White discharge not accompanied by a bad smell, burning or itching in the genitals simply means vaginal lubrication.
It is common for women to see gynecologists due to the appearance of white discharge on their underwear. But don’t despair! Although a woman’s body expresses itself a lot through these signs, white mucus can be perfectly normal.
To better understand the meaning of this body sign, we list some problematic causes of this symptom. From thrush to pregnancy, white discharge can mean a number of things, as well as being completely normal. Therefore, if this milky mucus appears without other symptoms, don’t worry!
White discharge not accompanied by a bad smell, burning or itching in the genitals simply means vaginal lubrication. Likewise, this factor in abundance, followed by a menstrual delay, can mean pregnancy, but only after a menstrual delay. Therefore, to better understand this body indicator, it is convenient to understand the hormonal highs and lows of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
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Healthy white discharge
Just before a woman menstruates, the body’s progesterone drops, making it easier for the surface of the endometrium that did not receive a fertilized egg to break down. Therefore, even small bleeds that occur outside the menstrual period can mean low progesterone; that is, insufficient progesterone to support the endometrium.
Its decrease is normal during the period of menstruation, to serve as a stimulus for the detachment of the endometrium. Then, after menstruation, that is, the pre-ovulatory phase, there is an increase in progesterone, which ends up leaving the woman drier. During this period, it is normal for white discharge to appear to provide adequate vaginal lubrication.
During ovulation, which is basically the period 13 to 15 days before menstruation, there is an increase in estrogen. During this period, it is normal for vaginal discharge to become more watery and transparent, like egg white. It means that the woman is entering her fertile period. Following unfertilized ovulation, the egg dies 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.
After ovulation, the corpus luteum stimulates the production of progesterone again, and as a result of this, it will bring white discharge again. The corpus luteum is the scar where the ruptured follicle with the unfertilized egg was.
By the way, a good indication that the body is healthy is that after ovulation there is a full luteal phase lasting 12 days with good production of progesterone, that is, the hormone responsible for producing healthy white discharge. This hormone is used to regulate menstruation and maintain a woman’s pregnancy. Therefore, white, milky or whitish discharge without odor or other symptoms is a sign of vaginal lubrication and health.
White discharge as a sign of pregnancy
Progesterone is responsible for the production of this whitish discharge, as well as gestational maintenance when the egg is fertilized. Therefore, when there is pregnancy, the production of white mucus can intensify. But pay attention! This indication should only be taken into account if there is a menstrual delay. There are still women who have the constant presence of this white mucus, which may indicate an anovulatory cycle.
However, the anovulatory cycle indicates that the egg was not released during the menstrual cycle. This phenomenon can happen occasionally, that is, without a behavioral pattern for it. Therefore, although menstruation occurs normally, the egg may not descend. In this case where there is menstruation and yet the whitish mucus remains constant, it may be indicative of an anovulatory cycle.
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Discharge as a symptom
To be suspicious of white discharge, it is first necessary to assess whether this symptom is accompanied by other indicators such as a strong odor, burning in the genital region or redness and itching or a vaginal pH of (>4.5). These symptoms may be an indication of an anomaly in the vaginal flora, therefore you should be treated with a professional gynecologist you trust.
The main causes of this symptom may be:
Vaginal candidiasis – Candida albicans
Candidiasis is caused by a fungus that causes odorless white discharge, however, it causes itching and causes a pH (>4.5). Furthermore, this fungus is common in hot climates; in patients suffering from obesity; immunosuppression; diabetes; pregnant women and people taking antibiotics that can cause low immunization.
Its treatment mainly consists of vaginal creams based on Butoconazom, Clotrimazole and Miconazole. However, there are also oral treatments, however, these should be avoided by pregnant women.
Bacterial vaginosis – Gardnerella vaginalis
Vaginosis is caused by a change in the vaginal flora. In other words, a bacteria that lodges in the vaginal flora, when it is unregulated. As a result of this, the unregulated vaginal flora is compromised and in little condition to properly maintain possible colonization of bad bacteria for the vaginal ecosystem.
The bacteria lodges in the vaginal ecosystem, causing white, yellow or grayish discharge; It generates a strong odor that resembles the smell of rotten fish, in addition to being intensely itchy and burning. The use of condoms is recommended when recovering from this problem. Your treatment consists of metronidazole-based antibiotics recommended by your trusted doctor.
How to avoid abnormal white discharge
1. Avoid damp underwear
2. Give preference to cotton panties
3. Wear lighter clothing and avoid tight jeans and tight shorts
4. Avoid foods that lower immunity such as those rich in carbohydrates and sweet foods
5. Do not use douches directly on the genitals, as this can damage the natural vaginal flora
6. Using intimate soap on the outside of the genital area
7. After evacuating, never wipe from back to front. Always front to back
8. Always try to urinate after sexual intercourse
9. Avoid using wet wipes or scented toilet paper, as they increase the risk of infections.
Now that you know the difference between natural white mucus and white discharge that presents a vaginal problem, it will be easier to monitor your health and menstrual periods. Also read our article on how to interpret the signs of your period coming.
Images: Yahoo news and Zarllor.
Sources: Gineco; Eurekka; Your health; Changing Diapers.
