When does White Discharge happen?

Posted by swapnil jukunte on July 20th, 2022

Do you think you're the only one who experiences monthly discharge? Let us assure you that having vaginal or white discharge is common among women and might vary depending on when in the menstrual cycle you experience it. Around a teaspoon, or4 ml of white or translucent vaginal discharge is considered normal every day. It might have a thick or thin consistency, but it must be odourless.

What causes the formation of White Discharge?

The body can make up to 30 times as much mucus before a woman ovulates (releases the egg in the uterus). As a result, during ovulation, the mucus becomes more fluid and stretchy. For some ladies, it is so much more than they need that they need panty liners.

Fluids and bacteria produced by vaginal cells are typically present in vaginal discharge. The discharge varies depending on your menstrual flow, ovulation, birth control and sexual activity at different times of the month.

You may experience the highest discharge when the texture looks like raw egg white, which helps sperm reach the egg.

Why does White Discharge occur?

Having white discharge in an average amount regularly indicates that you have a healthy vagina. Although you may experience changes during your menstrual cycle, as in maximum cases, it’s a sign that everything is working well. It helps to keep your vaginal tissues moist and lubricated and does not cause dryness.

Having white discharge is also your body’s way of maintaining the pH balance of your vagina. It works like natural lubrication to naturally move any bacteria, dirt, and germs out of your vaginal cavity.

However, if you feel an immense change in your discharge regarding colour, texture, or smell, it may be a sign of an underlying problem. In some severe cases, you may need guidance from your health provider or gynaecologist.

Conditions when White Discharge happens

Not Ovulating

Are you experiencing thick and sticky white discharge? That is probably a sign of your body not ovulating. This white discharge acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from getting through your cervix and into your uterus. 

Thus, when your body produces less fluid, it acts as a natural defence that helps avoid infection by preventing germs and bacteria from making their way into the cervix.

Yeast Infection 

If your white discharge looks thick, clotted or clumpy in texture, it is a cause of concern. The vagina is infected with a yeast infection.

As you know, the vagina maintains an entire spectrum of bacteria and fungi pH balance. But, this balance may get disrupted due to certain harmful bacteria or fungi.

In such a situation, your vagina has got affected by a yeast infection.

Other signs of yeast infection may also be if you are experiencing any of the following- 

• thick discharge with a cottage cheese consistency
• an unpleasant odour coming from the discharge 
• Experiencing an itch around the vulva or vaginal opening
• Redness, swelling or irritation around the vulva region 
• painful urination or experiencing a burning feeling when urinating
• painful intercourse

Pregnancy

If you are experiencing white milky discharge, it is a sign that you are pregnant. In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman produces such white discharge. This discharge is often a result of hormonal changes at the beginning stages of pregnancy to keep the bacteria away from the cervix. 

These are a couple of reasons why you may be experiencing discharge. While some kinds of vaginal discharge are an absolutely healthy and normal part of women’s health, sometimes they can be indicative of underlying health issues. So in case you experience other not so common symptoms with unusual discharge, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor and get it checked out.