This is why it is essential to protect yourself with a condom: this will limit the risk of infection!

Hormonal contraceptives

By putting the bodies of menstruating people on pause – essentially plunging them into a sort of false state of pregnancy – hormonal contraception has the effect of altering the “normal” flow of vaginal discharge.

In the absence of ovulation and fertility, cervical mucus does not become fluid again and is less effective in its role as a natural cleanser for the cervix and vagina. This is one of the reasons why you may experience vaginal dryness while taking hormonal birth control.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, vaginal discharge changes. Cervical mucus acts as a plug between the vagina and uterus to protect the growing fertilized egg. It hardens and dries out to the point of forming what is called a mucus plug. It may even “fall out” at the end of pregnancy, a few hours or weeks before the start of labor.

However, this change in the role of cervical mucus does not mean that pregnant people do not have vaginal discharge. On the contrary! With the surge of hormones in their bodies linked to pregnancy, the vagina naturally hydrates and generates abundant white discharge .

Stress

We talked about this in our article on hormones and the menstrual cycle : stress, whether chronic or occasional, has a strong impact on our body's hormone production. Hormones are largely responsible for the secretion and organization of our vaginal discharge: changes in cervical mucus are linked to fertility and ovulation, while increased estrogen leads to natural vaginal hydration. By blocking hormones, stress can therefore tend to alter your vaginal discharge.

Intimate hygiene

Contrary to what one might believe, excessive and harsh intimate hygiene is inappropriate and can disrupt the proper functioning of your private parts and your vaginal discharge. Douching and the use of strong, perfumed soaps should therefore be avoided. It is normal to have slightly odorous vaginal discharge and bacteria in your vagina (this is the vaginal flora): wanting to get rid of it at all costs will only destabilize your body and disrupt the natural functioning of your vaginal discharge. Vaginitis can therefore be one of the consequences of this type of practice. Find in the final part of this article our tips for cleaning your private parts without damaging them and discover now our selection of intimate hygiene products that respect your mucous membrane .

The clothes

Clothing does not affect vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a normal part of your uterus and vagina, and clothing has no impact on these parts of your anatomy.

That being said, very tight clothing can contribute to compressing the white discharge expelled by your body against your vulva and thus irritate it. During periods of heavy white discharge (especially when ovulation is approaching), loose-fitting cotton or linen panties are recommended to better ventilate the area and make you feel cleaner.

Food

Contrary to what is often shared and reported, no scientific studies support the view that one food promotes or discourages vaginal discharge. No food hydrates your vagina better than another. Generally speaking, good hydration and a balanced and varied diet will help your body function properly and therefore help your vaginal discharge fulfill its role and evacuate normally.

Vaginal flora and white discharge, what is the connection?

Vaginal discharge and vaginal flora are closely linked , because vaginal discharge regulates vaginal flora.

The vaginal flora , also called the vaginal microbiota , is a set of microorganisms naturally present in the vagina . These microorganisms are mainly bacteria: in a healthy body, “good” bacteria, called lactobacilli, represent 90% of the vaginal microbiota. They develop at the beginning of puberty to line the vaginal mucosa in order to protect it from the development of pathogenic germs, bacteria and fungi.

Vaginal discharge , generated by the various glands of the vulva and uterus, has the role of naturally moisturizing and cleaning the vagina . It removes germs and bad bacteria in order to balance the vaginal flora. This is why abundant white discharge can, in certain situations, be a sign of an overgrowth of bad bacteria and thus, of an infection or disease.

To help you, discover Miyé's natural probiotic treatment , it helps strengthen the vaginal and intestinal microbiota (and yes, the two are linked!), limits the risk of infection and the growth of pathogenic germs.

I want the cure

Tips for managing your white discharge on a daily basis

Vaginal discharge is not dirty. Like menstruation, it suffers from a bad image but is healthy and natural, and plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body of menstruating people .

However, it's not always pleasant to find white discharge residue in the bottom of your panties or around your vulva. Not to mention the smell of discharge, which can sometimes be bothersome. To feel fresh all day long, here are our recommendations for you:

• Clean your vulva with water or a suitable intimate product: Promote good hygiene by cleaning your intimate areas once or twice a day. Washing with water is sufficient. You can use an intimate product for better sensoriality.
  🌈 Our favorite is the gentle and organic intimate cleansing gel from the Jho brand.
  
  
  
• Use it in the shower by applying it with your fingers: generally speaking, avoid gloves which contain many germs. Discover here our selection of cleansing bars and cleansing gels that respect your body .
• Do not douche: this practice is far too aggressive for your vaginal flora! The role of white discharge is to cleanse the vagina of dead skin and other remnants of periods and sperm;
• Use intimate wipes for your intimate hygiene: if you have white discharge residue in certain areas of your vulva, you can clean your intimate area with wipes in addition to toilet paper.
  🌈 Discover My Lubie wipes and you will feel fresher;

• Wear menstrual panties: our Smoon panties are ultra-absorbent without being uncomfortable to wear.
  🌈 Smoon brand menstrual panties are soft and seamless for ultra-comfortable and invisible protection all day long.
  
• Limit tight clothing during periods of heavy discharge: Very tight clothing compresses your white discharge against your vulva. This can irritate it. When you have heavy discharge, choose cotton or linen underwear and choose clothing that is not too tight around your crotch. You can also avoid clothing with a seam in the crotch to avoid unpleasant friction.