Clear discharge (egg white): what it could be and what to do

Clear discharge that looks like egg white, which is also known as fertile period cervical mucus, is completely normal and common in all women who are still menstruating. Furthermore, it tends to be in greater quantity on the day of ovulation.

Normally, along with this type of discharge, it is also common to notice a slight pain in the lower part of the belly, and in the vast majority of cases this is due to the mature egg being released from the ovaries and heading towards the tubes.

Cervical mucus is an important indicator of a woman’s intimate and reproductive health, which is why it is important to be aware of any abnormal changes in its color, smell or viscosity.

Main causes

The main causes of clear, egg white-like discharge are:

1. Fertile period

Transparent, egg-white-like discharge is normal and is indicative of the fertile period. This discharge occurs a few days before menstruation, and may have a slightly stickier consistency and be accompanied by other symptoms, such as increased libido and hunger, for example.

To confirm that the transparent discharge is indeed cervical mucus from the fertile period, some important characteristics can be observed, such as:

• The secretion is semi-transparent with an elastic and slightly sticky consistency, very similar to egg white;
• You can notice its presence when drying yourself after urinating, because the intimate area becomes very slippery.

In the days following this observation, the cervical mucus during the fertile period may become more transparent and have a more viscous consistency, like gelatin, for example. Furthermore, due to the increase in libido, it is possible to notice an increase in vaginal lubrication. Check out other signs that you are in your fertile period.

2. Pregnancy

An increase in clear discharge is very common during pregnancy and this is a normal situation, and occurs because there is greater blood flow in the region and the female hormones that are circulating in the bloodstream favor its appearance.

In this case, it is a transparent, odorless and less sticky discharge and does not indicate ovulation, being just an increase in natural vaginal secretion. Still, it is important for the woman to be aware if it has an unpleasant color or odor, and it is necessary to report it to the obstetrician, so that it can be checked that it is not an infection.

3. Fertilization and implantation

Some women may experience a transparent egg-white discharge when fertilization occurs, that is, when the sperm enters the egg and implants in the uterus. Some women may have this slightly pinkish discharge, and it is important that a pregnancy test is carried out to confirm the pregnancy. Check out the first symptoms of pregnancy.

If you suspect you may be pregnant, answer our questionnaire to find out the true risk:

What to do

Normally, in the presence of transparent egg-white discharge, treatment is not necessary, as it represents a normal change in the menstrual cycle. However, if pregnancy is suspected, it is recommended that a pregnancy test be carried out and a gynecologist be consulted.

However, if the clear discharge changes consistency over time, becomes greenish, yellowish or gray, or has a bad smell, it may be a sign of infections that must be treated according to the doctor’s instructions. Check out the main causes of foul-smelling discharge.