White discharge is quite common in women of all ages. Women often find different types of white discharge throughout their menstrual cycle. However, this is not anything to be worried about. White discharge is the most natural and essential phenomenon that keeps women healthy.
White discharge, also known as vaginal discharge, is a fluid released from the cervix and vagina that eliminates the chances of bacterial infection. It may vary in colour and odour depending on the type of vaginal infection or phase of the menstrual cycle. Some of them are listed below.
Clear Discharge:
It is considered to be a healthy discharge. Women often come across a clear and watery discharge right before the beginning of their menstrual cycle. However, if the amount of discharge has an unusual surge, it may also indicate pregnancy or any hormonal imbalance.
Grey Discharge:
This kind of discharge usually generates some concerns. A vaginal infection, known as bacterial vaginosis is the main reason that can lead to a grey-coloured discharge. This type of discharge also has a strong odour and is often accompanied by a burning sensation of the vagina.
Thick White Discharge:
It is an odourless discharge that is white in colour and has a thick texture. Generally, this kind of discharge results from a yeast infection that leads to some irritation in the vagina after sexual intercourse.
Yellowish Discharge:
A yellowish discharge can often be a cause for alarm. Yellow discharges can often be a sign of an infection called trichomoniasis. This type of discharge is froth-like and has a repugnant odour. It usually leads to severe discomfort while urinating.
Another kind of yellowish discharge results from gonorrhoea which is assisted with severe pain in the pelvic region.
Pink Discharge:
This type of discharge can be an indicator of cervical bleeding and is certainly a cause for concern. It is also observed after childbirth due to the shedding of the uterine lining.
Red or Brown Discharge:
The red discharge is essentially the menstrual blood that flows out of the vagina every month. It is entirely harmless and a healthy flow of vaginal blood.
During the last few days of the cycle, the discharge gains a brownish colour.
A similar kind of red discharge is seen in women just after the end of their cycle. It may also occur right after sexual intercourse, in which case it becomes a cause for concern. Such abnormal discharges can often occur due to underlying health conditions such as cervical or endometrial cancer so if it persists it’s best to get it checked out from a gynaecologist.
White discharges before and after period:
Different stages of the menstruation cycle give rise to different types of white discharge. For instance, during ovulation, the discharge is very thin, clear, watery and stretchy. Such fluidity of the discharge helps sperms to travel to the eggs much more easily.
When ovulation ends, the discharge appears to be thicker. During this phase, it turns into a white and sticky fluid.
Just a few days after ovulation, the discharge develops a mild yellow colour.
Finally, when the period ends it turns brown signifying old vaginal blood.
Treatments of unusual white discharges:
Though most vaginal discharges are harmless, few may require medical attention depending upon their severity. You should not hesitate to reach out to your gynaecologist in such cases.
