The vaginal discharge are a discharge naturally secreted by small glands to maintain the balance of the vaginal flora. This vaginal discharge occurs daily for remove impurities keeping the vagina clean and healthy. The color, consistency, or amount of vaginal discharge can vary greatly from woman to woman due to hormonal changes, phases of the menstrual cycle, hormonal birth control, pregnancy, or infection.
Appearance of Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge can be normal and vary in amount, color and smell depending on a woman's menstrual cycle. They can also be a sign of illness or infection. Normal vaginal discharge is produced by the sebaceous glands and sweat glands in the vagina. They can vary from milky to yellowish and can be slightly thick or runny. Vaginal discharge is usually heaviest in the middle of the cycle, when the egg is released.
Color And Consistency Of Vaginal Discharge
Your discharge changes in appearance along with mucus secretion from the cervical mucus. At the start of the menstrual cycle, discharge tends to be drier and stickier before becoming more creamy and whitish in the middle to late follicular phase (the first phase of the cycle). Shortly before ovulation, discharge may appear egg white. Shortly after ovulation, they usually become dry and sticky again.
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Vaginal Discharge Volume
Most women notice that their losses increase throughout the first part of their cycle, with the greatest losses occurring in the days before ovulation. Then the volume of losses decreases gradually until the end of the cycle.
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Vaginal Discharge Smells
Losses can be odorless or have a slight odor but are generally not unpleasant. An unusual smell can be a sign of an infection, so it's important to learn how to identify any changes.
The Different Types Of Vaginal Discharge
The vaginal discharge are a natural manifestation of how your body works. By releasing fluid, the vagina manages to maintain its pH balance and eliminate bacteria, potentially infectious viruses and fungi.
The color of vaginal discharge usually ranges from transparent to white. But when they take on an unusual color, like green or gray, it's usually your body's way of telling you that something's wrong. If you have any doubts or concerns about your vaginal discharge, do not hesitate to consult your doctor or gynecologist for safety.
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White discharge
The White discharge occur throughout your menstrual cycle. These losses, known as leucorrhoea, are completely normal. During the first few days of your menstrual cycle, you may experience clear, milky-white vaginal discharge. As you get closer to your period, the discharge may become thicker and more opaque. In the days leading up to ovulation or when an egg is released, the discharge may start to be more stringy and transparent.
However, when White discharge have the consistency of cottage cheese or are accompanied by a strong smell, they can be a sign of a more serious infection.
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Brown losses
Most of the time, brown vaginal discharge are completely normal. These discharges consist of old blood that needs more time to be eliminated by the uterus. When you have a discharge between periods, the blood may mix with your usual white discharge, giving it a brown, thick, jelly-like consistency. Through a natural process of oxidation, blood exposed to oxygen turns from red to brown.
Before menstruation, brown discharge can be caused by light bleeding and therefore very light blood flow. It takes time for blood to drain from your uterus, and during this time the blood ages. The oxidation of this blood then gives it a brown color. After menstruation, the brown discharge is in most cases blood that took a little longer to be expelled.
In most cases, there is no need to worry about brown discharge. However, these discharges can indicate a possible health problem if they are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal itching, pain, strong odor, or changes in your menstrual cycle.
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Dew losses
The pink vaginal discharge are rarely a cause for concern. During the first or last days of your period, your discharge may be thinner and turn a pale pink color instead of red.
Pink discharge can also occur before menstruation. It is often a sign of a implantation bleeding in early pregnancy when a fertilized egg implants in the wall of the uterus. Discharge may also be pink after ovulation or intercourse if it caused small tears or irritation of the vagina or the cervix.
In other cases, this change in color may indicate a more serious health problem requiring medical attention.
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Greenish losses
The green vaginal discharge or sometimes greyish can often be a symptom of a common bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis like itching, burning and irritating sensations or a strong odor can be very similar to that of a yeast infection. However, discharge from a yeast infection tends to be more grainy and white.
While vaginosis is the most likely cause of the greenish discharge, other factors may also be to blame. This is the case for some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. In any case, consult your doctor or your gynecologist.
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Yellowish losses
The yellow vaginal discharge are not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Depending on what part of the menstrual cycle you are in, yellow discharge can have different consistencies or smells. Vaginal discharge can naturally take on a yellowish or white tint when exposed to air.
However, when you experience pain, itching, or irritation, these may be symptoms that something else is causing the yellowish discoloration. This may indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhea or trichomonas vaginitis.
The Best Hygienic Protection For Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge can be uncomfortable if it gets wet, stain or bleach your underwear. In this case, external hygienic protection such as a Period Panties can be very useful. In addition to being super comfortable, ecological, economical, washable and reusable, our period panties are available in all styles and for all flows.
